Electrical Wiring for a Kitchen Refrigerator

NEC Sections Governing Refrigerators

• Several sections of the NEC contain rules that can affect the installation of refrigerator wiring. Section 210.8 lists the locations where GFCI protection is required. Section 210.52 lists the regulations for dwelling unit receptacle outlets. Section 422.10(A) contains the rules for appliances considered continuous loads. 110.3(B) specifies the listing and installation instructions for any equipment must be followed, so consulting the instructions is a good place to start for wiring questions regarding your refrigerator.

Branch Circuits Supplying Fridges

• NEC 210.52(B)(1) requires a 20-amp circuit supplying the refrigeration equipment in a dwelling-unit kitchen. Twenty-amp circuits must be fed by 12 AWG (American Wire Gauge) cable. However, 210.52.(B)(1) exception two allows that an "individual branch circuit" supplying refrigerators may be on a 15-amp circuit, which would require only 14 AWG cable. The NEC specifies that individual branch circuits have single receptacles, not duplexes, and the circuit provides power for only one piece of equipment. If it is reasonable to assume no other appliance would be plugged into a 15-amp duplex supplying a refrigerator, some inspectors allow a duplex instead of a single receptacle. If a microwave, toaster or similar appliance might be placed on top of the fridge and plugged into the outlet, a 20-amp circuit is needed.

Refrigerators in Kitchens

• NEC section 210.8(A)(6) specifies receptacles supplying power to kitchen countertops must have GFCI protection. By not specifically listing refrigerator circuits, an exception is implied. Some home inspectors or municipal codes may extend the kitchen countertop GFCI requirement to include fridges. Check with your home inspector if you are in doubt.

Refrigerators in Other Spaces

• The NEC requires all receptacles in unfinished basements or garages must be GFCI protected. Therefore, a fridge in those spaces must be on a GFCI-protected circuit. GFCI protection can be provided by a GFCI receptacle or circuit breaker. Normal receptacles may be GFCI protected if they are wired on the load side of a GFCI receptacle downstream from the outlet.