Nec Code For Refrigerator Circuit

The national electrical code requires dedicated circuits for major electrical appliances such as refrigerators stoves washers dryers and electric water heaters because they ensure that appliances can operate safely without overloading the home s electrical system.

Nec code for refrigerator circuit. In addition to the nec code recommendations local building departments have their own code rules and these are the rules that must be followed for any house in the department s jurisdiction. Having the refrigerator on its own dedicated circuit is the recommended best practice from electricians and manufacturers alike as well as the nec. Here is the breakdown governing refrigerators and gfci protection according to the nec 2011 handbook. Electrical codes are in place to protect you the homeowner.

These critical appliances include things like furnaces water heaters sump pumps even refrigerators. The national electric code has another definition for damp locations that is more subjective but if you think the receptacle is going to get wet use an in use. The national electrical code defines a wet location as an area that is subject to saturation with water or other liquids and unprotected locations exposed to the weather. Although it s an accepted standard for homes to have a separate circuit in the panel for the fridge the nec does allow a refrigerator to be connected to one of the two required 20 amp kitchen counter.

Most local codes are based on the national electrical code nec a document that lays out required practices for all aspects of residential and commercial electrical. The gfci requirements for refrigerators are governed primarily under nec article 210 8 and 210 52 and had little to no change from the 2008 version of the code to the 2011 version. The new 2020 nec national electrical code is out and kb electric llc is here to go over two of the changes for gfci protection every homeowner should know. Wednesday june 19 2019 although the national electrical code nec does not require that a receptacle outlet serving a refrigerator must be gfci protected it specifies certain areas where any receptacle including for a refrigerator must be gfci.

These general guidelines will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for when they review both remodeling projects and new installations. The revisions address ground fault circuit interrupter protection lighting and appliance requirements placement of kitchen receptacles and more. The national electrical code requires that any appliance or device dedicated as critical use be served by its own dedicated circuit to eliminate the chance of another appliance or device tripping the breaker and shutting down that critical fixture. If you re finding difficulties keeping the circuit breaker from tripping be sure to contact a qualified electrician to come have a look at your breaker panel and determine a better electrical layout.

The nec 2020 code changes for gfci protection allow for the utmost safety for families and workers alike.