fridge trips circuit breaker after a few hours

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Refrigerator Tripping Circuit Breaker: 7 Common Reasons (Solved)

We understand the frustration that comes with a refrigerator constantly tripping the circuit breaker. It’s not just an inconvenience; it can also lead to spoilage of food and unnecessary repair costs.

In this article, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind your refrigerator’s electrical hiccups and provide some practical solutions to get your fridge back in top shape.

• 1.1 1. Overloading the Circuit:
• 1.2 2. Faulty Wiring or Outlet:
• 1.3 3. Compressor Issues:
• 1.4 4. Refrigerator Overload:
• 1.5 5. Aging Appliances:
• 1.6 Final Thoughts
• 1.7 Related Articles
• 1.8 References

Refrigerator Tripping Circuit Breaker: 7 Common Reasons

Refrigerator tripping circuit breaker is commonly caused by overload circuit, faulty wiring, fridge compressor issues, overloaded or aging fridge. 

Now we have answered the main question let’s dive into troubleshooting.

1. Overloading the Circuit:

One of the primary reasons your refrigerator might be tripping the circuit breaker is overloading. Refrigerators require a dedicated circuit to ensure they have a stable power supply. If your fridge shares a circuit with other high-wattage appliances or devices, it may exceed the circuit’s capacity, leading to tripping.

Possible Solution:

Check the other devices connected to the same circuit and consider redistributing them to different circuits. If possible, have a dedicated circuit installed for your refrigerator.

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2. Faulty Wiring or Outlet:

Faulty wiring or an inadequate electrical outlet can also contribute to your refrigerator causing the circuit breaker to trip. Damaged wires or loose connections increase the risk of electrical shorts, disrupting the power supply.

Inspect the wiring and outlet that your refrigerator is plugged into. If you notice any signs of wear, tear, or loose connections, consult with a professional electrician to repair or replace the faulty components.

3. Compressor Issues:

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator, responsible for maintaining the right temperature. If the compressor is faulty, it can draw excessive power, causing the circuit breaker to trip.

Related Articles:

• Main Components of a Refrigerator 101: (Beginners Guide)
• Refrigerator Compressors 101: Simple Answers

If you suspect an issue with the compressor, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified appliance repair technician. They can diagnose the problem, repair or replace the compressor, ensuring optimal performance.

4. Refrigerator Overload:

An overloaded refrigerator can also strain its components, leading to increased power consumption. This can trigger the circuit breaker to trip, acting as a safety measure to prevent electrical hazards.

Review the contents of your refrigerator and ensure it’s not packed to the brim. An organized and well-arranged fridge allows for proper air circulation, reducing the workload on the compressor.

5. Aging Appliances:

As appliances age, their components may wear out or become less efficient. An older refrigerator may experience issues that lead to increased power consumption and, subsequently, circuit breaker tripping.

Consider the age of your refrigerator. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, investing in a newer, energy-efficient model may be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Final Thoughts

In summary, a refrigerator tripping the circuit breaker can be attributed to various factors, from electrical issues to appliance-related problems.

By identifying the root cause and implementing the suggested solutions, you can ensure your refrigerator operates efficiently, keeping your food fresh and your energy bills in check.

If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to safeguard both your appliance and your home’s electrical system.

Related Articles

• Fridge Cleaning Hacks: Guide to Sparkling Fridge

Fridge Keeps Tripping Breaker: 7 Easy Ways To Fix It Now

Do you know that dealing with a  fridge  that keeps tripping the breaker can be frustrating?  My guess is you probably do. Not only does it pose a risk of spoiling your food, but it also requires constant resetting of the breaker, inconveniencing your daily routine.

However,  several straightforward solutions can help you fix the issue  and get your fridge to operate smoothly.

This article  will examine seven effective ways to fix a fridge that keeps tripping the breaker . From addressing an overloaded circuit to tackling ground fault surges and cleaning dirty condenser coils, the practical solutions you’ll find in this article will guide you in troubleshooting and resolving the problem.

By implementing the fixes in this guide,  you’ll finally enjoy a reliable and uninterrupted cooling experience again .

Why Does Your Fridge Keep Tripping the Breaker? 

Table of Contents

Finding out that your fridge trips the breaker can be frustrating and inconvenient to resolve.  But by understanding the potential causes of the problem, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and find the solution .

With that being said,  there are several common reasons why a fridge keeps tripping the breaker, including :

1. Overloaded Circuit 

An  overloaded circuit  is one of the most common reasons behind a fridge tripping the breaker.

When the electrical demand of a refrigerator, particularly during compressor cycles, exceeds the circuit’s capacity, it can cause the breaker to trip . This is more likely to occur if too many appliances simultaneously draw power from the same circuit.

2. Short Circuit 

A  short circuit  is said to occur when there is an unintended connection between the neutral and hot wires, which results in a surge of electrical current . This can happen due to loose connections, faulty wirings, or wires touching each other.

A short circuit can trip the breaker and should be addressed promptly  to prevent potential electrical hazards.

3. Ground Fault Surge 

Much like the short circuit,  a  ground fault  surge happens when the hot wire comes in contact with a ground wire or conductive surface.  When that happens, it can result in an electrical surge capable of tripping the breaker.

Damaged insulations, wiring issues, and faulty outlets typically cause ground fault surges.

4. Faulty Components 

Various faulty components within the fridge housing  can cause the breaker to trip or continue tripping .

These faulty components could include  a defective compressor, malfunctioning defrost heaters, worn-out compressor motor windings, faulty thermostats, and broken fridge fans . These components can draw excessive power or cause electrical imbalances capable of tripping the breaker.

5. Dirty Condenser Coils 

The  condenser coils  in a fridge, typically located at the back or underneath the fridge, can accumulate dirt and dust over time.

When the coils in your fridge are dirty, they will no longer be able to properly and effectively dissipate heat, causing the compressor to work harder and potentially overload the circuit . Cleaning the condenser coils is necessary to prevent overheating and breaker tripping.

6. Damaged Power Cord 

A frayed or damaged power cord can cause a short circuit which will, in turn, trip the breaker . Hence, inspecting the power cord for visible signs of damage, such as cuts or exposed wires, is essential.

If you discover any problem after inspection, a new power cord should be installed  to ensure the refrigerator remains safe and operates continuously.

7. Outlet Problems 

Do you know that faulty outlets, loose connections, or wiring in the electrical outlet where the refrigerator is plugged can trip the breaker?  Well, now you do. And as such, checking the outlet and ensuring that the wiring and connections are done correctly will help identify and resolve the issue.

How to Fix a Fridge That Keeps Tripping the Breaker?

Before you’ll be able to fix a fridge that keeps tripping the breaker, you should be able to address the underlying cause.  Here are some potential fixes :

If you have an overloaded circuit that keeps tripping the breaker,  you can fix or resolve the issue by following these steps :

• Identify the appliances running on the same circuit : Take notice of the electrical devices connected to the circuit where the refrigerator is plugged in. Determine if multiple high-power appliances are connected to the same circuit, drawing power simultaneously.
• Reduce the number of electrical devices operating simultaneously : If the circuit is overloaded, then you can easily unload it by minimizing the use of other high-power appliances while the fridge is running. Stagger the operation of devices or spread them across different circuits.
• Consider redistributing appliances to different circuits or upgrading the electrical panel : If overloading is a recurring issue, you should consider redistributing the devices —you can place them in different circuits. Alternatively, you can consult a licensed electrician. The licensed electrician will access the electrical panel’s capacity and determine if an upgrade will be required to handle the increased load demand.

By managing the electrical load and ensuring that you have a balanced distribution of appliances,  you can alleviate strain on the circuit and minimize the likelihood of the refrigerator tripping the breaker due to an overloaded circuit .

If you suspect that a short circuit is the cause of the refrigerator tripping the breaker,  follow the steps outlined below to address the problem :

• Unplug the refrigerator and test another electrical appliance : To do this, safely and carefully disconnect the fridge from the power source and plug in another electrical appliance to the same outlet. If the breaker immediately trips off after plugging the electrical appliance, it indicates a short circuit in the wiring.
• Consult a licensed electrician to repair the wiring or replace damaged components : If a short circuit has been confirmed, looking for or hiring a professional is recommended . Contact a professional electrician who will help you check the wiring in your fridge, locate the short circuit, and repair it.

Handling a short circuit requires specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure safe and effective repairs.  Rather than “DIY,” it is better to rely on a professional for electrical work to minimize the risks of electrical hazards and ensure that your fridge continues functioning properly .

To address a ground fault surge that is responsible for causing the fridge to trip the breaker,  you can follow the steps outlined below :

• Inspect electric switches and outlets for signs of burnt or damaged wiring : Look at the electrical switches and outlets connected to the fridge’s circuit. Check for signs of damaged or burnt wirings, such as discoloration, melting, or loose connections. If you suspect a ground fault, it is vital to seek help from a professional.
• Contact a professional to resolve the issue : If you notice the signs of a ground fault or suspect faulty wiring, it is advisable to contact or hire a licensed electrician. Why is that important? Why can’t I do it myself? A licensed electrician has the expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs or replacements to rectify the ground surge.
• Install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet or use a GFCI adapter : If you want to prevent ground fault surges from happening in the future, then consider installing a GFCI outlet specifically designed for detecting and preventing ground faults. Alternatively, if you don’t like installing a GFCI outlet , you can use a GFCI adapter plugged into an existing outlet. These devices can provide an extra layer of protection by immediately cutting off the power once a ground fault is detected.

You can resolve the issue  by inspecting the outlets and switches with professional assistance. Also, when implementing GFCI protection, you can mitigate the risk of ground fault surges and prevent the fridge from tripping the breaker.

When dealing with faulty components in the refrigerator that cause the breaker to trip, you should seek assistance from a professional appliance repair technician.  If you have faulty components in your fridge, follow the steps below to address the issue :

• Identify the faulty component : Determine the component within your fridge causing the problem. This could include a defective compressor, worn-out compressor motor windings, broken fridge fans, malfunctioning defrost heaters, or faulty thermostats.
• Seek assistance from a professional appliance repair technician : Contact or hire a professional appliance repair technician specializing in fridge repairs. These professionals have the expertise and tools to diagnose the specific faulty component accurately. Once the faulty component has been identified, the professional will be able to replace the faulty component with a new one to restore the proper fridge functioning.

Addressing faulty components requires specialized knowledge, expertise, and access to specific replacement parts.  It is recommended to rely on the assistance of professionals for repairs to ensure the safety and efficiency of the fridge while preventing future breaker trips .

To address the issue of dirty condenser coils  that can cause the refrigerator to trip the breaker,  follow these steps :

• Regularly clean the condenser coils : It is essential to clean the coils of your fridge regularly to remove accumulated dirt and debris. This can be done using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to brush off dirt gently. Alternatively, you can use a broom handle to remove larger debris carefully . Then, you can use a wet sponge or cloth to clean the coils for mild dirt. Ensure that the coils are completely dry before plugging them into the fridge.
• Ensure the condenser coils are free from obstructions : Aside from cleaning, it is essential to ensure that any object or furniture does not obstruct them. Proper airflow around the coils ensures adequate and efficient heat dissipation. Remove any item blocking the coils and maintain a clear space around them to promote optimal cooling performance.

By  regularly cleaning the condenser coils  and keeping them free from obstructions,  you can prevent overheating, reduce the likelihood of the breaker tripping, and ensure the efficient operation of your refrigerator .

If you  discover or notice a damaged or frayed power cord  that can cause short circuits and result in the breaker tripping,  follow these steps :

• Replace the damaged power cord : If it is visibly frayed, damaged, or has exposed wires, it is crucial to replace it with a new one to avoid potential electrical hazards. Consult an electrician or appliance technician for assistance if you need one. They can guide the appropriate replacement power cord for your refrigerator model and ensure safe installation.
• Seek professional assistance if necessary : If you are unsure about replacing the power cord or are uncomfortable working with electrical components, seek or hire a professional. An appliance technician or electrician has the expertise and knowledge to correctly carry out replacements and ensure the electrical components are secure.

Addressing a damaged power cord is essential for electrical safety and the proper functioning of the refrigerator . Replacing the damaged power cord with a new one can mitigate the risk of short circuits and prevent the breaker from tripping due to faulty wiring.

If you suspect that the issue causing your refrigerator to trip the breaker lies,  follow these steps :

• Contact a professional electrician : It is recommended to contact a professional electrician to inspect and address any problems with the outlet. They have the expertise to diagnose and resolve electrical issues safely and effectively.
• Repair or replace the outlet : The electrician will assess the outlet and determine if it needs replacing. They will ensure that the wiring and connections are properly installed and functioning. Faulty wiring or loose connections can lead to breaker tripping, so addressing these issues is essential.
• Ensure proper wiring and connections : The electrician will ensure the outlet is wired correctly and securely. Loose or damaged wiring can cause electrical problems, including breaker tripping. By verifying the wiring and connections, they can prevent future issues and ensure the safe operation of your refrigerator.

It’s essential to entrust outlet repairs or replacements to a professional electrician to avoid potential safety hazards . They will have the expertise to handle electrical work and ensure the outlet properly works, reducing the risk of breaker tripping.

It is important to note that electrical work can be hazardous.  If you are uncomfortable working with electricity or if the fixes mentioned above are beyond your expertise, it is best to seek the help of a qualified professional for safe and effective repairs .

Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.

Home Efficiency Guide is an affiliate for companies including Amazon Associates and earns a commission on qualifying purchases.

Refrigerator Keeps Tripping Breaker: Troubleshooting Guide

A refrigerator will lose power from a tripped breaker, sometimes for hours before you realize it. Obviously, a reoccurring problem like this needs attention. 

Why a refrigerator keeps tripping a breaker? The primary causes of a refrigerator repeatedly tripping a breaker are:

• an overloaded circuit
• a short circuit
• a ground fault surge

All of these problems can cause fires and/or electrocution if not properly addressed. 

This article will first outline the mechanics of circuit breakers, outlets, and refrigerator components. Next, we will discuss just what the main circuitry problems are telling you. And finally, we will walk you through a step-by-step troubleshooting guide and give solutions to the most common reasons your refrigerator is losing power. 

Mechanical and Electrical Components

Let’s start our discussion with the mechanical and electrical components involved in circuit breakers, outlets, and basic refrigerator mechanisms that can be involved in circuit breaker tripping. I will start at the breaker box.

Circuit Breaker: Circuit breakers are attached to all of the wiring in a building or home and act as safeguards against power surges and other electrical issues.

Whether from constant, slow heating, or from a sudden power surge, the circuit is designed to break the current when it is overloaded. 

Wiring Basics: Three electrical connections make up the standard appliance wiring that connects to your home’s electrical system. The hot wire carries the 120 volt current to your appliance and the neutral wire serves as the return path in the circuit. These run through the 2 thinner prongs on power cords. 

The third prong connects the ground wire, which is simply attached to the metal casing of the appliance. This ground wire will take the 120 volts if the hot wire shorts, causing an extremely high current that trips the breaker.

The ground wire is incredibly important because, without it, the entire appliance can become one big shock hazard ( source ).

GFCI Outlet: A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter works like an ultra-sensitive circuit breaker. The appliance is plugged into the outlet, and when even a few amps of surge are detected, the circuit within the outlet will trip.

These outlets are used in bathrooms and other areas where water is present for protection against electrocution. They protect someone from electric shock should a short circuit or ground fault occur. 

Refrigerator Defrost Heater: The defrost heater is a resistance element located in the evaporator compartment to melt ice built up on the coils of the refrigerator. It is attached to a timer and thermostat that work to regulate the temperature and cycling of the defrost heater and compressor ( source ).

Refrigerator Compressor: The compressor works as both a motor and a pump, moving refrigerant throughout the system coils to cool the temperature in the fridge. It is the powerhouse of the appliance and the most expensive component to replace. 

