Does the NEC permit the receptacle for the refrigerator to be supplied by an individual branch circuit? Yes __________ No Section ______________.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Answer: Yes
Section: 220.53 (National Electrical Code, NEC)
The National Electrical Code (NEC) allows the receptacle for a refrigerator to be supplied by an individual branch circuit. The specific requirement for a refrigerator’s electrical supply can be found in NEC 220.53, which provides guidelines regarding the calculation of load for household appliances, including refrigerators.
Refrigerators, being a major household appliance, have specific requirements in terms of power supply. According to the NEC, the refrigerator should be connected to an individual branch circuit. This means that the receptacle used to power the refrigerator must be dedicated to the appliance alone and not shared with other devices. This is essential to ensure the refrigerator operates safely and effectively, as sharing the circuit with other devices could lead to overloading and potential safety hazards.
The 220.53 section of the NEC also outlines that the load calculation for refrigerators is typically based on the manufacturer’s specifications or a general standard for household appliances. Typically, a refrigerator is considered a small appliance load and requires a 15-amp branch circuit. However, the NEC’s allowances for individual branch circuits apply as long as the circuit is properly sized to handle the refrigerator’s load and is dedicated solely to the refrigerator. The key reason behind this requirement is to minimize the risk of overloading the circuit, which could result in a tripped breaker, loss of power to the refrigerator, and potential food spoilage.
Additionally, having an individual circuit for the refrigerator helps prevent power interruptions due to other devices on the same circuit, which could occur if there is an excessive load from shared appliances. Therefore, dedicating a branch circuit for the refrigerator ensures safe, reliable, and uninterrupted power to the appliance.