How many amps does a typical 2-Post Lift use when in operation?

[ImmDanny]

I know most lifts require a 30 amp breaker, but is it required for that Lift to be the ONLY thing on that breaker? Reason I ask is I'm planning on installing a lift, and where I'd be installing it is within extremely close proximity to the laundry room. I'm wondering if I can tap into that circuit the wire is on (30 Amp breaker) and also have it be the power for my lift? So basically have both the dryer and the lift on the same 30 amp circuit.

What I'd like to know is if this is a bad idea? I'm imagining as long as I don't have the dryer running at the same time as operating the lift, it should be fine correct? I'm not electrical engineering so maybe I'm talking out of my *** right now.

I do have another solution, but would require more work and leave me without my stove lol. My kitchen is a bit older, and has a dedicated circuit for the stove top, and another dedicated circuit for the oven (30 Amps and 50 Amps respectively). I'd disconnect the stove over the oven just so that i still have that 50 amp circuit available for whenever i redo my kitchen and get a stove/oven unit. So obviously I'd prefer if i just taped into my dryer circuit. I also can't add another 30 Amp breaker as my breaker box is full.

I'd like to know your thoughts, as I'm almost complete building my carport/shade structure, so getting the wiring ready is the next step before purchasing a lift.

 

[SeanH]

If you did that, you would only be able to use the lift when the dryer was not running. It won't hurt anything per say, since the circuit breaker will prevent any overcurrent situation, but I would think that could become a nuisance?

 

[Norcal]

By code you cannot add a load to a dryer circuit, the dryer is about a 24A load which is max for a 30A circuit. How far is the run from panel to lift? Unless your panel is full and or obsolete a breaker is not going to be that expensive.

 

[ImmDanny]

By code you cannot add a load to a dryer circuit, the dryer is about a 24A load which is max for a 30A circuit. How far is the run from panel to lift? Unless your panel is full and or obsolete a breaker is not going to be that expensive.

Panel box is on opposite side of house, so easily a 200' run, maybe 150'. Panel box is also full, which is why I'm looking at tapping into something else. If not I'd just add another breaker but at that point I'll need a whole new breaker box.

 

[ImmDanny]

If you did that, you would only be able to use the lift when the dryer was not running. It won't hurt anything per say, since the circuit breaker will prevent any overcurrent situation, but I would think that could become a nuisance?

I personally don't think it would be a nuisance, as i only do laundry once a week, and as a live by myself I think I'll remember to not use the lift if I'm doing laundry.

 

[u2slow]

I personally don't think it would be a nuisance, as i only do laundry once a week, and as a live by myself I think I'll remember to not use the lift if I'm doing laundry.

Personally, I would do it. It may not be code-compliant, but its not unsafe either.

When my shop was under construction, I tapped off the dryer circuit into a 2P 20A breaker box and ran it across the backyard to make two temporary power plugs for the contractor. I left the laundry for the evenings after the workers went home.

 

[mautotech]

As an option, you could get a Rotary lift with the Shockwave option. They run on regular 120, they work when the power goes out and go up twice as fast as any other lift. I've got one and it's awesome.

 

['52Chevy]

Panel box is on opposite side of house, so easily a 200' run, maybe 150'. Panel box is also full, which is why I'm looking at tapping into something else. If not I'd just add another breaker but at that point I'll need a whole new breaker box.

You can add a small 2 breaker box relatively easily. We had to do this when we built my bedroom in our basement about 15 years ago.