What Is a Dedicated Circuit?
The term “dedicated circuit” is used in several different ways. Most commonly, it is used in reference to a phone or data line, or to an electrical circuit. In both cases, the idea is that a dedicated circuit is a circuit set aside for a specific use, often with the implication that the use is either sensitive in nature or highly demanding, making it necessary to isolate the circuit used. Such circuits require some extra attention and care during the installation phase so that they are installed properly given the use they are intended for.
In electrical wiring, a dedicated circuit is a circuit set up with its own circuit breaker and intended for a single use. In some cases, a receptacle may be wired to the circuit so that it can be connected to an appliance such as a stove or a refrigerator. In other cases, an appliance can be wired directly into the circuit, as is commonly seen with electrical water heaters.
This type of dedicated circuit is designed to ensure that the circuit used to power an appliance will not be overloaded. Electrical appliances can suck up a great deal of energy, and running multiple appliances on the same circuit or loading several smaller items onto a circuit used to power an appliance can be dangerous. For example, if a stove and a hair dryer are powered on the same circuit, the circuit will probably blow because of the high energy demand. Thus, a dedicated circuit is used to ensure that the supply of power is uninterrupted and that operating conditions remain safe.
Phone companies use dedicated circuits, also known as leased lines, to provide a direct hard connection for a specific purpose. Leased lines are often used for data lines, and some boast very high transfer rates because they are not used for anything else. A dedicated circuit can also be used for a phone line. The circuit may be structured into the design of a phone exchange, or established in the form of a direct wired connection between two points.
This type of dedicated circuit can be quite costly, as it is costly for the phone company to operate. As a result, it is primarily seen in use by large businesses, research facilities, and institutions which need secure or dedicated lines to operate. It is also possible to have multiple leased lines, as may be needed for a large institution handling a very heavy load.
Written by S.E. Smith
