Can my wiring support a freezer?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

How can I figure out if my house wiring can support a small chest freezer? My house is one hundred years old and....well, I think it is probably minimal for what we do run already. If anyone here can help me, I need real specific directions about what to look for, what to add up, etc.

[PRICEPLUS]

Frankly when it come to plumbing and electric I do the simple jobs. When it comes to an inspection of the house wiring I would go with an experienced license electrician. Get references and check to see if he has had complaints filed against him. If the electrician checks out then you might use him

Too many fires start because of electrical problems. I'd go with using an electrician in this case! Just my .02 cents!

[Ima saver]

My husband doesn't think so.

[cbmeeks]

Get a licensed electrician out. If you are considering using a freezer to save money (by buying in bulk I would imagine), then the few dollars you pay to an electrician could quite possible save your entire house.

Don't mess around with water or electricity. They can mess your life up real fast.

cbmeeks

[Broken Arrow]

I am not an electrician, but I may know just enough to be a danger to myself and those around me.

Is the freezer you are considering a 240 volt appliance? It probably is, and if so, you'll need a dedicated receptical. It's not hard to tell if you have one or not, as they are shaped differently from normal electrical outlets.

If you have one, then just plug it in and you're good to go.

If you do not have one, you'll want to have one installed. If you have to ask, "How?" then the best answer is to simply call an electrician.

With an old house, you'll want to have an electrician inspect it anyways, to make sure that your overall wiring is still sound. This would be a prudent thing to do regardless of whether or not you'll install a deep freezer.

Also, another reason why one should always contact a certified electrician is because states have different building codes about what is appropriate and what is not.

None of this should deter you, however, from having a deep freezer. Think of it as the infrequent but often times necessary evil of paying the termite guy to inspect your home.

Once you have a freezer though, please be absolutely sure that it is connected to a dedicated receptical that goes to a dedicated circuit breaker in your fuse box. Unlike the small lamp on your nightstand, this is a major appliance that you want to be sure to protect against any short circuits.

[cbmeeks]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

I am not an electrician, but I may know just enough to be a danger to myself and those around me.

Is the freezer you are considering a 240 volt appliance? It probably is, and if so, you'll need a dedicated receptical. It's not hard to tell if you have one or not, as they are shaped differently from normal electrical outlets.

If you have one, then just plug it in and you're good to go.

ahhhh....yeah you are a danger. A typical freezer runs at 110 not 220 (or 240). lol

[Broken Arrow]

Doh! My bad.