[MisterSteve]

I have two bathrooms with 4 total receps sharing a 20A breaker. It seems like all the heated floor mats reccommend a dedicated circuit for the installation. Anyone know of one that does not require its own circuit? Or Is there any reason I should be weary of connecting to the existing recep power? Other than going against manufacturers instructions. I can't see much more than a hair dryer and the floor heat running at the same time.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

The best way to connect is a function of the total amperage draw of the floor mat, which you did not mention. The electric radiant floor heat in my kitchen uses approximately 12 watts per square foot, which is pretty typical. For a 100 square foot installation, that would require 1200 watts, which is about 10 amps at 120 volts (some mats can be purchased at 240 volts).

The problem with piggybacking off an existing circuit is that the mats draw continuously, so if you have a 10 amp draw, and you turn on a 12 amp hairdryer, you are going to blow the breaker on a 15 amp circuit, and possibly blow even a 20 amp circuit. If you are going to use a small draw mat, say 5 amps, you may be able to piggyback it on to an existing circuit.

 

[mpoulton]

I can't see much more than a hair dryer and the floor heat running at the same time.

A hairdryer and floor heat at the same time will trip the breaker. Floor heat requires a dedicated circuit because it uses almost the entire capacity of a dedicated circuit.