It is generally recommended to have a freezer in a garage or any other area protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. GFCI outlets are designed to protect against electrical shocks and are commonly installed in areas where there is a higher risk of water contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.
However, there are differing opinions on whether a freezer should be directly connected to a GFCI outlet. Some experts suggest that a freezer, which typically operates continuously, should be connected to a dedicated non-GFCI outlet. This is because GFCI outlets can sometimes trip, potentially causing the freezer to shut off and jeopardizing the safety of stored perishable items.
On the other hand, many local electrical codes and safety guidelines require GFCI protection in all garage outlets, including those used for freezers. In these cases, it is important to ensure that the freezer is plugged into a GFCI outlet or, alternatively, a GFCI circuit breaker can be installed in the electrical panel to provide protection for all outlets on that circuit.
To determine the specific requirements and recommendations for your area, it is best to consult with a licensed electrician or local building codes. They will be able to provide guidance based on the specific electrical codes and regulations in your region.