Laundry Receptacle

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new_ee

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In a residential situation where a "laundry center" is installed, is a laundry circuit still required? The "laundry center" is a small washer/dryer combo with one electrical connection (30 AMP). I usually count it as a fixed appliance (dryer) in my clacs but I'm not sure if I'm still required to have a laundry circuit receptacle for the washer connection that doesn't exist.
 
The Code requires at least one receptacle for the laundry area. IMO, if you have a 30 amp receptacle for a combo unit, you have met the intent. I don't see that it makes a difference if it's in a laundry room or in the living room. It's a laundry outlet.
 
bdarnell said:
IMO, if you have a 30 amp receptacle for a combo unit, you have met the intent.
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I agree.

However, it should be noted that if an inspector wanted to push you on this one, the inspector would win. The requirement for a laundry circuit appears in 210.52(F). That is a "sub-article" of 210.52. But 210.52 says that it gives the requirements for 15 and 20 amp receptacles. So if you install a 30 amp receptacle for the existing laundry equipment, and do not install a 20 amp circuit for the non-existing laundry equipment, you will not have met the letter of the law.

I think you are doing the right thing. I just want to caution you that you may have to sell the concept to an unwilling inspector.
 
This is interesting... 210.11(C)(2) states a 20 ampere rated branch circuit is required.

I would venture to say the only way to really see if the setup in the OP's post would be considered compliant is to either put in a proposal and see if they accept it, or write to the NFPA with a yes or no type of question and wait for the answer.

As I see it, the way it is written, it would not comply.
 
I agree with Charlie and Pierre on this. Irrespective of what type of washer/dryer unit is installed in the laundry today and no matter how you look at it, you are married to that type of unit. You would not have the option to change to any std. 20 amp plug-in units. If your customer sells their house five years from now, the new homeowners will also be married to that setup. The only way I could see an inspector passing this installation is if the breaker panel was located in the basement just below the laundry and running a 20 amp circuit would not pose a hardship to the existing or new homeowners.

Just my opinion.

Phil,
Gold Star Electric
New Jersey
 
I agree with Pierre,

210.11(C)(2) requires at least one 20-ampere branch circuit to supply the required receptacle outlet in 210.52(F).

Chris
 
I guess that means I agree with everyone, especially Phil. You should install a 20A receptacle behind the stacked unit. A receptacle is required by code, and overlooking it ruins options down the road.
 
thanks for all the comments. i'll continue to show a 20 amp receptacle in addition to the other just to be safe.
 
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