Fridge works for a min then causes short circuit in the house!
As I plug the fridge in the lights go on, it beeps, but after a minute it causes a short circuit in the house. I turned off all other kitchen appliances and devices in the house, and it still happens.
I live in an old house but the ampere should be fine as well so it leaves me to believe it's something about the fridge itself.
Can someone help me understand if I can fix this?
where can I look at to see what the problem is?
Is a secondhand fridge "Fisher and Paykel, active smart"
Is this a good question?
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5 Comments
Hi @rick404 ,
Is it a newly acquired secondhand fridge or have you had it for a while and it has just started causing the problem?
If newly acquired was there any guarantee given with it?
If the problem occurs very soon after turning on the fridge power, check if the compressor motor is trying to start. The compressor is found on the outside of the fridge cabinet at the back, usually at the bottom, below the condenser coils.
Be aware that the compressor is used to compress the refrigerant into a gas so that to remove the compressor you need the correct equipment to drain the system before the compressor can be removed, if it is the problem that is.
This section of the fridge is best left to the experts
by jayeff
Hi Jayeff,
Sorry for my late reply, no guarantee it was second-hand from website Gumtree.
I see it can get very complex, the problem doesn't occur immediately it does turn on for a min or so.
An electrician had said without looking at it that "it must be dead by now"
So I might have to get an other fridge,
Thanks for your reply!
by Rick
@rick404 check the start capacitor on the fridge. If your compressor kicks in "to hard" and draws to much power it will most likely pop the fuse/breaker. What model is this fridge and how many amps for that particular fuse?
by oldturkey03
ok if it draws to much power an flips breaker how do you fix it
by jacob woodall
Hi @ jacob woodall
Process of elimination.
You use a DMM's (digital multimeter) Ohmmeter function and first test components with the power disconnected i.e. possible wiring short circuit to frame, possible faulty fan motors or compressor motor.
If nothing is evident then disconnect one item at a time and check if the breaker trips when the power is connected i.e disconnect condenser fan motor and test, disconnect evaporator motor and test, disconnect compressor motor and test.
Be safety aware as these parts may operate at mains voltage supply so DISCONNECT the power before working in the fridge.
If you know nothing about how to use a DMM, or electrical wiring and how to safely work with potentially lethal electricity then don't do it! Your life is more important. Call a reputable refrigerator repair service and ask for a quote.
by jayeff