A typical household refrigerator usually pulls about 3 to 6 amps when running on a standard 120-volt circuit. This range varies depending on the refrigerator's size, model, and efficiency
. Here are some more detailed insights:
- Standard home refrigerators generally draw between 3 and 6 amps during normal operation
- Mini or compact refrigerators use less, typically 1 to 2.5 amps, with a startup surge of 3 to 7.5 amps
- Larger models like side-by-side or French door refrigerators can draw 5 to 10 amps or more
- Commercial refrigerators can pull significantly more current, often between 6 and 17 amps during normal operation, with surges up to 20 amps or higher
- Startup (surge) amperage can be 2 to 3 times higher than running amps for a few seconds when the compressor kicks on
Because refrigerators cycle on and off, the average current draw over time is lower than the peak running amps. For example, a fridge running at 3 amps might average about 1 to 1.5 amps over an hour due to cycling
. In summary, for a typical household refrigerator, expect a running current between 3 and 6 amps at 120 volts, with higher surges at startup. Commercial units and larger models will draw more amps accordingly.