What Is Happening in My Circuitry to Cause Tripping?

It is important to have an understanding of what is happening in the circuitry. Circuit breakers trip to stop the flow of electricity and indicate that something is going wrong. Figuring out where the problem lies can save property and life. 

• Overloaded Circuit: An overloaded circuit occurs when too many amps are running through the same wiring. Residential code allows 20 amps per circuit (source). If more amps attempt to flow through a circuit, this can cause overheating and power surges that damage wiring and appliances. 
• Short Circuit: A short circuit occurs when the hot wire (wire with electricity flowing though it) contacts the neutral wire. This causes too much heat as electricity surges through the wires. You may notice a burning smell or burnt wiring. 
• Ground Fault Surge: A ground fault surge occurs when the hot wire and the ground wire connect. This also causes overheating and can discolor the area around the outlet. 

Pro Tip: You can use a circuit breaker finder (link to Amazon) to quickly identify which circuit breaker is powering the refrigerator.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide 

Now that you have an idea of how the components work and basic circuitry issues, I want to walk through all the different reasons for a refrigerator tripping a circuit breaker and what to do about them.

I will start with the most obvious, simple fixes and work up to the more complicated problems. 

• Check the GFCI outlet: If you have lost power to your refrigerator, and it is plugged into a GFCI outlet, the outlet may have tripped due to nuisance tripping. GFCI outlets are very sensitive and designed to trip at slight surges.

However, most fridge manufacturers do not recommend plugging into a GFCI outlet and they are not required for appliances ( source ).

Why? Refrigerators require a large amount of power to begin their cooling cycles—and very often trip GFCI outlets. See this video for more information:

If you do have a GFCI outlet and it has tripped, reset it. If the outlet now works, you can eliminate the GFCI outlet as the problem. Move the plug to a different, non-GFCI outlet. Moving to a different power source may be the end of your issues.

Note: GFCI outlet tripping should not also trip a circuit breaker in your breaker box . If that has happened, keep exploring. You have a bigger problem and should keep troubleshooting to the next step.

• Power cord inspection: This may seem like a no brainer, but damage to the refrigerator power cord can cause short circuits. Unplug the cord and inspect the length of the cord for worn insulation, crushed wiring, or indication of animal damage (such as rat chews). If you see any damage where the wires inside are exposed, the cord needs to be replaced. Many people suggest wrapping it with electrical tape but I don’t recommend this. If no damage, move to step 3. 
• Inspect the prongs of the power cord: Are they rusty, loose, or broken? If so, you could have ground fault surges or faulty connections that are causing power surges. Replace the plug unit or the whole cord system. Power cord intact? Move to step 4.
• Check for an overloaded circuit: If multiple appliances are plugged into the same circuit, it could become overloaded, especially when the refrigerator compressor starts. Try plugging the refrigerator into another outlet, maybe even in another room to ensure it is attached to a different circuit. I’ve done this by running an extension cord to another room when troubleshooting. If the refrigerator is able to run its cycles with no tripping, you may need to figure out what other appliances are normally attached through this circuit and eliminate them. Refrigerators should be on a dedicated circuit when possible . I will tell you that I always place all appliances on their own circuit. Not only does this help prevent overload, but it also greatly reduces the number of potential causes when troubleshooting.

Make sure electrical power is disconnected before performing steps 5 and 6. If you aren’t knowledgable about electrical, hire a professional.

• Inspect Outlet: In addition to checking for an overloaded circuit, inspect the power outlet where you normally plug the fridge for damage. Remove the receptacle cover and look for loose or burnt wiring. If there is no visible damage, test wires with an ammeter. Faulty wiring in the outlet can cause short circuits and ground faults. Replace the outlet if necessary. Still no issues detected? Move to step 6.
• Breaker Box Inspection: If you have discovered no damage to the power cord or outlet, check the breaker box itself. Circuit breakers can wear out or suffer damage from water or pests. Inspect the breakers—does anything look corroded, cracked, or worn? If you suspect damage at the breaker box, replace the suspect circuit breaker or call an electrician. If all looks well at the box, return to the fridge itself. 
• Check wiring on refrigerator unit: Unplug the fridge and pull away from the wall. Remove the rear paneling and inspect and test wires for loose or faulty connections. If nothing is obvious, move to step 8.
• Test defrost heater: The most common internal component to fail in a refrigerator is the defrost heater. Thankfully, it is a relatively inexpensive part to replace. To troubleshoot it, reset the timer (usually changed with a screwdriver) so that you can force the defrost cycle to begin. If the breaker trips shortly after the cycle begins, then the defrost heater is either water-damaged (a common problem), causing a ground fault, or short-circuiting from insulation damage. Replace the defrost heater, a reasonably simple DIY project. If the defrost heater seems to be functioning properly, move to step 9. 
• Compressor Check: If nothing else has been pinpointed as the problem for the reoccurring circuit breaker trips, the compressor is probably at fault. When the compressor winding begins to fail, the extra power load normally needed to start winding doesn’t stop after a few seconds. The extra power overloads and trips the breaker. Refrigerator compressors are expensive fixes. You can call an appliance mechanic for repairs, but you are probably better off purchasing a new unit to replace what you have. Recommended Reading: What Appliances Are Worth Upgrading? Here’s The Math!

Circuit breaker tripping can be a an annoying problem, but it is also an indication of potentially dangerous electrical issues within your home. To protect your property and family, it is imperative to address the recurring problem.

If your refrigerator loses power from a circuit breaker trip, realize that most circuit breakers trip from overloaded circuits, short circuits, or ground fault surges . By investigating all of the components between the unit and the circuit breaker, you can usually pinpoint and solve the problem. 

As a homeowner, I am constantly experimenting with making the structure of my house more energy-efficient, eliminating pests, and taking on DIY home improvement projects. Over the past two decades, my family has rehabbed houses and contracted new home builds and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I share my hard-learned lessons so that you can save time and money by not repeating my mistakes.

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Why is my Refrigerator Tripping the Circuit Breaker? Your Handy DIY Guide

Chilling out with fridge faults - it's easier than you think.

Picture this: you're humming away to your favourite 80s rock anthem (let's say it's Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer") in the kitchen when suddenly, everything goes dark. Your first thoughts might be, "Did I forget to pay the electricity bill again?" But you soon realize that the fault lies a bit closer to home... specifically, your refrigerator.

If you're dealing with a refrigerator that's tripping your circuit breaker, don't despair - you've come to the right place! As your friendly neighborhood repairman, let me tell you, it's not as horrifying as it seems. With just a little bit of DIY knowledge and these tips I'm about to share, we'll have you 'cooler than cool' in no time.

Understanding the Mysterious "Circuit Breaker"

To start, let's have a quick and easy lesson on what this circuit breaker actually is. In layman's terms, it's like a bodyguard for your home's electrical system, protecting it from dangerous overloads. When an overload happens, the breaker 'trips' and cuts off the current to prevent potential damage or fires.

Of course, it would be rather inconvenient if the circuit breaker decides to trip when you're neck-deep in a marathon of "The Crown". So, let's apply some detective skills and figure out why your fridge might be causing this issue.

Spotting the Usual Suspects

Overloaded circuits.

Quite often, the issue is an overloaded circuit. In other words, you're asking this solitary circuit to juggle electrically demanding appliances. It's like expecting one waiter to serve every table in a restaurant during the dinner rush - sooner or later, something's going to trip!

Solution? Reduce the load on the breaker. This could mean unplugging a few devices that share the same circuit or having an electrician install an additional circuit or two. The circuits will thank you, and so will your fridge.

Motor Problems

Sometimes, the old fridge motor decides it's had enough and starts drawing more power just to keep up with the daily grind. Eventually, the circuit breaker feels the strain and - you guessed it - trips.

Fixing this requires a little more DIY-ing or a call to a professional. If your fridge is still under warranty, it's definitely worth looking into a motor replacement.

Wiring Woes

Lastly, sometimes the issue lies in your home's wiring. Have you noticed dimming lights or fluctuations in appliance performance? Then you might be dealing with loose or corroded wiring.

If you suspect this to be the issue, calling an experienced electrician is crucial for safety. Home rewiring is not a task for the average DIYer.

Preventing Fridge Fiascos

A word on maintenance.

Keeping your refrigerator in top-notch condition can help prevent unnecessary breakdowns. Clean the coils, keep the fridge adequately stocked (a fridge full of food retains cold better than an empty one!), and regularly check for leaks or drops in temperature.

Upgrade those Appliances

If your fridge is older than your favorite pair of jeans from high school (and let's face it, those are practically vintage), consider investing in a new, energy-efficient model. It'll put less strain on your electrical system and keep your circuit breaker - and your wallet - happy.

Navigating Your Next Steps

In the end, whether your refrigerator is playing up due to an overload, a dodgy motor, or problematic wiring, there's always a solution within reach. It might take a bit of electrical elbow grease and detective work, but a peaceful coexistence between your fridge and circuit breaker is possible.

Remember, while some of these fixes are excellent for the keen DIY enthusiast, others should be treated with caution. Never hesitate to call in a professional when matters get murky - or you risk electrocution.

Now, strap on that superhero cape and get to work! Before you know it, you'll be serenading your fridge to another 80s' classic, secure in the knowledge that it won't plunge you into darkness.

Why Does My Fridge Keep Tripping the Breaker?

• Refrigerator Repair
• Refrigerator Keeps Running
• Fridge Freezing Up at the Back
• Refrigerator Is Freezing Over
• Refrigerator Blowing Warm Air
• Refrigerator Turn On and Off
• Refrigerator is Freezing Over
• Fridge Light Is Not Working
• Refrigerator is Not Cooling
• Dispenser Issues in Fridge
• Refrigerator is Not Making Noise
• Fridge is Not Cooling But Light is On
• Fridge is Making Humming Noise
• Mold in Refrigerator

If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of your fridge fridge keeps tripping breaker, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and tenants encounter this issue, and it can be quite perplexing. A tripping breaker not only disrupts the proper functioning of your refrigerator but also raises concerns about electrical safety.

Common Causes of Refrigerator Circuit Breaker Trips

There are some common causes behind the problem of a fridge tripping breaker:

• Overloaded Circuits;
• Short Circuits;
• Old Wires and Insulation;
• Faulty GFCI;
• Damaged Power Cord;
• Damaged Outlet;
• Issues in the Breaker Box;
• Faulty Compressor;

Overloaded Circuits

If your refrigerator keeps tripping the breaker, it can be attributed to an overloaded circuit. Overloading happens when multiple electrical appliances are connected to a single circuit, surpassing its power capacity. Refrigerators are known to be high-power devices, and if they share a circuit with other energy-intensive equipment like microwaves or dishwashers, the circuit can become overwhelmed. This excessive power demand triggers the breaker to trip, serving as a protective measure.

To avoid this issue, it’s crucial to distribute the electrical load evenly among different circuits. Consider connecting your refrigerator to a dedicated circuit that can handle its power requirements without overburdening it. If you notice that your fridge is sharing a circuit with other energy-consuming appliances, it’s advisable to reorganize and redistribute them accordingly.

By ensuring that your refrigerator has its own circuit or is connected with compatible devices, you can prevent overloading and subsequent breaker trips. This simple adjustment will help maintain a stable electrical supply, allowing your fridge to operate smoothly without causing disruptions or safety concerns. Remember, proper circuit management is key to avoiding potential hazards and ensuring the reliable performance of your appliances.

Short Circuits

A short circuit is another frequent culprit behind a fridge that keeps tripping breaker. It happens when there is a direct and unintended connection between the hot wire and either the neutral wire or the ground wire. This connection bypasses the normal electrical resistance, leading to a sudden surge of current and prompting the circuit breaker to trip as a safety precaution. Short circuits can occur due to various factors, such as damaged wires, loose connections, or faulty electrical components within the refrigerator.

If you suspect a short circuit as the cause of your refrigerator tripping the breaker, it’s essential to take immediate action. Start by unplugging the fridge and examining the power cord for any visible signs of damage or frayed wires. Carefully inspect the outlet as well to ensure it is not damaged or worn. If you discover any issues, it is recommended to replace the power cord or repair the outlet before reconnecting the refrigerator. In cases where the short circuit is not apparent from a visual inspection, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified electrician. They have the expertise to diagnose and resolve complex electrical problems, ensuring the safety and proper functioning of your refrigerator. Remember, addressing short circuits promptly is crucial to prevent potential electrical hazards and damage to your appliance.

Old Wires and Insulation

Outdated wiring and insulation can be another underlying cause of your refrigerator tripping the breaker. As electrical systems age, the wiring can deteriorate, resulting in exposed or frayed wires. Moreover, worn-out insulation may no longer offer sufficient protection, heightening the likelihood of electrical faults and circuit breaker trips. If your home has older electrical wiring, it’s crucial to have it evaluated by a professional electrician to ensure its safety and proper functioning.

During an inspection, the electrician will assess the condition of the wiring, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or outdated components. They may recommend rewiring or upgrading the electrical system to meet current safety standards. By addressing old wiring and insulation issues, you can mitigate the risk of electrical malfunctions, reduce the frequency of breaker trips, and safeguard your refrigerator’s performance.

It’s important to remember that working with electrical systems can be hazardous, so it’s best to leave any repairs or upgrades to qualified professionals. They have the necessary knowledge and experience to handle electrical projects safely and effectively. By investing in updated wiring and insulation, you not only enhance the reliability of your refrigerator but also improve the overall electrical safety of your home.

Faulty GFCI

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) plays a crucial role in safeguarding against electrical shocks. If your refrigerator is plugged into a GFCI outlet and you experience frequent breaker trips, a faulty GFCI could be the root cause. Over time, GFCIs can wear out or become overly sensitive to even minor electrical imbalances, leading them to trip unnecessarily. When this happens, it is important to address the issue promptly to ensure the safe operation of your refrigerator.

Replacing a faulty GFCI outlet is a recommended course of action. You can find GFCIs at most hardware stores, and they are designed to be easy to install. However, if you are unsure about the process or would prefer assistance, consulting with a professional electrician is a wise choice. They possess the expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and install a new GFCI outlet if necessary.

Remember, GFCIs are vital for electrical safety, so it’s essential to address any issues promptly. By ensuring the proper functioning of your GFCI outlet, you not only protect yourself and your family from potential electrical hazards but also maintain the reliable performance of your refrigerator.

Damaged Power Cord

A damaged power cord is another potential cause of refrigerator circuit breaker problems. When the power cord becomes frayed, cut, or otherwise compromised, it poses electrical hazards and can result in intermittent connections. These unstable connections can cause power fluctuations, triggering the circuit breaker to trip as a safety measure. To prevent this issue, it’s important to regularly inspect the power cord of your refrigerator and promptly address any signs of damage.

During your inspection, carefully examine the power cord for any visible signs of wear and tear, such as frayed or exposed wires. If you notice any damage, it’s crucial to replace the power cord to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your refrigerator.

When replacing a power cord, it’s essential to use a cord that matches the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines. You can typically find suitable replacement cords at appliance stores or by contacting the refrigerator’s manufacturer directly. If you are uncertain about the replacement process or prefer assistance, consulting with a qualified technician or an electrician is advisable.

By maintaining a well-functioning power cord, you can reduce the risk of breaker trips and ensure the efficient and safe performance of your refrigerator.

Damaged Outlet

Sometimes, the problem behind your refrigerator tripping the breaker may stem from the outlet itself. A damaged outlet with loose or deteriorating connections can lead to an unstable electrical supply to your refrigerator. This instability can cause frequent breaker trips, disrupting the proper functioning of your appliance. If you suspect that the outlet is at fault, it is important to address the issue promptly.

Firstly, ensure your safety by turning off the power to the outlet at the breaker box. Then, carefully inspect the outlet for any visible signs of damage, such as loose or corroded wires, or cracks in the outlet plate. If you notice any problems, it is highly recommended to contact a qualified electrician to evaluate and repair the outlet.

