geochurchi
Senior Member
- Location
- Concord,NH
- Occupation
- Retired electrician
Hi All, does the NEC require a refrigerator to be on a dedicated circuit? I don't believe so but can't see to find out for sure.
Geo
Geo
Small appliance branch circuit said:(1) Receptacle Outlets Served. In the kitchen, pantry,
breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling
unit, the two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch
circuits required by 210.11(C)(1) shall serve all wall and
floor receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A), all countertop
outlets covered by 210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for
refrigeration equipment.
Exception No. 1: In addition to the required receptacles
specified by 210.52, switched receptacles supplied from a
general-purpose branch circuit as defined in 210.70(A)(1),
Exception No. 1, shall be permitted.
Exception No. 2: The receptacle outlet for refrigeration
equipment shall be permitted to be supplied from an individual
branch circuit rated 15 amperes or greater.
It can be on any adequately rated circuit. Must be on a SABC if in a room/area where SABC's are required. Does not have to be a dedicated circuit, but as you say, it cannot exceed 80% of a 15 or 20A circuit rating no matter what.My thinking is, as long as the refrig does not exceed 80% of the rating if can be on one of the S/A circuits.
Do you agree ?
Dennis...
I'm clear it is permitted.
My thinking is, as long as the refrig does not exceed 80% of the rating if can be on one of the S/A circuits.
Do you agree ?
It can be on any adequately rated circuit. Must be on a SABC if in a room/area where SABC's are required. Does not have to be a dedicated circuit, but as you say, it cannot exceed 80% of a 15 or 20A circuit rating no matter what.
Even as an IBC (independent branch circuit) it is still an SABC. See the last phrase of 210.52(B)(1). The exception does not say this circuit is not an SABC. Make it a 20A IBC and it is still an SABC.If it is in the kitchen the choices are either the SABC or an IBC.
It cannot be on a GP branch circuit.
If it is a 15 amp cir it must be on a individual circuit not 80%It can be on any adequately rated circuit. Must be on a SABC if in a room/area where SABC's are required. Does not have to be a dedicated circuit, but as you say, it cannot exceed 80% of a 15 or 20A circuit rating no matter what.
Dennis...
I'm clear it is permitted.
My thinking is, as long as the refrig does not exceed 80% of the rating if can be on one of the S/A circuits.
Do you agree ?
If it is a 15 amp cir it must be on a individual circuit not 80%
Refrigerator's rated current cannot exceed 15A ? 80% = 12A. How difficult is that??? :angel:Based on the post above the refrigerator can be on a small appliance branch circuit. I don't see how you calculate the 80%. I don't see it applying here
Refrigerator's rated current cannot exceed 15A ? 80% = 12A. How difficult is that??? :angel:
Even as an IBC (independent branch circuit) it is still an SABC.
Exception No. 2: The receptacle outlet for refrigeration
equipment shall be permitted to be supplied from an individual
branch circuit rated 15 amperes or greater.
I haven't seen such a refrigerator myself, but who says you can't have a commercial grade refrigerator in a dwelling? Then on top of that it still needs to be 15/20 amp 125 volt cord and plug connected or it is not part of the required SABC's.Yes I know what it says but I still don't see how it comes into play. I haven't seen a residential refrigerator that even comes close to 12 amps.
What do you call it if the refrigerator is moved to another room/area? (Other than a violation :rollNot if it is a 15 amp branch circuit. The exception tells us it is an IBC, you can call it anything you want but the NEC is calling it a IBC
Notice it does not say the SABC can be supplied by the a 15 amp IBC it says the receptacle for refrigeration equipment can be supplied by a 15 amp IBC.
Make it a 20 amp circuit and we could call it either.
I agree it is an IBC, but it is still in the SABC section and nothing there states that it becomes a general purpose branch circuit. This makes it an "individual outlet, small appliance branch circuit" if you want to call it that. Now we can debate if a duplex or single receptacle must be used :happyyes:Not if it is a 15 amp branch circuit. The exception tells us it is an IBC, you can call it anything you want but the NEC is calling it a IBC
Notice it does not say the SABC can be supplied by the a 15 amp IBC it says the receptacle for refrigeration equipment can be supplied by a 15 amp IBC.
Make it a 20 amp circuit and we could call it either.