We all know refrigerators and dishwashers require a power source to operate, but can they be on the same circuit? Yes, a dishwasher and refrigerator can be on the same circuit if you can reach the requirements on the NEC.
According to the electrical code, the dishwasher should be on its own circuit. The dedicated dishwasher circuit can't supply any other appliances, lights, fixtures, or outlets. In addition, the circuit that is servicing the dishwasher also needs to have a circuit breaker with at least 15-amps.
In the US, under the NEC, a residential kitchen fridge is not required to be on a dedicated circuit. It is certainly a good idea and best practice, but not a requirement. A fridge can be on one of the minimum two required "small appliance branch circuits".
Can You Run a Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal on the Same Circuit? Yes, the dishwasher and garbage disposal can run on the same circuit. But they are more preferred to be powered by two different circuits rather than one.
Dishwasher Circuit
When installing a dishwasher, the circuit should be a dedicated 120/125-volt, 15-amp circuit.
Refrigerators are considered noncontinuous duty loads. Loads that draw current for less than three hours at a time are allowed to be on the same circuit with other noncontinuous loads, as long as the total load does not exceed the circuit breaker rating.
Since 15A outlets have been the standard for so long, almost all small home appliances are designed to work with a 15A outlet. Some high-end dishwashers do require a 20A circuit, but most mainstream units are still 15A.
The answer is no. A refrigerator should not share an electrical outlet with other devices. The additional electronics to that outlet will overload the circuit. The circuit breaker will be triggered, and the electricity will be turned off.
According to the 2020 version of the NEC, you can't power a microwave and refrigerator on the same circuit because each of these appliances requires a dedicated circuit, which is one shared by no other appliances or lights.
If your circuit capacity and codes allow you to plug two appliances into one outlet, you may still want to reconsider. Doing so can cause your refrigerators to run less efficiently. Drawing too much power can make your breaker trip.
You can plug a freezer and a refrigerator into the same outlet if their total draw doesn't exceed the capacity of the circuit. But again, if they start at the same time, their total draw will spike significantly, tripping the breaker in the process.
Unlike plug-in appliances, a dishwasher must be hardwired and hooked up to the home's plumbing. If you're for the challenge of installing it yourself, you can save a lot of money.
Kitchen dishwashers installed in dwelling units require GFCI protection whether hard wired or cord and plug connected. Code Change Summary: A new subsection was added regarding dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers. Now, outlets that supply dwelling unit kitchen dishwashers must have GFCI protection.
Wiring Dishwasher GFCI NEC Code
Changes have been made to the NEC to include dishwashers in the list of appliances that require GFCI protection. Therefore, if you have a dishwasher, unless your local code says otherwise, you should pair it with GFCI protection.
Standard household electric power in the United States is 110 to 120 volts, with a 60-cycle alternating current, and most household washers can be plugged into wall outlets supplying this current.
Most refrigerators run between 3 to 6 amps, with that said, a refrigerator can spike at peak usage up to 15 amps. It's best to take into consideration worst case scenarios. You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit.
That beautiful washing machine needs to be on a 120-volt 15 or 20-amp receptacle, on its own circuit. The outlet should be placed out of reach and directly behind the machine.
Household dishwashers use 10 amps of power, mostly. Having said that, your breaker should be on a higher rating than the appliance being used for safety purposes.
In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There's no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.
The dishwasher needs a single-pole breaker that has at least 15amps. If you operate the dishwasher on the same circuit breaker as the garbage disposal, you need to use a 20 Amp breaker.
Dishwashers are hardwired. They consume a relatively high amount of power, so it is not advised to use the same method to connect your other household appliances.
The receptacle should not be behind the dishwasher. To access it; you would have to remove the dishwasher. Just like the dishwasher drain and water line that go to the sink water valve and drain; the dishwasher electric cord plug should go to a receptacle under the kitchen sink.
No, not all dishwashers are hardwired. Instead, you can purchase dishwashers that come prepared with an electrical cord and a three-prong plug. These units will easily connect to a regular wall socket that you'd have in your household kitchen.
Why you shouldn't plug a refrigerator into an extension cord
Extension cords have a thinner wiring compared to regular house sockets. This makes them susceptible to failing and causing a fire especially if the appliances plugged into it are have a wattage that is higher than what the extension cord is rated for.
Never plug more than two appliances into an outlet at once or “piggyback” extra appliances on extension cords or wall outlets. Use only outlets designed to handle multiple plugs. Know the amount of power you're placing on an outlet or circuit. Some recommend each outlet or circuit should not exceed 1,500 watts.