Most standard household refrigerators typically use between 3 to 6 amps during normal operation when running on a 120-volt circuit. However, the current draw can vary widely depending on the model, size, and features of the fridge. Some larger or commercial refrigerators can draw up to 15 amps or more when running, and the startup surge (when the compressor first kicks on) can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching 15 to 20 amps or more briefly
. Here is a general breakdown of typical running and startup amps by refrigerator type:
Refrigerator Type| Normal Running Amps| Startup Surge Amps
---|---|---
Mini or Compact Refrigerators| 1 - 2.5 amps| 3 - 7.5 amps
Top-Freezer & Bottom-Freezer| 3 - 6 amps| 9 - 18 amps
Side-by-Side Refrigerators| 5 - 9 amps| 15 - 27 amps
French Door Refrigerators| 6 - 10 amps| 18 - 30 amps
Commercial Refrigerators| 10+ amps| 30+ amps
Most household refrigerators require a dedicated 15 to 20 amp circuit to handle their power needs safely and to avoid tripping breakers due to startup surges
. If you want to calculate the approximate amps your refrigerator uses, you can use the formula:
Amps=WattsVolts\text{Amps}=\frac{\text{Watts}}{\text{Volts}}Amps=VoltsWatts
For example, if your fridge uses 300 watts and operates at 120 volts:
300120=2.5 amps\frac{300}{120}=2.5\text{ amps}120300=2.5 amps
You can find wattage information on the fridge’s Energy Guide label, owner’s manual, or manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, using a power meter plugged between the outlet and fridge can give you an accurate measurement of amps used
. In summary:
- Typical running amps: 3 to 6 amps for standard fridges
- Startup surge amps: can be 15 to 20 amps or more
- Dedicated circuit recommendation: 15 to 20 amps
- Larger or commercial units draw more amps both running and at startup
This range covers most household refrigerators in North America operating at 120 volts.
