A refrigerator receptacle in a dwelling can be fed from a ___.

• A. 15-amp individual branch circuit
• B. any of these
• C. 20-amp small-appliance branch circuit
• D. 20-amp individual branch circuit

Answer: (B)

A refrigerator receptacle is a 120-volt outlet and can be fed by either a dedicated branch circuit or by the small-appliance branch circuit that serves kitchen receptacles. The NEC allows a refrigerator to be supplied from a separate 15- or 20-amp circuit, or from a 15- or 20-amp small-appliance branch circuit that also serves countertop outlets. Because both setups are permitted, any of these circuit types can feed the refrigerator receptacle, making the option “any of these” the best choice. In practice, it’s common to see refrigerators on either a dedicated circuit or on the kitchen small-appliance branch circuit, as long as the circuit is appropriately sized and protected.