View Full Version : Do I need separate circuit
uacsgs
Dec 19, 2010, 01:51 PM
I have unfished basement, has its own 15 amp circuit for the lights and separate circuits " for furnace, water heate, sump pump and ejector pump 15amps each. Also there is a 20 amps GFI outlet. I am using GFI for a fridge and microvawe via an ext cord. Fridge is plugged and MW is plugged when needed. I need to run a trade mill and TV. Trade mill has it's own trip circuit and its 12amp. In our area they do not allow romax wire.
Q) Do I have to run a separate line with a separate circuitbraker or I can pull wires from light on ceiling to make an outlet? Any other options?
donf
Dec 19, 2010, 03:17 PM
Where is your area?
I'm sorry but your circuit description is grossly inadequate.
For one thing, I would expect the blower motor to pull about 18 amps which in practice should trip that circuit. What is the value for the "FLA" on the motor nameplate and the voltage for the motor?
Do you have a 120 V or 240 V water heater? What size is the tank (in gallons)? Is it a gas water heater or full electric?
You should not use an extension cord for a microwave. It needs to be either hardwired or plugged into a receptacle.
Do you mean a "Treadmill", exercise equipment? From your description is sounds like it requires a dedicated circuit not a multi-outlet circuit.
Without knowing the loads on the circuits it is very difficult to make a decision regarding adding to a circuit or running a new one.
uacsgs
Dec 20, 2010, 07:18 AM
Yes, I am talking about treadmill, excersise equipment. Water heater is 50 gallons and 120 volts.
The nameplate on the treadmill reads "120V 60HZ 12AMP". I live in Illinois.
donf
Dec 20, 2010, 08:38 AM
A 50 gallon water heater using 120 V? Wow, how often do you run out of hot water?
I'll dig around to verify that NM cabling cannot be used in Ill. But at this point I doubt that it is true.
What is the size of your electrical service?
donf
Dec 20, 2010, 10:01 AM
First, are you confusing "Romex", a trade name for type NM cabling? Romex is the name of a product similar to "Kleenex" versus Tissue Paper.
Okay, I just checked the Rockford, Ill. Electrical Code.
The electrical code is included in the building codes. The 2009 Building Code references the 2008 NEC.
"334.10 Uses Permitted. (Delete 1, 2, 3, and 4 and add as follows). Type NM, type NMC and Type NMS cables shall be installed only in R2, R3 and R4 structures (as defined by the International Building Code) not exceeding three floors above grade.
(A) Type NM. Type NM cable shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For both exposed and
(2) To be installed or fished in air voids in masonry block or tile walls where such walls are not exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness.
concealed work in normally dry locations.
(B) Type NMC. Type NMC cable shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For both exposed and
(2) In outside and inside walls of masonry block or tile.
concealed work in dry, moist, damp or corrosive locations.
(3) In a shallow chase in masonry, concrete or adobe protected against nails or screws by a steel plate at least 1/16 in. (1.59mm) thick and covered with plaster, adobe or similar finish.
(C) Type NMS. Type NMS cable shall be permitted
as follows:
(1) For both exposed and
(2) To be installed or fished in air voids in masonry
block or tile walls where such walls are not exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness.
concealed work in normally dry locations.
(3) To be used as permitted in Article 780."
uacsgs
Dec 21, 2010, 08:41 PM
So do I need a dadicated cicuit for my treadmill? Or I can use one of the basement outlets(15amp 7 ligths and 8smoke alarms).
donf
Dec 22, 2010, 10:52 AM
If the amperage of the treadmill is 12 amps, then I certainly would put it on a dedicated circuit.
uacsgs
Dec 22, 2010, 03:26 PM
Thanks, but out curasity why a 12 amp vacume cleaner doesn't need a dedicated circuit. Is there any difference?
And the other funny thing they did not mention it in the manual of tread mill, all it said use asurge protector. Any comments.
donf
Dec 23, 2010, 07:38 AM
There are NEC codes that cover the use of fixed equipment and other receptacles.
Depending on the type of equipment you can be limited to no more than 50% of the circuit. I don't happen to have the 2008 NEC handy this morning, so I'll have to verify the above comment later today.
Personally, I would run a 20 amp dedicated circuit for the treadmill.
uacsgs
Dec 23, 2010, 02:30 PM
Thanks, I will wait.
Also at the top of the circuit braker pannell it says 200amp. Does that mean the total number of amp of the circuit braker cannot exceed 200amp?
Stratmando
Dec 23, 2010, 04:53 PM
If Romex is not allowed, then I would guess conduit, if so, you can easily push/pull additional wires, No matter what code ever says, I will always have frige on its own circuit. There are rare exceptions. Takes close to the same amount of time to do 1 circuit or 3 circuits, 2 more breakers(about $10 more)