What To Know
- If it does, you’ll need to move the refrigerator to a different circuit or have an electrician install a new circuit.
- If the condenser coils are dirty, they will not be able to dissipate heat effectively and this can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
- If you have checked all of the above and you are still having problems with your refrigerator tripping the breaker, you should call a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
If your refrigerator keeps tripping the breaker, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common reasons why your refrigerator might be tripping the breaker and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
1. Overloaded Circuit
One of the most common reasons why a refrigerator trips the breaker is because the circuit it’s plugged into is overloaded. This can happen if you have too many appliances plugged into the same circuit, or if the refrigerator is plugged into a circuit that’s already at its capacity.
To fix this problem, try unplugging some of the other appliances from the circuit and see if that solves the problem. If it does, you’ll need to move the refrigerator to a different circuit or have an electrician install a new circuit.
2. Faulty Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and if it fails, the refrigerator will not be able to cool properly. This can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
To test the compressor, unplug the refrigerator and listen for a clicking sound. If you hear a clicking sound, it means that the compressor is trying to start but is unable to. This is a sign that the compressor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator and they help to dissipate heat from the refrigerator. If the condenser coils are dirty, they will not be able to dissipate heat effectively and this can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
To clean the condenser coils, unplug the refrigerator and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris. You can also use a brush to gently clean the coils.
4. Defrost System Failure
The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the defrost system fails, the evaporator coils will become iced over and this can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
To test the defrost system, unplug the refrigerator and wait for the ice on the evaporator coils to melt. If the ice does not melt within a few hours, it means that the defrost system is faulty and needs to be repaired or replaced.
5. Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature of the refrigerator. If the thermostat is faulty, it may cause the refrigerator to run too cold or too warm. This can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
To test the thermostat, unplug the refrigerator and wait for it to cool down. Then, plug the refrigerator back in and adjust the thermostat to a higher setting. If the refrigerator does not cool down, it means that the thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.
6. Faulty Wiring
If the wiring in the refrigerator is faulty, it can cause a short circuit and trip the breaker. This is a serious problem that can lead to a fire.
To check the wiring, unplug the refrigerator and inspect the wires for any damage. If you see any frayed or damaged wires, you should call an electrician to have them repaired.
7. Other Possible Causes
In some cases, a refrigerator may trip the breaker due to other factors, such as:
- A power surge
- A faulty outlet
- A loose connection
If you have checked all of the above and you are still having problems with your refrigerator tripping the breaker, you should call a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Wrapping Up
If your refrigerator keeps tripping the breaker, it is important to troubleshoot the problem and fix it as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage to the refrigerator or even a fire. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help to identify and fix the problem and get your refrigerator running properly again.
FAQ
Q: Why does my refrigerator keep tripping the breaker when I open the door?
A: This is likely due to a faulty door switch. The door switch is responsible for turning off the refrigerator when the door is opened. If the door switch is faulty, it may not be turning off the refrigerator properly, which can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
Q: Why does my refrigerator keep tripping the breaker when I turn it on?
A: This could be due to a faulty compressor. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator and if it is faulty, it may not be able to start properly. This can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
Q: Why does my refrigerator keep tripping the breaker after I defrost it?
A: This could be due to a faulty defrost system. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the defrost system is faulty, it may not be able to melt the ice properly, which can cause the refrigerator to overheat and trip the breaker.
