Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:28 pm
As a homeowner or keeper, you already know that Refrigerators often need a steady power supply.
However, you may still wonder if your refrigerator would get the required electrical supply from any circuit or a dedicated circuit. So, do refrigerators need a dedicated circuit?
Yes, all Refrigerators need a dedicated circuit. They require this to ensure that they operate efficiently without overloading the electrical system in your home. They are devices that require a high and steady supply of electricity to their circuits.
Can You Plug A Refrigerator Into A Regular Outlet?
Refrigerators do not need any specific outlet that you should plug them in.
They can be plugged into a standard outlet with a socket that has three-pronged faces with a voltage of 110 – 120.
All other small appliances in the home, such as TVs, electric irons, kettles, and water dispensers, can be connected to a regular outlet with all devices running at the same without any fear of damage.
Suppose you are looking for a specific outlet to plug your refrigerator on after so many mishandling and mistakes that have resulted in your refrigerator spoiling.
In that case, I recommend you use a dedicated circuit to avoid these problems all the time.
Perhaps, you can also get a 20 Amp circuit for your refrigerator if you don’t want to keep checking your circuit all the time for breakups and trips.
It would be best if you chose the easy way of installing all refrigerators on their dedicated circuit.
As the name implies, a dedicated circuit is “dedicated” to just a single outlet on the countertop.
To explain further, this type of circuit does not support multiple devices on it, especially when it is connected to another already.
This means that the circuit is not shared with two devices. It is designed specifically for a particular device.
Since Refrigerators are heavy-duty devices, they need a dedicated circuit known as the 30-50 Amp dedicated circuit because they have a system that offers double pole protection to avoid the circuit supplying so much energy to the refrigerator and the possibility of a fire outbreak.
In addition to this, avoid using extensions, and adapters and remove the prongs on the refrigerator.
Another equally important thing to note is that mishandling your refrigerator can cause the device to become less productive and cause health hazards.
Can A Refrigerator Share A Circuit With Another Appliance?
You can have your refrigerators share a circuit with another appliance. However, this depends on the size of the additional device.
Non-heavy-duty appliances that do not draw as much current as a refrigerator should be considered an option when you have this question in mind.
Refrigerators are best described as noncontinuous duty loads.
If the device you are plugging with your Refrigerator does not draw as much current as it does, you can go ahead and do such a connection.
You can also plug another appliance with it if the total load does not exceed the circuit breaker limit in an interval of three hours.
Some manufacturers may also recommend a dedicated circuit for their refrigerators. This is simply to avoid sharing circuits or outlets without having to worry.
Refrigerators draw about six times their running current, and plugging another appliance may cause it to trip, resulting in a major nuisance tripping.
To know if your Refrigerator does not support plugging it with other devices, do well to check the safety data sheet or the manufacturer’s manual for such information.
Finally, no rules guide how or what type of devices should be plugged into the same circuit with a Refrigerator, but you can plug some small home devices with it.
These devices include;
- Radio
- TVs
- Phones
- Pressing iron
- Electric boilers such as jugs and kettles
- Blenders
Can You Plug a Microwave And Refrigerator Into The Same Outlet?
You can not power a refrigerator and a microwave on one circuit. They each require a separate circuit to work efficiently.
Refrigerators and microwaves are similar in terms of size and power usage.
It would be best if you did not plug a refrigerator and a microwave into the same circuit. It is highly unsafe and can cause so much strain to your appliances.
It can also result in frequent circuit breaks, overheating from your Refrigerator, and frequent food spoilage, and it can spoil your appliances, electrocution, and even surges in the home.
Despite the safety hazards that come with plugging these two devices on the same circuit, you can still conveniently run smaller sizes of a refrigerator and microwave on the same circuit.
Other factors that can make it possible to plug this duo together include:
1. If the microwave works well on less than 10 amp voltage regulator
2. If the local regulatory authority in your area permits the use of two heavy-duty appliances on one circuit, then you can use them together.
3. If your material safety data sheet and your user’s manual or guide say, it is safe to run a microwave and a refrigerator on the same circuit. Besides, they are the manufacturer’s words to you.
4. If you have an outdated wiring system in your house, it is more likely for you to have an automated system of wiring where you have combined two heavy-duty appliances on one circuit.
Sometimes you may have conflicts with your user’s guide and the local authority guidelines on managing your wiring of electricity and use of home appliances.
It is always best to follow what your local authority has agreed on in such situations.
Can You Run A Refrigerator And Dishwasher On The Same Circuit?
It would be best if you didn’t run a Refrigerator and dishwasher on the same circuit. Use a dedicated circuit to power them separately.
Refrigerators and dishwashers are heavy appliances and may pose serious irreversible safety hazards if run on the same circuit.
The important thing to note here is that you can’t power the two devices on the same circuit.
You don’t want to risk spoiling your refrigerator or even the dishwasher. Perhaps, you have gotten away with it almost every time, and you feel it is okay.
The manufacturers know better than you, so they say no.
This is why they recommend using a dedicated circuit for all major electrical appliances in the home, like refrigerators and dishwashers.
Notwithstanding, if it has become necessary to put them on the same circuit, you can use two 20 amp circuits for the two appliances.
If you try to debunk this recommendation, you stand at a disadvantage of:
- Getting electrocuted sooner or later
- Spoiling and wearing out your appliances
- They can also be fire outbreaks due to overloading
- There could also be a surge of electricity in your home.
Conclusion
Refrigerators draw very high electric current into their system and do not like to be connected or emerge with other appliances, especially if these appliances are also heavy-duty devices.
They can cause the electrical connection of the entire house to trip and even cause home accidents and damage.