What Is A Dedicated Branch Circuit

It s required by the national electrical code for certain critical use appliances and many fixed appliances.

What is a dedicated branch circuit.

Most commonly it is used in reference to a phone or data line or to an electrical circuit in both cases the idea is that it is a circuit set aside for a specific purpose often with the implication that the use is either sensitive in nature or highly demanding making it necessary to isolate the circuit used. Branch circuit amperage. A dedicated circuit is set aside with a specific purpose with its own circuit breaker in your electrical box. Nec 2011 article 210 branch circuits in chapter 2 wiring and protection covers branch circuits except for those that supply only motor loads.

A dedicated circuit is intended for use with a single appliance only. You must be dedicated branch circuits for kitchen baths and laundry. 2 within your main electrical panel all of the individual circuit breakers are branch circuits since they all branch out downstream from the main circuit breaker in the electrical panel. Each item on an individual branch circuit has its own circuit breaker in the electrical box.

Both 120 volt and 240 volt branch circuits can vary in the amount of power they deliver a quantity measured by amperage. The ratings for branch circuits are 15 20 30 40 and 50 a. Multiwire branch circuits that supply devices or equipment on the same yoke must also be provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors that supply those devices or equipment at the point where the branch circuit originates 210 4 b fig. A dedicated circuit is also considered as a branch circuit.

For 249 volt circuits the amperage is more often 30 40 or 50 amps. It is very common during remodeling or when someone needs an extra receptacle or outlet to grab power from the nearest branch circuit and depending on what branch circuit it is this may be a big no no. They are most commonly required for appliances that have motors to ensure there is sufficient power. No other appliances fixtures lights or outlets can be served by these dedicated circuits.

The term dedicated circuit is used in several different ways. 3 dwelling unit branch circuits can supply only loads within or associated with the dwelling unit. The national electrical code or nfpa 70. No other appliances will be plugged into or utilize the energy from this circuit making it dedicated to that single appliance.

The term dedicated circuit is a layman s term for what the national electric code or nfpa 70 calls an individual branch circuit. Branch circuits for 120 volt circuits are usually 15 amp or 20 amp circuits although occasionally they will be larger than that. Article 210 branch circuits.