An electrician will have the expertise to identify and rectify any issues with the outlet, ensuring a secure and reliable electrical connection for your refrigerator. They may need to replace the outlet entirely or address any wiring or connection problems. Remember, tampering with electrical outlets can be dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional. Prioritizing safety and seeking professional assistance will help prevent further problems and ensure the smooth operation of your refrigerator.

Issues in the Breaker Box

If you’re experiencing frequent breaker trips with your refrigerator, it’s essential to consider the condition of your breaker box. Loose connections, faulty breakers, or an outdated electrical panel can all contribute to this recurring issue. To address these problems and ensure the proper functioning of your refrigerator, it’s advisable to consult a professional electrician.

An electrician will thoroughly inspect your breaker box to identify any loose or damaged connections. They will also assess the performance of the breakers within the box, checking for signs of wear or malfunction. In some cases, an outdated electrical panel may be the root cause of the problem. In such situations, the electrician may recommend upgrading the panel to a more modern and reliable version.

By addressing these issues within the breaker box, the electrician can help prevent frequent breaker trips and ensure a stable electrical supply to your refrigerator. They will recommend appropriate solutions based on their assessment, which may include replacing faulty breakers, tightening loose connections, or upgrading the electrical panel.

Remember, working with the breaker box requires specialized knowledge and expertise. It’s crucial to leave this task to a professional electrician to guarantee your safety and avoid further electrical complications. They will handle the necessary repairs or upgrades to keep your refrigerator running smoothly without tripping the breaker.

Faulty Compressor

The compressor plays a crucial role in the cooling system of your refrigerator. However, if it experiences faults or malfunctions, it can lead to excessive power consumption and overload the circuit, resulting in the breaker tripping. When faced with such issues, it is important to address the problem promptly.

If you suspect a problem with the compressor, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a refrigerator technician. These professionals possess the necessary expertise to diagnose and resolve compressor-related problems. They can accurately assess the condition of the compressor, identify any faults, and recommend the appropriate course of action.

In some cases, the compressor may require repair or replacement. This task should be carried out by qualified technicians who specialize in refrigerator repairs. They have the knowledge and tools to handle compressor issues safely and effectively.

If your refrigerator is still under warranty, contacting the manufacturer’s support can also be a viable option. They can provide guidance and direct you to authorized service centers that can handle compressor-related problems.

By addressing compressor issues promptly and seeking professional help, you can ensure the optimal performance of your refrigerator and prevent further refrigerator breaker keeps tripping. Remember to consult experts in the field to receive accurate diagnosis and appropriate solutions for any compressor-related problems.

What to Do When Your Refrigerator Continues to Trip the Breaker

Dealing with a fridge that keeps tripping the breaker can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to address the issue:

Disconnect other appliances. If your refrigerator shares a circuit with other high-power appliances, consider unplugging or redistributing them to reduce the load on the circuit.

Plug into a different outlet. Try connecting your fridge to a different outlet on a separate circuit to determine if the issue persists. This step can help identify whether the problem lies with the appliance or the electrical supply.

Check for electrical issues. Inspect the power cord, outlet, and breaker box for any visible signs of damage or loose connections. If you notice any problems, consult a qualified electrician for repairs.

Consult a professional. If the breaker continues to trip even after troubleshooting, it’s best to seek assistance from a refrigerator technician or an electrician experienced in appliance electrical systems. They can diagnose the problem accurately and provide appropriate solutions.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Your Fridge Tripping the Circuit Breaker

Taking proactive steps to prevent your fridge from tripping the circuit breaker can save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with frequent breaker trips. Here are some preventive measures you can implement:

Be mindful of the electrical load on the circuit where your refrigerator is connected. Avoid connecting other high-power appliances to the same circuit to prevent overloading.

Ensure that your refrigerator’s temperature settings are appropriate for efficient operation. Extremely low or high settings can cause the compressor to work harder, potentially leading to fridge compressor tripping.

Regularly check the door seal and gaskets for any signs of wear or damage. Air leaks can disrupt the cooling process, forcing the compressor to run longer and draw more power.

Keep the air vents at the back or underneath the refrigerator clean and free from obstructions. Proper airflow is essential for efficient cooling and can prevent unnecessary strain on the compressor.

Ensure the defrost drain is clear and free from blockages. A clogged defrost drain can lead to ice buildup and cooling issues, potentially causing the breaker to trip.

Inspect the insulation around electrical wiring and components in your refrigerator. Worn-out or damaged insulation can increase the risk of electrical faults and trips.

By implementing these preventive measures and addressing any underlying electrical issues promptly, you can minimize the chances of your fridge tripping the circuit breaker and ensure its smooth and safe operation.

When a fridge breaker keeps tripping it can be a frustrating and concerning issue. Understanding the common causes, troubleshooting steps, and preventive measures can help you resolve the problem effectively. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with electrical repairs, it’s always best to seek professional assistance from qualified technicians or electricians. Remember, prioritizing electrical safety is crucial to safeguarding your home and appliances.

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Introduction.

If your GFCI trips, don’t worry — it’s just doing its job. Let's find the source of the trip.

First Steps

Regular maintenance.

It's important to perform regular fridge maintenance before trying these fixes. Your appliance should last for at least 10-15 years before needing replacement, so keep it running well with these refrigerator maintenance tips .

Safety Note: Power Down the Fridge Before removing and replacing or continuity testing electrical components, power down the fridge. This will prevent damage to the components and prevent you from being electrocuted. Still, some electrical components — like capacitors — will store their charge and should not be tampered with. If the fridge is pulled away from the wall, or if the power switch is easily accessible, remove the plug. Otherwise, find the fridge’s circuit breaker in your breaker box and turn the circuit off. Verify your fridge has lost power by opening the doors and seeing if the fridge lights turn on.

Safety Note: Sharp Sheet Metal When working underneath the fridge, consider wearing gloves to avoid cuts from the sharp sheet metal. The sheet metal is the thin structural metal where components mount. While wearing gloves may make work more challenging, it’s worth protecting yourself.

Reset Power

When refrigerators experience temporary power outages, they may enter a safe mode. The safe mode protects the fridge's internal components from electrical overloading. You'll have to reset the power to your fridge.

• Unplug your refrigerator. If the plug is too hard to reach, switch the circuit breaker off.
• Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the fridge.
• Once power is back, open your freezer and push the light switch 3 times to trigger a cooling cycle.
• Monitor temperature over the next 24 hours.

GFCIs are sensitive to environmental changes and may result in nuisance trips. You may see more nuisance trips during hot-weather months.

• Reset your GFCI , and power on the fridge.

Faulty Power Cord

One common source of trouble with fridges is the power cord.

• Unplug the cord and give it a thorough inspection.
• Damage to the cord looks like worn-out insulation, kinks, or bite marks. If you notice any of these problems, replace your current power cord with a brand-new one.
• Next, look at the power prongs.
• If they are bent or rusted, replace the cord. If they seem fine, plug the appliance into the outlet and turn it on.
• Plug in another device, like a lamp or clock, to test the outlet.

Faulty Power Outlet

If your refrigerator is plugged into a power strip, unplug it and remove the cover on the power strip.

• Look for any blackened or burned spots on the wires, and replace if found.

Ice Maker Malfunctioning

The ice maker draws power upon startup, but not normally enough to cause a trip. However, if your water line to the fridge is disconnected and the fridge attempts to start an ice cycle, the GFCI may trip.

• If there's no water supplied to the fridge, disable the ice maker.
• If you regularly make ice, verify that your water line is not blocked or frozen, as this could also be the cause of a trip.
• If you need a replacement ice maker assembly, iFixit offers several of the most common assemblies.

Find compatible replacement parts for your Refrigerator. All parts and fix kits are backed by the iFixit Quality Guarantee.

Standards and Codes

While it's a common problem for a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI and GFI) outlets to trip when using older refrigerators, newer fridges seem to have more sophisticated internals that prevent trips. New wiring standards are based on NEC Article 210.8 and 210.52 and are as follows:

• All commercial buildings/kitchens are required to have GFCI for refrigerators.
• In a Dwelling Unit (house or apartment) refrigerators located inside the kitchen do NOT have to have a GFCI.
• If the circuit feeding the refrigerator outlet is branched to any other outlet, it must be a 20-A circuit.  If the circuit feeding the refrigerator outlet is a dedicated individual circuit, then it can be either 15-A or 20-A.
• In a garage or an unfinished basement of a Dwelling unit, the refrigerator must have a GFCI circuit.

Not Running a Dedicated Circuit

This means that while a residential kitchen refrigerator does not need to be on a dedicated circuit, using a dedicated circuit is certainly a good idea. Check your breaker panel with — or without — a circuit finder , or consult an electrician to inspect your home's wiring.

Snubber Not Installed

A snubber can be installed to reduce turn-on/turn-off voltage spikes. If nuisance tripping is the only issue, then adding a snubber may fix this issue. Consult an electrician.

Faulty GFCI Outlet

GFCI outlets generally have lives of about 7-10 years and may fail in 5 years. Test your outlet monthly.

• In the event of continuous tripping, replace the GFCI outlet.
• Call an electrician, or cut power to the circuit, then test that the circuit is dead.
• Transfer wires from one unit to the other.

Faulty Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is responsible for regulating the electrical current in your home. When your refrigerator is tripping a GFCI outlet, the corresponding breaker or outlet might be at fault rather than the GFCI.

• Consult an electrician if you are unsure about the electrical testing procedures.

GFCI Wired Incorrectly

Older fridges might not get along with GFCIs as well as newer fridges. If your fridge's receptacle is wired to the load side of the outlet instead of the line side, you may be experiencing nuisance trips. You may be able to bypass it. Keep in mind that everything downstream of the refrigerator outlet won't be protected if you do this, and you may need to add a GFCI to restore protection to the outlets beyond the fridge outlet.

• View this re-wiring video or this video and consult an electrician if unsure of the procedure.

Overloading Circuit

It may not be your GFCI tripping! It might be the circuit breaker! Especially if the reset button doesn't seem to work. It’s possible that you’re plugged into an overloaded circuit. If unchecked, this circuit could lead to a fire.

• If you’ve got any other major home appliances or electronics plugged into the same circuit as your fridge, relocate them to another outlet before calling an electrician.
• If your home refrigerator is tripping your circuit breaker, and can't run a new outlet, then move the fridge to an alternative power outlet.
• Verify that the breaker isn't tripping.
• If it trips in the alternative power outlet, call an electrician. They will help you run a new dedicated circuit for the fridge.

Neutral-Ground Short

A short is usually what causes the GFCI to trip, and if there is a neutral-ground short, the GFCI is doing its job.

• If your fridge trips once, and then constantly, test the plug to see if there's continuity between ground and hot or neutral.
• If there is a short, follow the circuit with a multimeter and figure out what component is responsible. Test each component for continuity to ground. A short looks like 0Ω to the ground.
• This will most likely be the compressor but may be the defrost heater or any other component.

Ground Fault

A ground fault occurs when electricity is sent through a different path than intended. Some causes for faults are:

• Bare or frayed wires and insulation
• Water leaks near electrical
• Pest damage to electrical systems
• Incorrectly wired electrical units

Ground faults that damage your electrical system can be extremely dangerous.

• Test your outlet with a receptacle tester. Ground faults should be inspected and corrected by an electrician.
• Simply replacing the GFCI will not solve the issue of the fault.

Faulty Refrigerator Wiring

Your fridge's internal wiring could be causing your GFCI to trip.

• Unplug and remove the lower back panel of your refrigerator.
• Inspect for damaged wires. If any are found, replace them with new wires and tape them securely in place

Additional Resources

Testing Fridge Compressor Relays

Testing Appliance Capacitors

Related Problems

Whirlpool Refrigerator

37 common problems

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Why Is My Refrigerator Tripping the Breaker? (5 Reasons & Fixes)

A refrigerator is one of many house appliances that should exist in every home. It is really important as you can store some foods inside to keep them safe. By exposing them to colder temperatures, they won’t rot easily.

Although it has such great functionality, a refrigerator is also known to be power-consuming. As it uses more electricity, you may notice that it often trips the breaker when you plug it in. Seeing how common this occurs, many people often ask “Why is my refrigerator tripping the breaks?”

To find the answer, check the article below!

Table of Contents

Why Is My Refrigerator Tripping the Breaker?

The main reason why it keeps happening to you is because of the circuitry issues. It is much better to check it before you’re conducting a deeper check into the refrigerator itself.

Problems related to circuitry often end in something much more terrible, like house fire and electrocution. This is not something to be neglected as it can be really dangerous.

Circuitry issues could also happen pretty randomly, causing power shut-down in your house every now and then. It is fine if it happens rarely, but we understand your frustration if it keeps happening. In order to find the solutions, we must check the possible reasons why this happened in the first place.

1. Circuit Overload

As mentioned above, one of the most common culprits of this situation is circuit problems. There are so many kinds of circuit issues you might find, like broken or burnt cables, and circuit overload.

Circuit overload is a condition where the circuit can’t give its spare capacity to the connected devices. The result is a power shutdown caused by the tripping circuit breaker. Although it’s annoying, cutting off the electricity temporarily is actually good to prevent any short circuit that may cause further house damage, including fire.

You have to know that each circuit has its own electric capacity. As the refrigerator needs more power to turn on the compressor, the amount of energy drawn from the circuit will be abundant. Now, it’s really okay if the circuit does have some electrical capacity to spare. But if not, then the breaker will trip immediately.

How to Fix it? We know that it might be our usual habit to connect as many devices to a circuit. If there are 5 holes available, why don’t use all of them, right? Generally, it’s okay to do so. However, you also need to check that each device may have different energy requirements. As a refrigerator has higher requirements, it’s best for you to have a separate circuit just for it to prevent circuit overload.

2. Wiring Faulty

The next common reason why the electric flow in your house keeps shutting down when connecting the refrigerator is wiring faulty. As your house grows older, it may start showing some issues, including the ones related to the cables.

As you may know, cables are used to connect your devices or home appliances to electricity. They can be used to turn on lamps, give power to circuits, and many other purposes. Over the years, the cables will have degraded condition. Other than time, the degradation might also be caused by external factors, including animals attack or strong weather.

The faulty in wire cables may cause electrical shorts that can cut off the electricity flow completely. In more serious cases, these shorts can even result in a terrible house fire, resulting in a huge loss for the family.

How to Fix? As the wiring faulty isn’t often located easily, you have to do regular inspections if you experience some electrical issues. You may start by checking your attic and walls. However, it’s not a job that can be done alone (unless you have the skill for it). So, we highly recommend consulting professionals to check, find, and fix the problems.

3. Issues in The Compressor

Starting from this section, we’ll mention the internal reasons you can find within the refrigerator. Do you know what’s the most important part of a refrigerator? Yes, a compressor. This compressor works to cool the interior of the refrigerator to make everything inside nice and cold. It is a part that’s responsible for keeping all your foods fresh.

As refrigerators can never work properly without them, keeping the compressor in condition is highly important. Completely neglecting it will often result in problems, including the circuit breaker keeps tripping.

There are several reasons why the compressor can break. The first one is its natural character. As a piece of machinery, the compressor will eventually break when it reaches its maximum lifetime.

No matter how good the brand is, the compressor will still break if you have used it for years long. In order to prolong its life, users can get it maintained or repaired. The cost is negligible, but the benefits are fantastic.

The circuit breaker trips because the compressor is unable to work properly due to collected dust and debris. As it can’t work optimally, it’ll force it to draw more power from the circuit. And since the circuit can’t handle it, it’ll trip.

How to Fix? As the compressor is an integral part of the refrigerator, it’s advised to ask technicians to help you check and fix the problem.

