Fridge on same circuit as washer / dryer?

[Moosefire]

Well, the title says it all. It's not hard to run a new line as this is in the basement and the panel is 12ish feet away... but my panel has very limited space left and I'm redoing the basement, I'm going to need the open breakers. Is there any problems with putting a 15 year old fridge on the same circuit as a newer HE washer and dryer?

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[nadogail]

In a word, YES. There will be lots of reasons to change to an upgraded panel.

 

[tyme2par4]

Yes, there is a problem, mainly violating the NEC. Also if both the washer and fridge were to kick on at the same time, it could possibly trip the breaker. Refrigerator compressors have a very high start-up current, and is why they require a dedicated circuit.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Refrigerator compressors have a very high start-up current, and is why they require a dedicated circuit.

Refrigerators don't require a dedicated circuit.

 

[Moosefire]

Refrigerators don't require a dedicated circuit.

Hmmm... I thought they needed one as well by code, but I know nothing of the code, just thought it was supposed to be that way

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[TuxThePenguin]

I believe NEC requires a "dedicated" outlet for laundry, however I am not an electrician (I have an electronics background that doesn't include study of the NEC) and might be mistaken. In any case, a fridge and washing machine will probably each use around 5-7 running amps, but either one would use significantly higher at startup. IMO it is likely that you would ALWAYS trip the breaker if one motor starts while the other is in use.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Article 210.11(C)(2) of the NEC states at least one 20 amp circuit shall be provided to supply the laundry receptacle(s). This circuit shall have no other outlets.

 

[Showkey]

That frig start up surge pretty much makes no difference in real life.......the start up current last for fractions of a second.

Typical frig is 4-7 amps not a BIG deal.

 

[aandpdan]

The laundry requires dedicated 20 amp circuit to supply "laundry receptacle outlet(s). This circuit shall have no other outlets."

NEC 210.52 (c) (2)

 

[Moosefire]

OK, fair enough. I have the wire, so ill just run a separate outlet and deal with the lack of breakers later on. Thanks guys!

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[alfredeneuman]

Hmmm... I thought they needed one as well by code,

They're allowed on the required kitchen small appliance countertop circuits, so no.

 

[Bretny]

The real question if not needed by code is..is this a flush mount breaker panel? Are you drywallng the basement? Basically how hard and expensive is this to do later?

Breaker pannel being full meaning you have alreaty put tandem 120v breakers in?

I re did my whole electrical in my house. The service to the outlets..everything, not a single piece of old romex. You would not believe how quick a 40spot breaker pannel can fill up when you do a home run for every room, two behind the kitchen counter, microwave, fridge, kitchen lights, 240v well pump, electric water heater, electric dryer, basement lights and chest freezer tons of home runs. My house is only 1,500sqft. But electrical is not a problem.

Just because it's not required by some code dosnt make it a bad idea to do.

 

[Moosefire]

Breaker pannel being full meaning you have alreaty put tandem 120v breakers in?

Didn't know those existed until now! That will go a long way in helping out! Thanks for the heads up!!

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[Terry D]

If you can put them on separate circuits, that would be the best. The NEC is the bare minimum for electrical installations. Laundry areas require at least one 20 amp dedicated outlet. If you have a laundry room, you can put all the outlets on that circuit and still be code compliant. Who says someone down the road wont put a refrigerator in there and plug it in. When I wire laundry rooms. I will do one 20 amp circuit for the washer/dryer, and one 20 amp for the rest of the outlets. As far as wiring your basement remodel, a panel upgrade or sub panel addition might be in the future.