I recently moved into my home and I have been noticing that one breaker in particular has been tripping constantly, I also noticed that whoever wired the house put the refrigerator along with the stove, dishwasher, microwave and most outlets in the kitchen on this same circuit. Is this a very expensive problem to correct or should I just live with it?

Cagirl,

I believe that the refrigerator needs to be on a dedicated line. What type of stove do you have? Most stoves run on 220/240 and therefore, cannot be on the same circuit as 110/120 loads. Also stoves usually require more amperage then 12 AWG can support.

The disposal should be on a 15 amp light circuit, at least here in Virginia. There should be one outlet for every 6 foot of counter top.

My first suggestion would be for you to call a city or county inspector and have him/her go over the wiring plan for your kitchen. He/she will be able to tell if you have safe wiring or not. If you are correct in your assessment, the kitchen is a fire waiting to happen

First of all, I am assuming it is a gas stove needing power for the oven light and controls. Yes it is a bad set up to have so much stuff on one breaker, and after it trips repeatedly, it could get to where it is tripping too soon.

Much of how expensive the upgrade is will depend on how much space is available in your current box, and if you don't want wire mold tacked up everywhere, an unfinished area between the breaker box and kitchen. If your breaker box is in the basement, an you can go down there and see NM poking out of the ceiling, it will be easier and cheaper.

The main breaker box is not the best place for starter electrical projects. Still, if you have room for more circuits, you could pull the panel cover off. If the questionable breaker has more than 1 wire on it, you could add another breaker for the other wire. Even replacing the current breaker with a less abused one might reduce tripping. The breaker must match the wire. Make sure nobody has slipped a 20 amp breaker into a #14 circuit. If you can't read, or see any of the outer jacket, #14 is 0.0641'', or just over 1/16''. #12 is 0.081''. Newer NM-B is color coded, yellow for #12, and orange for #10.

tkrussell will be able to give you an authoritative answer on what code requires on dedicated circuits, also GFCI.

If wiring is done in conduit, and there is room, you could pull additional wires to kitchen, or at least Frig.
Kitchens need 2 circuits minimum(max 2 recepticles per circuit) Refrigrator on own circuit.
If you have 1 foot of counter space, you need a receptacle. GFI's, but, not on the Frige.

First, most of the info you have received is right on, with exception to a reefer is not required to be on it's own circuit, but highly recommended.


Second, to answer your question, cost will be depending on several factors, such as market, materials needed, size of the home, and the amount of work involved.

Your local inspector may not respond, as they are only for new installations. Perhaps small towns, etc will, but a large city or state inspector will probably suggest you hire an electrician.

The electrician will offer suggestion to the best method to give each of the appliances you mention separate circuits. OK to have a gas range with the reefer to economize.

Ask 2-3 contractors for local code update, get estimates on a detailed scope of work, be sure each has proper liability and worker comp insurances, and applies for permit and inspections.

Outlets need to be no more than a 2 foot from any edge and no more than 4 feet apart.