refrigerator circuit

[skzekeman]

I have a refrigerator on a circuit sharing 2 other kitchen. The box was updated a few years ago. I have 3 questions:
1) Is there a code violation since the fridge is not on a dedicated circuit?
2) Since it is the kitchen, isn't a GFCI breaker required?
3) The refrigerator is over 10 years old and if a GFCI were required, then the possiblity of tripping the circuit would be high with consequent food spoilage.
What can be done to prevent refrigerator stoppage protection within code?
Thank you.

 

[iwire]

I have a refrigerator on a circuit sharing 2 other kitchen.

2 other kitchens or 2 other receptacles?

1) Is there a code violation since the fridge is not on a dedicated circuit?

The NEC does not directly require a refrigerator to be on a dedicated circuit.

However if the refrigerator instructions call for a dedicated circuit some will argue 110.3(B) applies. The point of contention here is if the instruction with the refrigerator is in fact part of the UL listing of the unit.

2) Since it is the kitchen, isn't a GFCI breaker required?

No, maybe yes.

So many issues come up with your question, is it a dwelling unit kitchen or a non-dwelling kitchen, different rules apply.

What year was the instillation made, GFCI requirements have changed every 3 years for a long time now.

What was installed to code at the time remains in compliance.

What NEC code is your area using right now?

3) The refrigerator is over 10 years old and if a GFCI were required, then the possibility of tripping the circuit would be high with consequent food spoilage.

Maybe it's time for a new refrigerator.

What can be done to prevent refrigerator stoppage protection within code?

Many different refrigerator / freezer alarms are available, from small inexpensive units that would be good for dwelling units, on up to expensive units that can 'call out' to pagers, voice mail etc and others still that can send emails.


Here is an inexpensive unit good for a home. (Less then $40.00)

Here is a better unit aimed non-dwelling kitchen with more then one refrigerator or freezer to monitor. $500 and up depending on accessories.

 

[buddhakii]

I recommend running a dedicated circuit and installing a single 20 amp recept. in leu of a gfci recept. No worries about nuisance tripping and code compliant.

 

[peter d]

I recommend running a dedicated circuit and installing a single 20 amp recept. in leu of a gfci recept. No worries about nuisance tripping and code compliant.

There is no need to run a 20 amp circuit for a refrigerator, nor is there a need to install a single 20 amp receptacle.

Without more information from the OP, it's hard to answer his question. Regardless, a refrigerator can be on the SABC.

 

[monkey]

Will the 08 code require GFCI for fridges in residential kitchens?

 

[Jake R. Laws]

I recommend running a dedicated circuit and installing a single 20 amp recept. in leu of a gfci recept. No worries about nuisance tripping and code compliant.

What is this "nuisance tripping" if the equipment trips the GFCI then there is a fault in the equipment no matter the age.

 

[cadpoint]

Refrigeration

Refrigeration

I think a close study of both the first few sections of both Article 422 Appliances, and 440 Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Equipment might be helpfull.

edit in Red

 

[electricalperson]

Will the 08 code require GFCI for fridges in residential kitchens?

the 08 code requires GFCI protection for every receptacle in the area that requires gfci protection including garage door openers on the celing

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Will the 08 code require GFCI for fridges in residential kitchens?

No-- the 08 code will be the same for residential kitchen GFCI protection.

You can run a dedicate 15 amp circuit for the refrig and not use GFCI or you can have the refrig installed on one of the SABC but you can still wire it without GFCI protection. The counter receptacles will, of course, need the protection.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

You could get bit if not installing dedicated circuit.If on the final the new frig is installed and paper work still with it.If it says dedicated and your not the inspector could and should tag you.That is up to him if he wants to push it.I had an inspector warn me about this.He is one of the better inspectors.He simply was watching out for me but not forcing anything on rough.

 

[Energize]

You could get bit if not installing dedicated circuit.If on the final the new frig is installed and paper work still with it.If it says dedicated and your not the inspector could and should tag you.That is up to him if he wants to push it.I had an inspector warn me about this.He is one of the better inspectors.He simply was watching out for me but not forcing anything on rough.

Maybe splitting hairs here, Jim, but if the paperwork states "dedicated", my position with the inspector would be the SABC is the "dedicated" circuit for the Fridge.

If the paperwork states "individual" branch circuit, then that is different.

EDIT: spelling

 

[buddhakii]

There is no need to run a 20 amp circuit for a refrigerator, nor is there a need to install a single 20 amp receptacle.

Without more information from the OP, it's hard to answer his question. Regardless, a refrigerator can be on the SABC.

You're right, we need to know a little more, but if it was a house, I understand that you can run 15 amp, but I will never run #14 in my house, and I know you could put in a duplex and it would be o.k. but a single recept. keeps people from plugging anything else in and tripping it ruining the product. So sure, you could go for the minimum required by the code, but that was just my recommendation for a residential application only and I should have clarfied that.

 

[peter d]

You're right, we need to know a little more, but if it was a house, I understand that you can run 15 amp, but I will never run #14 in my house, and I know you could put in a duplex and it would be o.k. but a single recept. keeps people from plugging anything else in and tripping it ruining the product. So sure, you could go for the minimum required by the code, but that was just my recommendation for a residential application only and I should have clarfied that.

You're certainly entitled to wire as far above the minimum as you want to, and many of us go above the minimum when the conditions ($$) allow.

But when we give answers here, we always stick to what the NEC actually says. That way, we put a stop to the many myths and misconceptions that people have about the code.

 

[peter d]

You're right, we need to know a little more, but if it was a house, I understand that you can run 15 amp, but I will never run #14 in my house, and I know you could put in a duplex and it would be o.k.

We've had the debate about #14 wire many times here, so I won't address that comment.

Most modern refrigerators only draw between 3 amps for some of the smaller models to 6 or 7 amps on the upper end. Even the large Sub-Zero refrigerators only call for a dedicated 15 amp circuit. So with most average refrigerators there is no danger of tripping the circuit even if it's on the SABC.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Do we really want to risk a frig full of food going bad over something so cheap as a dedicated circuit ?We are risking coming home to warm beer and spoiled stakes.Agreed nec does not require it but if the papers call for it then we did not install per code.If your a track home builder then i guess you cut every place you can.

 

[iwire]

but I will never run #14 in my house, and I know you could put in a duplex and it would be o.k.

I think that is a wastefull and unnecessary way to go but as long as it's your money your wasting. :smile:

 

[LarryFine]

I agree with Bob. I do like 20a circuits for receptacles, but 15a circuits are great for lighting, fans, etc., where the load is fixed for the most part.