4. Condenser Coils Are Dirty

As you use the refrigerator every day, eventually, some parts of it will get naturally dirty. Aside from the compressor, the condenser coils are also exposed to this risk. It’s not rare to find these coils covered in dust. Similar to a compressor, condenser coils won’t be able to work properly in such conditions.

So, one thing you must do here is to clean it. But first, where are they located?

Condenser coils are usually at the bottom or back of the refrigerator. You don’t have to pry open the refrigerator as they’re outside.

How to Fix? Cleaning the coils are not as hard as removing dust from the compressor. With a brush and a vacuum cleaner, you can make the coils clean again. The step is also pretty simple. All you have to do here is to gently wipe all the dust off. Do this once every 6 months to maintain the refrigerator’s efficiency while also preventing any issues related to electrical.

5. Problems with Defrost Timer

Refrigerators usually have a defrost system to remove ice build-ups. As the compressor works, eventually your refrigerator will start collecting ice build-ups especially on the inside and around the freezer box. To clean them, you have to click the defrost button that’s usually located in the middle of the refrigerator. If not cleaned properly, it’ll be hard for you to even close the freezer box.

But, to make the job feels easier, modern refrigerators now are equipped with an automatic defrost system. The system will clean the ice build-ups on a cycle. Now, although it sounds good to finally have a system that automates the work, the timer could actually be problematic if malfunctioned.

If the defrost timer is malfunctioning, the refrigerator will have to use more power during the cycle, causing circuits to trip.

How to Fix? Again, similar to the compressor problem, this is an issue that a qualified technician can fix. So, we highly recommend contacting them immediately if you find this issue.

How Does a Circuit Breaker Protect a Refrigerator?

When the circuit breaker trips, it often makes the people in the house feel frustrated, especially when they’re in the middle of doing something with their devices.

Have you ever been in a condition where the power suddenly shot down when you’re conveniently writing something on your PC? We’re pretty sure many people have. It happens to the best of us.

Although it seems really annoying, what the circuit breaker did was actually good for you. It protects you by eliminating the risks of further serious problems that may spark from malfunctioning electricity.

If the power is still on, the problematic appliance will work excessively by drawing more and more power that could end up in a short circuit. Do note that short circuit is one of the leading causes of terrible house fire that usually result in deaths.

What Size Breaker Does a Refrigerator Need?

As mentioned above, circuits do have their own capacities. You can’t expect all circuits to hold the same amount of capabilities. It’s okay if the connected devices are the ones with lower voltage. But in the case of a refrigerator, it’s always best to have a dedicated circuit for it.

The power that most refrigerators need is around 3 – 6 amps. At the peak, the number can even reach up to 15 amps, which can often result in a power shutdown if the circuit can’t handle it. The best way you can do here is to have the refrigerator installed on 120 vol circuits that usually have 15 – 20 amp capacity. That way, you can avoid electrical overload.

Now, in order to know what size breaker is suitable for your refrigerator, you have to learn two things beforehand: the refrigerator wattage, and the circuit amperage. You can check the wattage by looking at the manual that came with the delivery. There should be some info about it.

As for the amperage, you can find the information on the breaker panel or ask a technician. This amount will determine the maximum current that can be handled by the circuit. Mostly, circuits for homes have 15 – 20 amps. That means that these circuits can handle around 1,800 to 2,400 watts.

After you got the wattage and amperage, now it’s time to determine the suitable size breaker for your refrigerator. Ideally, you’d want to pick a breaker that can handle 125% of the value of the refrigerator’s wattage. So, if your refrigerator needs 600 W of electricity, it means that you’ll need a breaker that’s able to handle up to 750 W (600 x 1.25).

How to Take Care of Circuit Breakers in Refrigerators?

Once you use a suitable circuit breaker for the refrigerator, now the likeliness of tripping might be reduced. However, you still need regular maintenance to make sure that the appliance may work properly as expected. Keeping your refrigerator maintained will also make it work by using its most efficiency.

Now, to take care of the circuit breaker, there are some things you can do:

Do a regular inspection

Just like the way you check the compressor and coils, you can check the breaker’s condition regularly to find any damage or signs of wear. Sometimes, it can overheat, have some parts lost, or show loose connections. So, in order to fix the problems immediately, regular inspection is a must.

Circuit breaker reset

When a power cut-off happens, the circuit breaker will be automatically turned off. You may simply reset the breaker again by turning it back on. However, this method can be applied only when the tripping happens rarely. If it often happens, you need to fix the problems beforehand using the solutions we’ve mentioned before.

Regular maintenance

In order to keep it clean from dust and debris, you can do regular maintenance by using a soft brush. Just gently keep the dust off the breaker. If you find it confusing to do it yourself, you may ask for assistance from a technician at any time.

Do not overload the circuit

As mentioned above, the tripping problem may occur because of the circuit overload. As refrigerators usually draw more power, it’s better for you to prepare another circuit just for them. That way, you can avoid the power cut-off and other electrical problems.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why your refrigerator tripping the breaker. Other than the internal problems, some external factors related to electricity might also cause it to happen. So, hopefully, by doing the above solutions, your problems can get fixed.

Also, please note that to avoid the same problem from appearing again, we highly recommend using a dedicated circuit just for your refrigerator. That way, your refrigerator can get the power it needs, and the circuit won’t have to go beyond its capacity.

If you still got any problems, consult a reputable technician immediately to get it fixed immediately and prevent any further damage.

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Why Does Your Refrigerator Keep Tripping the Breaker? 3 Reasons

Written by  Edwin Jones  / Fact checked by  Andrew Wright

A refrigerator is an indispensable appliance in modern households. The importance of refrigerators cannot be understated as, without them, our food products will surely perish and rot easily.

Due to its vital duties in households, refrigerators tend to consume much electricity.

Issues such as when your refrigerator trips breaker when plugged in, or even freezer tripping breaker are prevalent in the homes of people who are not electrically savvy.

Why does your refrigerator keep tripping the breaker? If you’re unaware, some of the reasons why your refrigerator keeps tripping breakers are the following: busted internal mechanism of the fridge, bad circuitry, and an aging breaker.

Hence, if your refrigerator breaker keeps tripping, then this article guide might be for you. Read more below to find out the reason why your cooling appliance might constantly be tripping your circuit breakers.

Table of Contents

1. Overloaded Circuit

2. short circuit, 3. ground fault surging, 1. faulty compressor, 2. defrost heater issues, 3. broken fridge fan, 4. broken thermostat, primary causes why a refrigerator keeps tripping circuit breaker (circuit-related).

Before delving into and investigating whether the tripping problem is due to the internal mechanisms of the refrigerator, we should first check prominent circuitry issues.

You see, unchecked circuit line problems can lead to electrical fire and electrocution, hence the reason why we should first check our refrigeration circuitry — to prevent the escalation of electrical-related accidents.

To outline, I have listed below the leading circuitry-based reasons as to why your fridge breaker might constantly be tripping.

An overloaded circuit happens when an appliance draws a significant electrical load through a lower-rated line. The inability of the circuit line to handle the electrical load demand by an electricity-hungry appliance places undue stress on the circuit, which could result in constant breaker tripping.

In the case of fridges, you should check whether the refrigerator itself is the reason for the constant tripping by disconnecting all other appliances within the circuit line one by one. If the line still continues to trip despite other appliances being unplugged, then you may need to conduct a further in-depth investigation.

Simply speaking, a short circuit happens when a “hot” wire comes into contact with a “neutral” wire, creating an electric surge. Heat is then produced, which could melt the insulation of these wires, exacerbating the issue, which could eventually lead to fire.

In the case of fridges, if you plugged in the refrigerator directly just before the breaker tripped, disconnect it and plug in a different electrical appliance. If the second appliance works without any issues, then the cause of the short circuit could most likely be from the fridge itself. Learn more details how to fix short circuits here . 

A ground fault surging is quite similar to a short circuit, the only difference being with how the electrical issue is generated. For this type of electrical circuit issue, the “hot” wire contacts with the ground wire of a circuit or the breaker box , creating a tremendous electric surge.

Check your electric switches for any discoloration to determine whether a ground fault is your line’s problem. Any burnt markings near “hot” and neutral wires are a telltale sign of ground fault surging.

Common Refrigerator Problems that Cause a Breaker to Trip

Now that we’ve sorted that out, we can now head onto the common refrigerator mechanical issues that may cause constant breaker trippings.

I advise that you do carefully inspect the refrigerator’s mechanisms to prevent any damage to the fridge’s parts.

The refrigerator’s compressor is mainly responsible for receiving low-pressure gas from the evaporator, directly converting it to high-pressure gas through mechanical compression.

Hence, if there is an earthing problem with the compressor, the fridge may constantly trip the circuit breaker. When this happens, you must examine the circuit lines to check whether it is indeed an earthing problem with the compressor.

To check the compressor, you may unplug the compressor’s power hookups. If the breaker no longer trips when you plug in the refrigerator, then the tripping problem may be due to a faulty compressor.

For the sake of brevity, a refrigerator’s defrost heater’s duty is to prevent the accumulation of heavy ice inside the fridge.

The most common issue for defrosters is grounding or earth leakage. To check for this specific issue, you can disconnect the defroster from the main electrical components of the refrigerator.

If the tripping stops when the defroster is disconnected, then this part may be mainly responsible as to why the fridge keeps tripping circuit breaker.

Moreover, you can also check this part by resetting the defrost timer, forcing the defrosting cycle to begin. If you notice that the breaker begins tripping when the defroster starts to perform the cycle, then the latter may be compromised by being water-damaged (a common problem) or shorting through damaged insulation.

The fridge’s fan helps distribute the produced cold air throughout the refrigerator. It is an important mechanism, and also among the common problematic internal components due to its constant movement.

Like with the defrosting heater, the fan may be experiencing earth leakage. Moreover, you can also choose to either clean or replace the fan if you think that this is the reason why your fridge constantly trips the circuit breaker.

Though it is rare for a thermostat to break, this part remains to be a mechanism of interest when it comes to tripping breakers.

As you see, the thermostat is solely responsible for dictating the amount of power the fridge will gather from the circuit line. If the thermostat is faulty and is set at a high rating, then it may overload the circuit, causing a tripped breaker.

To determine whether it is the thermostat causing the issue, you can check by conducting a temperature test within the unit.

A constant headache, the question of “why does your refrigerator keep tripping the breaker?” remains an important question for us homeowners.

Evidently, we all don’t want our important appliances — specifically, our refrigeration unit — to trip our breakers due to unknown reasons constantly. In this case, I have written this article to help you further understand the reason as to why your fridge constantly trips breakers.

If you have any questions or you just want to add something to our discussion, then accordingly do so in the comment section below.

I am Edwin Jones, in charge of designing content for Galvinpower. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information to help our readers. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content.

Expert Guide: How to Fix Refrigerator Tripping Breaker

Is your refrigerator constantly tripping the breaker? Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy a new appliance just yet. There are several common causes for this issue, and with a few simple steps, you can troubleshoot and fix the problem. In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through the solutions for troubleshooting a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker.

Key Takeaways:

• Tripping breakers in a refrigerator can often be fixed without buying a new appliance.
• Clogged or dirty condenser coils can cause the breaker to trip. Cleaning them with a vacuum can solve the issue.
• An old or worn-out ice maker can also trip the breaker. Replacing it can resolve the problem.
• Overloading the fridge with food can put strain on the breaker. Organizing the contents and avoiding overcrowding can prevent trips.
• If all else fails, consult a professional appliance repair technician for expert assistance.

Locating and Resetting the Breaker

When your refrigerator keeps tripping the circuit breaker, the first step is to locate where the breaker is located. This is important so that you can reset it and potentially resolve the issue. To find the breaker for your refrigerator, start by checking the breaker box in your home. Look for a breaker labeled “kitchen” or “refrigerator.” If you don’t find a specific label, you can follow the wiring from the back of the fridge to the breaker box.

Once you have identified the breaker, it is essential to reset it properly. This can be done by flipping the breaker switch off and then back on. Make sure to do this with caution and follow safety guidelines when dealing with electrical components. After resetting the breaker, monitor your refrigerator to see if it continues to trip the circuit. If the problem persists, there may be a more serious issue with the fridge that requires professional servicing.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils

One of the most common causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker is dirty or clogged condenser coils. Over time, these coils can collect dust and dirt, reducing their effectiveness. Cleaning the condenser coils is a simple and effective solution to fix this issue and prevent further breaker trips.

The first step in cleaning the condenser coils is to turn off the power to the refrigerator. This can be done by unplugging the fridge or switching off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance. Once the power is off, locate the condenser coils at the back or underneath the fridge. They are usually long, black tubes with fins.

Using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, carefully remove visible dirt and debris from the coils. Gently run the vacuum over the coils, ensuring all sides are thoroughly cleaned. Pay special attention to any clogged vents or obstructions that may be preventing proper airflow.

Once the condenser coils are clean, restore power to the refrigerator and monitor if the breaker continues to trip. Cleaning the condenser coils is a simple maintenance task that should be performed regularly to keep the refrigerator running efficiently and prevent potential issues.

Replacing the Ice Maker

Another common cause of a refrigerator tripping the breaker is a faulty or old ice maker. Over time, ice makers can become worn out and start to malfunction, putting an extra strain on the electrical system of the refrigerator. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to replace the ice maker. The process involves disconnecting the ice maker by unplugging it and disconnecting the wire harness. Then, removing the screws that hold it in place allows for easy removal of the old ice maker.

Once the old ice maker is removed, a new one can be installed. It is important to ensure that the replacement ice maker is compatible with the specific refrigerator model. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, connect the wire harness and secure the new ice maker in place with screws. Finally, plug in the ice maker and test it to ensure it is functioning properly without tripping the breaker.

Replacing the ice maker can be a relatively simple and cost-effective solution to fixing a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker. By addressing this common cause of breaker trips, it helps to maintain the proper electrical functioning of the appliance and prevent further electrical issues.

“Replacing the ice maker can be a relatively simple and cost-effective solution to fixing a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker.”

Tips for Preventing Your Refrigerator from Tripping the Breaker

If your refrigerator keeps tripping the breaker, there are several steps you can take to prevent this issue and ensure your appliance functions properly. By following these tips, you can avoid inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs.

Organize Your Food

One of the main causes of a tripped breaker in a refrigerator is overloading it with food. When you stuff your fridge with too many items, it can put excessive strain on the breaker and cause it to trip. To prevent this, it’s essential to properly organize your food and avoid overcrowding the shelves and drawers.

Create a system that allows for proper airflow and circulation within the fridge. Ensure that food items are not blocking the vents or impeding the cooling process. By maintaining an organized and well-ventilated refrigerator, you can prevent the breaker from tripping and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

Check the Door Seals

Another common cause of a tripped breaker is faulty door seals. When the seals are worn out or damaged, cool air can escape and warm air can enter the fridge, causing the unit to work harder and potentially trip the breaker. Regularly inspect the door seals for any signs of wear or gaps.

If you notice any issues, such as loose or damaged seals, they should be replaced promptly. This will help maintain the efficiency of your refrigerator and prevent it from overworking, reducing the likelihood of a breaker trip.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for the optimal performance of your refrigerator. Make sure that the fridge is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from walls or other appliances that may obstruct airflow. Keep the area around the refrigerator clean and free from dust or debris that could inhibit ventilation.

Additionally, check the condenser coils regularly and clean them if necessary. Dust and dirt accumulation on the coils can reduce their ability to dissipate heat, causing the refrigerator to work harder and potentially trip the breaker. By ensuring proper ventilation, you can help your refrigerator function efficiently and avoid sudden power interruptions.

By implementing these tips and practicing proper refrigerator maintenance, you can minimize the chances of your breaker tripping and ensure that your appliance operates smoothly. However, if you continue to experience issues, it may be necessary to consult a professional for further assistance. Remember, taking proactive measures can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your refrigerator running efficiently for years to come.

