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View Full Version : How many deep freezers can run off one 15A circuit?


Randyjazz
May 2, 2010, 07:04 PM
I have an upright deep freezer that is standard fridge size and a chest style freezer that is 50 in wide and want to run them off the same 15 A circuit, would this be a problem?


{threads merged}

Stratmando
May 2, 2010, 07:06 PM
Personally I would have each on its own breaker, with both compressors kicking in at the same time, may trip breaker.

ballengerb1
May 2, 2010, 07:50 PM
I agree. You should tell us the current requirements for each to be sure but 2 units on one 15amp will likely blow.

Randyjazz
May 4, 2010, 08:47 AM
THanks guys but I only have one circuit remaining to run both and I've read that when the compressor kicks in, it only draws 2-3 amps. Do either of you know if this is true?

Randyjazz
May 4, 2010, 08:49 AM
I have an upright deep freezer that is standard fridge size and a chest style freezer that is 50 in wide and want to run them off the same 15 A circuit, would this be a problem?

ballengerb1
May 4, 2010, 08:55 AM
Yes, a post 1986 freezer could use 2-3 amps when running but double that on start up. Can you tell us what's on the tags of both freezers in either watts or amps required?

ballengerb1
May 4, 2010, 08:57 AM
Why the new post, we are the same guys here as yesterday. Tell us the wattage or amps required for both freezers. On start up they each could pull up to 10 amps.

tkrussell
May 4, 2010, 02:02 PM
I suggest that you read and follow the manufacturers instructions for each unit. I suspect that both will state that each requires a separate circuit.

Chances are for both to start at the same time is very low. Take the chance and ignore the advice of having both on separate circuits, all may be fine for who knows how long, till one day they both happen to start at the same time, and the breaker will trip.

Then you can take the advice and put each on it's own circuit.

Stratmando
May 4, 2010, 06:21 PM
If the wiring is in conduit, you can pull extra wires and use a double breaker(not to be confused with a 2 pole breaker).
2 breakers in the space of 1.

Randyjazz
May 4, 2010, 07:19 PM
The one freezer says 4 amps, the other is sitting in a friend's garage waiting to be picked up, it's a year old and about the same size as the 4 amp which is about 12 years old. Assuming it's 4 amps or less, is it safe to say it should work off one circuit?

ballengerb1
May 4, 2010, 07:24 PM
Nope, not yet, 4 amps is running amps and we are guessing about the other one. $ amps running could ba as much as 8 staring amp. If they were identical then they could blow a 15 amp breaker if they kicj in at the same time. TK mentioned earlier that both at once would be a very slight chance but it would eventually happen. If you were not in the area to notice the breaker blew you lose. Is you wire in conduit or is it cable or BX?

Randyjazz
May 6, 2010, 06:31 PM
So one is 4 amps and the other is 3 amps, will this work?

Stratmando
May 6, 2010, 09:39 PM
Do you ever have power outages where you live?
It MAY work for many years like that, can you tell us if it is in conduit or not?
I would have on separate if possible, One could develop a problem and cause the breaker to blow, losing food to 2 freezers.

Randyjazz
May 7, 2010, 07:16 PM
Occasional power outages, not sure on the conduit. How do you tell?

ballengerb1
May 7, 2010, 07:26 PM
Conduit is a grayish steel pipe in which the wires are run. If you have several wires that are encased in PVC you have cable that