Washing Machine – Dedicated Circuit or not?

Right now my washing machine (clothes) is not on a dedicated circuit but is on the same circuit as several outlets and some lights (It’s a 20 AMP circuit). I am going to rewire all of this because it is old work with no grounding conductor and not safe (especially in the basement).

What I have read recommends using a dedicated circuit for the washing machine? Is it just me or does this seem like overkill? I looked in the manual for the washer but it does not list the AMP’s or Watts that it consumes. When the motor starts (a peak use) how many amps do these appliances usually pull? Should I install the separate dedicated circuit just for future considerations?


It's really up to you. The laundry are should have separate breaker. Say gas dryer, washer. Some of the newer front load machines have a higher draw and may require a dedicated circuit. Think about ironing too in the general area.

The washers of yesteryear had about 1/3 HP motor in it. The spin cycle is the highest draw. There are 745W in a HP, but it would draw a little more than 746/3. Say 1.5x times. A gas dryer has about the same motor.

These high capacity things are quite different.

I'd suggest that you run dedicated lines to the fuse box, but pigtail the washer and dryer outlets together so you don't have to buy a breaker. DON't put two wires on a breaker terminal.

Upgrade is simple for you and the new owner.

Furnace and Water Heater on same circuit

I had a tank-less water heater installed recently and there was no outlet in range of the unit’s power cord. So I am temporary using an extension cord. The nearest appliance with power is the furnace which is on its own dedicated circuit. I was thinking about running another outlet on the same circuit for the water heater. I checked and the Max AMPS the finance will pull is 8.9 and the water heater 2.0. Because I am on a 15 AMP circuit I am thinking this should not be an issue?

Am I right in thinking that this would be okay? The water heater can always be unplugged if it needs servicing and the furnace has its own single pole switch. What would be the downside if any to wiring this way?


The circuit is fine.

Not what I would do, but OK. No code issue, just a preference thing.

Downside is if the water heater fails it may trip out CB, thus losing the furnace heat.

hot wire

the hot wire in a typical 120 volt circuit is


White --> Nuetral
Black --> Hot
Green/Bare Copper --> Ground

That is the case most of the time. Could be different though. Your best bet is to buy one of the pen testers and check it that way.