Highlights
Installing a dedicated circuit usually costs around $700.
The cost range for installing a dedicated circuit can be as low as $570 and as high as $1,100.
Costs depend on geographic location, type of outlet, materials needed, and other factors.
Labor makes up a majority of the cost at between $550 and $970.
You should always hire an electrician to do any electrical work.
Not to be confused with installing a dedicated outlet, you’d install a dedicated circuit for your heavy-duty appliances that need more electricity than, say, a hairdryer. Refrigerators, ovens, and other large appliances need more electricity, so if you don't already have one, you'll need to install a dedicated circuit.
Dedicated circuit installation averages around $700 or between $570 and $1,000, depending on your geographic location and the project's complexity.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Dedicated Circuit
There are two basic types of dedicated circuits in your home, 20-amp and 30 to 50 amp. The cost to install these types of dedicated circuits is comparable at around $700 on average.
Smaller appliances, like toasters, stand mixers, and countertop appliances use 20-amp circuits. Larger appliances like dryers, stoves, ovens, and water heaters use 30- to 50-amp circuits. You'll most likely be looking at installing a 30- to 50-amp circuit unless you're short on regular outlets in your kitchen or other places you need to install outlets.
Cost to Install a Dedicated Circuit Near You
How much you can expect to pay to have a local professional electrician install a dedicated circuit varies depending on your location. Here's a breakdown of average costs for some cities around the U.S.
New York: $890–$1,090
Des Moines, IA: $610–$740
Los Angeles: $710–$870
Seattle: $715–$875
Miami: $570–$700
Topeka, KS: $600–$740
Philadelphia: $720–$880
Santa Fe, NM: $645–$790
Detroit: $670–$820
Dedicated Circuit Installation Cost Breakdown
Several factors contribute to the cost of installing a dedicated circuit for your appliance.
Materials
The materials to install a dedicated circuit usually run around $100 to $150. Materials that your electrician will need to install a dedicated circuit include circuit breakers, junction boxes, connectors, fittings, fasteners, and other things.
Labor
You can expect to pay around $550 to $970 for labor to install a dedicated circuit. The cost to hire an electrician is usually $50 to $100 per hour for labor, and electricians typically charge more for the first hour, about $150. The labor for installing a dedicated circuit includes:
Shutting off power
Cutting mounting holes
Mounting the electrical boxes
Adding a new circuit breaker
Securing and connecting wiring
Other Potential Costs
There are some other potential costs that you could be looking at when installing a dedicated circuit. Those can run from $500 to upwards of $8,000 and include:
Upgrading or replacing electrical panels
Opening walls and running wires
Removing or repairing any framing or systems
Permitting or inspection fees
Cost to DIY vs. Hire a Pro for Installing a Dedicated Circuit
You’ll save hundreds in labor costs by tackling this project yourself. But unless you are a licensed electrician, you should always hire a professional to do your electrical work. Working with electricity is dangerous, and if you don't know what you're doing, you could get hurt or start a fire.
Plus, this project could jumpstart other necessary projects related to your electrical panel or wiring. In this case, it’s best to stick with a trained, licensed, and insured electrician who will complete the job fast and to code.
FAQs
Why are dedicated circuits necessary?
If you've ever tried to run your dishwasher while drying your hair, you’ll understand why dedicated circuits are essential for preventing blown fuses. Appliances that require more electricity than the circuit can handle could blow fuses, trip breakers, overheat, and risk an electrical fire.
Having a dedicated circuit ensures that your appliance gets the current it needs without overloading the other circuits in your home.
Which appliances need dedicated circuits?
Appliances in your home that need dedicated circuits include:
Refrigerators and chest freezers
Electric ranges, microwaves, and toaster ovens
Dishwashers and garbage disposals
Washers and dryers
Heating and air conditioning units
Hot tubs, saunas, and water pumps
Sump pumps
Central vacuums
How much does it cost to move an outlet?
Moving an outlet usually costs between $25 and $300. The amount you'll pay depends on the type of outlet and the condition of the walls in your home. Exposed walls without drywall and insulation are the easiest for electricians to work on, but finished walls that will require repair afterward can drive up the cost.
How much does it cost to change from a two-prong to a three-prong outlet?
Changing from a two-prong to a three-prong outlet is a pretty basic project that usually costs around $20 to $50. If you have a grounded fuse box, your electrician should be able to do the task quickly and easily; however, if they have to upgrade your electrical panel or ground the box, the cost could increase.
