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How Many Amps Does a Refrigerator Use? Running, Starting, and Average
A full-size refrigerator typically draws about 1 to 3 amps at 120 volts while the compressor runs, and around 0.35 to 0.7 amps averaged over a full day. Frigidaire rates its GRFG2353AF French door refrigerator at 3.3 amps. At startup, the compressor pulls a short burst of several times its running current, which is why most refrigerators call for their own 15 or 20 amp circuit.
Refrigerator amps: rated, running, and starting
| Measure | Amps at 120V | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rated amps, Frigidaire GRFG2353AF (French door, 23.3 cu ft) | 3.3 A | Frigidaire spec sheet |
| Rated amps, Frigidaire FFSS2325T (side-by-side, 22.0 cu ft) | 8.5 A (1.02 kW connected load) | Frigidaire spec sheet (2017) |
| Running, ENERGY STAR refrigerator | About 1.1 to 1.6 A (132 to 192 W) | Honda generator wattage guide |
| Running, refrigerator | About 1.25 to 3.3 A (150 to 400 W) | Champion wattage chart |
| Starting surge | About 6.7 to 10 A (800 to 1,200 W) | Champion and Honda charts |
Amps are our conversion from watts (watts / 120). Rated amps on a spec sheet are a maximum electrical load, not what the fridge draws all the time. Whirlpool notes a motor may need two to three times its running amps to start.
Average amps over a day, by refrigerator type
| Type (full size) | ENERGY STAR models | Median kWh per year | Average watts | Average amps at 120V | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top freezer | 840 | 363 | About 41 W | About 0.35 A | About $62 |
| Bottom freezer (includes most French door) | 1,693 | 560 | About 64 W | About 0.53 A | About $95 |
| Side-by-side | 123 | 640 | About 73 W | About 0.61 A | About $109 |
| Bottom freezer with through-the-door dispenser | 332 | 715 | About 82 W | About 0.68 A | About $122 |
Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Residential Refrigerators data set (data pulled November 3, 2026). Typical = median. Average watts = kWh per year x 1,000 / 8,760 hours. Cost at 17 cents per kWh. ENERGY STAR files French door models under bottom freezer.
What circuit does a refrigerator need?
Manufacturers list the circuit, not the fridge's draw. GE's refrigerator pages list "120v; 60Hz; 15A." Whirlpool lists 15 or 20 amps at 115 volts for its WRS325SDHZ side-by-side, and LG says its LFXS26973 should be on its own outlet fused at 15 or 20 amps. Frigidaire calls for a 15 amp minimum circuit, and for its side-by-side, a dedicated circuit.
Find your refrigerator's amps
Check the rating label, usually inside the fresh food compartment. Samsung says its label is typically on the inside left wall, with the model code. If it lists only watts, divide by 120 for amps. The yearly kWh on the yellow EnergyGuide label gives you the average.
Running a refrigerator on backup power
Because the starting surge is several times the running draw, size backup power for the surge.
| Backup | Output | Top freezer (41 W avg) | Bottom freezer (64 W avg) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070 Wh / 1,500 W (3,000 W surge) | About 23 hours | About 15 hours | From $559 |
| Nature's Generator Lithium 1800 | 1,440 Wh / 1,800 W | About 31 hours | About 20 hours | $599.99 |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,072 Wh / 3,600 W (7,200 W surge) | About 67 hours | About 43 hours | From $1,499 |
Hours = capacity x 0.9 / average watts. Capacity and output are from each product page. A generator like the DuroMax XP5500HX (4,500 running watts, $629) runs a fridge with plenty left for other loads. For details, see What Size Generator to Run a Refrigerator, Portable Power Station for a Refrigerator, and How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Use?
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Send us the amps or watts from your fridge's label, and we will match you to a power station or generator.
Refrigerator amps FAQ
How many amps does a refrigerator use? About 1 to 3 amps while running, with a short startup surge of about 7 to 10 amps, based on Honda and Champion wattage charts.
How many amps does a refrigerator use per hour? Amps are not measured per hour. Averaged over a day, an ENERGY STAR fridge draws about 0.35 to 0.7 amps at 120V.
Does a refrigerator need a 15 or 20 amp circuit? GE lists 15 amps; Whirlpool and LG list 15 or 20 amps. Check your installation guide.
How many amps does a French door refrigerator use? Frigidaire rates its GRFG2353AF French door model at 3.3 amps.
How many amps does a refrigerator use when starting? About 800 to 1,200 watts per Champion, or roughly 7 to 10 amps at 120V.