I'm looking to buy a home. The home has 80 amp service. Is this enuff amps to run a gas dryer + washer?

Question

Is this just about the minimum you need to not blow a fuse? Or do we need to have an electrician add more amps? The home is brand new.

Answer 1

NO, I have a small house and it was upgraded to 100 amp service. I would think you would at least want a100 or even maybe 120 amp service... I don't see how this could be an actual new home, they would put more than an 80 amp service in a brand new home..
I just want to add that I noticed you said Gas dryer, and there is nothing wrong with the 80 amp service for a gas dryer, if it were electric that would be a different story. Still, think you need over 100 amp. Another thing is they never use fuses anymore in new houses..Is there something you are not telling us????

Answer 2

Although the last poster is correct in stating that 80 amps is very low and really this is an unlikely number for a new home what you really need to be asking about is the specific circuit the washer/dryer is on.

The current code for California requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit for the washer and a dedicated 20 amp circuit for the dryer. Both of these of course being on 12 guage wire.

If this is a new home what you may be looking at is an 80 amp SUB panel. But either way, ID which individual circuits control the washer/dryer and see if they are 20 amps each on 12 guage wire. If not, then you may have a potential fire hazard.

Good Luck

Answer 3

It's strange that a new house would have only 80 amps. I'd be shooting for 200 amps in anticipation there may be an increase in demand. I'd get at least 100. Eighty amps are usually associated with old houses -- low-end 1950s houses.

Eighty amps, however, may be enough for the dryer, the big consumer of power. What about a stove-oven -- another big power user, if it's electric.

Electric dryers should really be wired separately on a dedicated line. Check the manual, but it usually needs at least 20 amp-circuit breaker -- sometimes up to 40, depending on the stove.

You used the term fuses, an indicator of vintage electrical systems. You probably mean circuit breakers.

Answer 4

A gas dryer does not need to use high amperage drawing heat elements. Combined the should not pull any more that 30 amps although each would most lokely be on 20 amp breakers. An 80 amp service is low. You must not have a water heat that runs on electricity, or stove on heat elements, or an air conditioning unit!

Answer 5

Since the home is brand new the county or city electrical inspector should have done his/her job and approved the electrical. Look for a "sticker" on the outside of the new electrical 'box' and call them. The new home should NOT havae fuses at all. Circuit breakers should havea been used.
I question if you only have 80 amp service.

Answer 6

This is a brand new home in the USA?
Good luck finding any kind of meter base if it happens to fail.
100 amp should be the minimum

Answer 7

all the homes now a days need 100amp service to run at an easy pace,it all depends how your lifestyle is eg.leaving lights on ,leaving other electric utilities on when not needed you could possibly get by with 80 , 100 is better if its a farm 200 speak to a qualified electrician they can guide you better

Answer 8

Yes, but I would bet you have a 100 amp service minimum. What state are you in .

Answer 9

80 amps for a small house that is designed energy efficient is do-able.I used a 5000watt/20amp/110/220vac generator for my power needs.A gas drier is going to be OK.The back of the appliance will have a tag that says what it needs.I'm thinking a pair of 20amp circuit breakers is what you'll need for the 2.That leaves you with 40amps.is the water heater/stove/oven gas?Then fridge,lites & TV.Just dont go over 80amps total