Tips for Replacing the Breaker

When all other troubleshooting steps have been exhausted and the refrigerator continues to trip the breaker, it may be necessary to replace the breaker itself. Replacing the breaker requires careful attention to ensure the proper functioning of the refrigerator and maintain safety in the electrical system. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

1. Identify the correct type and size

Before replacing the breaker, it is crucial to identify the correct type and size that matches the existing one. This information can usually be found on the breaker or in the electrical panel documentation. Using the wrong type or size of breaker can lead to further electrical issues and potential hazards.

2. Turn off the power

Prior to removing or installing a new breaker, it is essential to turn off the power to the refrigerator and the circuit it is connected to. This can be done by switching off the corresponding breaker in the electrical panel. It is also advisable to use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is indeed off before proceeding.

3. Remove the old breaker

Once the power is off, carefully remove the old breaker by disconnecting the wires attached to it. This typically involves loosening the terminal screws that secure the wires and gently pulling them out. Take note of the wire placement and ensure that they are properly labeled for reconnection later.

4. Install the new breaker

With the old breaker removed, install the new breaker by inserting it into the corresponding slot in the electrical panel. Align the breaker with the bus bar and firmly push it in until it snaps into place. Make sure it is securely fastened and seated correctly.

5. Reconnect the wires

Next, carefully reconnect the wires to the new breaker. Double-check that each wire is properly positioned and secured by tightening the terminal screws. It is crucial to ensure that the wires are not twisted or exposed, as this can lead to electrical problems or hazards.

6. Test the new breaker

Once the wires are securely connected, restore the power to the refrigerator by switching on the corresponding breaker in the electrical panel. Test the new breaker by turning on the refrigerator and monitoring its operation. If the breaker trips again or if there are any other issues, it is recommended to consult a professional appliance repair technician for further assistance.

Replacing the breaker in a refrigerator that keeps tripping can be a complex task. It’s important to follow these tips and instructions carefully to ensure a successful replacement. In cases where the issue persists or if there are any uncertainties, it is always best to seek professional help from a qualified electrician or appliance repair technician.

Troubleshooting Refrigerator Wiring Issues

When it comes to fixing a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker, one important area to inspect is the wiring. Older refrigerators may have outdated wiring and components that can contribute to breaker trips. For newer models, even minor damage or wear and tear on the wiring can still cause issues. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect the wiring to identify any potential problems.

If you have an older refrigerator, check for any signs of damage such as frayed or exposed wires. These can pose a serious safety hazard and should be replaced immediately. For newer models, it’s important to look for any loose connections or abnormalities in the wiring. If you notice any issues, it’s best to have a qualified electrician inspect and repair the wiring to ensure it meets safety standards.

Inspecting the wiring of your refrigerator is a crucial step in troubleshooting breaker trips. It’s a task that requires caution and expertise, so if you’re unsure or uncomfortable working with electrical components, it’s always recommended to seek professional help to avoid any accidents or further damage.

Common Signs of Wiring Issues in a Refrigerator

• Visible damage such as frayed or exposed wires
• Loose connections
• Burn marks or discoloration on the wiring
• Flickering lights inside the fridge
• Intermittent power loss

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to address the wiring issues promptly to prevent any further damage to your refrigerator or potential electrical hazards in your home. Wiring problems can contribute to breaker trips and should not be overlooked.

By inspecting and addressing any wiring issues, you can effectively troubleshoot a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker. However, it’s important to note that if the breaker continues to trip after resolving any wiring problems, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance from an appliance repair technician to identify and resolve the underlying issue.

Tips for Preventing Refrigerator Breaker Tripping

If your refrigerator keeps tripping the breaker, there are several steps you can take to prevent this issue. By following these tips, you can ensure that your refrigerator operates smoothly and efficiently without causing any electrical problems. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Properly organize the contents of your fridge: Avoid overloading your refrigerator with too much food. Overcrowding can put strain on the breaker and lead to tripping. Take the time to organize your items and ensure that there is enough space for proper airflow.
• Regularly clean the condenser coils: Dirty or clogged condenser coils can cause the refrigerator to work harder, leading to breaker trips. Use a vacuum to remove any dust or debris from the coils and ensure proper airflow.
• Add insulation to the refrigerator: Insulating your fridge can help regulate its temperature and prevent overheating. Consider placing insulation material over the back and sides of the refrigerator to improve its efficiency.

Implementing these preventive measures can go a long way in avoiding refrigerator breaker trips and maintaining the optimal performance of your appliance.

“Proper organization, regular cleaning of condenser coils, and adding insulation can significantly reduce the risk of your refrigerator tripping the breaker.”

Table: Comparison of Preventive Steps

By implementing these preventive steps, you can ensure that your refrigerator operates smoothly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of breaker trips and potential damage to your appliance.

Checking the Compressor and Condenser

After cleaning the condenser coils and replacing the ice maker, if your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker, it’s important to inspect the compressor and condenser. These components play a crucial role in the cooling process and any damage or malfunction can lead to breaker trips. To check the compressor and condenser:

• Unplug the refrigerator from the power source and ensure it is completely powered off.
• Locate the compressor, which is typically at the back of the fridge near the bottom. It may be covered by a metal or plastic panel.
• Carefully remove the panel to access the compressor. Take note of any visible signs of damage or leaks, such as oil stains or loose wires.
• Inspect the condenser coils, which are located near the compressor. Ensure that they are clean and free from any debris.
• If you notice any issues with the compressor or condenser, such as damage or leaks, it is recommended to seek professional assistance for repair or replacement.

It’s important to remember that working with the compressor and condenser requires technical knowledge and expertise. Attempting to repair or replace these components without proper training can be dangerous and may result in further damage to your refrigerator. Consulting a professional technician is the safest and most effective course of action.

Table: Signs of Compressor and Condenser Issues

By checking the compressor and condenser, you can identify any potential issues that may be causing your refrigerator to trip the breaker. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you are unsure or uncomfortable with performing these inspections yourself.

Troubleshooting Refrigerator Tripping Breaker: Considering a Replacement

If after following all the troubleshooting steps, your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker, it may be time to consider replacing the appliance. While this may seem like a drastic measure, it is important to exhaust all other potential causes before making a decision.

A refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker is not only inconvenient but can also be a sign of underlying issues that may require costly repairs. By considering a replacement, you can ensure the proper functioning of your refrigerator and avoid further problems down the line.

When considering a replacement, it is crucial to take into account the age and overall condition of your current refrigerator. Older models may be more prone to electrical issues, while newer ones may have more energy-efficient features that can help prevent breaker trips.

Replacing a refrigerator can be a significant investment, but it is essential for the smooth functioning of your kitchen. Take the time to research and choose a reliable and energy-efficient model that meets your needs.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering your specific requirements, you can make an informed decision about replacing your refrigerator. Remember to properly dispose of your old appliance and arrange for professional installation of the new one to ensure safety and optimal performance.

While replacing a refrigerator may seem like a daunting task, it is often the best solution when troubleshooting has failed to resolve the breaker tripping issue. By investing in a new appliance, you can enjoy a reliable and efficient refrigerator that meets your needs for years to come.

Finding Expert Help

While troubleshooting and attempting DIY fixes can often resolve issues with a refrigerator tripping the breaker, there are instances where professional assistance may be necessary. A qualified appliance repair technician has the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose and fix complex problems that may be causing the breaker to trip repeatedly.

Seeking expert help can save both time and money, as attempting to fix the issue without proper knowledge or tools can potentially cause further damage to the refrigerator. Professional technicians have access to specialized equipment and can quickly identify the root cause of the problem, providing an effective solution.

Furthermore, engaging a professional ensures that repairs are carried out safely and in compliance with electrical standards. They can also offer advice on proper maintenance practices to prevent future issues with the refrigerator tripping the breaker.

When choosing an appliance repair technician, it is essential to select a reputable and certified service provider. Reading customer reviews and checking for certifications or licenses can help ensure that the technician is qualified and trustworthy. Additionally, obtaining a quote for the repair before proceeding can help avoid unexpected costs.

In summary, if troubleshooting efforts are unsuccessful in resolving the issue of a refrigerator tripping the breaker, it is recommended to seek professional help. Experienced technicians can accurately diagnose the problem, efficiently repair the appliance, and provide guidance on preventing future occurrences. Consulting an expert ensures the proper functioning of the refrigerator and avoids the need for costly repairs or replacement.

Fixing a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker is a manageable task with the right knowledge and steps. By following these troubleshooting tips and addressing common causes such as dirty coils, faulty ice maker, overloading, and wiring issues, you can prevent the breaker from tripping and avoid costly repairs or replacement. Remember to prioritize safety and always turn off the power before attempting any repairs or maintenance.

If your efforts don’t resolve the issue, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional appliance repair technician. They have the necessary expertise to accurately diagnose and fix complex problems with refrigerators, ensuring the proper functioning of your appliance.

Ultimately, by taking the time to address the underlying issues and following the recommended steps, you can restore your refrigerator’s functionality and enjoy a hassle-free cooling experience. Don’t let a tripping breaker spoil your day – take action and get your fridge back on track!

What are some common causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker?

Some common causes include dirty or clogged condenser coils, a faulty ice maker, and overloading the fridge with food.

How can I locate and reset the breaker for my refrigerator?

The breaker can be located in the breaker box or by following the wiring from the back of the fridge. To reset the breaker, simply flip it off and then back on.

What steps should I take to clean the condenser coils?

First, turn off the power to the fridge. Then, use a vacuum to clean the coils and remove any visible dirt and debris. Check for any clogged vents or obstructions as well.

How do I replace a faulty ice maker in my refrigerator?

Start by unplugging the ice maker and disconnecting the wire harness. Then, remove the screws that hold it in place. Finally, install the new ice maker and reconnect the wire harness.

What can I do to avoid overloading my fridge?

Properly organize the food inside the fridge and avoid overcrowding it. This will help prevent the breaker from tripping due to excessive strain.

When should I consider replacing the breaker for my refrigerator?

If the breaker continues to trip after cleaning the coils and replacing the ice maker, it may be necessary to replace the breaker itself. Use the same type and size of breaker and test the new one for proper functioning.

What should I inspect when checking the wiring of my refrigerator?

For older models, check for any frayed or exposed wires and replace them if necessary. For newer models, look for any signs of damage and have the wiring replaced by a qualified electrician if needed.

How can I add insulation to my refrigerator?

To reduce overheating and strain on the compressor, place insulation over the back and sides of the fridge. This can improve its efficiency and prevent future breaker trips.

What should I do if my compressor or condenser is damaged?

Check both the compressor and condenser for any signs of damage or malfunction. If necessary, these components should be replaced or repaired by a professional.

When is it time to consider replacing my refrigerator?

If the breaker continues to trip even after troubleshooting and DIY fixes, it may be time to consider replacing the appliance. Make sure to address all other potential causes before making a decision.

Where can I find expert help for my refrigerator?

If troubleshooting and DIY fixes are not solving the problem, it’s recommended to seek help from a professional appliance repair technician. They have the knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose and fix complex issues.

Source Links

• https://appliancemastery.com/how-to-fix-refrigerator-tripping-breaker/
• https://www.funktionalhome.com/fridge-keeps-tripping-breaker/
• https://www.mrappliance.com/blog/2021/october/why-does-my-appliance-keep-tripping-the-breaker-/

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Home > Articles > How To Fix Refrigerator Tripping Breaker

How To Fix Refrigerator Tripping Breaker

Modified: January 6, 2024

Written by: Benjamin Parker

Learn how to fix a refrigerator that keeps tripping the breaker with these helpful articles.

• Home Appliances

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more )

• Introduction

A refrigerator is an essential appliance in any household, preserving our food and keeping it fresh. However, there may be instances when your refrigerator trips the breaker, causing inconvenience and potentially leading to spoiled groceries. Understanding the common causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker can help you troubleshoot the issue and find a solution.

When a refrigerator trips the breaker, it means that the electrical circuit that powers the appliance has been overloaded or short-circuited. This can happen for various reasons, such as a faulty power cord, a problem with the outlet, or issues with the refrigerator’s components.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fix a refrigerator tripping the breaker. We will cover common causes, how to check the circuit breaker, inspect the power cord, examine the outlet, test the refrigerator’s components, clean the condenser coils, verify the door seal, and adjust the temperature settings. By following these steps, you can hopefully resolve the issue and get your refrigerator back up and running.

Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to note that electrical work can be dangerous, and if you are not comfortable working with electricity, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional electrician. Safety should always be a top priority when dealing with any electrical issue.

Now, let’s explore the common causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker and how to address them.

Key Takeaways:

• Troubleshoot and resolve refrigerator breaker trips by checking the circuit breaker, inspecting the power cord, and testing components. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning condenser coils and verifying the door seal, can prevent future issues.
• Prioritize safety and seek professional assistance if uncomfortable with electrical work. Adjusting temperature settings and avoiding circuit overloading can help maintain a reliable and efficient refrigerator.

Read more : Why Breakers Trip

• Common Causes of a Refrigerator Tripping Breaker

When your refrigerator keeps tripping the breaker, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Understanding the common causes behind this issue can help you identify and address the problem.

1. Overloaded Circuit: One of the main causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker is an overloaded circuit. Refrigerators require a significant amount of power to run, especially when the compressor kicks in. If the circuit is already carrying too much load from other appliances, it can cause the breaker to trip. To resolve this issue, consider redistributing the electrical load by plugging the refrigerator into a different circuit.

2. Faulty Power Cord: A frayed or damaged power cord can cause a short circuit and result in the breaker tripping. Inspect the power cord for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts or exposed wires. If you notice any issues, it’s important to replace the power cord with a new one to ensure safe and uninterrupted operation of the refrigerator.

3. Outlet Problems: Sometimes, the problem lies with the outlet itself. Loose connections or faulty wiring can cause the breaker to trip. Check the outlet by plugging in another appliance and see if it trips the breaker as well. If it does, the issue is likely with the outlet, and you should contact a professional electrician to repair or replace it.

4. Defective Components: Faulty components within the refrigerator, such as the compressor or the motor, can also lead to the breaker tripping. In some cases, these components may draw excessive power or cause a short circuit, triggering the breaker. It is recommended to contact a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and replace any defective components.

5. Refrigerator Overheating: Overheating is another common cause of a refrigerator tripping the breaker. When the condenser coils are clogged with dust and dirt, heat is not dissipated effectively, causing the compressor to work harder and overheat. This can lead to excessive power consumption and the breaker tripping. Regularly cleaning the condenser coils can help prevent overheating and ensure the efficient operation of the refrigerator.

By understanding these common causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker, you can take the necessary steps to diagnose and resolve the issue. Next, we will guide you through the process of checking the circuit breaker to determine if that is the source of the problem.

• Checking the Circuit Breaker

When your refrigerator trips the breaker, the first step is to check the circuit breaker in your electrical panel. The circuit breaker is designed to protect the electrical circuit from overloading and short circuits. Here’s how to check if the circuit breaker is the culprit:

• Locate the Electrical Panel: Find the electrical panel in your home, commonly located in the basement, utility room, or garage. Open the panel door to reveal the circuit breakers.
• Identify the Refrigerator’s Circuit Breaker: Look for the circuit breaker that corresponds to your refrigerator. It is typically labeled with the designated area or appliance it serves. Check if the breaker is in the “tripped” position, meaning it is halfway between the “on” and “off” positions.
• Reset the Tripped Breaker: To reset a tripped breaker, firmly push it to the “off” position and then switch it back to the “on” position. You should hear a click indicating it has reset.
• Observe the Breaker: After resetting the breaker, observe if it holds or trips again. If it holds and the refrigerator starts working, the issue may have been a temporary power surge or overload. However, if the breaker trips again immediately or shortly after resetting, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.

