Comments Section No don't do this. Plugging in two mini-fridges to the wall is likely fine because of the thick wiring and the circuit breaker. However plugging two into a power strip is bad because they have thinner wires and many don't have any circuit breakers built in.
Typically, refrigerators require significant power, especially on startup, and running two from a single outlet can exceed the capacity of standard home wiring, leading to circuit breaker trips or electrical hazards.
In North America, the National Electric Code specifies that a refrigerator receptacle be on an independent circuit, and no other receptacles can be connected to that circuit. In practice, connecting two refrigerators to the same branch may result in nuisance tripping.
A single outlet usually limits you to plugging in two to three devices which may not always be convenient. Power strips, also known as surge protectors, contain multiple outlets so you can power several more devices all from the same source.
According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the average “second refrigerator” is likely between 15 to 25 years old and uses about 750-1000 kilowatt-hours every year which amounts to between $97 to $130 on your electric bill.
Watts needed is the amperage times volts. Assuming you live in America, your electric outlets for your refrigerators are 120 volts (give or take a little). So if your refrigerators each pull 15 amps, that's 1,800 watts each, times two, for a bare minimum of 3,600 watts.
A full fridge can be more energy-efficient than an empty one.
A single outlet should ideally cater to only two to three devices, keeping total wattage within the safe usage threshold, and special caution is needed when connecting high-wattage appliances.
However, if you need to plug an appliance power cord with three prongs into a two-prong outlet, there is only one way to do it safely, and that's by using an outlet plug adapter—but only by using it correctly. Two-prong outlets are not grounded.
If too much current is drawn, usually a circuit breaker would trip or fuses would blow, but this is never guaranteed. The results of overloading a circuit could range from a damaged appliance to starting a fire.
Overloading a circuit occurs when several devices are connected to a single outlet. As a result of this, the wires may overheat and spark a fire. Your equipment might be damaged or even shock you if a fire doesn't ignite as a result of the electricity flowing through them. There is no good reason to go through it.
Refrigerator or Freezer – Running a refrigerator via a dedicated circuit is the recommended best practice for homeowners. Most refrigerators use between 3 and 6 amps, but peak draw can spike up to 15 amps. For this reason, refrigerators and freezers should be connected to a 15-20 amp dedicated 120-volt circuit.
Outlets are an important part of any home and understanding the difference between grounded and ungrounded outlets is crucial. If you're unsure which type of outlet you have, look for a metal tab connecting the top and bottom vertical slots on the side of the outlet. This indicates that the outlet is grounded.
In North America on a 120V circuit you can put two fridges on one circuit so long as the peak current draw of the two combined is not too big for the circuit. With most modern fridges, on a 20A circuit that won't be a problem. The circuit should not be used for anything else, whether it's for one or two fridges.
If it doesn't run on its own circuit, the appliance will likely draw too much electricity and cause the circuit to function poorly. Most refrigerators run between 3 to 6 amps. However, they can experience sudden spikes, which can cause them to run at around 15 amps.
Most standard-size fridges use between 3 and 6 amps but can go up to 15 amps. Plug your fridge into a 20-amp dedicated circuit. Look at the manufacturer's details for amperage info or calculate it from the wattage. Use a power meter to accurately measure the amps used.
If your outlet is not grounded, or though grounded if the ground rod is not connected properly, you might feel miniscule amount of current when your skin contacts the refrigerator door. But it is harmless to human body. It is similar to the feeling you have when you suddenly hold the car door handle or wear sweater.
Another reason why a refrigerator or freezer should not be on a GFCI outlet is because GFCI outlets are often “daisy chained.” This means that one GFCI circuit can be connected to multiple outlets in the kitchen or garage.
Refrigerators and Freezers require a 120 volt, 60 hertz, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.
It is not recommended to connect a refrigerator to a multi-outlet. If it is unavoidable, please use one with a power rating of 15 ampere or higher.
Too many appliances on a single socket implies too much load is shared across several nodes. The current will rise much higher as a result of this. If the socket does not have a fuse, the wiring of the socket may burn as a result.
On average, an old refrigerator uses about 35% more energy than a model that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. If second refrigerator is truly needed, purchasing a larger refrigerator for the extra room will save money and energy over the long term.. Be certain to properly recycle the old refrigerator.
It's often not necessary to completely empty your refrigerator. Some items should be left inside so the cooling system can work at maximum efficiency, so your electricity bill doesn't go up. Exactly how you prepare your fridge depends on the length of time you plan to be away.
A freezer will run more efficiently when full. This is because it doesn't have to work as hard to cool down the internal temperature. It is therefore cheaper to run a freezer that is full. Do old freezers use more electricity?