Knowing how much electricity your existing refrigerator uses is significant if you purchase a new one.
You can refer to the energy rating guidelines to ensure you have the proper outlet circuit on a specific circuit breaker for your refrigerator.
So, this article lets you know the correct size circuit breaker for a refrigerator.
What Size Circuit Breaker Do I Need For My Refrigerator?
For most refrigerators, a 15-amp or 20-amp circuit breaker is needed, utilizing a 120-volt circuit. Ensure the circuit is dedicated solely to the refrigerator and conforms to local electrical codes for safety and optimal performance. It’ll help avoid overloading home electrical circuits.
Does The Refrigerator Require Its Circuit Breaker?
As per the NEC, a home kitchen refrigerator does not need to be on a dedicated circuit in the US.
Although not required, it is unquestionably a good idea and best practice.
One of the two minimum necessary small appliance branch circuits may be connected to a refrigerator.
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Types of Refrigerators and Their Power Demands
Standard Refrigerators
Power Usage
Standard refrigerators use about 100 to 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. That’s like using 100 to 200 thousand hairdryers all at once for an hour!
Recommended Circuit Breaker Size
You need a 15-amp circuit breaker for these fridges. It’s like having 15 tiny power guards keeping your fridge running smoothly.
Refrigerator-Freezer Combinations
Power Usage
Fridge-freezer combos are a bit thirstier, drinking 200 to 700 kWh per month. They work harder to keep things extra chilly!
Recommended Circuit Breaker Size
A 20-amp circuit breaker is best. That’s like 20 power guards on duty, making sure your ice cream stays frozen.
Commercial Refrigerators
Power Usage
Commercial refrigerators, the big guys, gulp 1,200 to 2,400 kWh monthly. They’re power-hungry because they have more space to cool.
Recommended Circuit Breaker Size
These giants need a 30-amp circuit breaker. That’s 30 power guards! It’s super strong to match the fridge’s superhero efforts in cooling.
Compact Refrigerators
Power Usage
Little compact refrigerators sip power gently, only about 30 to 100 kWh per month. They’re small but mighty!
Recommended Circuit Breaker Size
A small 15-amp circuit breaker is perfect here. Even with just 15 power guards, these compact fridges stay cool and happy.
What Kinds Of Breakers Are Required For A Refrigerator?
A 15- or 20-amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse protects a 115-volt or 120-volt, individual, correctly grounded branch circuit with a 3-prong grounding type receptacle.
It ought to be on a separate circuit. That is advised for optimum efficiency and to avoid overloading home electrical circuits.
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Is A Big Breaker Required For A Refrigerator?
A 20 amp circuit breaker is required for a refrigerator’s adequate power supply.
Most new refrigerators have a 20 amp circuit breaker requirement from the manufacturer.
Depending on the type, your refrigerator may require more or fewer amps than 20 amps to function correctly.
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Why Is A Separate Circuit Breaker Required For A Refrigerator?
Major electrical appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers and electric water heaters must have dedicated circuits to work securely and without overloading the home’s electrical system.
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Power For A Refrigerator
Most refrigerator types can use between 100 and 250 watts, or 1 and 2 kilowatt-hours per day.
The majority of contemporary refrigerator models have been energy rated, so you might be able to find exact details about your particular model online or in the user guide.
Electrical Surges Issues
Electrical issues may be deadly, resulting in fires, electrocutions, and even death.
It’s essential to examine a circuit if it consistently experiences issues before things worsen.
Electrical surges can occur sometimes, but frequent breaker trips are a real issue with the wiring.
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Safeguard For The Refrigerator
It is wasteful to throw out the entire contents of your refrigerator and freezer because replacement will undoubtedly be pricey.
The recommended practice is to have a refrigerator on its circuit because of this.
There are just a few hours after losing electricity before the food inside rises to an unsafe temperature and needs to be thrown out.
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FAQs About The Right Size Circuit Breaker For Refrigerator
Can I Use A Refrigerator With A 30 Amp Circuit Breaker?
Yes, outlets can be powered by a 30-amp circuit.
If you’re going to utilize this for most devices, most experts deem it hazardous.
A 30-amp breaker is often made for powerful appliances.
Why Does My Refrigerator Constantly Trip The Circuit Breaker?
Your refrigerator’s compressor is probably to blame if it often trips.
Your compressor will trip the breaker each time it runs the cooling cycle.
When this occurs, it is frequently the result of a grounding problem with the compressor, which effectively overloads the component with electricity.
Is It Possible To Switch A 20 Amp Breaker For A 30 Amp Breaker?
The wire is most likely “sized” for the 20 Amp load and may overheat if a 30 Amp load is used with wiring intended for a 20 Amp load; the response is, do not insert a 30 Amp breaker instead of a 20 Amp breaker.
Do Refrigerators Require 20 Amp Circuits?
A separate 20-amp, 120/125-volt circuit is needed for a contemporary refrigerator.
You could now have a tiny refrigerator connected to a general lighting circuit, but any significant renovation calls for installing a separate 120/125-volt circuit for the fridge.
How To Be Safe With A Circuit Breaker For A Refrigerator?
An electrician may assist you with installing a GFCI outlet in your garage.
By doing this, you can make sure that your electrical system is safe.
If you’ve just added a refrigerator or freezer and your circuit breaker continues tripping, please take the time to call a licensed electrician.
The Final Thoughts
The NEC, electricians, and manufacturers concur that placing the refrigerator on a separate, dedicated circuit is the best practice.
If you’re having trouble keeping the circuit breaker from tripping, contact a licensed electrician to examine your breaker panel and design a better electrical arrangement.
We hope this article will help you find the correct circuit breaker for your refrigerator.