Note: If you are unsure which breaker corresponds to your refrigerator, you can try unplugging the refrigerator or turning it off temporarily. Then, observe which breaker shuts off or trips when you attempt to turn the refrigerator back on. This will help you identify the correct breaker to reset.

If the circuit breaker continues to trip after resetting, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a licensed electrician. They will have the expertise and tools to diagnose the electrical issue and make any necessary repairs.

Next, we will discuss how to inspect the power cord for any potential problems that could be causing your refrigerator to trip the breaker.

• Inspecting the Power Cord

After checking the circuit breaker and ensuring it is not the cause of your refrigerator tripping, the next step is to inspect the power cord. A damaged or faulty power cord can result in a short circuit, leading to the breaker being tripped. Here’s how to inspect the power cord:

• Unplug the Refrigerator: Before inspecting the power cord, make sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is crucial for your safety during the inspection process.
• Examine the Power Cord: Carefully examine the entire length of the power cord, looking for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, or exposed wires. Pay special attention to areas near the plug and where the cord enters the refrigerator.
• Check the Plug: Inspect the plug for any signs of damage or bent prongs. Ensure that it is not loose when plugged into the outlet.
• Plug into a Different Outlet: If you suspect that the current outlet may be faulty, try plugging the refrigerator into a different outlet in another room using a properly grounded extension cord. This will help determine if the issue lies with the outlet rather than the power cord.

If you notice any damage to the power cord, it is crucial to replace it with a new one as soon as possible. Using a damaged power cord can be hazardous and may result in further electrical problems or even a fire.

When replacing the power cord, ensure that you are using a cord that is compatible with the refrigerator model and meets safety standards. If you are unsure about how to replace the power cord, it is best to consult a professional appliance technician or an electrician to assist you.

If the power cord appears to be in good condition and properly plugged in, and the refrigerator still continues to trip the breaker, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting step – examining the outlet.

• Examining the Outlet

If your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker even after checking the circuit breaker and inspecting the power cord, it’s time to examine the outlet. A faulty or damaged outlet can cause electrical issues that lead to the breaker being tripped. Follow these steps to examine the outlet:

• Turn Off the Power: Before examining the outlet, ensure that you turn off the power to the circuit by switching off the corresponding breaker in the electrical panel.
• Remove the Cover Plate : Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the cover plate of the outlet. This will expose the wiring and connections.
• Inspect the Outlet and Wiring: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as loose wires, burnt marks, or discoloration. Check that the wires are securely connected and there are no loose terminals or exposed copper wire.
• Check for Grounding: A properly grounded outlet is essential for ensuring the safe operation of electrical appliances. Verify that the outlet has a grounding wire (usually green) attached to the grounding screw or a metal grounding box. If the outlet is not grounded, it may need to be replaced or upgraded by a qualified electrician.
• Test with a Multimeter: If you have access to a multimeter, you can test the outlet for proper voltage. Set the multimeter to the AC voltage setting and insert the red and black probes into the corresponding slots of the outlet. It should read the standard voltage (110-120 volts).

If you notice any obvious issues, such as loose wires or burnt marks, it is best to contact a licensed electrician to repair or replace the outlet. Electrical work can be dangerous, and it’s important to have a professional handle any repairs.

If the outlet appears to be in good condition and properly wired, and the refrigerator still trips the breaker, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting step – testing the refrigerator’s components.

Check for any frayed or damaged cords, and make sure the refrigerator is not plugged into a overloaded circuit. If the problem persists, consult a professional technician.

Read more : What Causes HVAC Breaker To Trip

• Testing the Refrigerator’s Components

If your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker even after checking the circuit breaker, inspecting the power cord, and examining the outlet, it’s important to test the refrigerator’s components. Faulty components within the refrigerator can cause electrical issues that lead to the breaker being tripped. Here’s how to test the components:

• Unplug the Refrigerator: Before testing the components, make sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is crucial for your safety during the testing process.
• Compressor and Motor: The compressor and motor are integral components of the refrigerator. A faulty compressor or motor can draw excessive power or cause a short circuit, resulting in the breaker tripping. Contact a professional appliance repair technician to inspect and test these components.
• Start Capacitor: The start capacitor helps the compressor start up. If it is defective, it can cause the compressor to draw excessive power and trip the breaker. A technician can test the start capacitor using specialized equipment and replace it if necessary.
• Defrost Heater: The defrost heater removes frost buildup from the evaporator coils. A malfunctioning defrost heater may cause the refrigerator to run longer than usual and potentially trip the breaker. A technician can test the continuity of the defrost heater to determine if it is working properly.
• Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the refrigerator. A faulty thermostat can cause the compressor to run continuously, leading to excessive power consumption and a potential breaker trip. A technician can test the thermostat for accuracy and replace it if needed.
• Other Components: There are various other components within the refrigerator that could contribute to the breaker tripping, such as the evaporator fan, condenser fan , and defrost timer. Only a professional appliance technician with the necessary equipment and expertise should diagnose and test these components.

Testing and repairing the internal components of a refrigerator can be complex and hazardous. It is recommended to contact a professional appliance repair technician who specializes in refrigerators. They have the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose and repair any component issues, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your refrigerator.

If all the components are functioning properly and the refrigerator still trips the breaker, it’s time to explore other potential troubleshooting steps, such as cleaning the condenser coils or verifying the door seal.

• Cleaning the Condenser Coils

If your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker despite checking the circuit breaker, the power cord, examining the outlet, and testing the refrigerator’s components, it’s important to consider the condition of the condenser coils. Dirty or clogged condenser coils can cause the refrigerator to overheat, leading to excessive power consumption and potentially tripping the breaker. Here’s how to clean the condenser coils:

• Locate the Condenser Coils: The condenser coils are typically located at the back of the refrigerator or underneath it, behind the kick plate. Consult your refrigerator’s manual to identify the exact location of the condenser coils.
• Unplug the Refrigerator: Before cleaning the condenser coils, ensure that you unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. This is important for your safety during the cleaning process.
• Remove Dust and Debris: Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to gently remove any accumulated dust, dirt, or debris from the condenser coils. Be careful not to bend or damage the delicate fins of the coils.
• Clean Finer Dust: If there is finer dust or residue sticking to the coils, you can use a coil cleaning brush or a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution to wipe them down. Ensure that the coils are completely dry before plugging in the refrigerator.
• Check the Fan: While cleaning the condenser coils, it’s a good idea to inspect the fan located near the coils. Make sure the fan is clean and free from any obstructions that could hinder its airflow.

Regularly cleaning the condenser coils is essential for maintaining the efficiency and proper functioning of your refrigerator. By keeping the coils clean and free from debris, you can help prevent overheating, reduce power consumption, and decrease the likelihood of the breaker tripping.

If cleaning the condenser coils doesn’t resolve the issue and your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker, it’s time to move on to the next troubleshooting step – verifying the door seal.

• Verifying the Door Seal

A faulty or compromised door seal can cause air leakage inside the refrigerator, leading to excessive cooling and increased energy consumption. This strain on the refrigerator’s system can potentially trip the breaker. Verifying the door seal and ensuring it is in good condition is an important troubleshooting step. Here’s how to do it:

• Inspect the Door Seal: Take a close look at the door seal, also known as the gasket, for any signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or wear. Check all sides of the seal, including the corners, for any gaps or irregularities.
• Close the Door and Check for Resistance: Close the refrigerator door and pay attention to the resistance you feel when pulling it open. A properly sealed door should provide some resistance, indicating that the seal is creating a tight closure. If the door feels loose or easily opens without resistance, it may indicate a problem with the door seal.
• Perform the Dollar Bill Test: To further test the effectiveness of the door seal, place a dollar bill between the door and the refrigerator frame. Close the door and try to pull out the dollar bill. If it slides out easily with little to no resistance, it suggests that the door seal is not sealing properly and may need to be replaced.
• Clean the Door Seal: Sometimes, a dirty door seal can prevent it from creating a proper seal. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the door seal, removing any debris or residue that may be interfering with its effectiveness. Ensure that the seal is completely dry before closing the door.
• Replace the Door Seal: If the door seal is damaged, worn, or not sealing properly, it’s crucial to replace it. Contact the refrigerator manufacturer or a professional appliance technician to obtain a suitable replacement seal and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

A properly functioning door seal is essential for maintaining the temperature and efficiency of your refrigerator. By ensuring a tight seal, you can reduce energy consumption and prevent the refrigerator from tripping the breaker due to excessive cooling. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the door seal will help keep your refrigerator running smoothly.

If verifying the door seal doesn’t resolve the issue and your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker, it’s recommended to consult a professional appliance repair technician for further assistance.

• Adjusting the Temperature Settings

Improper temperature settings in your refrigerator can cause it to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy consumption and potentially tripping the breaker. Adjusting the temperature settings can help optimize the performance of your refrigerator and prevent such issues. Here’s how to do it:

• Refer to the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific recommendations on the ideal temperature settings for your refrigerator. Different models may have different optimal temperature ranges.
• Cooling Section: Locate the temperature control dial or buttons in the cooling section of your refrigerator. Depending on the model, it may be located inside the fridge or on the control panel on the front of the appliance.
• Adjust the Refrigerator Temperature : The temperature control settings are usually labeled with numbers or indicators such as “warmer” and “cooler.” Gradually adjust the temperature to a slightly higher or lower setting, depending on your needs. Observe the refrigerator’s performance over the next few days to see if the adjustment resolves the issue of the breaker tripping.
• Adjust the Freezer Temperature: Similarly, locate the temperature control dial or buttons in the freezer section of your refrigerator. Adjust the freezer temperature according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or based on your preferences. Maintaining proper freezer temperature is important for efficient cooling and reducing strain on the refrigerator’s system.
• Monitor and Regularly Check the Temperatures: After making temperature adjustments, keep an eye on the refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Use a refrigerator thermometer to ensure that the temperatures are within the recommended ranges. This will help you determine if further adjustments are needed.

By properly adjusting the temperature settings, you can reduce the workload of your refrigerator and optimize its performance. This will not only help prevent the breaker from tripping but also contribute to energy efficiency and the longevity of the appliance.

If adjusting the temperature settings doesn’t solve the problem and your refrigerator continues to trip the breaker, it’s advisable to contact a professional appliance repair technician for a more in-depth assessment and potential repairs.

Read more : Why Do Arc Fault Breakers Trip

A refrigerator tripping the breaker can be a frustrating and inconvenient issue, but with proper troubleshooting and maintenance, it can be resolved. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can identify the common causes of a refrigerator tripping the breaker and take the necessary actions to fix the problem.

We started by checking the circuit breaker to ensure it is not the source of the issue. Then, we inspected the power cord for any damage and examined the outlet for any faulty wiring. If the problem persists, we moved on to testing the refrigerator’s components, such as the compressor, motor, and thermostat, to identify any potential issues that could be causing the breaker to trip.

If the components are functioning properly, we explored cleaning the condenser coils to prevent overheating and verifying the door seal to ensure proper insulation and temperature regulation. Lastly, we discussed the importance of adjusting the temperature settings to optimize the refrigerator’s performance and energy efficiency.

While these troubleshooting steps can help resolve common issues, it’s essential to prioritize safety and seek professional assistance if you are uncomfortable working with electricity or if the problem persists despite your efforts.

Maintaining your refrigerator through regular cleaning, inspection, and proper temperature settings is key to preventing breaker trips and ensuring the longevity of the appliance. Additionally, being mindful of overloading the circuit with other electrical devices can also help avoid future issues.

Remember, when it comes to electrical matters, safety is paramount. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable with any aspect of troubleshooting or repair, it is best to consult a licensed electrician or professional appliance repair technician who can provide expert guidance and assistance.

By diligently addressing the potential causes and taking appropriate action, you can resolve a refrigerator tripping the breaker and enjoy the convenience of a reliable and efficient appliance that keeps your food fresh and preserved.

• Frequently Asked Questions about How To Fix Refrigerator Tripping Breaker

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Why Your Fridge Keeps Tripping Your Breaker

Home → Residential → Why Your Fridge Keeps Tripping Your Breaker

It’s not uncommon to hear clients wonder aloud, “Why is my refrigerator tripping the circuit?” If it’s a new fridge, you’re probably wondering why you’re having this problem. The fact is that many electrical trips don’t come from your wiring. They are a result of the demands that the fridge puts on your electrical systems. Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to the question. There are a lot of different ways that a refrigerator can cause a circuit breaker to trip. A tripped breaker isn’t a bad thing (unless it leads to everything in your fridge spoiling). Breakers are designed to trip to make sure surges and overloads don’t damage your appliances. Here, we’ll look at the most common reasons for a fridge to trip a breaker.

Overloaded Circuits

Overloaded circuits sometimes happen when you have high power-demand appliances plugged into your electrical systems. Electrical overloads happen when the number of devices plugged into a circuit exceeds the recommended load for it. Residential codes allow for a maximum of twenty (20) amps to be running through a circuit as the rated amount. Suppose your fridge is plugged into a circuit with other high-demand electrical devices (freezers, air condition units, etc.). In that case, you could lead to an overload on the circuit without even knowing you’re doing so. When that happens, the breaker will trip to ensure that no damage occurs to the other appliances you have plugged in.

Short Circuits

You’ve probably encountered short circuits before in at least one of your household appliances. Short circuits tend to occur when a neutral wire touches a ground wire, leading to electricity bypassing the rest of the circuit completely. Troubleshooting this sort of problem is relatively simple. If the breaker tripped immediately after plugging in the fridge, then you should consider unplugging it, resetting the breaker, and plugging in a second appliance. If the second appliance works, the short circuit is inside the refrigerator. If the second appliance doesn’t work, you’ll have to examine the outlet itself. If you can’t find a problem with the outlet wiring, it may exist within the breaker box. Isolation of the issue gives you a chance to fix it (or, even better, call a professional ).

Old Wires and Insulation

If you have an aging home, then the fault may lie with your insulation or wiring. Materials of the house’s electrical system are likely to become worn out with time. Insulation in older homes starts to flake and crumble, leaving wires exposed. Aside from being a very present fire hazard, this breakdown of materials can wreak havoc with your appliances, not just your fridge. Prints on the refrigerator cord also age and may bend. The breaker box’s metal and plastic components are also of extreme concern, becoming loose and potentially leading to faults over time.

Why is My Refrigerator Tripping the Circuit?

As we explored, the issue may stem from any number of factors. You can probably pinpoint the problem yourself, but fixing it is another matter entirely. Electrical systems can be dangerous, especially to non-specialists. It doesn’t take many amps to render a person unconscious. On the contrary, it could happen with something as simple as an in-home electrical outlet with a short circuit. If you’re having this breaker problem, always call the professionals. LiveWire has been serving the community for years, and we would be glad to take a look at your breaker box and house wiring. Call us today to schedule a visit !

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Why Is My Circuit Breaker Tripping? 4 Potential Problems and Solutions

By: Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila , Evelyn Auer

Updated on Dec 15, 2023 4:16 AM EST

6 minute read

Photo: istockphoto.com

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Q: Every few hours—sometimes minutes!—my living room and one side of my kitchen lose electrical power. I’ll check the breaker panel and, sure enough, a circuit breaker has tripped…again. Should I call an electrician, or is there a simple DIY fix I can try first?

A: While it’s frustrating when a circuit breaker keeps tripping, they are important safety mechanisms. Designed to shut off the electrical current when something goes wrong, circuit breakers are one of the best ways of protecting a home from an electrical fire. “When a circuit breaker trips, typically it is because we use too much electricity, which causes it to overload and turn off,” says Christopher Haas, expert electrician and owner of Haas & Sons Electric in Millersville, Maryland. For those who need an electrical panels 101 refresher course or aren’t sure how to reset circuit breakers, each breaker has an on/off switch and controls a separate electrical circuit in the home. When a breaker trips, its switch automatically flips “off,” and it must be manually turned back on to restore electricity to the circuit. For those wondering, “Is it dangerous if a circuit breaker keeps tripping?” the answer is that it can be, depending on the source of the problem. An electrician can ultimately deal with the root issue, but a little sleuthing will reveal whether it’s something that’s easily remedied.

