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Dishwashers do not have to be on a dedicated circuit, according to NEC codes. Neither do refrigerators. Electric Ranges and OTR Microwave Hoods and Hood Fans do.
First, always ascertain the appliances that will be in the room and regularly used, and calculate their wattage or look it up in the specs found on the appliance or in its manual.
The dishwasher issue is a falsehood espoused by many kitchen designers, home inspectors and electricians who have apparently substituted their own opinions as being code. I just read all of the applicable NEC codes. They are readily available for purchase or for free at your local library. Consulting it yourself is the best bet. It does not specify a dedicated circuit for the dishwasher. It can be on a branch circuit for the kitchen, but if it's sharing the circuit with other appliances, then it must not use more than 50% of a branch circuit's load capacity. So that in effect creates a dedicated circuit requirement IF your circuit is a 15 amp circuit. If it's a 20 amp, you may have capacity room for a small load appliance such as the disposal or refrigerator, depending on load calculations (Volts x Amps = Watts (Load). But if you use a 30 amp or higher circuit capacity, then you can comply with code much easier if other small appliances are on it. NEC 210.23
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What size circuit breaker should be used for dishwasher and disposal?
A 15 amp dedicated circuit breaker should be used for the dishwasher. The disposal can be wired to the general kitchen 15 amp circuit.
Does a microwave always need a dedicated circuit?
No
What electrical wiring is required when fitting a new kitchen?
AWG 12/2 wire on a 20 amp breaker. There must be 2 kitchen outlet circuits and each circuit must be protected with a GFCI outlet. Each of these items must be on it's own dedicated 20 amp circuit. Garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator. This will require 6 dedicated 120 volt 20 amp circuits plus a 240 volt 60 amp circuit for the range.
Does a gas furnace require a dedicated circuit?
Yes.
Can a dedicated circuit share a neutral?
It depends on:what you are calling a dedicated circuitWhether there is ANY possibility that the neutral could be required to carry a load in excess of the rating of the wire.First we have to make certain that we're talking the same language, second we have to consider the fire hazard involved. (although, if we're looking at safety, we would need to reverse the two)The simple answer is No.The term "dedicated circuit" is not defined in the code. But in practice the term refers to a circuit that is run for a particular purpose, often to one piece of equipment or receptacle (outlet). Sharing a neutral contradicts the principle of a dedicated circuit.Sharing a neutral would expose the circuit to electrical elements such as harmonics. A dedicated circuit is intended to avoid such problems.
