Thread Number: 89868  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Electrical Questions Regarding Multiple Machines
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Post# 1144957   3/20/2022 at 21:05 (765 days old) by drummerboy928 (Illinois)        

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Hello everyone!

As some people may know, I currently have four full size machines and one portable machine in my collection. I currently can only run one or two machines at a time, as it would otherwise trip the circuit breaker. Our garage is currently set up on one, 20 amp (I believe) breaker, meaning that with my machines, I can only run up to two. Is there a way to run all of the machines at a time with this setup and small modifications, or would it need to be completely re run with new electrical in order to make that happen? if it helps to know the amperage draw of the machines, the two Maytags draw roughly 7 amps each, the two Kenmores draw 12 amps, and the portable Kenmore draws 9. I expect to have to fully rewire the garage to run all at the same time, but if there is another way, Id appreciate any help!

~ Drummerboy





Post# 1145093 , Reply# 1   3/23/2022 at 14:18 (762 days old) by potatochips ( )        

In short, get a second and third independent circuit ran if you want all machines to be on at once. Why?

So you're in the US and I am in Canada. There are some differences between electrical codes of course, but as time goes on the gaps between Canadian and US codes, and even state to state, are narrowing. My answer to you will be purely based off of my experience with the Canadian electrical code, but like I said, the baseline coding is more or less the same, and electricity itself won't flip sine waves and flow opposite direction etcetera when you cross the border in to Canada.

20A, or amp, sounds about right for one circuit. Keep in mind that although its 20A, there is an 80% capacity loading rate limit for continuous loads on circuits meaning its more likely around 16A trip. A continuous load would be lighting, or a classic Maytag A712. Breakers are divided in to categories of continuous loading, non continuous, or peak. The later is for industrial stuff. Regardless, your garage is probably wired for continuous loading. It's done this way for safety from a heat perspective, pulling amps generates heat, and this 80% rule allows for peak loading and a fudge factor of overloading.


Post# 1145127 , Reply# 2   3/24/2022 at 01:27 (761 days old) by Smartdrive1100 (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)        

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I agree with potato chips,

Get a 3rd breaker (1 for both maytags and 2 for the Kenmores).

I run all of my machines off of one breaker and can run one 9 amp dryer and a few washers, I have a 15 amp 240v breaker.

20amp is low for 110/120v.



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