How to Test the Amp Usage of a Refrigerator
- 1). Switch on the clamp ammeter and push the "Test" button if it has one. This checks the state of the meter's battery. If the battery fails the test or is running low, before going any further, follow the manufacturer's instructions to replace it.
- 2). Remove the refrigerator plug from the receptacle. Connect your break-out cord between the receptacle and the refrigerator plug then verify that the appliance is still working -- open the door to see if the light comes on.
- 3). Use the circular dial on the meter to select the highest amp range available. This is usually "40 Amps" on domestic meters. Professional meters may offer higher ranges.
- 4). Locate the black wire in the break-out cord -- the one carrying the power -- and slide the meter jaws over it. Close the jaws around the wire and observe the meter reading. The reading shows the amp usage of the appliance. An average 16 cubic feet refrigerator uses approximately 725 watts, according to the U.S. Department Of Energy. At 110 volts that equates to 6.6 amps, and at 120 volts it is equivalent to 6 amps.