15 Or 20 Amp Outlet For Washing Machine? (Answered) -

A washing machine is reliant on both the plumbing and electrical setup to function as required.

If one of these is not in sync, this is going to damage how well the washing machine works during the day. As a result, you will have to be diligent about how you approach the electrical setup for the washing machine.

The first thing to compare will be choosing between a 15 or 20 amp outlet for the washing machine.

It’s recommended to use a 20 amp outlet for a washing machine. This provides a consistent stream of power, reduces tripping, helps with a dedicated circuit, and will protect the washing machine.

The only time you can use a 15 amp outlet for a washing machine is when it does not require a dedicated circuit. In that case, the receptacle is also going to be a traditional one making it easy to connect to an existing 15 amp outlet.

Look at the manual to gauge what your options are for the washing machine in front of you.

This guide is going to look at the benefits of a 20 amp outlet for a washing machine and why this is a go-to option for most setups.

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Comparing 15 Or 20 Amp Outlet For Washing Machine

1. Consistent Stream Of Power

When it comes to the washing machine electrical code, the standard is to use a 20 amp outlet because it offers a consistent stream of power.

This is essential for those who are going to want to set up the washer and then not think about it again.

When a 15 amp outlet is used for a washer, the power may be going to fade in and out.

This can get worse when the electrical circuit does not have a dedicated setup. This means the load is shared and that can make it harder to run the washing machine properly.

2. Reduces Tripping

When it comes to washing machine amps, you have to think about the potential downtime to choose well.

If the washing machine is prone to tripping, it is likely the circuit that is the issue. It is not feeding enough power to the machine or it is being overloaded.

You will want to be diligent about this to reduce tripping.

As a result, it makes sense to have a 20 amp outlet for the washing machine as soon as it is time to set one up.

3. Protects The Washing Machine

If a washing machine is unprotected, this is going to damage it over time.

This is a risk you should not be taking.

You will want to make sure the washer is connected to a circuit that will feed it regular power and is not going to trip the outlet.

This is when things go pear-shaped.

You will want to make sure to look at what can be done to keep the washer safe. To do this, the 20 amp outlet is a must.

It will make it a lot easier to maintain the washing machine and ensure power continues to run to it as required when the machine is turned on.

4. Important For A Dedicated Circuit

Read the manual carefully.

You will want to see whether or not the washing machine requires a dedicated circuit. If it does, you are going to need to set up the 20 amp circuit.

This is due to the power needs of the washer.

It will require a good amount of power at any given moment, which means you will need to set up the dedicated circuit.

If you don’t use a 20 amp outlet, you are not going to have enough power running to the circuit as required.

Final Thoughts

Look into these factors when choosing between a 15 or 20 amp outlet for the washing machine.

When choosing between a 15 or 20 amp outlet for a washing machine, it’s best to go with a 20 amp outlet. It is ideal for a dedicated circuit, helps keep the washing machine safe, provides a consistent stream of power, and follows the building code in most regions.

The best place to start is the manual that comes with the washing machine.

The reason for going through the manual is to see what the electrical needs are for this type of appliance.

Does it require a 20 amp outlet? Does it require a dedicated circuit?

The answers to these questions will often send you down one path or another.

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