What Size Wire for a Freezer?

A freezer typically uses a 20A / 120V circuit, which calls for #12 copper (or #10 aluminum) conductors and a #12 copper equipment ground per NEC Table 250.122. A standalone chest or upright freezer draws about 5-6A running and belongs on its own 120V circuit (a 15A circuit is compliant; 20A is common). Freezers usually sit in a garage, basement, or utility space where the 2023 NEC requires GFCI protection (210.8(A)). Nuisance tripping is a real concern for freezers, so use a high-quality GFCI and check it periodically.

A 20A single-pole (120V) breaker. The #12 copper conductors are matched to that 20A rating, and it must be a GFCI breaker (or GFCI protection ahead of the appliance). Do not oversize the breaker to a wire it does not protect: the breaker and the conductor go up together. Always confirm against the appliance nameplate, which lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum overcurrent device.

Yes. Current NEC requires GFCI protection for this appliance (NEC 210.8(A), 422.10). Use a GFCI breaker or a GFCI device ahead of it.

Yes. On the 75C column (the usual basis for aluminum), a 20A circuit needs #10 aluminum, versus #12 copper. Aluminum is common on larger circuits and services to save cost; apply antioxidant to the terminations, torque to the listed spec, and remember aluminum drops slightly more voltage on long runs.

Same answer: chest freezer is another name for a freezer. It uses a 20A / 120V circuit with #12 copper wire and a #12 copper ground, GFCI protected. A standalone chest or upright freezer draws about 5-6A running and belongs on its own 120V circuit (a 15A circuit is compliant; 20A is common). Freezers usually sit in a garage, basement, or utility space where the 2023 NEC requires GFCI protection (210.8(A)). Nuisance tripping is a real concern for freezers, so use a high-quality GFCI and check it periodically.