Q&A

Can I run a refrigerator on a 15 amp circuit?

Can I run a refrigerator on a 15 amp circuit?

Most refrigerators run between 3 to 6 amps, with that said, a refrigerator can spike at peak usage up to 15 amps. You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit.

How much electricity does a 15 year old refrigerator use?

Nadel adds that these older refrigerators, aged 15 to 25 years, will use some 750 to 1000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy each year. “At the national average electric rate of about 13 cents per kWh, this works out to about $97-130 per year,” he notes.

How many refrigerators can be on a 20 amp circuit?

One rule of thumb is to assign a maximum draw of 1.5 Amp to each receptacle, which will allow for 10 receptacle on a 20-amp circuit.

How much current does refrigerator draw?

A typical refrigerator draws 725 watts, according to the United States Department of Energy. Divide that number by 120 volts, which is the voltage of your power supply, to get the current that the refrigerator draws in amperes. A 725-watt refrigerator draws 725/120 = 6 amps.

What kind of plug does a refrigerator use?

Refrigerator – Most refrigerators work with a standard 100-120 volt electrical plug and outlet. You will notice that the electrical plug is made up of three prongs; this means you will need an electrical outlet that has three inserts.

Should I repair a 15 year old refrigerator?

If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement. If the fridge is between eight and 15 years old, you must take other factors into consideration, such as the type of refrigerator and its environmental efficiency.

Do you just plug in a refrigerator?

If you’re wondering if you can lay a refrigerator down to move it, the quick answer is that, no, it should not be moved or stored on its side. If a refrigerator was set on its side at any point during moving it, do not plug it in for at least 24 hours once it has arrived at the installation location.

Can you use an extension cord with a refrigerator?

While most small appliances can be plugged in to an extension cord with no problem, that isn’t the case with a refrigerator. Refrigerators are huge and need a lot of energy to run and thus a regular extension cord may not be able to take on the job and be a fire hazard to boot.

How many amps does a household refrigerator use?

Household refrigerators use 15 to 20 amps through their power supply when plugged into a wall outlet. If you are in question about moving from a 15 to 20 amp circuit, consider the max electrical current that will be running through the refrigerator cord.

What are the electrical requirements for a refrigerator?

Electrical Requirements and Breaker Size for refrigerators, compact refrigerators, wine chillers, beverage centers, double-drawer refrigerators, and standalone icemakers: Require a 115 or 120 volt individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.

How many amperes does a 725 Watt refrigerator draw?

Divide that number by 120 volts, which is the voltage of your power supply, to get the current that the refrigerator draws in amperes. A 725-watt refrigerator draws 725/120 = 6 amps.

How much power does a freezer top fridge use?

After all, the refrigerator uses about 13 percent of your home’s daily power consumption, so the better its efficiency, the cheaper it is to run your home. Generally, a freezer-top fridge uses the running power of a 60-watt light bulb and can save you hundreds of dollars per year in power costs.