Does the NEC permit the receptacle for the refrigerator to be supplied by one of the required 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits? Yes __________ No Section __.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Answer: No
Section: NEC 220.52(A)
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), the refrigerator receptacle cannot be supplied by one of the required 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits.
Explanation:
The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets strict guidelines for the wiring and circuits in residential settings, ensuring safety and efficiency in the electrical installation. One key aspect of these requirements is the separation of circuits based on their intended use.
In a typical kitchen setup, the NEC requires two 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits (Section 220.52(A)), which are intended for use by kitchen appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and other similar devices. These circuits are designed to supply power to the countertops and appliances within a kitchen area. However, the refrigerator is generally not considered part of these small-appliance loads because it has different electrical demands, particularly regarding continuous power supply and the potential for high inrush currents during start-up.
The NEC Section 220.52(A) specifies that small-appliance branch circuits must serve outlets that are not directly connected to appliances like refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, or any other equipment that requires significant or continuous power. Refrigerators, in particular, typically have motors that can draw a large surge of current when starting. Such appliances, as outlined in the NEC, are better suited to be on a dedicated circuit, separate from the small-appliance branch circuits, to prevent overloading or possible tripping of the breaker, ensuring the refrigerator operates reliably without affecting the operation of other kitchen appliances.
Additionally, a refrigerator often has a high starting current, which could affect the performance of appliances on the same circuit. Therefore, it must be supplied by a dedicated 15-ampere or 20-ampere circuit, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, and should not be connected to the small-appliance branch circuits that are primarily designed for lighter, intermittent loads. This dedicated circuit helps ensure both safety and proper functioning of the refrigerator and other kitchen appliances.