" wrote:


Re 'dedicated' circuit. Agree the terminology can be confusing.
To illustrate;
There some rules in this jurisdiction that a kitchen shall have a
certain number of 'dedicated' outlet/receptacles. This means that
there is only one 'dedicated' outlet wired directly from one
particular circuit breaker; for each dedicated circuit. I'm not
sure what the requiremnt is now; but when we built this house
some 30 years ago it was, I believe, a minimum of two dedicated
and and also a certain number of 'convenience' outlets per 'X'
feet of counter space!
This requirement has come into use as more and heavier appliances
have become common. Microwave ovens for example, a steam iron or
electric kettle can each require sufficient power that to plug
two such items into the one circuit (and use them at the same
time!), would exceed the total current capacity of say 20 amps.
Also for example non-dedicated (normal) outlets are around the
walls of rooms or adjacent rooms. Usually such 'convenience'
outlets are limted by local jurisdiction to some maximum number;
such as eight or ten on the one run of wiring from one circuit
breaker). Sometimes such outlets or half of them are controlled
by a wall switch in order to turn on/off coffe table lamps.
Dedicated outlets would normally NEVER be switched like that.
One example of a dedicated outlet, in our case is the one wired
specifically for an older style, large, microwave oven, on its
own trolley, to 'it's own' circuit breaker.
Any help? Terry.