Can I run two refrigerators on the same circuit?

If your circuit capacity and codes allow you to plug two appliances into one outlet, you may still want to reconsider. Doing so can cause your refrigerators to run less efficiently. Drawing too much power can make your breaker trip.

What size breaker do I need for a 2 refrigerator?





Depending on your refrigerator’s electrical requirement, 2 refrigerators can be on a 20 amp circuit breaker. Although a modern-day refrigerator may require a dedicated 20 amp circuit breaker to operate properly, it may originally need only 3–7 amps to run.

Can 2 fridge share an outlet?

The answer is no. A refrigerator should not share an electrical outlet with other devices. The additional electronics to that outlet will overload the circuit. The circuit breaker will be triggered, and the electricity will be turned off.

Do refrigerators need to be on a dedicated circuit?

In the US, under the NEC, a residential kitchen fridge is not required to be on a dedicated circuit. It is certainly a good idea and best practice, but not a requirement. A fridge can be on one of the minimum two required “small appliance branch circuits”. A 15A duplex receptacle is rated for 20A feed-thru.

Does a refrigerator need a 20 amp outlet?

Refrigerator Circuit





A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. You may currently have a smaller refrigerator plugged into a general lighting circuit, but during any major remodeling, install a dedicated circuit (120/125-volts) for the refrigerator.

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. It’s best to take into consideration worst case scenarios. You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit.

Can I use 14 gauge wire for refrigerator?

A properly grounded circuit can be found in the refrigerator. The minimum gauge of house wire is #14. A separate circuit is recommended for this appliance.

Does a refrigerator need to be on a GFCI?

In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There’s no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.

Can you run a fridge and freezer on the same breaker?



You can plug a freezer and a refrigerator into the same outlet if their total draw doesn’t exceed the capacity of the circuit. But again, if they start at the same time, their total draw will spike significantly, tripping the breaker in the process.

Should a refrigerator be plugged into a surge protector?

We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge.

Can you put a freezer and refrigerator on the same circuit NEC?

Whether you can plug something else into the same wall receptacle as a refrigerator depends on a number of variables. There are no rules in the National Electric Code or any local electric code that require a refrigerator to be on a dedicated branch circuit.