View Full Version : Outlets in Garage
mmonce4
Jun 26, 2009, 02:49 PM
I just moved into a brand new house and plugged in my chest freezer in the garage. Everything was fine for about two weeks and then the outlet in the garage tripped and killed power to the freezer. I was out of town and lost most of what was in the freezer. Well I pressed the reset button on the outlet and the freezer kicked back on. What do you think caused this to happen and how do I prevent it from happening again.
Thanks,
Matt
Stratmando
Jun 26, 2009, 03:07 PM
I would not GFI protect a freezer, and is not required. Lot of food has been lost to GFI's.
joenz
Jun 27, 2009, 11:18 PM
I'm not sure how much current it's supposed to take before tripping, but more than likely it was a safe amount being drawn by your freezer so I would just replace the outlet with a standard outlet.
Rule
Jun 28, 2009, 12:01 AM
Your freezer is supposed to be plugged into a single circuit outlet. Usually there is a designated plug for this. Your Fridge in the Kitchen is plugged into a 15 amp breaker on it's own. The builders may have put a designated plug in the carport for your freezer. You will have to get your audio voltage tester out and start flipping breakers to find out. In short, Don't have anything else running on the same plug.
jerro
Jun 28, 2009, 06:40 AM
Outlets in residential garages are gfi'ed for general purpose use. In your situation you should install a dedicated line only for your freezer and not on a gfi.
ballengerb1
Jun 28, 2009, 07:56 AM
Many great answers all on the money. GFCI is not required and is likely the issue. Replace with a standard duplex but also confirm amperage needed by this unit. A freezer can be on a non-dedicated circuit but watch what you plug into this same circuit.