Do refrigerators 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.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI 2020 NEC?
A refrigerator receptacle 1′ from a sink in a kitchen does not require GFCI protection
, but the same situation at a wet bar does.
What appliances require GFCI?
The NEC requires GFCIs on
all exterior and bathroom receptacles
(another term for outlets). GFCIs are also required on all receptacles serving kitchen countertops. In laundry rooms and utility rooms, GFCIs should be installed on outlets within six feet of sinks, washing machines, and water heaters.
Can a refrigerator be plugged into a regular outlet?
Which of these appliances does not require GFCI protection?
“GFCI protection is not required for receptacles serving appliances like
dishwashers, or convenience receptacles that do not supply countertop surfaces
.”
Why would a fridge trip a GFCI?
If your GFCI is tripping often, it’s possible that
you’re plugged into an overloaded circuit
— which, if it goes unchecked, could lead to a fire. If you’ve got any other major home appliances or electronics plugged into the same circuit as your fridge, move them to a different outlet before calling a professional.
Should A freezer be plugged into A GFCI?
However, GFCI’s are prone to a phenomenon called “phantom tripping,” meaning that they sometimes activate -shutting power off to the circuit – under normal, everyday voltage fluctuations. So
freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI’s
.
Which outlets in kitchen need to be GFCI?
Kitchens:
All receptacles serving countertop areas and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink
must have GFCI protection. Also, the receptacle supplying a dishwasher should be GFCI-protected.
Do you need A GFCI under kitchen sink?
210.8(A) requires receptacles serving the kitchen countertop to be GFCI protected. It also requires GFCI protection for receptacles within 6′ of a sink, but
only sinks not in a kitchen
.
What kind of outlet should a refrigerator be plugged into?
Refrigerators run on standard 110/120-V (volt) electrical circuits and are fitted with cords with
standard 3-prong grounded plugs
. A grounded plug includes a third blade, or prong, that is round and serves as the electrical ground for the appliance.
Should a refrigerator be on its own circuit?
Having the refrigerator on its own dedicated circuit is the recommended best practice for homeowners
. 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.
Do refrigerators require a dedicated 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.
Does a refrigerator receptacle located next to the kitchen sink need to be GFCI protected?
A receptacle located behind the refrigerator, not serving the countertop surface, is not required to be GFCI protected.
A receptacle installed beside the refrigerator, serving both the refrigerator and the countertop surface, requires GFCI protection for personnel
.
Does a dishwasher outlet need to be GFCI?
Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected
. Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added regarding dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers. Now, outlets that supply dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers must have GFCI protection.
Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?
GFCI vs GFI.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names
. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
Will a refrigerator trip a GFCI breaker?
Most refrigerators with vapor compression have what are called inductive loads. When an inductive load is switched off, it can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The interference can, and often will, trip a GFCI outlet
.
Can you plug a refrigerator in the garage?
Most refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter months in an unheated garage, depending on climate and how well the garage is insulated.
Most manufacturers do not recommend placing a refrigerator in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit
.
Do refrigerators need surge protectors?
Small, cheap appliances like lamps, can be plugged directly into the wall. But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators,
should all use surge protectors
.
Does a microwave need a GFCI outlet?
Do kitchen appliances need GFCI?
In kitchens,
all outlets that serve countertop surfaces should be equipped with GFCI outlet protection
. That would include any outlets on walls, behind wet areas (sinks, etc.) that have features such as countertop breakfast bars (open counter surfaces above sinks used to sit at on the opposite side).
Does a garbage disposal need to be on a GFCI?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not require a garbage disposal to have GFCI protection
. GFCI protection for this appliance is optional. The vibration caused by the operation of a garbage disposal can cause electrical connections to separate.
How far does a GFCI have to be from a kitchen sink?
It must be a GFCI, and it must be
within 3 feet of the edge of the sink
. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.
Does a washing machine need a GFCI?
Does a water heater need to be on GFCI?
Any receptacles within 6 feet of a sink or washing machine should be GFCIs. Near your water heater. Similarly to your washing machine,
outlets within 6 feet of your water heater should also be GFCIs
.
Can you put a GFCI on every outlet?
You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet
. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. While it’s common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements.
Can a refrigerator be plugged into an extension cord?
Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators
. When it comes to amperage, check the owner’s manual for your refrigerator to determine the amperage rating and then choose an extension cord with an equivalent rating.
What size breaker do I need for a refrigerator?
A 115-volt 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. Should be on a dedicated circuit.
Can a fridge freezer be plugged in anywhere?
Don’t use the fridge freezer outdoors or anywhere it is likely to come into contact with the elements
. Don’t place a fridge freezer near cookers, radiators, or in direct sunlight, as this will result in it having to work harder to maintain the required internal temperature.
What happens if a refrigerator is not on a dedicated circuit?
Does a refrigerator need a dedicated circuit NEC code?
Can I plug a fridge and microwave into the same outlet?
According to the 2020 version of the NEC,
you can’t power a microwave and refrigerator on the same circuit
because each of these appliances requires a dedicated circuit, which is one shared by no other appliances or lights.
Can a refrigerator and dishwasher be on the same circuit?
Does a refrigerator need AFCI?
All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens… shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6):
AFCI protection is required for a refrigerator
.
How many amps does a refrigerator pull?
The average refrigerator uses 725 watts of power and
10 to 20 amps
. This can equate to roughly 10 percent of your home’s total energy consumption.
Does NEC require dedicated circuit for refrigerator?
Refrigerator Amps and NEC Requirements
Most appliance manufacturers thus recommend their refrigerators to be installed on a dedicated circuit
, meaning an independent one that only serves the refrigerator, with a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.
Does a refrigerator need to be on an arc fault breaker?
The answer is
yes, circuits that supply outlets for fridges need to be protected from damage
. If your state still uses NEC, there are a few rooms where it is not required.
