A dedicated circuit is a reserved circuit for a specific purpose, such as a telephone or data line or an electrical circuit. It requires extra attention during installation to ensure correct use and safety. Overloading the circuit can be dangerous, so it is designed to ensure it is not overloaded by the equipment feeding it. Leased lines are often used for data lines and telephone companies use them to provide direct landline connections for specific purposes, but they can be expensive.
The term “dedicated circuit” is used in several ways. Most commonly, it is used in reference to a telephone or data line or an electrical circuit. In both cases, the idea is that it is a circuit reserved for a specific purpose, often with the implication that the use is of a sensitive or very demanding nature, making it necessary to isolate the circuit used. Such circuits require some extra attention and care during the installation phase in order for them to be installed correctly given their intended use.
A dedicated circuit is set up in the electrical wiring with its own switch and intended for a single use. In some cases, an outlet may be plugged into it so it can be plugged into an appliance such as a stove or refrigerator. In other cases, an appliance may be plugged directly into the circuit, as is commonly seen with electric water heaters.
This type of circuit is designed to ensure that it is not overloaded by the equipment feeding it. Electrical appliances can use a large amount of energy, and running multiple appliances on the same circuit or charging several smaller items on a circuit used to power one appliance can be dangerous. For example, if a heater and hair dryer are powered on the same circuit, the circuit will likely explode due to the high power demand. By dedicating a circuit, power will not be interrupted and operating conditions will remain safe.
Telephone companies use dedicated circuits, also known as leased lines, to provide a direct landline connection for a specific purpose. Leased lines are often used for data lines and some boast very fast transfer speeds because they are not used for anything else. This type of circuit can also be used for a telephone line. It can be built into the design of a telephone exchange or established as a direct wired connection between two points.
This type of dedicated circuit can be quite expensive for consumers, as it is expensive for the telephone company to operate. As a result, they are mainly used by large companies, research facilities and institutions that need secure or dedicated lines to function. It is also possible to have multiple leased lines, as many may be required for a large institution handling a very heavy load.
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