Do I Need a Dedicated Circuit for That?

Do I Need a Dedicated Circuit for That?

It’s a common question from homeowners, usually after something starts acting up.

Maybe your garage fridge keeps tripping the breaker. Or you plugged in a new treadmill and now the whole room loses power. Or maybe you’re planning a backyard upgrade — a hot tub, an EV charger, a fancy outdoor kitchen — and you’re wondering, “Does this need its own circuit?”

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Dedicated Circuit?

A dedicated circuit is exactly what it sounds like, a line from your electrical panel that’s dedicated to a single appliance or outlet. That circuit isn’t shared with other devices, so it ensures steady power and helps avoid overloads.

In most homes, large appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, microwaves, and HVAC systems are required to have dedicated circuits by code. But not every home is wired with modern demands in mind.

Common Appliances & Upgrades That Need Dedicated Circuits

Here’s where it gets tricky, some of the most common causes of tripped breakers are things homeowners didn’t realize needed their own circuits.

Garage Refrigerator or Freezer

If your garage fridge keeps tripping the breaker, it might be sharing a circuit with your garage lights, door opener, or even outdoor outlets. That’s a common culprit, especially in older homes.

EV Chargers

Most Level 2 electric vehicle chargers require a 240V dedicated circuit. Trying to plug into an existing outlet, even a dryer outlet, without confirming the wiring can be dangerous and may damage your car or home.

Hot Tubs & Saunas

High-power outdoor features like hot tubs or barrel saunas usually need their own circuit, often with GFCI protection. Installing them without one is a fast track to tripping breakers (and voiding warranties).

New Laundry Appliances

Today’s washers and dryers often demand more power than the models your house was originally wired for — especially in older homes. If you’re upgrading, it’s worth checking if your laundry room meets current dedicated circuit requirements.

Home Gyms

Treadmills, ellipticals, and even some stationary bikes can pull enough current to trip a shared circuit, especially when lights or TVs are on the same line.

Signs You Might Need a Dedicated Circuit

Even if it’s not code-required, a dedicated circuit might still be a good idea. Here are a few red flags:

• Your circuit breaker keeps tripping when you run certain appliances
• Lights flicker or dim when something turns on
• Outlets feel warm or buzz under load
• You’ve added new appliances or systems since your home was built

What To Do Next

If you’re unsure whether something needs a dedicated circuit, it’s worth asking — before it causes a bigger problem. Overloaded circuits aren’t just inconvenient; they can be a fire risk.

At Tradesmen’s Pride, we serve homeowners across Flower Mound, Double Oak, Highland Village, and surrounding areas, helping folks understand what’s behind those annoying power issues — and how to fix them safely.

Whether you’re planning an upgrade or just tired of flipping breakers, we’d be glad to help.

Final Thought

Electricity is one of those things that’s invisible — until it’s not working right. A little upfront work with the right circuit setup can save you a lot of frustration (and money) down the road.

If you're in the North Texas area and wondering if you need a dedicated circuit for your setup, reach out! We'll take a look, explain your options, and make sure your home is safe and future-ready.