How many amps does refrigerator draw?

The average refrigerator uses 725 watts of power and 10 to 20 amps. This can equate to roughly 10 percent of your home's total energy consumption. Let's take a look at what's involved with understanding the amp usage of a refrigerator.

Can I run a refrigerator on a 15 amp circuit?

Most refrigerators run between 3 to 6 amps, with that said, a refrigerator can spike at peak usage up to 15 amps. It's best to take into consideration worst case scenarios. You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit.

Does a fridge need a 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.

How many amps does a refrigerator use at startup?

Now, coming back to power usage, refrigerators require a starting wattage ranging from 800 to 1200 watts. Divide that by 120 volts, which is the amount of power that one outlet can produce, and you will get the amps the refrigerator needs. So, to bring it all together, refrigerators require 7 to 10 amps initially.

How much amperage does a refrigerator draw?

According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators have an average wattage of 725 watts, which, at 120 volts, computes to an amperage of 6.04 amps.

How many amps does a refrigerator use?

Can fridge run on 5 amp socket?

Refrigerator. The fridge requires a 5 amps connection, usually provided close to the ground. Also consider the placement of a voltage stabiliser if there is no inbuilt stabiliser for the model you are choosing, or if there are a lot of voltage surges in your neighbourhood.

How many appliances can run on a 20 amp circuit?

Conclusion. The maximum number of electrical outlets you can run on a 20-amp circuit is ten. Ten outlets will power devices and appliances without exceeding the 80% capacity rule for residential electrical wiring.

Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into an extension cord?

Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators. When it comes to amperage, check the owner's manual for your refrigerator to determine the amperage rating and then choose an extension cord with an equivalent rating.

Can I plug two refrigerators into the same outlet?

Refrigerators are considered noncontinuous duty loads. Loads that draw current for less than three hours at a time are allowed to be on the same circuit with other noncontinuous loads, as long as the total load does not exceed the circuit breaker rating.

How many amps does a refrigerator freezer pull?

Freezer amp draw varies substantially, generally from 0.5A to 20A while running (approx. 0.5A to 6A for modern freezers) Power surges on start-up can be 2 – 3 times the running power (higher for older freezers). Modern chest freezers typically use 2 amps while running, however 3.5 amps is very common.

Does a refrigerator need to be on its own 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".

Can a microwave and refrigerator be on the same circuit?

According to the 2020 version of the NEC, you can't power a microwave and refrigerator on the same circuit because each of these appliances requires a dedicated circuit, which is one shared by no other appliances or lights.

Can a refrigerator be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

If the refrigerator is in a garage, boathouse, or unfinished basement. All the receptacles are required to be GFCI protected, so the fridge will have to be plugged into a GFCI protected receptacle.

What size breaker is needed for a refrigerator?

A 115-volt or 120-volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3-prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. Should be on a dedicated circuit. This is recommended for best performance and to prevent overloading house wiring circuits.

Can I run a refrigerator on 14 2 wire?

You can use the 14/2 and a 15 amp breaker as long as the plug is dedicated for the fridge only.

Can you plug a refrigerator in the garage?

Most refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter months in an unheated garage, depending on climate and how well the garage is insulated. Most manufacturers do not recommend placing a refrigerator in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How many appliances can run on a 15 amp circuit?

Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.

Can a refrigerator be on a power strip?

Rule two: never plug high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly.

Do refrigerators need special outlets?

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.

What amp extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?

However, if an extension cord is used, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL® listed 3-wire grounding appliance extension cord and that the current carry rating of the cord be a minimum of 15 amperes.

Can you use a surge protector for a refrigerator?

We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge.

What happens if you plug a fridge into a power strip?

Refrigerator and freezer.

These appliances pull too much current for a power strip because they are continuously cycling on and off. That will quickly overload a power strip. These items need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to that appliance.

Does a 20 amp breaker trip at exactly 20 amps?

An important note to remember is that circuit breakers can only handle about 80% of their overall amperage. That means a 15-amp circuit breaker can handle around 12-amps and a 20-amp circuit breaker can handle about 16 amps.

What happens when you put a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit?

First off, connecting a 20 Amp load to a 15 Amp circuit will overload the circuit but shouldn't cause a fire because the 15 Amp breaker will trip. A 20 amp GFCI doesn't pose any threat just by being there.

Is it safe to use a 20 amp outlet on a 15 amp circuit?

According to National Electrical Code, only a 15-amp or 20-amp electrical receptacle can be installed to a 20-amp circuit. A 15-amp receptacle may also be installed on a 15-amp circuit. However, a 20-amp GFCI outlet may not be installed to a 15-amp circuit.