Just inspected a new construction home… I thought refrigerators were supposed to be on a dedicated 20A circuit… this has the refrigerator on the same circuit as receptacles on the island. They even labelled it that way in the panel. I have seen several of these get swapped out after the buyer moves in because the circuit keeps tripping the AFCI when it starts…
Each appliance should have a dedicated circuit, but there is an exception for the refrigerator. You can have up to two additional counter receptacles on the same circuit with the refrigerator.
What year was the home built? Codes for refrigerators and counter outlets have multiple revisions in the past decade alone.
We are not code inspectors, but be sure not to call a defect for something that is code-compliant.
On new construction the refrigerators are on a GFCI-protected circuit, but just a few years ago that was not the case.
You mentioned receptacles on the island. That recently just got more complicated in the new NEC also.
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I concur. If my memory serves me well. 210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment.
This is new construction, and I believe they are on the 2017? NEC.
It is on a GFCI/AFCI 20A combination breaker. I don’t really concern myself with codes, but I have seen quite a few of these changed out once the buyer takes possession because the fridge keeps tripping the AFCI breaker. In reading, I’ve seen both answers - yes, it should be dedicated, and no - there’s an exception for refrigerators.
I think it’s more likely to trip if something else is plugged in to the circuit when the fridge motor starts. There’s no fridge there now, so that wouldn’t show up until it’s occupied.
And the outlets in question are on the sides of the island.
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The most recent update to NEC addressed concerns with receptacles on the sides of islands because the cords are overhanging the countertop and vulnerable to being yanked by passersby, especially kids.
Codes are always changing.
I share your concern about the fridge being on an AFCI-protected circuit because nuisance-tripping is a real possibility.
2017 NEC
210.52
(B) Small Appliances.
(1) Receptacle Outlets Served. In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast
room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit, the
two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits
required by 210.11(C)(1) shall serve all wall and floor receptacle
outlets covered by 210.52(A), all countertop outlets covered
by 210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment.
Exception No. 1: In addition to the required receptacles specified by
210.52, switched receptacles supplied from a general-purpose branch
circuit as defined in 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, shall be permitted.
Exception No. 2: In addition to the required receptacles specified by
210.52, a receptacle outlet to serve a specific appliance shall be permitted
to be supplied from an individual branch circuit rated 15 amperes
or greater.
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Bob, I saw that provision. Any idea why the exception is made for a refrigerator? I have literally seen at least a dozen homes with the GFCI/AFCI breaker for the refrigerator switched out for a regular breaker in the panel… and have been told that within weeks or months, the “darn thing kept tripping”.
The refrigerator can be on with any small appliance branch circuit (SABC). There is no limit as to the number of receptacles on a SABC. It also can be on it’s own individual branch circuit which can be either 15 or 20 amps. The only time an individual branch may be required is if it is part of the listing of the refrigerator to be on its own branch circuit.
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Excellent point!
I thought AFCI protection requirements in kitchens and laundry areas was removed from the 2017 NEC.
Is that a local amendment? It is required in the 2017 NEC.
210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided as required in
210.12(A), (B), and (C). The arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living
rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in
210.12(A)(1) through (6):
And what your local AHJ decides is the final word on what “code” is in your area.
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Interesting, as I was always under the assumption that the refrigerator was supposed to be on a dedicated 20 amp circuit.
It can be but it is not a code requirement. There are three basic choices, on any one of the small appliance branch circuits, on a 15 amp individual branch circuit or on a 20 amp individual branch circuit.
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That’s right. It’s a simple concept that seems to be difficult to too many people.
I often see people, including in this forum, refer to “Amendments” to model codes such as the NEC. A model code such the National Electrical Code, may be adopted in part, not in its entirety. Even if 99.9% is adopted, the part in not adopted isn’t rescinded, revoked, or repealed because it was never adopted in the first place. Therefore, it’s not an amendment. Provisions of model codes are sometimes EXCLUDED. There’s a difference between being excluded and being amended.
The NFPA likes to brag that the NEC has been adopted by all 50 states. They conveniently leave out of their boasts that it is common to exclude portions of the NEC. In some instances, the exclusions can be significant.
I have provided many common examples in this forum in various discussions.
One example I cited recently was the exclusion of on-again-off-again AFCI requirements in Ohio. Another was the former exclusion of a requirement for a second made electrode. In Lucas County Ohio, most of the NEC branch circuit and outlet (all outlet types) were excluded from the adoption of the NEC. The county and the county seat each had codes that adopted only part of the NEC and adopted a local code that was completely independent from the NEC.
The NEC can only be reliably used as a general reference.
Too many home inspectors toss around the phrase “Authority having jurisdiction” without understanding what that means. The “Authority” is the person whose interpretation of local codes and standards are the law (code).
Another egregious misconception is that the NEC is an actual code. It is not. It is a model code. In other words, it is a model from which actual codes can be developed or derived.
These are important differences that every professional home inspector and every contractor should understand, but many don’t.
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What a great point.
I’ve heard inspectors, one is a buddy, say that they don’t care what the AHJ says, “It’s a code violation!”
I’m not that guy. If you don’t like what the AHJ decides, take it up with him or her.
I often compare the AHJ to a preacher. Preachers interpret and preach the parts of the Bible they like but often ignore the parts they don’t care for. Sometimes, they simply don’t understand some parts and create some interesting interpretations. And sometimes, they embellish parts. And some read between the lines creating their own version of the Bible. We either agree or we’re not offended by the preacher or change churches.
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I think it’s important to say that I NEVER quote code in my report. I work in about 7 or 8 different counties and numerous municipalities - each with their own codes and requirements - I can’t keep up with them all.
This house is newly constructed, has a CO, and they do their final walkthrough on Monday. I knew that if I brought up my concerns on this circuit, the 1st argument from the builder would be, “It meets code!”.
My concern is practical, and I’ve explained it to the buyer - Yes, it is correct per code. This municipality adopted the 2017 NEC verbatim,. HOWEVER, I’ve seen these same issues in mewer homes, where the AFCI tripped and left the fridge without power for days. The buyer understands the builder did the right thing for a new home, but it still may be a problem when a refrigerator is actually installed and in use.
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I associate this with nuisance tripping associated with AFCI. I suppose the same can go for GFCI. What do you report on? What narrative do you use?
AHAM, the The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, has a call out
for samples of AFCI devices that are incompatible with particular fridges. Any chance of getting details on these cases?
PM me, anyone with access to such an AFCI or case report.