Steam Washer & Dryer - Really need dedicated circuits for each?

[vtsoundman]

Anyone have any experience with running a steam washer AND a steam gas dryer on a single 20A circuit?

I don't have any experience with fancy steam w/d units - if these were non-steam, no problem - single circuit would be no problem.

I'm about to install a new fancy front loader washer & gas dryer as a Christmas present for the family (wife mainly). These are steam models - so they each have a name plate of 120V/15A.

Problem is that my version of the NEC requires AFCI/GFCI for the laundry room and all I have running to the laundry receptacle is 12/3 romex. I have CH panel - and no 2-pole MWB compatible AFCI breakers are available. Pre- AFCI days, I'd simply split the neutral at thebox and install two GFCI outlets.

I'm inclined to try it (w/d on single 20A circuit) to see what happens ... but would like to hear from folks that have experience with this...

 

[tab2]

Can you post model numbers?

I know you are supposed use AFCI, buuuuuutttttt....

 

[Bert_]

I know you are supposed use AFCI, buuuuuutttttt....

Now I don't have to be the first to say it

I would say out of all the afci's I put in I swap at least 10% out for regular breakers sometime after it's inspected. Things like fridges, freezers, ect. One or two nuisance trips and that thing is gone.

Screw afci's...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Now I don't have to be the first to say it

I would say out of all the afci's I put in I swap at least 10% out for regular breakers sometime after it's inspected. Things like fridges, freezers, ect. One or two nuisance trips and that thing is gone.

Using GFCI in a laundry room makes more sense to me !

When we re-wired my son's laundry room, we installed a GFCI for the washer. After a half dozen random trips, it got replaced with a standard outlet.

I think there is an exception in the NEC that allows a plain outlet for refrigerators/freezer with the following provision.

• The circuit must be dedicated to the refrigerators/freezer
• Single outlet (not duplex) required.

 

[Bert_]

Using GFCI in a laundry room makes more sense to me !

When we re-wired my son's laundry room, we installed a GFCI for the washer. After a half dozen random trips, it got replaced with a standard outlet.

I think there is an exception in the NEC that allows a plain outlet for refrigerators/freezer with the following provision.

• The circuit must be dedicated to the refrigerators/freezer
• Single outlet (not duplex) required.

GFCI for general use outlets or if there's a counter I will definitely agree with. I don't agree with GFCI for stationary appliances.

The single outlet for fixed equipment is no longer an exception. Many locations require all 120v outlets be gfci, no exceptions.

 

[Jim greengo]

Try it and see what happens,its existing till you start opening walls and changing things.

 

[Norcal]

Using GFCI in a laundry room makes more sense to me !

When we re-wired my son's laundry room, we installed a GFCI for the washer. After a half dozen random trips, it got replaced with a standard outlet.

I think there is an exception in the NEC that allows a plain outlet for refrigerators/freezer with the following provision.

• The circuit must be dedicated to the refrigerators/freezer
• Single outlet (not duplex) required.

That exception went away a long time ago but a GFCI that is tripping usually means a defective appliance.

 

[rlitman]

...Pre- AFCI days, I'd simply split the neutral at thebox and install two GFCI outlets...

What about doing that, but using AFCI/GFCI outlets?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...Dual-Function-Outlet-White-AGTR1-KW/206804820

 

[dscheidt]

Using GFCI in a laundry room makes more sense to me !

When we re-wired my son's laundry room, we installed a GFCI for the washer. After a half dozen random trips, it got replaced with a standard outlet.

I think there is an exception in the NEC that allows a plain outlet for refrigerators/freezer with the following provision.

• The circuit must be dedicated to the refrigerators/freezer
• Single outlet (not duplex) required.

Nope. Not any more. Any modern appliance that doesn't work on GFCI or AFCI is defective, or the wiring is. (usually neutrals tied together)

Any electrician who will remove a GFCI or AFCI instead of solving the actual problem is a hack.