Dedicated Circuit Required: Which Appliances Need Their Own Breaker?
Washing machine, cooker, tumble dryer and anything rated 2600 W or more: the AREI requires a dedicated circuit. The complete list with references.
AuthorStephan BehmWhich appliances need their own circuit?
In a dwelling, two groups of appliances get their own circuit: every appliance with a fixed location rated at 2600 W or more – even a mobile one – and, regardless of power, the washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, electric cooker, electric hob and electric oven. Fixed electric heating is supplied by one or more separate circuits. That is the rule in Book 1 of the AREI/RGIE, Belgium's general regulations for electrical installations, subsection 5.2.1.2.
| Appliance | Rule | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer | always a dedicated circuit | 5.2.1.2 |
| Electric cooker, hob, oven | always a dedicated circuit | 5.2.1.2 |
| Fixed electric heating | one or more separate circuits | 5.2.1.2 |
| Water heater, heat pump, sauna and others | own circuit from 2600 W at a fixed location | 5.2.1.2 |
| EV charger | one separate circuit per connection point | 7.22.3 |
The rule sets the structure: one appliance, one circuit. You then choose breaker and cross-section for the appliance, based on its nameplate, the supply system, installation method, grouping, cable length, voltage drop and the manufacturer's instructions. The maximum per cross-section is in table 4.11 of subsection 4.4.1.4; the method is explained in cable cross-section and breaker.
What a dedicated circuit gives you
- No overload from neighbours: a powerful appliance often runs close to its rated current for long periods. On its own circuit it shares that load with nothing else.
- Availability: if the breaker trips, only this appliance goes off, not half the kitchen.
- Matched wiring: cross-section and protection fit exactly one appliance instead of a mix.
Apply the rule appliance by appliance
Start with the nameplate and the installation manual. Record the rated power, single- or three-phase connection, the permitted connection method and any protection requirements from the manufacturer. A combined cooker is often connected differently from a separate hob and oven; a heat pump may need separate feeds for the outdoor unit, indoor unit and backup heater. Plan those cases one by one.
On the single-line diagram, each appliance circuit gets its own reference with protective device, cable data and end appliance. The situation plan shows the same reference at the appliance location. If the appliance is later replaced by a more powerful one, you recheck the design.
Laundry and utility room
The washing machine and tumble dryer each get their own circuit, and so does a water heater of 2600 W or more. Also plan an ordinary socket circuit for the iron and small appliances, so they are not plugged into the appliance sockets. How many sockets such a circuit may carry is covered in how many sockets per circuit?.
How PlanElec checks appliance circuits
For large appliances from the device catalogue – including cooker, oven, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and EV charger – the AREI/RGIE self-check flags an error as soon as the appliance shares its circuit with other loads. If no circuit breaker is assigned yet, it shows the missing input. You read the 2600 W threshold for other appliances from the nameplate. The inspection of the installation is carried out by the recognised inspection body. The rules covered are listed in what the self-check verifies.
Related articles
- Which cable cross-section for which circuit breaker?
- Do I need a 30 mA RCD for every socket?
- How many sockets per circuit?
- Electrical inspection in Belgium
Official source: AREI Book 1, version 06, subsections 4.4.1.4 and 5.2.1.2 and section 7.22.3.
Plan your appliance circuits in PlanElec and check them yourself →