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Are washing machines required to be plugged into single receptacles by code? Can any other electrical items be ran off of the same receptacle as a washing machine while the washing machine is in operation?
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I haven't heard of it being "code" to have a single receptacle for a washing machine, at least not in Canada anyways. Usually just a duplex receptacle on its own circuit is the norm. What kind of things did you want to run while the washing machine is in use, and is it a 15 A or 20 A circuit that the washing machine is being run off right now?quote:Originally posted by Dawg
Are washing machines required to be plugged into single receptacles by code? Can any other electrical items be ran off of the same receptacle as a washing machine while the washing machine is in operation? -
It's a 15 amp circuit. I was thinking about running my old Kenwood tabletop stereo off of it as there is a couple shelves overhead...I figured I could set the stereo on one of the shelves and use a 3 way tap on the washing machine receptacle. I even considered maybe running a few neon lights off of it.
I could not be so cheap and just replace it with a duplex but then again I'm only renting the house.
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Ahhhhhh !quote:Originally posted by Dawg
It's a 15 amp circuit. I was thinking about running my old Kenwood tabletop stereo off of it as there is a couple shelves overhead...I figured I could set the stereo on one of the shelves and use a 3 way tap on the washing machine receptacle. I even considered maybe running a few neon lights off of it.
I could not be so cheap and just replace it with a duplex but then again I'm only renting the house.
Well you could run the stereo and a few neons off of that circuit with no problem, those kind of loads draw almost nothing, but using those 3-way cube taps are not such a good idea with heavy loads like washing machines and things like that plugged into them.. They are rated for it but personally I wouldn't do it. My suggestion would be to break down and get a duplex receptacle and cover and replace the single. It doesn't have to be one of them "expensive" heavy duty duplex receptacles, just a standard grade one will work fine. plug the washer DIRECTLY into the duplex outlet, then use a 3-way tap or whatever to connect all your stereo equipment. You will be better off and much safer that way.
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Your washing machines single receptacle is what is required per code and you are not allowed to use this circuit for anything else. The following link on codes shows that a 20 amp laundry circuit must be dedicated to only the laundry. http://www.codecheck.com/eleccode.htm
Run a new circuit for your stereo, if this is an unfinished basement then the new receptacle must be a GFCI receptacle.Comment
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