In many cases, the cause of a circuit breaking tripping is an overloaded circuit.

A circuit overloads when more electrical current is being drawn through the wires than they can handle, tripping the circuit breaker. If this happens, there may be a few additional signs:

• Buzzing noises coming from outlets
• Devices charging slowly
• Electrical outlets not working
• Flickering lights
• Scorch marks on outlets and light switches

If a circuit breaker keeps tripping in one room, homeowners can test for circuit overload by turning off all the switches in the affected area and unplugging all appliances and devices. After the breaker is flipped back on, the devices can be turned back on one at a time, with homeowners waiting a few minutes in between to see if the circuit remains on. If the breaker trips before all the appliances are turned on, the experiment can be repeated, this time turning them on in a different order. It may be necessary to do this several times to find out how many appliances can be operated at once before the circuit overloads.

“As a short-term solution, you can unplug unnecessary appliances to prevent tripping circuit breakers. You may still get some trips, but you can limit them by unplugging devices that you don’t need to use,” advises Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky , an electrical company with 90 locations in the U.S. The best long-term solution, however, is to pay an electrician for the cost to rewire the house and add additional circuits. The cost to replace an electrical panel is about $1,274 on average.

Other times, the issue may be caused by a short circuit.

A “short” circuit means that two wires that should not be coming into contact are inadvertently touching, triggering a sudden surge of electricity through the wires. A short can occur in an outlet, a switch, or within an appliance if wires are loose or have been chewed through by mice or pets. Some signs of a short circuit include:

• Popping sounds
• Discolored outlets or switches
• Burning smells

Testing to see if an appliance has a short is similar to testing for an overloaded circuit. When an appliance that has a short in its wiring is turned on, it will immediately trip the circuit. Homeowners can also try plugging it into an outlet in a different room. If the breaker for that room trips, there’s a short in the appliance (if it’s unclear what breaker goes to what room, the breaker can be identified with one of the best circuit breaker finders ). Electrical shorts can be a major fire hazard, so it’s a good idea to call a licensed electrician for this circuit breaker repair. It’s wise to stop using the outlet or appliance until a pro takes care of the problem.

Another potential cause of a circuit breaker tripping is a ground fault.

A ground fault occurs when the electricity running through a home’s wiring diverts from the wiring loop and travels to the ground, usually due to faulty wiring or water infiltration in an outlet or switch box. Water is a conductor, which is why walking through puddles is often listed as something not to do in a power outage in case of downed power lines. Once water makes contact with wires, electricity can jump from the wiring loop and follow the water trail. This creates a surge in electricity leading to a tripped circuit breaker. If a person comes in contact with the electricity that is on its way to the ground, this can result in electrocution. Homeowners may notice a few signs of a ground fault, including:

• Tripped GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets;
• A burning smell coming from an outlet; and
• Lights flickering.

Newer electrical breakers have features designed to protect against the danger of ground faults. According to Haas, “Ground fault breakers sense electricity going to earth as opposed to going through the wires of the circuit. You’ll find [these] for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exteriors, and basements.” GFCI outlets are another safety feature that shut off the electric current within a fraction of a second of sensing a ground fault.

If a ground fault is the problem, the cause of the errant water must be discovered and repaired, and any damaged wiring must also be replaced. It’s also a good idea to install GFCI outlets in rooms where water is commonly used. A GFCI outlet costs $210 on average.

Sometimes a bad or worn-out circuit breaker can be the culprit.

In some cases, the circuit breaker itself may be faulty. Breakers that are old, damaged, or were installed incorrectly may trip frequently for no apparent reason. Alternatively, faulty breakers may not trip when they are supposed to, leaving the home at risk of electrical fire. Some signs of a bad circuit breaker include:

• The circuit breaker getting hot and tripping frequently;
• The circuit breaker won’t reset;
• It has been over 10 years since the breaker was last serviced; and
• The breaker has scorch marks.

An important electrical safety tip to keep in mind is that resetting a breaker over and over again can cause what is called an arc flash, which is a small electrical explosion that can be deadly. If resetting the breaker once does not remedy the issue, it’s a good idea for the homeowner to hire an electrician near them who knows how to replace a circuit breaker safely. Mock warns, “Don’t take any chances with circuit breakers. Instead, call a licensed electrician who knows the safe ways to replace breaker boxes, upgrade circuits, and diagnose potential electrical problems in your home.” Wiring a breaker box is a job to leave to an experienced electrician.

A professional electrician can help determine the specific cause of a frequently tripping circuit breaker.

Most circuit breaker problems—aside from those explained in the sections above—will need to be inspected and addressed by a licensed electrician. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) , each year “thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents, [or] electrocution in their own homes.” While homeowners may be tempted to save on electrician costs by attempting circuit breaker replacement or repair themselves, electrical work is not suitable for casual DIYers. “Yes, you have to pay, but you can save many hours of head-scratching by hiring an electrician. Electricians will also have all the right tools for diagnosing and repairing the circuit,” Haas adds. “Lastly, they will come with a warranty/guarantee should something arise, and they will typically return at no additional cost.”

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What Causes a Fridge to Trip a Circuit?

From improper grounding to overloaded circuits, a refrigerator can cause an electrical circuit to be tripped in plenty of ways. Keep in mind that a tripped circuit is actually a good thing. It keeps more serious problems like fire or electrocution from developing. If you're comfortable with basic electrical troubleshooting, you can check out a few things yourself before calling a professional electrician for a more thorough inspection. Keep in mind that the fridge itself might not actually be causing the circuit breaker problem.

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One of the most common reasons for a breaker to trip is an overloaded circuit, which simply means that a greater demand for electricity is being placed on the circuit than it can deliver. If the circuit your fridge is on keeps tripping, unplug everything else from it to see if the refrigerator is the problem. Unplugging other high-demand sources from the circuit might be all that is needed to find a solution. If the circuit continues tripping with only the fridge plugged in, more investigation is needed.

Short Circuit

A short circuit occurs when two wires inside either an outlet or appliance touch one another, creating a surge of electricity that causes the breaker to trip. If you plugged the refrigerator in immediately prior to the breaker throwing itself, unplug the appliance, and plug in something else. If the second appliance works, the source of the short circuit is likely in the fridge itself. If nothing works when plugged into the outlet, remove the receptacle cover on the wall and visually inspect the wires inside to see if there is an obvious problem. Keep in mind the trouble might be in the wall or at the breaker box itself.

Like anything else, the parts and materials of a house's electrical system can become worn out, especially in decades-old buildings. Wires become brittle or rusty, and the protective insulation around them can become thin, leading to a short circuit. The prongs on your refrigerator cord might bend, become rusty or work themselves loose within the appliance power cord. Lastly, the metal and plastic components of the breaker box itself can become loose and faulty over time.

Considerations

Remember that an improperly grounded appliance like a refrigerator can actually become electrified, causing the circuit breaker to trip. This knowledge shouldn't make homeowners paranoid but rather encourage them to spend a bit of time devoted to periodically inspecting the electrical connection between appliances and house's electrical wiring. If you regularly experience thrown breakers, there's a problem somewhere. Don't ignore it.

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Why Refrigerator Keeps Tripping gFCI Outlet

What to do when your refrigerator keeps tripping GFCI outlet (plug). Unless you catch it right away, the refrigerator tripping a GFCI can cause many problems. Not only will your food spoil if not caught in time, but it will keep happening if you don’t find out why it’s tripping in the first place.

There are different reasons why this may be happening. Today we’ll discuss common reasons and how to solve the issues.

What is a GFCI and Why are they used?

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A GFCI, or ground-fault circuit interrupter, outlet is used in areas of the home that are subjected to water. For example, you’ll commonly find them in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.

This type of outlet exists to protect people from electrical shock, and should not be confused with a house fuse or breaker.

A fuse or breaker is designed to protect your home from an electrical fire . If the hot (electrified) wire accidentally touches a neutral wire there will be an increased amount of current through the circuit and eventually the fuse will blow before a fire starts.

Unlike the fuse, the GFCI is built-in to the outlet itself.

When an appliance is plugged into these outlets, the amount of power going through the device is monitored.

Let’s say a hair dryer is accidentally dropped into a sink of water, the GFCI will detect the interruption in current and cut all power off, possibly saving a life.

Why Refrigerator Keeps Tripping GFCI

When a refrigerator is plugged into a GFCI there are a few reasons it may keep tripping the outlet.

Nuisance Tripping

Most refrigerators with vapor compression have what are called inductive loads.

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When an inductive load is switched off, it can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI). The interference can, and often will, trip a GFCI outlet.

Also, if you’re dealing with a dedicated circuit that just operates the refrigerator in the kitchen, you can simply remove the GFCI outlet and replace with a standard outlet.

Faults Created by Icemaker or Defrost Heater

Some older model refrigerators aren’t equipped with icemakers or self-defrost functions. However, when they are, they commonly trip GFCI outlets.

Most people with these types of fridges suggest using a non-GFCI outlet.

However, if you have no other choice but to keep the GFCI, it’s best to disable these functions within the fridge.

Ground Fault

A ground fault can be caused by damaged wiring or old appliances allowing electricity to take an unplanned path to the ground.

Such shortcuts can move through conductive items such as metal, which can lead to an electrical shock when you touch them.

When a refrigerator plugged into a GFCI detects this issue, it will trip the GFCI to eliminate a potential hazard.

The important thing to keep in mind that removing the GFCI outlet will only hide the problem, not fix it.

When you notice that the outlet trips every several hours, your refrigerator may have a faulty timed defrost circuit in the freezer.

This is common due to melting ice getting into components.

There is no code-compliant way to fix this issue, other than determining what’s wrong with the fridge and fixing the correct part.

Other Items to Keep in Mind

• First, it’s important to note that refrigerators in general don’t get along with GCFI outlets. In fact, they’re not required to be attached to one if they are on a dedicated circuit that’s not shared with any other outlets .
• If your fridge has always been connected to a GFCI outlet and worked, you should begin by replacing the GFCI to see if it simply wore out over time.
• If the fridge in question is in the garage, remember that most garages don’t have dedicated receptacles or circuits for a fridge. If you need to solve this, it will require rewiring and one or more GFCI outlets.

Why Refrigerator Keeps Tripping Breaker

From overloaded circuits to improper grounding, there are several ways a refrigerator can cause breakers to be tripped.

Before running out and buying a new fridge, check these things .

Perhaps the most common reason for a tripped breaker is a circuit overload .

This simply means the circuit is receiving a higher demand for electricity that it can actually deliver.

When this occurs, you should unplug everything else from the circuit except the fridge. This will tell you if the refrigerator is the problem.

If the circuit continues to operate with only the fridge plugged in, keep investigating.

Short Circuit

A short circuit will occur when two wires inside an appliance or outlet touch each other, thus creating a surge of electricity causing the breaker to trip.

If the breaker tripped as soon as the fridge was plugged in, unplug this appliance and try plugging something else in.

If the second appliance you plugged in works, the short circuit is probably inside the fridge.

If nothing works with the outlet, there are most likely wires behind the receptacle cover causing the problem.

Just remember, the issue can also be inside the wall or the breaker box itself.

Why Refrigerator Trips GFCI on Generator

Much the same as a refrigerator can trip a GFCI outlet inside your home, it can do the same when connected to a generator.

Here are the common reasons this happens.

If your refrigerator has a ground fault, it will trip the GFCI on your generator every time.

To stop this from occurring you will need to locate the faulty part inside the fridge or freezer and replace it.

Faulty Generator

Regardless of how new the generator is, it could be faulty.

If your machine is still under warranty, it’s a great idea to try to exchange the current one for a replacement.

There are many people who have faced this same issue, and at the end of the day, it was the generator itself.

Electrical Leak

When the GFCI outlet senses electrical “leaks”, where the current is escaping the device and taking a different route to the ground, it will trip the outlet.

Leaks are commonly caused by dust, defective electrical appliances, water, or worn insulation.

Bond or Ground Jumper Issue

Most generators are made with a neutral ground jumper wire.

If you’re hooking the generator to your house this ground jumper will need to be removed to prevent nuisance tripping.

Since your house is already neutral bonded to the ground, the wire is unneeded.

However, if you ever disconnect the unit from the house and use for other purposes, you will have to re-connect the ground jumper.

Have you dealt with refrigerators tripping GFCIs or breakers before?

What was the problem, and how did you fix it? We’d love to hear your thoughts, comment now and let us know.

Reader Comments (13)

Hey just bought a fancy new Bosch refrigerator that draws 3.5 amps versus the old Kenmore that Drew 7.9 amps. Never a problem with the Kenmore tripping the adjacent GFCI outlet. Now, the brand new Bosch Tripps the adjacent GFCI every 3 to 4 minutes… I don’t understand why this is happening if the draw is significantly lower, Nay, HALF of what it was before? Any help is appreciated, thank you!

Hey just bought a fancy new Bosch refrigerator that draws 3.5 amps versus the old Kenmore that Drew 7.9 amps. Never a problem with the Kenmore tripping the Jason GFCI outlet. Now, the brand new Bosch Tripps the adjacent GFCI every 3 to 4 minutes… I don’t understand why this is happening if the draw is significantly lower, Nay, HALF of what it was before? Any help is appreciated, thank you!

My first time I thought I should have FGCI protect my fridge ,I replaced one a bout a week later were tripped like 3-4 time a week. After red this articles I removed it installed with a standard outlet one its been two days now without tripped.

I am glad for this article! We knew GFCIs don’t mix with fridges, but forgot what the wiring in our house was. Brand new LG fridge, boom GFCI keeps popping. So. Annoying. (Thank you building code idiots. Now they require GFCI stoves to be on GFCI by removing the cap on how big an outlet Amperage. Can you imagine, the dumb thing trips during a Thanksgiving turkey or a cake? Thank God it’s all pre-existing. And we aren’t moving.)

If I lived in CA, I would swap out the GFCI yourself. YouTube it for how to. Put it back before you move. Don’t say anything to anyone. You still have circuit breakers in your fuse box, which will trip.

I am not a lawyer. Not an insurance agent. Not an electrician (husband does it for us). We moved away from a highly regulated area to avoid this crap…oops I mean absolutely critical safety regs from a non-political group so we all are perfectly safe in our daily lives. 😉

Sadly, nothing we can do.

I just bought a new Fridge and I have the same problem as the person above this email. Where can I buy or find a snubber to solve the problem? Also, how can I install it?

“Thanks Jim”

Snubbers come in many forms, and are electro-slang for many kinds of filters.. Most would be internal to a device, so I think what they really refer is a low-pass Line Filter. That is, a device that filters high frequencies from the power both in/out of a device… ideally letting only 50/60hz AC through the 2 current conductors. Most don’t filter the ground (often the metal case) but just the hot & neutral, but a few do. Might wanna google Line Filters & Snubbers a bit. Most line-filters eliminate high freq noise to meet UL regs so devices don’t contaminate the power and screw up another device (conducted radio interference was the classic example).

Comment by John Cline might be fun for a DIY’er to give a try, but suspect the line-filter in microwaves are to meet UL regs for “conducted EMI” (block radio frequencies and up), not prevent nuisance tripping. IF it filters the ground path it may be a source of cheap parts. Would hope someone replies if they try it.

In the end, I suspect no easy fix like some box you insert between the fridge and outlet.

Sorry to say… until refrigerator manufacturers step-up and prevent leakage currents to ground (the main culprit) through better insulation and wire routing, it’s best to find a way to power the fridge on a separate branch circuit without the dang GFI.

