De-Humidifier Question

[Matt]

I'm looking at purchasing a de-humidifier for my basement. It will be plugged onto the same 'branch' as my washer. The manual for the de-humidifier says AMPs: 15/20. I have a 20 AMP service going to that branch. Will that be enough to power both washer and this device (speculative of course)?.

The De-Humidifier is a Model: AD50USR / Whirlpool 50 Pint Ultra Low Temp Basement Dehumidifier ENERGY STAR®

I'm going to assume the 15/20 is when it's at start-up/peak? But am I wrong, would it be drawing 15 AMPS all the time when it's running?

[newsgroups01REMOVEME]

Purely in my humble option:

Personally I believe to have a true answer you need to give the amps of your washer, but you did give enough to give an educated guess.

It is common practice to only go up to 80% of the rated value of the protection device. This being the 20amp bkr supplying this line. Unless you have a breaker rated for 100% load, one of which I haven't heard of. So........ at 15amps you are 75% already(ignoring the 20amp part you gave). This would imply you are at the max recommeded continuous load for that branch. So, if you have an '1 hour pause' like I do on my dehumidify, use it when you do wash.

BTW, a side note, if you basement isn't finished and you are using your laundry receptical, it's possible you might be compremising your safety. It might not be GFCI protected, and with the possiblity of wet floors(emptying the bucket), you are at risk for shock. I know people say you have better chance of winning the big lottery, but why risk this "big prized" and get a new outlet installed.

later,

tom @

[newsgroups01REMOVEME]

In a new branch circuit ofcourse.

[SQLit]

Dedicated recpts for equipment do not have to be gfci protected. And if you notice they are single recpts not the duplex kind in the rest of the home.

Washers can push 18 amps when they go into spin cycle. If the compressor comes on at the same time your probably going to have an circuit breaker trip. Maybe not a lot but probably. Is there another circuit available. My folks plugged theirs into the outlet for the furnace and it worked fine.

[Marilyn and Bob]

Just unplug or turn off your dehumidifier when running the washer.