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Do I really need dedicated 20 amp circuit?

Home Improvement Asked by steviekm3 on January 9, 2021

Am installing a sauna and manufacturer says it needs 20 amp dedicated circuit or the warranty is voided.

My question is that since I already have 20 amp shared circuit, so long as I don’t plug anything else in that circuit is this okay ? The manufacturer says that is not okay but I’m doubtful about what they say. Seems to me they may not trust people when they say they won’t plug anything else into the circuit.

2 Answers

Code requires us to follow the MFG instructions per NEC 110.3.B .

Could there be issues using a circuit with multiple receptacles?

Possibly; additional splices or receptacles wired to code might create issues with devices that draw the maximum allowed amount if 1 screw or wirenut is not completely secure. This can create a high resistance connection where it may start arcing. Arcing can damage sensitive electronic components, so even without having anything else plugged in the multiple receptacles could be an issue, even if rare.

Because the instructions state it requires a dedicated circuit, a licensed electrician could not advise you otherwise.

Correct answer by Ed Beal on January 9, 2021

If you are serious about not plugging anything else into the existing 20 A circuit, you could disconnect the other receptacles, connect the wires with wire nuts, and put blank covers on the boxes. If there are no light switches on the circuit, then this would be a dedicated circuit.

EDIT But the only code approved, professional way to power this sauna would be to install a new dedicated circuit for the sauna. You might get more estimates. If you did convert the circuit to "dedicated" you might have to replace the duplex receptacle with a single.

Answered by Jim Stewart on January 9, 2021

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