Is your fridge outlet GFI the 1st in a string of protected outlets? If so lucky, move the GFI to the 2nd outlet. If not, where better than a garage to learn/practice wiring & drywall repair?

I was forced (by 2017 NEC code) to install all AFCI/GFI Dual-Function breakers in a complete rewire of a 120 year old house. Much nuisance tripping since. Laser printers also trip the new breakers. This breaker technology sounds fantastic and ‘maybe’ OK on new construction(?)… but certainly wasn’t ready for prime-time on retrofits. Thanks NEC.

my fridge started tripping the adjacent gfci receptacle in the kitchen when the defrost cycle started. I found the new hot water recirculating pump by the hot water heater was also on the same circuit (utility room next to upstairs bath). I unplugged the pump and the gfci stopped tripping.

every microwave has a snubber built in that can handle the load of a refrig . but won’t work if the refrig. motor locks up so it needs fuses or a breaker rated for the normal refrigerator load plus 150% all placed in a box between to refrigerator and the outlet plugged in, the code stops at the outlet.

Great article as always. I have an old fridge. It was in my house for years. Moved to garage and it tripped the GFCI receptacle. Plugged it in to a non-GFCI and it ran for months. Just moved it to my daughter’s rented house where all receptacles in her garage are GFCI and it trips them. I’ve googled “snubber” several ways to no luck. Did find lots of “experts” arguing. 🙂 I would like to buy one, but am not sure where to look or what it will even look like. A link, picture, hint, …..anything would be helpful. THANKS!

very helpfull

Hello, I have a new construction house here in California. In the garage I have the hot water heater plugged into a 110 outlet and want to plug my 2nd refrigerator into the garage. The garage is GCFI and the it trips every time I plug the refrigerator in. I have an electrician looking into it now but he doesn’t know how to bypass the code for California. Can someone help me with this?

What about if I just unground(Disconnect) the ground cable from mi fridge GFIC outlet and keep using it? will it work and stop tripping?

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Why does your fridge keep tripping the circuit breaker.

Once you buy a new fridge, the expectation is usually that it will last for a very long time without having any problems. In fact, this is why most people buy new fridges to replace old ones. However, there are a few instances where you will still have problems with the new fridge once you install it.

One of the commonest problems you can encounter is finding that the fridge causes the circuitry in the house to trip. This usually manifests as having all the appliances in the home going off after the fridge has been running for some time. Usually, the best way to find the cause of the circuit breaker tripping is by plugging in all the devices one by one, and then finding out which causes the problem to happen again. In such cases, plugging in the refrigerator would result in the same problem.

The problem with this setup

Of course, having your circuit breaker keep tripping is a very annoying issue. Not only does it mean that you can’t get to use the fridge properly, but it could also compromise the practicality of having the other appliances in the home. In the end, you would need to switch off the fridge completely in order to use any of the other appliances in the home.

Some of the causes of this problem

If a new fridge is causing the circuit breaker to trip often, there are several things that could be wrong. First, it could be a problem with the circuitry within the fridge. The freezer circuits are a particularly common cause of such problems especially in types of fridges that are not very well made. In addition to that, a short circuit could also be responsible for the same.

Normally, the only way to figure out the cause of the problem is to take the fridge apart and then assess each and every circuit in it. If it turns out that the fridge is okay, you would need to address other issues such as the quality of the circuit breaker in the home.

Is this a problem you can diagnose on your own?

Most people often want to diagnose and fix this problem on their own, since doing it this way is associated with lower cost. However, this is usually not a good idea. Normally when your fridge does not work properly due to an electrical problem, the only thing that you can try to fix in this capacity is changing the fuses in the sockets. However, if the fuse is the problem, the fridge is unlikely to develop a pattern of problems as described above.

In order to diagnose this problem, you will need to open up the fridge and then go through each and every circuit in detail. This usually requires the use of specialized equipment as well as the expertise and experience to know what to expect at each and every step. Of course, you could take it upon yourself to try to learn how to do this and to buy the equipment needed, but this will take a lot of time and you may end up spending more than you would if you had hired a contractor. In the end, the purpose of doing a DIY project (which is usually to save money) will have been defeated.

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Why Does Your Refrigerator Keep Tripping The Electricity?

Have you found that every hour or so you have the power go out in your kitchen? All you need to do is flip the circuit breaker, but after it keeps happening, things can get frustrating. This is a serious issue for all your appliances, but it can also be seen as a symptom. If your refrigerator is sufficiently full and energy efficient, it should run every hour or so. If you keep having the circuit breaker trip every hour or so, it means that the refrigerator is kicking on and when that happens, the circuit breaker trips. If this is happening, your refrigerator isn’t able to run its cooling cycle, so your food will be pretty warm as well.

Unfortunately, this isn’t just a problem that can affect your refrigerator. Certainly cold food is a priority, but if the breaker keeps tripping every hour, then it will interrupt every appliance in the kitchen, and it is hard on all of them to have the electricity cut every hour.

If you have deduced that the refrigerator is the problem, what is causing the issue and how can you fix it?

Before You Begin

The issue with your refrigerator is that it keeps shutting the electricity off, but that doesn’t mean you should get lax with the proper precautions before repair. You will want to only attempt the troubleshooting and disassembly with the refrigerator disconnected from the electricity. However, being able to plug the refrigerator on is a viable method of troubleshooting this particular issue. As such, you can keep the electricity to the kitchen on for your other appliances and for some of this testing. However, when you are disassembling your refrigerator to test the individual culprits, be sure to keep it unplugged for your own safety.

It is also worth noting that all causes of this issue are cause by an overload of electricity. This means that the circuit breaker tripped because your refrigerator was becoming a fire hazard. Ignoring the issue or trying to find other ways around it is not advised as it can be a threat to your safety.

The Compressor Relay is Faulty

If your refrigerator trips often, then it is likely due to the compressor. Every time your compressor turns on to run the cooling cycle, it will trip the breaker. When this happens, it is typically due to a grounding issue with the compressor that is causing the part to essentially become overloaded with electricity. Essentially, it means it is faulty and needs to be replaced. You can disconnect the electrical connections on the compressor and try plugging in the appliance to check or testing the compressor with a multimeter. It is worth noting that when your refrigerator is manifesting this issue, the compressor is usually the most likely suspect as it is a part that uses quite a bit of power already.

The Defrost Heater is Malfunctioning

If your refrigerator has a freezer, chances are good that in this day and age, it is a no-frost freezer. This means that it comes with a defrost heater. For units with a defrost heater, the heater will turn on, melt away frost, and drain away the liquid. Similar to a compressor, the defrost heater can trip the circuit breaker when it turns on if there is an overload.

You will want to open up the freezer, make sure it is dry, and test the defrost heater connections. In most cases, this can be easily confused with a compressor problem as they can run on a similar schedule. You can be more sure it is the defrost heater rather than the compressor by waiting for the compressor to kick on. It should turn on every 30 to 60 minutes. If the compressor is at fault, then the breaker will trip every time, rather than just sometimes. The defrost runs every 20 to 45 minutes, so it can be confusing as to which is causing the issue. However, unlike the defrost, you can clearly hear the compressor turn on. Furthermore, you can force it to run by leaving the door open. You can also test by simply unplugging the compressor or defrost heater from the circuit board.

There is an Issue With a Fan

The fan in your refrigerator is used to circulate the cold air produced in your freezer down into the fresh food section. Like the other issues, if the fan is overloading, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Furthermore, because it often runs with the compressor, it can be easily confused with compressor issues as well.

Unlike the compressor, the fan is typically overloaded not so much by an electrical issue. You should still test those issues, but if your fan is dirty, it can use more electricity and overload itself. This usually causes fan noise, which can be a solid indicator as well. Before you bust out the multimeter for this issue, you may want to try visually inspecting the fan to see if it is dirty.

The Thermostat is Malfunctioning

With all the other issues on this list, you will likely notice signs before they start tripping the breaker. The part in question will be loud or otherwise malfunction. However, if your refrigerator started overloading the breaker and you didn’t really notice any other symptoms, then the cause could be the thermostat. Admittedly, this is a pretty rare cause as the thermostat doesn’t use a lot of power. However, if it is the cause, then it is a straight up malfunction of the part. You will simply need to test it, and if faulty, replace it.

Any repair that has to deal with electrical issues will be a complicated one. If you haven’t been able to track down the culprit or don’t feel comfortable disassembling your refrigerator to check the issues, we can help. Sometimes, the best case is to leave the repair to the professionals.  Contact us  today to see what Appliance Express can do to get all your appliances fixed up fast.

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Is Your Fridge Tripping the Circuit? Let’s See Why It’s Happening

A circuit trip is actually good since it prevents fire on your property or electrocution. But if this keeps on happening then and now, it can be a problem. Moreover, if the electrician detects that it’s your fridge that is causing the circuit tripping, it might be the time when you need to call technicians who will inspect the appliance to see if something is wrong with it. If they find any issues, they will repair the same to prevent further tripping of the circuit.

Today, we will discuss a few reasons why your fridge might be tripping the circuit. So, if your electrician has recommended that you need to get your appliance checked, go through this discussion before calling a technician in the Sydney suburb in which you are located.

The Fridge Is Unable To Draw the Required Power

If your refrigerator is old, and its compressor is worn out, it might have to struggle to provide you with the optimal output. In this scenario, its electricity demand can surge which can cause the circuit to tip. But by calling the technicians carrying out fridge repairs in Greenacre or the Sydney suburb where you are situated, you can get the compressor checked and repaired. This will help you prevent frequent circuit tripping.

Switching the Fridge On and Off Too Many Times

Since the fridge by default is a power-hungry appliance, switching it on and off frequently or too many times can create a sudden electrical surge (in demand) and trip the circuit. So, technicians recommend that you keep away from switching your appliance on and off too often.

Short Circuit

A short circuit in your refrigerator can trip the circuit. In fact, when and if the component(s) in your fridge is short-circuited, the appliance will not run. So, in this situation, you will need to call technicians carrying out fridge repairs in Bondi or the Sydney suburb where you are located.

They will locate the short and repair the component quickly to prevent further circuit tripping.

Power-Point of the Fridge is Worn Out

On some occasions, the fridge might not be the antagonist that’s actually creating the circuit tripping, it can be the power-point with which it is connected.

If the electrician can detect that it’s the power-point, he will replace it then and there. But if he is unable or you think that it’s the appliance that is causing the circuit tripping, you should appoint technicians performing fridge repairs in Double Bay or the Sydney suburb where you are situated.

You Are Changing the Temperature of the Fridge Too Much

When you change the temperature of the fridge, considering your appliance does not have an automatic mode, it’s actually the thermostat that is directing the compressor to adjust the temperature. Now, each time you regulate the coolness inside, it temporarily causes an electrical surge which can cause the circuit to trip.

This generally occurs in older fridges. So, you should not adjust the temperature too much and get the appliance serviced by professionals.

Your Appliance Experienced a Sudden Power Cut

If due to electrical problems, you faced a power cut and a circuit tripping right after it, the cause might be the fridge.

Whenever an appliance like the refrigerator experiences a sudden power cut, the load inside gets out of the threshold causing an immediate demand and tripping the circuit. So, if you are in a zone that faces power issues, call the technicians performing fridge repairs in Ultimo and other Sydney suburbs and get your appliance checked.

They can also provide you with tips to protect your fridge as well as the circuit.

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How To Stop a Refrigerator from Tripping a GFCI Outlet

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a safety device that quickly breaks an electrical circuit when it detects a leakage current to the ground, protecting people from electrical shock. However, it can be quite frustrating when your refrigerator keeps tripping the GFCI outlet. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide practical solutions to stop your refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet.

To stop a refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet, first reset the outlet and ensure the appliance isn’t sharing the circuit with other devices. Inspect the power cord for any damage and consider installing a dedicated circuit for the refrigerator. If the issue persists, you may install a snubber to reduce voltage spikes or replace the GFCI outlet with a standard one, after consulting with an electrician. If the refrigerator continues to trip the GFCI, it’s recommended to get it checked by a professional appliance technician.

Understanding the GFCI Outlet

Before we delve into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what a GFCI outlet is and how it works. A GFCI outlet monitors the electrical current flowing through a circuit. It measures the current leaving the hot side of the power source and compares it to the current returning to the neutral side. If there is an imbalance between the two, it indicates that some of the current is flowing along an unintended path, possibly through water or a person. In such cases, the GFCI detects the imbalance and quickly cuts off the electricity, preventing a lethal dose of electricity.

Why Does a Refrigerator Trip a GFCI Outlet?

A refrigerator can trip a GFCI outlet for several reasons. These include:

• Overloaded Circuit : If multiple appliances are plugged into the same circuit as the refrigerator, it can cause the GFCI to trip.
• Faulty Components : The refrigerator itself may have a faulty component, such as a compressor or motor, which is drawing too much power or causing a short circuit, resulting in the GFCI tripping.
• Ground Fault : A ground fault occurs when an electrical conductor comes into contact with a ground conductor or a conductive surface. If there is a ground fault in the refrigerator or its electrical system, it can cause the GFCI to trip.
• Startup or Shutdown of the Refrigerator Compressor Motor : It is common for the startup or shutdown of the refrigerator compressor motor to cause a GFCI to trip.

How to Prevent a Refrigerator from Tripping a GFCI Outlet?

To stop your refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet, follow these steps:

Step 1: Reset the GFCI Outlet

Unplug the refrigerator, reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the “reset” button, and plug the refrigerator back in. If the GFCI continues to trip, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check for Overloaded Circuit

Ensure that your refrigerator is not sharing a circuit with other appliances, as this can cause the GFCI to trip. If possible, plug the refrigerator into an alternative power outlet and see if it still trips.

Step 3: Inspect the Power Cord

Check the power cord for any damage or fraying. If you find any issues, replace the power cord.

Step 4: Consider a Dedicated Circuit

If the refrigerator continues to trip the GFCI, consult an electrician to install a dedicated circuit for the fridge.

Step 5: Install a Snubber

A snubber can be installed to reduce turn-on/turn-off voltage spikes, which may help prevent nuisance tripping.

Step 6: Replace the GFCI Outlet

If the issue persists, consider replacing the GFCI outlet with a standard outlet, especially if the refrigerator is on a dedicated circuit. However, this may not be compliant with local electrical codes, so consult an electrician before making any changes.

Remember that GFCI outlets are designed to protect against electrical shocks, so if your refrigerator is consistently tripping the GFCI, it may indicate an underlying issue with the appliance. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional appliance technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

The Bottom Line

While GFCI outlets are an essential part of household safety, they can sometimes cause issues with large appliances like refrigerators. If your refrigerator is frequently tripping the GFCI outlet, it’s important to identify the problem and take appropriate measures to resolve it. Always consult a professional electrician if you’re unsure about any of these steps or if the problem persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dedicated circuit.

A dedicated circuit is a circuit that is reserved for a specific appliance or set of appliances. It ensures that appliances have enough power to operate without overloading the system.

What is a snubber?

A snubber is a device used in electrical systems to suppress voltage transients, which can help prevent GFCI tripping during the startup or shutdown of the refrigerator compressor motor.

Can I replace a GFCI outlet by myself?

Replacing a GFCI outlet requires knowledge of electrical systems, and any mistakes can be dangerous. It’s always recommended to consult with or hire a professional electrician for the job.

What are the signs of a faulty component in my refrigerator?

Signs of a faulty component in a refrigerator can vary, but some common ones include unusual noises, the refrigerator not cooling properly, or the refrigerator cycling too often. If your refrigerator is tripping the GFCI outlet, it could also be a sign of a faulty component.

How often should I inspect the power cord of my refrigerator?

It’s a good practice to inspect the power cord of your refrigerator every few months. Look for any signs of damage, such as fraying, burns, or cuts. If you notice any damage, replace the power cord immediately to prevent any electrical issues.

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