From: "Nehmo Sergheyev"


- Chris Lewis -
Actually, there is a decent chance that running the washer and dryer
on the same circuit _will_ blow the breaker. Depends on how close the
breaker limit the heating coil is.

- Nehmo -
OP is going to let his electrician handle it, so the question is now
acdemic. But a combo unit was already on that circuit, and it didn't
cause a problem.

A combo unit which was designed to operate on 1 220v 30a circuit. 2 individual
units, one also designed to operate on a 30a 220v circuit, and the other
designed to operate on it's own 120v circuit isn't the same thing.

- Chris Lewis -
Secondly, there's a good chance that the circuit doesn't have a proper
split ground/neutral, which in some cases can lead to serious hazard.

- Nehmo -
If you use "good chance" to substitute for suplied info, you can get any
conclusion you want. If you're curious if there's a ground, you have to
ask. Otherwise you need to condition your response. Normally a
NEMA#14-30R outlet
http://www.generatorjoe.net/html/web...quailplug.html has both a
ground and a neutral.

- Chris Lewis -
Code-wise sharing the circuit like this is just plain wrong.

- Nehmo -
Assuming your talking about NEC 2002, where in it does _it_ say a washer
or dryer requires an individual branch circuit?

Right here, in the 1999 code, article 210-52 (f).

"(f) Laundry Areas. In dwelling units, at least one receptacle outlet shall be
installed for the laundry.
Exception No. 1: In a dwelling unit that is an apartment or living area in a
multifamily building where laundry facilities are provided on the premises that
are available to all building occupants, a laundry receptacle shall not be
required.

Exception No. 2: In other than one-family dwellings where laundry facilities
are not to be installed or permitted, a laundry receptacle shall not be
required."

And in article 210-11 (c) (2)

"210-11. Branch Circuits Required

Branch circuits for lighting and for appliances, including motor-operated
appliances, shall be provided to supply the loads computed in accordance with
Section 220-3. ***In addition, branch circuits shall be provided for specific
loads not covered by Section 220-3 where required elsewhere in this Code and
for dwelling unit loads as specified in (c).***

(c) Dwelling Units.

(2) Laundry Branch Circuits. In addition to the number of branch circuits
required by other parts of this section, at least one additional 20-ampere
branch circuit shall be provided to supply the laundry receptacle outlet(s)
required by Section 210-52(f). *** This circuit shall have no other outlets.
***



Anyway, sure, it is ideally preferable to have an individual branch
circuit for every major appliance. But OP cited "$$$", so economy takes
priority.

Does it? Does economy take priority over the National Electrical code? Do the
rules go out the window if someome simply claims they cannot afford it?

There's a big difference in cost here.

"those who consider price alone..."


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* Nehmo Sergheyev *
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