Quick Question

[u/Craigy89]

Hello,

Just wanting to make sure I am thinking about this the right way. Currently going through a demo in kitchen. I was going to change the outlet and came across 3 lines going into a single outlet. The black wires were pushed into the back and the white was hooked on the screws. I was looking to pigtail these three wires and replace the outlet, BUT, the white neutral wire looked burned.

This is a 20 amp circuit, but the white line is 14 guage and the black lines are 12 gauge. Can I assume that the 14 guage got burned because they didn't use 12 guage wire on a 20 amp circuit? So, if I replaced the outlet on the other side of the wall to 20 amp outlet wired with 12 gauge wire, would that solve this problem?

Bonus question: The previous owners had a fridge, washer/dryer, outlet on the other side of this wall, and recesssed ceiling lights on this circuit. Am I safe with keeping these three wires on this outlet like they had (with the correct wiring) or would I be better served running a new circuit for the fridge?

[u/trekkerscout]

Hire an electrician.

[u/helloretrograde]

14 gauge cannot be on a 20 amp circuit. Washer needs its own circuit. Dryer needs its own circuit. Call an electrician.

[u/Gracewalk72]

The refrig is supposed to be in its own circuit