How Many Circuits Should I Have In My Home?
Dedicated Circuits
A circuit can be defined as the path over which electric current flows to and from an electrical source. When you flick the light switch on, for instance, electric current flows into the circuit and the fixtures and bulbs produce light. Electronics and electrical applications all have circuits. Note that a circuit starts and stops at the same place. It is important to understand the circuits in your Los Angeles, CA home. Larger appliances such as electric ranges, cloth dryers, and water heaters just to name a few, require circuits with higher voltage; something that standard home appliances may not need. What is the importance of having dedicated circuits in your home? Read on to find out.
A dedicated circuit is similar to a regular circuit with regard to application. It is referred to as ‘dedicated’ because it is set aside to power a specific tool, piece of equipment, or appliance. The National Electric Code, NEC requires larger appliances to have dedicated circuits. As a general rule, your appliance should have a dedicated electrical circuit if it has an internal motor or is immobile. Outlets also have dedicated circuits to cater to the needs of appliances and tools that consume a lot of power like hair dryers and electric drills.
Benefits of Dedicated Electrical Circuits in Your Los Angeles, CA Home
When we think about the purpose of dedicated electrical circuits, we come to realize that there are a number of benefits associated with them as well. They improve the safety of your home by ensuring that there is never too much electrical current running through a circuit at any given time. They ensure that power hungry appliances get the amount of electrical current that they need without interrupting other items also connected to the circuit. Installing low-gage wires for dedicated circuits will save on costs as they can sometimes be expensive. Most applications do not need them, however. The circuits also increase your circuit breaker’s lifespan.
Dedicated circuits upgrade the connections, circuit breakers, and connections, accommodating higher loads and increased heating caused by larger appliances.
Should you then have different circuits in your Los Angeles, CA home?
There are a number of factors that you need to consider to determine whether your home needs different circuits:
- The size of your home
- The number of outlets that your home needs to function properly
- Your breaker’s limits
- The number of appliances that you have in your home
Because the above factors will vary from home to home, it is in your best interest to consult a certified electrician to help you determine the number and types of circuits that you need. If your appliance uses a motor, has a switch, or gets plugged in, it needs a circuit, though not necessarily a dedicated one. Your electrician will help you determine the type of circuit that your appliances needs and even the number of circuits that you need in your home.
If you notice any of these warning signs, you most likely need more circuits:
- Frequent breaker flips
- Frequent bulb burnout
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Stuttering appliances
- Unexplained shocks
- Fuse damage
Dedicated Circuits Services in Los Angeles, CA
Your electrical circuits need to be inspected by a professional electrician every few years. This will help identify potential failure points in advance. The electrician will also inspect the breaker box. Your large appliances need to be installed on a dedicated circuit.
If you need any integrated circuits services in your Los Angeles home, you will need the help of a professional and certified electrician. At Penna Electric, we will assess your needs and provide a solution in no time.
