Pinnacle hand dryers run on 120 VAC. Pinnacle's installation manuals call for a dedicated 20 A circuit for each dryer, and both models use a 1000 W heating element. Each must be grounded and installed per the National Electrical Code and local code, with a GFI breaker recommended. Plan one dedicated circuit per dryer. Your electrician sizes the breaker and wire.
Electrical specs at a glance
| P3-12S surface-mount | PDC-R10 recessed | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 VAC | 120 VAC |
| Circuit | Dedicated 20 A | Dedicated 20 A |
| Grounding | Required | Required |
| Heating element | 1000 W (AP0002) | 1000 W (FHA1000) |
| Wire entry | Knock-outs: back of base (preferred), top and bottom of cover | Conduit knock-outs, top and bottom right of recessed box |
| Protection | GFI breaker recommended | GFI breaker recommended |
Source: P3-12S cut sheet, PDC-R10 cut sheet.
Planning circuits
Per-unit load. A heated dryer is a significant load. Pinnacle's installation manuals call for a dedicated 20 A circuit for each dryer, properly grounded, with a GFI breaker recommended.
Multiple dryers in one restroom. Your electrician will size circuits for the total load under NEC rules, so give them the dryer count and the one-dryer-per-dedicated-20 A-circuit requirement.
GFI. A GFI breaker is recommended. Restrooms often require GFCI protection under NEC 210.8; your electrician will confirm what applies.
Grounding. Dryers must be properly grounded.
Switch. Both Pinnacle models have a power switch inside the unit for servicing.
Replacing a different-voltage dryer
Older or other-brand dryers may run on 208, 230 or 277 V. Swapping to a 120 V unit means rewiring that circuit, so plan it with your electrician. See the hand dryer replacement guide.
Safety features
Pinnacle dryers have five levels of over-temperature protection and are UL 499 listed (#E212260). The motor is CSA and UL component approved.
Spec text for architects
Hand dryer: Pinnacle P3-12S (surface) / PDC-R10 (recessed), 120 VAC, dedicated 20 A circuit per dryer, 1000 W heating element, stainless steel cover, UL 499 listed, ADA compliant. Install per NEC and local code; GFI breaker recommended.
Drawings and cut sheets: design and installation page.
FAQ
What voltage do Pinnacle hand dryers use?
120 VAC.
How many amps does a hand dryer draw?
Pinnacle's manuals don't list a per-unit amp figure. They call for a dedicated 20 A circuit for each dryer, and both models use a 1000 W heating element.
Do hand dryers need a dedicated circuit?
Yes. Pinnacle's installation manuals call for a dedicated 20 A circuit, properly grounded, with a GFI breaker recommended. Install per the NEC and local code.
Do hand dryers need GFCI protection?
Pinnacle recommends a GFI breaker. NEC rules for restrooms may also require it.
Talk to Pinnacle about your school's restrooms
Tell us what you're working on and we'll reply with the right model, a quote and buying options (TIPS or BuyBoard).
Next step
Need specs for a bid package? Request a quote or download files on the design and installation page. See also recessed vs surface-mount and our schools page.
Sources: Pinnacle cut sheets (linked above); Pinnacle P3-12S and PDC-R10 troubleshooting and maintenance manuals (circuit and heating element); NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
