A standard refrigerator normally uses the same kind of standard outlet normally installed in a home. In North America, it is a 120VAC 15–20 amp duplex receptacle. Ideally the receptacle will “dedicated” to the refrigerator so it cannot not be accidentally tripped or overloaded by another device.
The answer depends on the specific requirements of your refrigerator and the electrical circuit it's connected to. Most standard refrigerators can indeed be plugged into regular outlets, provided that the outlet is grounded and can handle the electrical load.
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. This is recommended for best performance and to prevent overloading house wiring circuits.
A dedicated outlet for a refrigerator (since nothing else can be plugged into it), doesn't have to be GFCI. And not being GFCI has the advantage that something else can't trip off the fridge/freezer and ruin all your food (like a chest freezer in the garage).
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.
You can check a device's AC input voltage range by looking at the spec label. The input voltage reading is a set of numbers followed by a “V” and the wording “INPUT.” If the voltage range is a single set of numbers, like 110V, the device can only handle outlets with that specific voltage.
Refrigerators usually use 120-volt outlets. Divide the 72 W by 120 volts to get the amperage for your appliance: 72 W / 120 V = 0.60 amps.
Typically, refrigerators should not be plugged into GFCI outlets. This is another appliance with a motor that can be prone to a little current leakage. Using a standard outlet saves nuisance tripping and the potential of waking up to a refrigerator full of warm food.
As a result, GFCI outlets were made mandatory as a safety measure. Non-GFCI outlets are a safety hazard when they are installed in garages, so it is definitely better for them not to allow them in garages, but it does cause quite a bit of inconvenience when it comes to plugging in a refrigerator!
Damaged wires on appliances, especially at door hinges on refrigerators, can cause an inadvertent ground. You may note a connection between moving a part and the GFCI tripping.
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.
If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.
We do not recommend connecting a Refrigerator to a surge protector.
GFCI Outlets and Backup Generators
One of the best ways to prevent refrigerator problems is to use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI outlet. These power outlets shut off if anything goes wrong with the electricity going to and from the refrigerator.
Refrigerator
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.
If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.
Yes, your refrigerator does not need a special outlet. 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.
You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit. This will avoid an electrical overload due to your current wiring not being capable of handling the additional power.
Unless you live in a climate with consistent year-round temperatures and they fall within the manufacturer-recommended range of temperatures for running the appliance, using a regular fridge in the garage is a bad idea.
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.
Overloaded Circuit
This may happen if you connect malfunctioning or defective appliances. Loose, corroded wires or connections may also be to blame. Once the GFCI outlet senses an overload, it trips or "breaks" the circuit.
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI outlets protect all outlets on the same circuit, as well as connected tools and appliances.
Having the refrigerator on its own dedicated circuit is the recommended best practice for most homeowners.
Typical Refrigerator Voltage Range
The standard voltage for fridge appliances in the U.S. is about 120 volts. Most residential refrigerators operate within this range, which is sufficient to power the compressor, fan and other components that keep the food cold.
How much electricity does a fridge use? Refrigerators use between 300-800 kWh of electricity per year, about 1-2 kWh per day. Refrigerator operation can cost between $100-$150 per year.