Two Fryers, One Outlet: Is It Safe?

Plugging two fryers into the same outlet is generally not recommended and may trip the breaker. The likelihood of tripping the breaker depends on the total usable amperage of the circuit compared to the required amperage of the fryers. For example, a 1700W air fryer requires about 14.17 amps, and if plugged into a 20 amp kitchen outlet, running two such fryers would likely trip the breaker. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to plug each fryer into a different outlet on separate circuits.

Breaker tripping

To understand why this happens, it's important to know that a circuit breaker is designed to protect the electrical wiring in your home from damage caused by excess current. When the current flowing through a circuit exceeds the rating of the breaker, it will trip, interrupting the power flow to prevent a potential fire hazard.

In the case of plugging two fryers into the same outlet, the high power demand of both appliances can overload the circuit and trip the breaker. This is especially true if the fryers are high-wattage appliances, such as deep fryers or air fryers, which typically consume over 1000 watts each.

To prevent breaker tripping when using two fryers, it's recommended to plug them into separate circuits. Here are some ways to manage this:

• Identify the circuits: Check your kitchen outlets to identify which outlets are on separate circuits. Kitchens typically have multiple circuits, and you can use a circuit tester or check the connecting tab between posts to determine which outlets are on different circuits.
• Plug fryers into separate circuits: Once you've identified the separate circuits, plug each fryer into an outlet on a different circuit. This ensures that the power draw of the fryers is distributed across multiple circuits, reducing the load on any single circuit.
• Consider a breaker upgrade: If your kitchen only has one circuit, you may need to consider upgrading to a higher-amperage breaker. However, this should be done with caution and preferably by a licensed electrician. They can assess if your wiring can support a heavier load and perform the upgrade safely.
• Use different receptacles: If you're using multiple high-power appliances simultaneously, try using different receptacles in your kitchen that are on separate circuits. This can help distribute the power load and prevent breaker tripping.
• Check power requirements: Before plugging in any appliance, check the power requirements listed on the appliance. This information is usually found on a label near the power cord attachment. It's important to know the wattage and amperage requirements to ensure your electrical system can handle the load.
• Consult an electrician: If you're unsure about your electrical setup or experience persistent breaker tripping, it's best to consult a licensed electrician. They can inspect your wiring, provide guidance on safe appliance usage, and make any necessary upgrades or repairs.

Circuit load calculation

To calculate the circuit load for two fryers, you need to follow these steps:

• Determine the Voltage and Amperage of Each Fryer: Find out the voltage (V) and amperage (A) ratings for each fryer. These values are typically listed on the device or its packaging. If you only have the power rating in watts (W), you can calculate amperage using the formula Power (W) = Voltage (V) x Amperage (A).
• Calculate the Combined Amperage of the Fryers: Since you want to plug in two fryers, you need to add the amperage values of both fryers together. This will give you the total amperage draw when both fryers are plugged into the same outlet.
• Identify the Outlet Voltage: Typically, outlets in the US have a voltage of 120V. However, it's always good to confirm this by checking the outlet or with an electrician.
• Calculate the Combined Wattage: To find the combined wattage of the two fryers, use the formula Power (W) = Voltage (V) x Amperage (A). Multiply the combined amperage of the fryers by the outlet voltage.
• Compare the Combined Wattage to the Circuit Capacity: Now, you need to compare the combined wattage of the two fryers to the circuit capacity. The circuit capacity is the maximum amount of electricity the circuit can handle, and it is typically measured in amps. You can find this information by looking at the main breaker in your electrical panel.
• Apply the 80% Rule: Ensure that the combined wattage of the two fryers does not exceed 80% of the circuit capacity. This rule is important to prevent overloading the circuit and reduce the risk of tripping breakers or electrical fires.

By following these steps, you can determine whether your circuit can handle the load of two fryers plugged into the same outlet. If the combined load exceeds 80% of the circuit capacity, you may need to consider plugging each fryer into a different outlet on a separate circuit or consult an electrician about upgrading your electrical panel.

Outlet circuit amperage

The amperage of an outlet circuit is an important consideration when plugging in appliances. Amperes, or amps, are units of electrical current, which is the organised flow of electrons through an electrical circuit. This electrical current is what powers appliances, motors, and lights.

In residential properties, 15-amp outlets are the most common and are used to power low-amp appliances such as lamps, TVs, and fans. These outlets can be found in living rooms and bedrooms and are connected to 14 AWG wires.

On the other hand, 20-amp outlets are typically found in kitchens and laundry rooms, powering high-electricity appliances like fridges and washing machines. These outlets require a 12 or 10 AWG wire and a 20-amp circuit breaker. They also often come with GFCI protection to prevent electrocution.

When determining whether you can plug two fryers into the same outlet, you need to consider the total amperage required by the fryers and compare it to the amperage of the outlet circuit. Each fryer's amperage can be calculated using the formula: power divided by voltage equals current. If the total amperage of the fryers exceeds the outlet circuit's amperage, you risk tripping the breaker.

Additionally, it's important to note that the outlet circuit's amperage should not be exceeded. A 15-amp outlet can be replaced with a 20-amp outlet, but the opposite is not true. Putting a 20-amp outlet on a 15-amp circuit can be dangerous and is not recommended.

To ensure safety and avoid overloading the circuit, it's best to consult with a licensed electrician who can provide guidance based on your specific outlet circuits and appliances.

Split circuits

Kitchens, or more specifically, those built in the last 40 years, have counter plugs on split circuits. This means that the upper counter plugs in a duplex outlet are on a different circuit than the bottom plug of the duplex. There are two ways to check if your kitchen has split circuits:

• Buy a $5 circuit tester and operate the kitchen counter breakers to determine the circuit(s) used.
• Remove the cover plate and see if the little connecting tab between posts is snapped off. A missing tab indicates a split circuit.

If your kitchen has split circuits, you can plug each fryer into an outlet that is on different circuits.

Circuit distribution

In a household, electrical circuits are designed to handle a specific amount of power. The standard circuit in most homes can manage a load of 15 or 20 amps, with a voltage of 120 volts. To determine the power a circuit can handle, you multiply the amps by the voltage. For example, a 15-amp circuit can handle 1800 watts (15 amps x 120 volts).

If you want to plug two air fryers into the same outlet, you need to consider the total power draw of both appliances. Each air fryer with a power rating of 120V/1700W will draw 14.17 amps, according to the formula power/voltage = current. Therefore, two air fryers will draw a total of 28.34 amps.

If the kitchen outlets are on a single 20-amp circuit, as is common in many homes, plugging in two air fryers simultaneously will likely trip the breaker. This is because the total amperage draw of the two appliances exceeds the circuit's capacity.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to plug each air fryer into a different circuit. Kitchens typically have two 20-amp circuits, and by distributing the load across separate circuits, you can prevent overloading any single circuit.

Additionally, it is worth noting that kitchen counter plugs are often on split circuits, where the upper and lower plugs in a duplex outlet are on different circuits. This can be verified using a circuit tester or by checking if the connecting tab between the posts is snapped off.

In summary, plugging two air fryers into the same outlet is not advisable if they are both running simultaneously. By understanding the power requirements of your appliances and the capacity of your circuits, you can ensure safe and efficient usage of your electrical system.

Frequently asked questions