Are you wondering whether you can plug your refrigerator into a regular outlet?
Believe it or not, there are many factors that go into plugging a
If you are finding yourself a bit confused, this article will clear things up for you.
We’ll discuss:
- Does a refrigerator need a special outlet?
- Do refrigerators use 110 or 220?
- What kind of electrical outlet is needed for a refrigerator?
- Should a refrigerator be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
- Can you use an extension cord with a refrigerator?
- Should I use a surge protector for my refrigerator?
- Does a refrigerator need a 20 amp outlet?
Does a refrigerator need a special outlet?
Refrigerators don’t need special outlets. They can be plugged into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long as the socket is three-pronged.
However, it’s best if your refrigerator is on its own dedicated circuit. It may even be required by the code in your area.
This means that while you can plug something else into the same outlet, you probably shouldn’t—especially not another appliance. This will ensure that your refrigerator gets the power it needs to run properly.
Do refrigerators use 110 or 220?
Refrigerators use 110 to 120-volt plugs, which is the standard in most homes. A 220-volt plug is not needed for a refrigerator.
Your refrigerator will have a three-prong plug that you can line up and fit into the socket to plug it in. Never use any workarounds such as removing the third ground prong or using an adapter to make the plug two-pronged. This creates a safety hazard.
Did You Know?
Approximately 10% of all at-home electrocutions in the United States stem from large appliances.
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What kind of electrical outlet is needed for a refrigerator?
A refrigerator should be plugged into a 110-120 volt grounded electrical outlet on its own dedicated circuit. This will ensure the safety and effectiveness of the appliance.
Avoid using an extension cord or adapter, removing the ground prong, and plugging other items into the same circuit.
These actions could cause the
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Should a refrigerator be plugged into a GFCI outlet?
A refrigerator shouldn’t be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
GFCI outlets are used in areas of the home with water or moisture. These include bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
This type of outlet is important because it reduces the risk of electrocution and electrical fires. Electrical current is monitored and the outlet will trip, or stop providing power, when a problem occurs.
One example of this is if an electrical appliance is dropped into the bathroom sink.
The problem with refrigerators is that they can cause unneeded trips in GFCI outlets. When not caught soon enough, this can lead to a
Some refrigerators will cause the outlet to trip repeatedly, especially those with ice makers, self-defrost features, or various technical faults that can cause trips to happen.
Can you use an extension cord with a refrigerator?
It’s best to plug a refrigerator straight into a proper electrical outlet. Extension cords are meant for short-term use, while refrigerators need to be plugged in constantly.
Using the wrong extension cord can also present safety hazards, and manufacturers such as GE appliances recommend against it for this reason.
If you must use an extension cord, be sure that it can handle the power of your refrigerator, that it is grounded, and that you’re not plugging other things into the same extension cord.
Should I use a surge protector for my refrigerator?
You should not use a surge protector for your refrigerator because the appliance is already built to shut itself down in the case of a power surge.
Using a surge protector may stop your
Does a refrigerator need a 20 amp outlet?
Yes, a refrigerator does need a 20 amp outlet. This will avoid the circuit being tripped, which can lead to shut down and cause your food to spoil.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading. I hope this article was helpful and answered the various questions you may have regarding plugging in your refrigerator.
If you have any questions be sure to contact me!
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