2007-03-20 09:38:02 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
USA Per the Nat'l Electric Code, you do not have to place the refrigerator on a separate circuit. You can install 14/2 to the receptacle for the refrigerator. If the refrigerator receptacle is the only one on the circuit, the circuit breaker or fuse must be no higher than 15 amps.
You can also install 12/2 if you would prefer. 12/2 is heavier than 14/2 and will carry more current. You can fuse 12/2 at 20 amps.
14/2 wire is the minimum size allowed by code. 12/2 is also allowed. The choice is yours. If the distance from the fuse or circuit breaker to the refrigerator is more than 50 feet, i would suggest you go with 12/2 to preclude any problems caused by voltage drop.
2007-03-20 13:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes this is an easy one, but it is 14-2 not 12-2.
Sure bigger is better and you wouldn't be hurting anything but it would be real over kill to use 12-2 for a fridge, even if you had a huge viking unit. The fridge circuit must be a dedicated one - nothing else will be running off that wire but the fridge, this is a more important point for a fridge circuit than the gauge.
2007-03-20 17:51:44 · answer #2 · answered by shaft 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of what the electrical code is for your area, the larger conductor wire is always the best and safest bet. If the NEC, (National Electrical Code) says that 14 guage wire is ok, then use 12 guage to be absolutely certain.
There is a term called " dynamic headroom ", it applies to electrical situations and anything else that RMS ( root mean square) types of voltages appear. It goes kinda like this.
If what you have to run, will run on x, then add 20% to x.
If your , whatever , needs 100 amps, then supply 120 amps.
consequently, if your need is 10 amps, then supply 12 amps.
The larger wire is not a burden, it is an asset. If for some reason your appliance "surges", Your electrical capabilities
will handle it, with ease. Let's don't let your house burn down.
2007-03-20 22:16:47 · answer #3 · answered by camswitch 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christ on a crutch!!! i look at all the foaming at the mouth answers and i am laughing ...Its a goddam Refrigerator Outlet!!!!! It pulls a few amps every time it runs, which is not often...Max fridge load...12 amps @ 120 V...for 30 seconds...If you had a continuous load in a commercial kitchen, it may be different calulations...Run a 12/2 and enjoy life..On a 20 amp breaker....And don't listen to the teeth- filing idiots that think they are electricians...
2007-03-20 23:34:26 · answer #4 · answered by backyard_tire_biter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you go to pick up your outlet and wiring see if they have the push wire in outlet for 12-2.,they quit making them where i live ever since 14-2 wire has been approved for inside wiring by regulations.makes for easier installation.
2007-03-20 18:00:41 · answer #5 · answered by DANNY G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
12-2 with ground on a 20 amp breaker. Refrigerators are generally on dedicated circuits meaning no other outlets are supplied by that circuit.
2007-03-20 16:44:58 · answer #6 · answered by JonBoy74 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For appliances, the heavier the wire, the better. I would go with the 12-2.
2007-03-20 16:43:52 · answer #7 · answered by Common Sense 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the smaller the wire gauge the more power you can run through it. the 14 will be ok for a fridge. but if you want to use that outlet in the future for something more heavy duty. you should put in the 12.
2007-03-20 16:51:13 · answer #8 · answered by Miss J 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
This is an easy one. 12-2 with a ground
2007-03-20 16:45:54 · answer #9 · answered by robert b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