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cgmax2k · Jan 7, 2007, 06:41 AM

I instaled a new outlet for the refrigerator this weekend onto the circuit that is hooked up to the two ceiling fans. Is this OK? I found the junction box in the attic, It previously was feeding two small old syle ceiling vents for the stove. When I took out the two wires from the fans, it left only the feeder cable going into the box so I was hoping that it was a standalone cuircit but as I mentioned it also connected to thwe two ceiling fans. I used 14-2 wire from the junction box to the outlet. Also, the breaker is 15 AMP and the frig uses 11.5 AMPS. Should I just switch the breaker to 20 AMPS, would that be OK for the two ceiling fans and frig or should I run a new line just for the frig or take the power from another circuit with outlets? Is it easy to switch the breaker or should I call an electrician?

tkrussell · Jan 7, 2007, 06:46 AM

The breaker cannot just be changed to a 20 amp, leaving the #14 wire. The fridge and two fans should run fine on the 15 amp circuit.

cgmax2k · Jan 7, 2007, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by cgmax2k

I instaled a new outlet for the refrigerator this weekend onto the circuit that is hooked up to the two ceiling fans. Is this ok? I found the junction box in the attic, It previously was feeding two small old syle ceiling vents for the stove. When I took out the two wires from the the fans, it left only the feeder cable going into the box so I was hoping that it was a standalone cuircit but as I mentioned it also connected to thwe two ceiling fans. I used 14-2 wire from the junction box to the outlet. Also, the breaker is 15 AMP and the frig uses 11.5 AMPS. Should I just switch the breaker to 20 AMPS, would that be OK for the two ceiling fans and frig or should I run a new line just for the frig or take the power from another circuit with outlets? Is it easy to switch the breaker or should I call an electrician?

Should I change it to 12-2 wire with the 20 amp breaker?

Anthony_ · Jan 7, 2007, 09:38 AM

If it hasn't tripped the breaker yet, I would roll with it. Like tk said, it should hold just fine. But if it does trip or you want to change it anyway to a 20 amp breaker, you will need to replace the entire line from the panel to 12 wire.

Switching the breaker out is not that hard. Just make sure you disconnect power first (turn off your main breaker or pull your meter). If this is not possible I would call an electrician.

tkrussell · Jan 7, 2007, 01:14 PM

Pulling a meter is never allowed to be done by an unqualified person, certainly not a DIY. Many utilities do not even allow electricians to do it and must have a utility worker pull and reset a meter.