The 'about 10 amps' figure comes from a Thomson/ Delmar learning book that I own. I have never personally done an amprobe reading on a fridge because usually the fridge isn't installed until well after I am done doing my electricial work. I know a dedicated line isn't required but it's still a good idea to run one whenever possible.
Speaking of the trip curves on the OCPDs we use here in America, I was sent to troubleshoot a tripping circuit breaker at a health spa recently. Seems that a sump pump was cord temporarily plugged into to convience outlet that was on the same circuit as a the swimming pools filtering system. The OCPD was a 15 square D and it was holding at 20.2 amps for about 15 minutes at a time before it would trip. I had no idea that a 15 amp breaker would hold that long.
