Appliance Tip of the Day: Electrical Requirements for Household Major Appliances

If you’re repairing or installing a major appliance in your home, you’ll need to know what the electrical requirements are for that appliance. The most important things to know are the amp rating of the circuit breaker and the size wire needed. The table below lists electrical requirements for major household appliances. Also, be sure to check out these related links for more information:

Appliance	Voltage Requirement [1]	Circuit Breaker Amp Rating [2]	Wire Gauge	Comments
Gas Range	120 volts	15 amps	#14 gauge	A 20 amp circuit may be used but requires #12 gauge wire. The outlet must be properly grounded and polarized or the spark module will not work properly–more information on this here.
Electric Range	240 volts	40 amps	#8 gauge	A 50 amp circuit may be used but requires #6 gauge wire.
Gas Dryer	120 volts	15 amps	#14 gauge	#12 gauge wire is preferred.
Electric Dryer	240 volts	30 amps	#10 gauge (minimum)
Refrigerator	120 volts	15 amps	#14 gauge (minimum)	#12 gauge wire is preferred. A separate (dedicated) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.
Washing Machine	120 volts	15 amps	#14 gauge	A 20 amp circuit may be used but #12 gauge wire is required. Because of water conditions found in a laundry room, a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet might also be considered.
Dishwasher	120 volts	15 amps	#14 gauge	For dishwashers without temperature boost, a 15 amp circuit may be used. Dishwashers with temperature boost should be wired on a 20 amp circuit and #12 gauge wire is required. A separate (dedicated) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.
Microwave	120 volts	15 amps	#14 gauge	A 20 amp circuit may be used but #12 gauge wire is required. A separate (dedicated) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.

Notes:

[1] Values given are nominal voltages. All voltages listed are alternating current (AC) at 60 Hz.
[2] Fuses with the same amp rating as the listed circuit breakers may also be used.

grasshoppers hanging with the master after running electrical circuits for their appliances.