What size breaker do I need for a refrigerator?

Firepro,

I'd have to pull my copy of the NEC Code, but I believe that all you would need is a standard 120 VAC, 15 or 20 amp.

However, it is required that the circuit is a dedicated circuit. You cannot supply multiple outlets or lights from this circuit.

Again, I'll check as soon as I get back home.

Need to know the load in amps to size the circuit. Take the amps and multiply by 125% or 1.25 to size the branch circuit wiring and circuit breaker, you may round up to the next standard size circuit breaker.

Don, I would like to know where it is written that a refrigerator requires a separate circuit.

TK,

I don't know if it is written anywhere. I know from early days in the tech world that it was something we had to check for. Let's see, it would have to have been back in the early 1960 or early '70s. I was a puppy then. Is that no longer a requirement? :(

You sound so sure of yourself, I had to ask. Not trying to catch you on something, I just am vigilant that accurate advice be given.

Even stating that a 15 or 20 amp breaker may be all that is needed is not prudent without knowing the amp load of the unit the original poster may have. Who knows, he may have some sort of large commercial unit in need of a 30 amp circuit that would use a 15 amp breaker due to your advice.

No, it is not required by the National Electric Code. Neither the 2002, 2005, or even the 2008 edition.

Never has been since I started reading the code and wiring back in 1969.

A reefer is allowed to be one outlet and appliance on the required two 20 amp small appliance circuits in a kitchen.

There is even an exception that allows a 15 amp circuit to be installed to the reefer, in addition to the two 20 amp appliance circuits.

Now having said that, even though the reefer can be on a mixed circuit with other loads, even the small appliance circuits, me personally, I always recommend that the reefer be on it's own circuit, for obvious reasons, such as why allow something else to fail and jeopardize perishable by tripping the breaker.

Of the thousands of homes and kitchen remodels I have wired, each one has a separate circuit for the reefer. I exceeded the code using common sense and practicality, the customer paid for it, even thou they did not ask for it.

Sure, I could have saved then some money, maybe $50.00 at today's prices, but they hired me to be their professional and consultant, and I did what I thought was prudent.

However, never can I say that my opinion is mandatory by any code.

I think that before you continue consulting with code issues that you research what you think is mandatory and learn what is and is not required.

If something you state is mandatory, be absolutely sure before offering that advice.

If something is your opinion because of your personal belief, whether it is practical or common sense, state that.


There may be a local code that requires a separate circuit in any location, none that I am aware of in the many cities and states that I work in.

Hence the reason for my signature that local codes should always be checked for changes and waivers to the National Electric Code.

Tk,

Thanks for the correction. For the present, I will make sure I pull the code first and review that before I quote the NEC.

As a matter of fact, I just checked again under 422, IV about the receptacles and it does not make a claim for dedicated line.

I guess I was just following instructions that were based on a "Preferred Method" rather than a code method. Regardless, any time I've run a line for a refrigerator, I've put in a dedicated circuit.

Again, thanks for the heads up!

The instruction book that came with my new refrigerator last week specified a dedicated, non GFCI circuit. It didn't say what amperage should be. The name plate gives 4.5 amps, so I doubt I will have nuisance tripping on start up with a 20 amp breaker. It never hurts to follow the instruction book.

Yes, that's the book that will always supersede any code book.