Should a refrigerator be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

Residential Kitchen

In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There's no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator.

What kind of outlet should a refrigerator be plugged into?

The refrigerator connects to the household outlet using a standard three-prong plug. The plug has two square prongs and one round prong that match holes in a standard, three-prong household outlet.

How do you stop a GFCI from tripping on a refrigerator?

To avoid this happening, make sure that your refrigerator has a dedicated circuit, which you can do by plugging your refrigerator into an alternative power outlet and seeing if it still trips.

Why does my refrigerator keep popping my GFCI outlet?

If your GFCI is tripping often, it's possible that you're plugged into an overloaded circuit — which, if it goes unchecked, could lead to a fire. If you've got any other major home appliances or electronics plugged into the same circuit as your fridge, move them to a different outlet before calling a professional.

Should a fridge 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".

GFCI outlets and Refrigerated Appliances

Can I plug my refrigerator into regular 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.

Should a freezer be plugged into a GFCI outlet?

However, GFCI's are prone to a phenomenon called "phantom tripping," meaning that they sometimes activate -shutting power off to the circuit - under normal, everyday voltage fluctuations. So freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI's.

What appliances require GFCI?

The NEC requires GFCIs on all exterior and bathroom receptacles (another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters.

Do kitchen appliances need GFCI?

It's required by the NEC (National Electrical Code) that all 15 amp, 20 amp and 125 volt outlets within kitchen surface space be GFCI outlets.

Which outlets in kitchen need to be GFCI?

Kitchens: All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must have GFCI protection. Also, the receptacle supplying a dishwasher should be GFCI-protected.

Is it code to have GFCI outlets in kitchen?

Every receptacle installed in kitchens must be GFCI-protected. This new rule sets up an interesting situation. Sec. 210.8(A)(6) for dwelling units only requires GFCI protection for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed to serve dwelling unit kitchen counter surfaces.

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.

Can a fridge share a circuit?

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.

Is it OK to use an extension cord to plug in a refrigerator?

Safety Considerations

The biggest concern with using an extension cord to power a refrigerator is using the wrong cord, which can lead to overheating of the cord, damage to the appliance and increased risk of fire or electric shock. Never try to plug a three-pronged appliance into an un-grounded extension cord.

Can I put a refrigerator on an extension cord?

While most small appliances can be plugged in to an extension cord with no problem, that isn't the case with a refrigerator. Refrigerators are huge and need a lot of energy to run and thus a regular extension cord may not be able to take on the job and be a fire hazard to boot.

What amp breaker do I need 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.

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.

How many amps does a refrigerator draw on 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.

Does a refrigerator receptacle located next to the kitchen sink need to be GFCI protected?

A receptacle located behind the refrigerator, not serving the countertop surface, is not required to be GFCI protected. A receptacle installed beside the refrigerator, serving both the refrigerator and the countertop surface, requires GFCI protection for personnel.

Should a dishwasher be plugged into a GFCI?

Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected.

Does a microwave need a GFCI?

Moderator. IMO, the '17 Code clarified this situation. In 210.8(A) GFCI is required for kitchen receptacles that are installed to serve the counter-top surfaces.

Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.

How many outlets can 1 GFCI protect?

There's no limit. A standard GFCI will protect up to 20 amps, drawn from any combination of receptacles, either the built-in one or any number of additional ones connected to its load terminals.

Does a garbage disposal need to be on a GFCI?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require a garbage disposal to have GFCI protection. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional. The vibration caused by the operation of a garbage disposal can cause electrical connections to separate.

Does a washing machine need a GFCI?

The washing machine outlet itself does not require a GFCI outlet, however any outlet within 6 feet of the outside edge of the sink in laundry rooms require that it be GFCI protected.