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 Power Usage
- Power Quality and Your Appliances
- Making Basic Electrical Tests
- The Mysteries of Dryer Cord Wiring
- Understanding Electric Range Outlets
| 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.
