When it comes to determining the number of refrigerators that can be on a 20 amp circuit, there are a few factors to consider. The first thing to note is that a 20 amp circuit is designed to handle a maximum load of 20 amps of electrical current. However, it is generally recommended to only load a circuit up to 80% of its capacity for safety reasons. In the case of a 20 amp circuit, this would mean a maximum load of 16 amps.
To determine the electrical load of a refrigerator, you need to look at its amp rating. Most standard refrigerators draw around 6 amps of power. However, it is important to note that this can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. Some refrigerators may draw slightly more or less power.
If we assume that each refrigerator draws 6 amps, we can calculate how many refrigerators can be safely connected to a 20 amp circuit. Since the recommended maximum load is 16 amps, we can divide this by the amp rating of each refrigerator (6 amps) to get the maximum number of refrigerators that can be connected.
16 amps / 6 amps = 2.67 refrigerators
Now, we need to consider that we cannot have a fraction of a refrigerator. Therefore, we can safely connect up to two standard refrigerators to a 20 amp circuit. This ensures that the circuit is not overloaded and can handle the electrical load without any issues.
It’s important to mention that this calculation assumes that the refrigerators are the only devices connected to the circuit. If there are other appliances or devices sharing the same circuit, their electrical load needs to be taken into account as well. It is always advisable to consult a professional electrician to assess the specific electrical requirements and capacity of your circuit.
You can connect up to two standard refrigerators in the same circuit. Two standard refrigerators will draw about 12 amps of power, which is below the recommended 80% capacity of a 20-amp circuit. However, it’s crucial to consider other appliances or devices on the circuit and consult an electrician for a more accurate assessment of your specific situation.