Does a refrigerator need a dedicated breaker?

Does a refrigerator need a dedicated breaker?

In the US, under the NEC, a residential kitchen fridge is not required to be on a dedicated circuit. It is certainly a good idea and best practice, but not a requirement. A fridge can be on one of the minimum two required “small appliance branch circuits”. A 15A duplex receptacle is rated for 20A feed-thru.

Can I plug a refrigerator into a 20 amp outlet?

There is no requirement in the NEC that a refrigerator be on a dedicated circuit, much less that it be on a 20 amp dedicated circuit. That makes sense since refrigerators vary in their current draw. Some refrigerators are quite small and draw little current – so a dedicated 20 amp circuit would be quite excessive.

Why does a refrigerator need a dedicated circuit?

The National Electrical Code requires dedicated circuits for major electrical appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and electric water heaters because they ensure that appliances can operate safely without overloading the home’s electrical system. Contact your local Mr.

What appliances require dedicated circuit?

Dedicated circuits are highly recommended for all these devices:

• Electric oven, stove, or range.
• Refrigerator.
• Stand-alone freezer or chest freezer.
• Dishwasher.
• Microwave.
• Garbage disposal.
• Toaster oven.
• Countertop convection oven.

Does a refrigerator require a 15 or 20 amp circuit?

Refrigerator Circuit A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. You may currently have a smaller refrigerator plugged into a general lighting circuit, but during any major remodeling, install a dedicated circuit (120/125-volts) for the refrigerator.

Do refrigerators need a special outlet?

Refrigerator – Most refrigerators work with a standard 100-120 volt electrical plug and outlet. You will notice that the electrical plug is made up of three prongs; this means you will need an electrical outlet that has three inserts. It is best to use an outlet that has a Ground Fault Interrupter or GFI.

Can you plug refrigerator into regular outlet?

Refrigerators don’t need special outlets. They can be plugged into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long as the socket is three-pronged. However, it’s best if your refrigerator is on its own dedicated circuit. This will ensure that your refrigerator gets the power it needs to run properly.

What happens if a refrigerator is not on a dedicated circuit?

Appliances without a dedicated circuit may draw more current than the circuit can handle, tripping breakers, blowing fuses, and overheating wire insulation causing breakdown and the possibility of electrical fires. A dedicated circuit’s wiring is just as important as having a functional circuit breaker.

What appliances require a 20 amp circuit?

Large consumers, especially kitchen appliances, such as microwaves, blenders and toasters, need a dedicated 20 amp circuit, to ensure a constant energy flow, which means they cannot share the circuit with other devices.

How many amp does a refrigerator pull?

Generally, a fridge uses about 6 or 7 amps, but triple that for the start-up surge, Accordingly a dyed-in-the-wool authority pipe with 15 to 20 amps is compulsory for a fridge.

Can a refrigerator be plugged into an extension cord?

Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators. Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator.

What appliances need a dedicated circuit?