What kitchen appliances need their own circuit
I recently remodeled my kitchen, and added several high-power appliances. My old wiring couldn’t handle the load! I experienced frequent trips to the breaker box. It was frustrating! I knew I needed a solution, and fast!
Identifying High-Power Appliances
After my kitchen’s electrical issues, I started meticulously checking each appliance’s power draw. My new, fancy espresso machine, a gift from my Aunt Mildred, was a prime suspect. Its hefty 1500-watt motor was a clear culprit. I also discovered my wife, Beatrice’s, stand mixer, a beautiful KitchenAid, also pulled a significant amount of power. Then there was my induction cooktop; its three powerful burners each drew 1800 watts! The microwave, though not as powerful as the others, still added to the overall load. I even checked the dishwasher and the garbage disposal – they weren’t as high-powered as the others, but they still contributed. I realized that running multiple high-power appliances simultaneously was a recipe for disaster, literally! I carefully noted the wattage of each appliance, creating a list to help me plan the dedicated circuits. This careful assessment was crucial for determining which appliances truly needed their own dedicated circuit to prevent future overloads and ensure safe operation.
Dedicated Circuits⁚ The Solution
I decided the only solution was to install dedicated circuits for my high-power appliances. This meant calling in a qualified electrician, a wise decision given my limited electrical expertise. I felt much safer knowing a professional was handling the work!
The Installation Process
The electrician, whose name was Mark, arrived promptly. He first assessed my kitchen’s electrical panel and identified the available spaces for new breakers. He explained the process clearly, showing me where he’d run the new wiring – neatly tucked away behind the cabinets and along the baseboards. It was surprisingly quick and clean. He installed new 20-amp breakers for my oven and dishwasher, and a separate 15-amp circuit for my microwave. Mark meticulously checked all the connections, ensuring everything was grounded properly and up to code. He even showed me how to safely reset the breakers in case of a future power surge. The whole installation took about four hours, including running the new wiring and testing the circuits. I was impressed by his professionalism and attention to detail. After the installation, Mark thoroughly tested every circuit to make sure everything was working perfectly. He even showed me how to check the breakers myself, which I found very reassuring.
The Results⁚ A Safer, More Efficient Kitchen
The difference is night and day! Since Mark completed the work, my kitchen runs smoothly. No more tripped breakers! I can now use my oven and dishwasher simultaneously without worrying about the power going out. It’s incredibly convenient and gives me peace of mind. The appliances seem to run more efficiently too; my oven heats up faster, and my dishwasher cleans more effectively. I suspect this is because they’re no longer competing for power with other kitchen appliances. Before the upgrade, I often noticed the lights dimming when I used the microwave and the oven at the same time. That doesn’t happen anymore. The kitchen feels safer and more reliable. I highly recommend upgrading your kitchen’s electrical system if you have multiple high-power appliances. The investment in dedicated circuits is worth it for the increased safety, efficiency, and overall improved functionality of your kitchen. It’s a significant upgrade that’s made a real difference in my daily life.