For homes, having the refrigerator on its dedicated circuit is the suggested best practice. Most refrigerators use 3 to 6 amps, however during peak utilization, a refrigerator may use up to 15 amps. It is best to examine the worst-case situation.
A 15-20 amp dedicated 120-volt circuit is required for a contemporary refrigerator. This will prevent an electrical overload caused by your present wiring’s inability to handle the increased power.
What are Dedicated Circuits?
A dedicated circuit has its own circuit breaker and supports only one outlet. That implies that at any given moment, only one electrically powered device can draw voltage from that circuit. These circuits, like the rest of the circuits that power your home, are typically 15 or 20 amps. However, depending on what they’re supposed to power, some specialized circuits may reach 30 or even 50 amps.
Look at your electrical panel for at least a couple of circuit breakers designated for a particular item, such as a washing machine or refrigerator. Those circuit breakers are part of dedicated circuits, which means they only power one gadget or appliance.
Why are Dedicated Circuits Important?
Dedicated circuits are intended to safeguard your major appliances from electrical damage and to avoid overload-related fires and electrocution.
Operating large appliances on non-dedicated circuits is particularly dangerous since these devices can consume more current than a non-dedicated circuit can handle. If this occurs, the wiring may overheat, causing the insulation to deteriorate. Eventually, the extra current may cause a fire within your walls.
Dedicated Circuits for Refrigerator
The 15-20 amp dedicated circuits keep mid-range appliances like toaster ovens, coffee machines, and stand mixers functioning without interruption. This sort of circuit is commonly seen in tiny appliances.
The wiring for the dedicated 20-amp circuit requires 12/2 non-metallic (NM) encased wire with a ground. Unless the outlet is within 6 feet of a sink or is placed in a garage or basement, this circuit normally does not require GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit-Interrupter) protection, but it does require AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection.
Keep in mind that even if you do not store your freezer or refrigerator in your garage, freezers must be connected to a separate 120-volt circuit.
GFCI and Backup Generators
The GFCI will protect you from electrocution and shocks caused by ground fault circumstances.
If the appliance trips the circuit breaker, the backup generator will kick in and give power to the fridge and freezer so that your food does not expire.
The Takeaway
If you are unclear about the load capacity of a circuit breaker and a specific appliance, you should contact a professional electrician. Understanding what is necessary for a refrigerator to work effectively is highly important.
Many people are unaware of the significance of understanding what circuit breaker size they require for certain equipment. It is crucial to understand the electrical needs of an appliance so that there are no surprises. Since safety is critical, the homeowner should be aware of any possible electrical risks on the property.