We do not recommend connecting a Refrigerator to a surge protector.
You can use a surge protector on a refrigerator, but you can not use a GFCI outlet. The surge protector won't have any negative affects, but do make sure it can handle up to 15 amps. This is always a good item to use to prevent the electronics in the refrigerator from shorting out.
A 115-volt or 120-volt, 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. Should be on a dedicated circuit.
The surge protector is the best option. The unit shutting down due to power outages is not really the big issue it is the surge from restarting. By having the surge protector it will help to keep the spike away. As for disconnecting the power or turning it off so the compressor is not running.
Refrigerators and Freezers: Surges can damage the compressor, control panels, and electronic displays, leading to cooling failures or erratic temperature control. Washers and Dryers: Models with digital displays and programmable settings can experience motherboard failures, resulting in costly repairs.
Aim for a surge protector rated between 1,000 and 2,000 joules. This range provides a solid level of protection against most common power surges, while keeping the costs reasonable.
If you are talking about a regular domestic refrigerator, you can plug it into the regular 110 to 120 volts outlet. However, do not plug your refrigerator into a wall socket that has two terminals. Ony use your fridge in a three-pronged socket.
We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with any Refrigeration appliances (Refrigerator, Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Ice Machine, Beverage Center, etcetera) due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions.
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.
Keep it away from space heaters and other heat-generating appliances. And it's probably best not to use your surge protector as a footrest during all-night gaming sessions.
A refrigerator uses around 20 amps, while a power strip only provides 16 amps of power. If you plug a refrigerator into a power strip, it will not function properly and may even be damaged. It is recommended that you use a dedicated circuit for your refrigerator instead of plugging it into a power strip.
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.
Refrigerators, on average, use 300 to 800 watts of electricity, or between 3 and 6 amps and about 120 volts.
Why is it bad if the refrigerator is on a GFCI circuit? A GFCI trips when the outgoing and returning current differ. The startup of the compressor within the refrigerator can cause minor spikes in the flow of electricity, causing the GFCI breaker to shut off power to the outlet.
For larger appliances that draw up to 15 amps like a refrigerator or a portable heater, a 14-gauge cord would be safer. Tools or appliances that require up to 20 amps like a shop vacuum or a circular saw should go with a 12-gauge or 10-gauge extension cord.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
For extension cord temporary use with refrigerators, look for one that is 10-gauge, between 15 to 20 amps. With those specs, you're mainly looking at a short-length cable under 50 feet long. If you need any more than 100 feet, then forget it. We always recommend you contact an electrician for advice.
We do not recommend connecting a Refrigerator to a surge protector.
Make sure that the refrigerator outlet or receptacle isn't sharing the circuit with another item, like an extension cord or decorative outdoor lights. The cord may be damaged, and the lights can have enough leakage current to trip the GFCI. This is why having a dedicated refrigerator circuit can be a benefit.
Larger appliances like refrigerators and freezers need a stable power flow directly from a wall outlet to function properly. Even the best extension cords experience voltage drops and fluctuations, which can cause these appliances to malfunction. In extreme cases, these changes can permanently damage your equipment.
In general, you will want surge protection for all appliances with sensitive electronic components, which includes: Desktop computers and laptops. TVs and other multimedia devices. Gaming consoles.
A power strip may or may not have surge protection. A surge protector, however, functions like a power strip with multiple outlets while also protecting your electronics from sudden power loss due to voltage spikes. This is particularly helpful with lightning strikes or surges from a power company issue.
Televisions
A surge of electricity could fry your television's wiring, requiring the whole unit to be replaced. Plug your television into a surge protector to safeguard it from unexpected power surges.