Is it OK to connect a refrigerator and a freezer to the same plug?

Answer 1

It is not recommended practice. Code calls for separate circuits for major appliances. Both devices might run for a while, but the time will come when both devices are on at the same time. This will cause an overload on the wiring and the breaker will trip.

Answer 2

They generally can (depending on how much current they each draw). In new construction and remodels, the refridge is generally put on its own 15-Amp circuit (in America). <><><> In the UK, Republic of Ireland and other world areas using similar 230V 50 Hz domestic electric power, the kitchen has its own 30A ring-main supply protected by one circuit breaker. That ring-main has several socket outlets distributed around the kitchen area and it's normally no problem to have several appliances plugged in to it. Typically such appliances are: electric kettle, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, washing machine, clothes drier, dishwasher, etc. However a separate 30A circuit, protected by its own breaker, supplies the cooker/hob/oven.

In other countries where 230V 50 Hz domestic electricity is used (but where the wiring standards are different to the ring-main standards commonly used in UK and Republic of Ireland) power is delivered to kitchens - and other rooms - using several individual circuits which each have their own suitably-rated fuse or circuit breaker. Further note: The UK and Republic of Ireland use a power outlet plug and socket system which is totally different to the rest of Europe: * All power socket outlets are rated at 13 Amps to take a standard 13 Amp plug.

* Each power socket has a protective insulated shutter that safely uncovers the live (or hot) and neutral holes when the plug of an appliance is inserted.The shutter immediately covers the holes over again when the plug is removed. The shutter is operated by the insertion of the earth (or ground) pin which is longer than the live and neutral pins. * Each 13 Amp plug has 3 rectangular (not round) pins: a live, a neutral and an earth pin. There is also a fuse that should be selected to be of the right size to protect the appliance it is attached-to. * The actual plug type is known internationally as Type 'G'. * It was designed for use on any normal house mains voltage or frequency and is used in the UK and other countries which have adopted the UK mains power plug and socket system for appliances.

It is a very good plug and socket system but not many other countries have adopted it - probably because they didn't invent it! Outside the UK and The Republic of Ireland (Eire), European countries use plugs where all the pins are round. Sometimes (but not always - it depends on the country) the plug's earth connection is not a pin but is a ground-socket within the plug. It connects to a ground-pin which permanently protrudes from within the wall receptacle. That arrangement of pins and pin-sockets makes it impossible to insert a non-grounded plug into the receptacle!

Answer 3

Safety shouldn't be a problem if the proper breaker is protecting the circuit. However, you may well trip the breaker under some circumstances. I would assume that the washer was there first and that the breaker was probably 20A. Then you got a freezer and no where else to plug it in easily. What could happen is that you are doing a wash and the compressor kicks in causing more than 20A to be drawn. The breaker would then trip. Your problem is that the 20 A is likely not sufficient to accommodate both appliances under certain circumstances, usually when one or the other is starting up. Your worse scenario would be you throw a load in the washer and leave for the day. The washer gets into the spin cycle and the freezer

Answer 4

Yes it is possible but it is not a wise decision to do it. Both are what is classed as intermittent loads. Each of these devices should be on a dedicated circuit. If the loads alternate, meaning that only one is on a a time the breaker supplying the current will not trip. If one of the loads is running and the other one decides to start the current drawn by both appliances will be higher that the allowed current on the wire and the breaker will trip the line open. This is a minor condition when it comes to the dehumidifier shutting off but a major concern when the freezer becomes de-energized.

Answer 5

No, it is not OK to connect a refrigerator and a freezer into the same receptacle. The combined starting loads will be high enough to trip a normal 15 amp house hold breaker. This is a common scenario that has happened when the two are plugged into the same receptacle. A power failure shuts everything off, the power is resumed, both units try to start at the same time. This trips the breaker and the two units do not start. If this is not caught in time all of the food is destroyed. If you are on holidays when this happens you have a big mess to clean up. Bottom line, use a dedicated circuit for all large load

Answer 6

Yes you can but it is not a recommended practice. The combined starting loads will be high enough to trip a normal 15 amp house hold breaker. This is a common scenario that has happened when the two are plugged into the same receptacle. A power failure shuts everything off, the power is resumed, both units try to start at the same time. This trips the breaker and the two units do not start. If this is not caught in time all of the food is destroyed. If you are on holidays when this happens you have a big mess to clean up. Bottom line, use a dedicated circuit for all large load appliances.

Answer 7

It will work, but you might get a power bump on your TV picture every time the refrigerator compressor turns on.

Answer 8

Sure, as long as they don't pop the breaker.