Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: nizak, Location: NC & IN
Asked on: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 5:13 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:42 am EDT
Question: How many here pull 2 circuits to feed the required 20A laundry circuit? I was trimming out a house today and happened to see the nameplates on the washer and dryer. The washer was 10.0A/120V and the gas dryer was 11.8A/120V. I have never taken the time in the past to look at the info because the units are never usually there yet when I finish. I have never had a callback where overload tripping was an issue, anybody here run into any issues with this? Is it possible that the newer units require more Amperage and this may just start to become a problem? Thanks.
NEC Code and Circuit Sizing for Laundry
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a dedicated 20A, 120V circuit for a laundry room. This circuit can supply up to 2400VA of power.
Appliance Amperage Requirements
The amperage requirements for a washer and dryer vary depending on the specific model and size. Modern appliances typically have higher amperage requirements than older models. Electric Washers
Typically rated between 8-14A
Electric Dryers
Typically rated between 10-15A
Gas Dryers
Typically rated between 2-5A (electric element only)
Combined Amperage and Circuit Capacity
Based on the NEC code, the combined amperage of the washer and dryer should not exceed 20A. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to pull two circuits to meet the amperage requirements.
Factors to Consider Simultaneous Operation
If both the washer and dryer are operating simultaneously, the combined amperage will be close to the maximum capacity of the 20A circuit.
High-Capacity Appliances
Modern high-capacity washers and dryers may have higher amperage requirements.
Other Appliances
If other appliances, such as a refrigerator or microwave, are plugged into the same circuit, the available amperage for the laundry appliances may be limited.
Potential Issues
Running a washer and dryer on a single 20A circuit can lead to the following issues: Circuit Overloads
If the combined amperage exceeds 20A, the circuit breaker will trip, interrupting power to the appliances.
Poor Performance
If the circuit is overloaded, the appliances may not function properly or may suffer from reduced efficiency.
Pulling Two Circuits
In some cases, it may be necessary to pull two circuits to ensure that the combined amperage of the washer and dryer does not exceed 20A. This is advisable for the following situations: High-capacity appliances Simultaneous operation* Limited available amperage due to other appliances on the circuitRecommendation
To avoid potential issues, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer's specifications and the NEC code to determine the appropriate circuit size for the specific appliances being installed. If necessary, pull two circuits to ensure that the laundry appliances have sufficient amperage and will operate safely and efficiently. Flag for review