How Many Refrigerators Can Be On A 20 Amp Circuit

If you are planning to install multiple refrigerators in your home or business, you may wonder how many refrigerators can be on a 20 amp circuit. This is an important question to ask, as overloading a circuit can cause tripped breakers, blown fuses, or even electrical fires.

The answer to how many refrigerators can be on a 20 amp circuit depends on the power consumption of each refrigerator and the total capacity of the circuit. In general, you can have up to two refrigerators on a 20 amp circuit, as long as the total amperage draw of both refrigerators does not exceed 80% of the circuit capacity, which is 16 amps.

How to Calculate How Many Refrigerators Can Be On A 20 Amp Circuit

To calculate how many refrigerators can be on a 20 amp circuit, you need to know two things: the wattage of each refrigerator and the voltage of the circuit.

The wattage of each refrigerator is the amount of power it uses when it is running. You can find this information on the label or manual of the refrigerator, or you can use a watt meter to measure it. The average wattage of a household refrigerator is about 725 watts, but it can vary depending on the size and model of the refrigerator.

The voltage of the circuit is the amount of electrical pressure that is supplied by the power source. In most homes and businesses in North America, the standard voltage is 120 volts, but it can vary depending on your location and your electrical system.

To find out how many amps each refrigerator draws, you need to use this formula:

Amps = Watts / Volts

For example, if your refrigerator has a wattage of 725 watts and your circuit has a voltage of 120 volts, then the amperage draw of your refrigerator is:

Amps = 725 / 120 Amps = 6.04

This means that your refrigerator draws about 6 amps when it is running.

To find out how many refrigerators can be on a 20 amp circuit, you need to use this formula:

Number of Refrigerators = (Circuit Capacity x 0.8) / Refrigerator Amps

The circuit capacity is the maximum amount of current that the circuit can handle safely. For a 20 amp circuit, the circuit capacity is 20 amps.

However, you should not use more than 80% of the circuit capacity, as this can cause overheating and damage to the wiring and appliances. This is why you need to multiply the circuit capacity by 0.8.

For example, if your refrigerator has an amperage draw of 6 amps and your circuit has a capacity of 20 amps, then the number of refrigerators you can have on a 20 amp circuit is:

Number of Refrigerators = (20 x 0.8) / 6 Number of Refrigerators = 16 / 6 Number of Refrigerators = 2.67

This means that you can have up to two refrigerators on a 20 amp circuit, as long as their total amperage draw does not exceed 16 amps.

FAQs About Refrigerator Amps and Circuits

Q: How do I know what size circuit breaker I need for my refrigerator?

A: The size of the circuit breaker you need for your refrigerator depends on the amperage draw of your refrigerator and the size of the wire that connects it to the power source. In general, you should use a circuit breaker that matches or exceeds the amperage draw of your refrigerator. For example, if your refrigerator draws 6 amps, you should use a circuit breaker that is rated for at least 6 amps.

However, you should also consider the size of the wire that connects your refrigerator to the power source. The wire size determines how much current can flow through it safely without overheating or melting. The larger the wire size, the more current it can handle. You should use a wire size that matches or exceeds the rating of your circuit breaker. For example, if you use a 20 amp circuit breaker, you should use a wire size that is rated for at least 20 amps.

You can find out what size wire you need by using a wire gauge chart or calculator online. You should also consult an electrician or follow local codes and regulations when installing or modifying electrical wiring.

Q: Can I plug my refrigerator into any outlet?

A: No, you should not plug your refrigerator into any outlet. You should plug your refrigerator into a dedicated outlet that is connected to a dedicated circuit breaker. A dedicated outlet is an outlet that is used only for one appliance and does not share power with any other outlets or devices. A dedicated circuit breaker is a circuit breaker that controls only one outlet and does not control any other outlets or devices.

Plugging your refrigerator into a dedicated outlet and circuit breaker ensures that your refrigerator receives enough power and does not interfere with or overload any other appliances or devices. This can prevent tripped breakers, blown fuses, or electrical fires.

Q: How can I reduce the power consumption of my refrigerator?

A: There are several ways you can reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills. Here are some tips:

• Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers, or direct sunlight. Heat can make your refrigerator work harder and use more power to keep cool.
• Keep your refrigerator at the optimal temperature setting. The recommended temperature for the refrigerator compartment is between 34°F and 40°F, and for the freezer compartment is between -2°F and 8°F. Avoid setting the temperature too high or too low, as this can affect the food quality and safety, as well as the energy efficiency of your refrigerator.
• Clean your refrigerator coils regularly. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the coils and reduce their ability to release heat. This can make your refrigerator work harder and use more power to keep cool. You should clean your refrigerator coils at least once or twice a year, using a vacuum cleaner, a brush, or compressed air.
• Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator door too frequently or for too long. Every time you open the door, cold air escapes and warm air enters. This can make your refrigerator work harder and use more power to maintain the temperature. Try to keep the door closed as much as possible and open it only when necessary.
• Avoid overloading or underloading your refrigerator. Overloading your refrigerator can block the airflow and prevent even cooling. Underloading your refrigerator can make it harder to retain the cold air. Try to keep your refrigerator about two-thirds full for optimal performance and efficiency.

Conclusion

The number of refrigerators you can have on a 20 amp circuit depends on the power consumption of each refrigerator and the total capacity of the circuit. In general, you can have up to two refrigerators on a 20 amp circuit, as long as their total amperage draw does not exceed 16 amps.

However, you should also consider other factors, such as the size of the circuit breaker, the size of the wire, and the location of the outlet. You should also follow some tips to reduce the power consumption of your refrigerator and save money on your energy bills.