What is a dedicated circuit?
A dedicated circuit runs from your panel to a single appliance or outlet and doesn’t share power with anything else. Many appliances and systems need one to run safely, avoid nuisance breaker trips, and protect the equipment.
Common equipment that needs its own circuit
| Equipment | Typical circuit |
|---|---|
| Level 2 EV charger | 240V, dedicated |
| Mini-split or heat pump | 240V, dedicated, sized to the unit |
| Electric range or cooktop | 240V, dedicated |
| Electric dryer | 240V, dedicated |
| Water heater | 240V, dedicated |
| Workshop tools, compressors or welders | 120V or 240V, sized to the equipment |
| Microwave, disposal, dishwasher | 120V, dedicated |
Exact breaker and wire sizes come from the equipment’s nameplate and the electrical code, so we confirm them for each installation.
How we approach it
We check your panel’s capacity and available space, plan the cleanest route for the wiring, and install the right breaker, conductors and receptacle or disconnect for the equipment. If your panel is full, options include a subpanel or a full panel upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a mini-split or EV charger on an existing circuit?
Generally no. Equipment like this is designed to run on its own circuit sized for its load. Sharing a circuit risks overloads and nuisance trips.
What if my panel has no open breaker slots?
There are options, depending on your panel. Some panels accept space-saving breakers, and a subpanel or panel upgrade may be a better long-term solution. We’ll look at your panel and recommend what fits.