BACK Appliance Power Budget Circuits can only handle a specified total wattage of all the electrical products connected to that circuit. If too much wattage is plugged into a circuit, serious electrical problems can result. Here is a guide to knowing what a circuit can handle: 15-ampere branch circuit can carry 1500 watts. 20-ampere branch circuit can carry 2000 watts. Find the nameplate on each appliance indicating its power (watts) rating. Add up the total watts for appliances that you may use at the same time on the same branch circuit. Examples: Hair Dryer 1400 watts Vacuum Cleaner 600 watts Iron 1000 watts Portable Heater 1200 watts Deep Fat Fryer 1300 watts Portable Fan 150 watts Most home lighting and wall outlet branch circuits may carry as much as 1500 watts (15 ampere branch); some kitchen circuits, as much as 2000 watts (20 ampere).