dedicated circuit

[designman20]

i want to install a new dishwasher right next to my range which has an outlet for the clock i know i need a dedicated circuit. can i use this outlet? or do i have to literally install a new breaker at the panel and run a line from there to the back of the new dishwasher? this seems expensive and requires alot of work i.e. tearing into walls etc. i am also on the second floor of a 2 flat and my panel is in the basement.

please advise

thanks

designman20

[kactuskid]

What size of breaker is the clock circuit on? And what all else is on this circuit besides the range clock?

[designman20]

good question i don't know what size that breaker is on and don't know what else is on that circuit........im not an electrician, i just wanted to know if it was gonna cost me big bucks.......but i guess i have to hire one to find out huh?

thanks

[kactuskid]

No, not necessarily. Do you own this home. If you do then you can easily find out which breaker controls this circiut and what all is on it. Plug a radio into the receptacle that is for the stove clock. Turn the volume up so you can hear it at your main electrical panel. Maybe the circuits will be labled at your panel, if they're not and to make sure if they are, open one of the breakers by flipping it to the open position. If the radio is still blaring, then close this breaker and do the same to each and every breaker until you find the one that shuts off the radio. Now, using a 3 prong outlet tester, test each and every receptacle that shows no power. Whichever lights or receptacles that have no power are the ones controlled by this breaker. The breaker size is written on the breaker handle.

Here's a link that explains how to map out your circuits and how to determine the load that's on each one.

http://www.easy2.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_index.asp?page_id=35693919

[HayZee518]

There's two ways to run a circuit up from the basement. One, if your house is constructed "baloon" type, where the studs are open all the way to the basement, or if you can snake a fish tape along the large soil pipe from the attic to the basement. Another way is along the chase that surrounds your chimney. Once you are able to get a fish tape from the basement to the attic then hooking on a wire and pulling it is easy. Then you might have to pull up a few floor boards in the attic to find the plate above your kitchen to drill down into the wall space for an outlet or a line directly connected to the dishwasher. In any case use 12/2 with ground.