What Size Wire for a Refrigerator?

A refrigerator 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 household refrigerator draws roughly 6A running (with a brief motor-start surge) and is best on its own 120V circuit. A dedicated 15A circuit is code-compliant; a 20A circuit is common and gives headroom. Under the 2023 NEC, a kitchen refrigerator receptacle requires GFCI protection (210.8(A)); nuisance tripping is a known field concern, so use a quality GFCI. The NEC also permits a fridge to share a 20A small-appliance branch circuit (210.52(B)).

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 210.52(B), 210.8(A)). 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: fridge is another name for a refrigerator. It uses a 20A / 120V circuit with #12 copper wire and a #12 copper ground, GFCI protected. A household refrigerator draws roughly 6A running (with a brief motor-start surge) and is best on its own 120V circuit. A dedicated 15A circuit is code-compliant; a 20A circuit is common and gives headroom. Under the 2023 NEC, a kitchen refrigerator receptacle requires GFCI protection (210.8(A)); nuisance tripping is a known field concern, so use a quality GFCI. The NEC also permits a fridge to share a 20A small-appliance branch circuit (210.52(B)).