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CraJohnson
Mar 16, 2009, 11:52 AM
I am working on remodeling a kitchen in an old house with a limited number of available circuits so I will need to double some major appliances on the same circuit even though it is recommended to have separate circuits for each. I may also need to have some of the appliances on the same circuit including a counter GFI receptacle.

I have three 20 Amp circuits available plus two that use a three wire system. I plan to use the three wire circuits for lighting but could add an appliance if that will work. I understand that they will not work with GFI.

1. Which of the following can be put on the same circuit? I would like to use the three available 20 Amp Circuits or if possible, also the three wire circuits.

Refrigerator
Garbage Disposal
Dishwasher
Microwave (above the range model)
Counter top small appliance circuit (with GFI)
2nd Counter top small appliance circuit (with GFI)

2. Will any of these major appliances have a problem being on the same circuit with a GFI receptacle?

stanfortyman
Mar 16, 2009, 01:42 PM
First of all I am confused. You have three available 20A circuits, AND two "three-wire" circuits? I rad that as seven circuits. Is this correct?

NO, regardless if you have them available, you CANNOT combine lighting with any of the small appliance circuits. Anyone that advises you that you can does not know the code or is foolish for saying you can.
Also, certain applainces MUST be on a dedicated circuit, some can be shared.

The code is a minimum and is in place for a reason. Why can't you add a sub-panel or use twin breakers? Why are you so limited in the number of circuits you have available?

True, some appliances do not play well with GFI protection, so why would you protect them? Just because they might share a circuit with a GFI does not mean they have to be GFI protected.

1) Refrigerator - Can be on with the counter receptacle circuit, but should not if at all possible. Should not be GFI protected.

2) Garbage Disposal & Dishwasher - Can and typically do shared a 20A circuit.

3) Microwave (above the range model) - MUST be on a dedicated circuit.

4) Counter top small appliance circuit (with GFI)
4) 2nd Counter top small appliance circuit (with GFI) - Correct. You MUST have at least two 20A small appliance circuits for all general and counter serving receptacles in the kitchen, pantry, DR, nook, and related rooms.

I see this as FOUR 20A circuits for receptacles and small appliances and at least one circuit for lighting. The lighting can be 15A if you like.
THIS will be your minimum.

CraJohnson
Mar 16, 2009, 03:05 PM
Thank you for the answer. It is pretty much as I expected but putting the Dishwasher and Disposal on the same circuit will help. That is mainly what I was looking for was any combination like that which would be acceptable.

I meant that I have one three wire line with red and black each attached to adjacent breakers. Without going into a lot of detail, it will be very difficult to add additional lines but that would be the best solution and I will look for a way.

I will re-evaluate the existing circuits to see if I can come up with a proper combination.