4 ms·

> it can draw up to 20A can being the operative word - the LRA (Locked Rotor Amps) of a typical fridge/freezer's compressor might be that high, but starting cu

> it can draw up to 20A can being the operative word - the LRA (Locked Rotor Amps) of a typical fridge/freezer's compressor might be that high, but starting current is not unless something is hideously wrong. I've never metered mine, but I have ran three fridges and a deep freezer off of a 2200/1800 (start/run) watt generator with zero issues, and plenty of headroom left. The generator has tiny dip when the compressor kicks on, and then it jumps back. You are correct that sizing cords is very important, though, and something that most people don't do. Also if you have a roll-up extension cord (the kind with multiple outlets at the end), it's vital that it is completely unrolled when in use, so the cord doesn't heat itself. I run 12 gauge splitters --> 14 gauge for individual loads, but I also know exactly how much those loads are pulling, and have verified it's within safe limits for the wiring. It's worth remembering that a house's wiring is almost always 12 gauge, and is rated for 20 amps assuming the correct outlet.

dreamcompiler 4y ago
I thought most recent US houses were built with 14 gauge wire which is only rated for 15 A? It's cheaper than 12 gauge and code-compliant (at least in my state). I used 12 gauge in my house on purpose but sadly I don't think that's the norm.
- sgarland 4y ago
  That very well may be true - I've never had a house newer than about 20 years old, and they've had 12 gauge everywhere.
- Kirby64 4y ago
  Most recent houses I've seen are using 12 gauge for outlets and 14 gauge for lighting. 12 gauge is mandatory in many locations, since 20 amp circuits are the minimum by code. Either way, 12 gauge is always safe obviously.
  - dreamcompiler 4y ago
    That's exactly what I did; lighting got less power hungry as we moved away from incandescent so there was no reason to continue to use fatter copper there. But it would have been legal to use 14 gauge/15A for every circuit in my house in New Mexico; I chose to use 12 gauge/20A for outlets instead.
    - Kirby64 4y ago
      Not actually true, to be clear, for outlets. Yes, the majority are allowed to be 15 amp circuits, however there are a few circuits (notably, ones in the kitchen) that by code (any recent code, NEC 2007 or beyond I think) that mandate that they be 20 amp circuits. Notably: * Kitchens must have at least two separate 20 amp circuits (for use for small appliances on countertops, traditionally) for general use * Fridges need a dedicated 20 amp circuit * Microwaves need a dedicated 20 amp circuit Beyond that, yeah, absolute minimum is 15 amp throughout the house.
      - dreamcompiler 4y ago
        I built my first house in 1997 so my memory of NEC is mostly from then. It seemed ludicrous to run 15A circuits especially to kitchens and bathrooms, so I didn't. It did require GFCIs in the usual places back then. I built another house in 2007 and by that time AFCIs were required in bedrooms. The code does seem to get a bit better over time.

dreamcompiler 4y ago

I thought most recent US houses were built with 14 gauge wire which is only rated for 15 A? It's cheaper than 12 gauge and code-compliant (at least in my state). I used 12 gauge in my house on purpose but sadly I don't think that's the norm.

sgarland 4y ago
That very well may be true - I've never had a house newer than about 20 years old, and they've had 12 gauge everywhere.
Kirby64 4y ago
Most recent houses I've seen are using 12 gauge for outlets and 14 gauge for lighting. 12 gauge is mandatory in many locations, since 20 amp circuits are the minimum by code. Either way, 12 gauge is always safe obviously.
- dreamcompiler 4y ago
  That's exactly what I did; lighting got less power hungry as we moved away from incandescent so there was no reason to continue to use fatter copper there. But it would have been legal to use 14 gauge/15A for every circuit in my house in New Mexico; I chose to use 12 gauge/20A for outlets instead.
  - Kirby64 4y ago
    Not actually true, to be clear, for outlets. Yes, the majority are allowed to be 15 amp circuits, however there are a few circuits (notably, ones in the kitchen) that by code (any recent code, NEC 2007 or beyond I think) that mandate that they be 20 amp circuits. Notably: * Kitchens must have at least two separate 20 amp circuits (for use for small appliances on countertops, traditionally) for general use * Fridges need a dedicated 20 amp circuit * Microwaves need a dedicated 20 amp circuit Beyond that, yeah, absolute minimum is 15 amp throughout the house.
    - dreamcompiler 4y ago
      I built my first house in 1997 so my memory of NEC is mostly from then. It seemed ludicrous to run 15A circuits especially to kitchens and bathrooms, so I didn't. It did require GFCIs in the usual places back then. I built another house in 2007 and by that time AFCIs were required in bedrooms. The code does seem to get a bit better over time.