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.
A washing machine itself does not need a dedicated circuit, but it might make the most sense to give it one depending on your dryer. For example, if you have a gas dryer, it's okay to plug both the washer and dryer into the same outlet. Electric dryers need their own dedicated circuit, however.
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".
They will be fine on the same 20A circuit.
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.
A dishwasher and a refrigerator can be on the same circuit. Although, it may cause your circuit breaker nuisance tripping. Appliances that require the same amount of current for their operation might be on the same circuit. In brief, a circuit also determines if an appliance could share it with another.
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.
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.
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.
It's only required that a dedicated outlet be provided for the fridge, it isn't required to be 20A.
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.
Residential Kitchen
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.
Because of that, all 120V 15 Amp devices are normally designed to work properly in a 120V 15 Amp or 120V 20 Amp circuit. This is true for appliances like a washing machine but even for something as small as a cell phone charger that actually uses < 1 Amp.
As a general rule. you can plug a washer and a dryer on the same circuit as long as the the combined rated wattage for both units do not exceed 1,000W (1.0kW). This rule automatically rules out the use of electric dryers as their heaters are often rated at 1,500W (1.5kW) or even higher.
Typically, washing machines use 10 amps and 2200 watts but on a single load of laundry, the calculation of watts can be up to 350 to 500 watts.
The answer to the question how many outlets on a 20 amp circuit is ten outlets. Always comply with the 80% circuit and breaker load rule, allowing a maximum load of 1.5 amps per receptacle. Remember that your circuit, wire sizes, and outlets must be compatible to avoid overheating and electrical hazards.
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.
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.
Your washing machine should run on a standard 110 outlet. Most dryers will not only require a special outlet and enough power to run them, but a special cord to match. If you don't have a dryer outlet established and properly wired, call an electrician.
If the answer is “yes”, then you have your answer- the clothes washing machine will be GFCI protected, because all 120-Volt receptacles are to be GFCI protected in laundry areas, per the 2017 NEC.
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.
Refrigerator – Most refrigerators work with a standard 100-120 volt electrical plug and outlet. You will notice that the electrical plug is made up of three prongs; this means you will need an electrical outlet that has three inserts.
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.
Refrigerator amps are the amount of electrical current it's compressor uses to cool it's compartment. Amperage for most household refrigerators, is anywhere from 3 to 5 if the voltage is 120. A 15 to 20 amp dedicated circuit is required because the in-rush amperage is much higher.