Appliance Installation & Relocation in San Diego & Area
Some appliances you can’t just unpack and plug in. Moving or installing certain appliances requires special care – and often a lot of electrical work. Usually the electrical component of appliance installation is part of a renovation or remodeling project. Appliances are one of the major factors to consider when planning a kitchen project, in particular.
The team at Premo Electric is here to help you get your appliances installed or relocated safely and correctly. If you live in or near San Diego, contact us today, or read on to find out more about the electrical work that goes into installing or moving appliances.
Kitchen appliances
Installing or relocating stoves, ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators can mean moving electrical lines and outlets too. Specifically, those appliances need dedicated appliance circuits. These are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and serve to prevent overloads. Each of those appliances draws far more power than say, a light fixture. Each appliance will then require a 4-slot outlet, and anywhere from 10/3 to 6/3 Romex cable (which is much larger than 12/2 Romex – the size of cable you most often see powering various fixtures in your home, especially if you look in the basement).
A typical kitchen may include up to ten dedicated circuits. Your refrigerator and your dishwasher can’t be on the same circuit, even though the dishwasher circuit can take the same amount of power as the fridge circuit. Every appliance need to have its own circuit. Failing to put them on a dedicated circuit can result in multiple breaker trips. The outlets can also melt or your wiring can catch on fire. Failing to put high-amp appliances on a dedicated circuit can also ruin the appliance.
Modern kitchens should have at least six dedicated 20-amp circuits. Do your breakers trip a lot? Even if you aren’t moving appliances it may be a good idea to use your remodeling time to ensure your kitchen has the circuits it needs.
To move those appliances your receptacles first will need to be moved, upgraded, or installed for the first time. To keep your kitchen up-to-code we may need to install new GFCI outlets. You’ll need those because the kitchen is considered to be a “wet” area. The GFCIs will take care of smaller appliances like your toaster, coffee maker, and mixer. All outlets must be tamper-resistant.
Ventilation will also be an issue for things like range tops, which need to have a safe way to send exhaust outside of your home. We can help you install new vents, exhaust fans, and range hoods at the same time.
Your stove and your dishwasher will be the hardest to move. You’ll want to consult with an electrician before making a new remodeling plan. Don’t forget to ask about adding new lighting while you’re at it.
Laundry room appliances
If you’re building a laundry room or adding a washer and dryer to your kitchen you will need a dedicated circuit. You can’t just use your wall outlet, if you don’t want to short out your current electrical system.
You should always consult with an electrician before simply installing those items if you’ve never had them in your home before. As with your kitchen, they will need additional ventilation (mainly a dryer vent) and plumbing support (hot and cold water supply lines with non-leaky shutoff valves) in addition to their own appliance circuit and 4-prong outlets.
List of appliances that require a licensed electrician
Get an experienced and licensed electrician’s help if you wish to install any of these appliances for the first time or move them.
- Refrigerators and freezers.
- Ranges, stoves, and cooktops
- Wall ovens.
- Dishwashers.
- Washing machines.
- Dryers.
- Microwaves.
- Hot water heaters & tankless water heaters.
- Central vacuum systems.
- Hot tubs.
- Range hoods.
- Trash compactors.
- Garbage disposals.
- Spas & jacuzzis.
Many of those appliances will also require a consultation with a plumber. The dishwasher and washing machine, in particular, require safe and functioning supply lines, shutoff valves, and secure drainpipes.
The garbage disposal interacts with the plumbing, too, and certain electrical fixtures in the bathroom may be near plumbing fixtures that need repair or replacement.
Bare-minimum requirements for kitchen dedicated circuits
Your kitchen will need at minimum the following circuits:
- One 120-volt dedicated circuit for your garbage disposal.
- One 20-amp, 120-volt circuit for your microwave. While many people plug small counter units right into the wall a more powerful mounted microwave will require the more powerful circuit.
- A 50-amp, 240 volt circuit for your range.
- A 15-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuit for your dishwasher.
- A 15-amp, 120-volt dedicated circuit for your fridge.
If you plan to add other large appliances or particularly powerful versions of the appliance then you should have an in-depth discussion with your electrician before work begins.
To move or install your appliances, call Premo Electric
We give every customer a full, in-depth, free estimate before work begins. Live in or near San Diego and need help with your appliances? Contact Premo Electric for a free estimate today.
