What would cause my refrigerator to trip the GFCI?

It is common for the startup or shutdown of the refrigerator compressor motor to cause a GFCI to trip. The defrost cycle, though, is less likely to cause the issue, since the defrost heater is resistive rather than inductive. The issue occurs randomly because the motor operates from alternating current.

How do I stop my fridge from tripping GFCI?

Why is my refrigerator tripping my GFCI outlet?

Why does the fridge trip the GFCI? Any inductive load when switched off, can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI). This interference can, and often does, trip GFCI devices. Most vapor compression refrigerators have a few inductive loads, any of which could cause the trip.

Why does my refrigerator keep tripping the circuit?

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.

Will a refrigerator trip a GFCI breaker?

Most refrigerators with vapor compression have what are called inductive loads. When an inductive load is switched off, it can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI). The interference can, and often will, trip a GFCI outlet.

Fridge Outlet Connected To GFCI Outlet, How To Fix

Can a refrigerator be plugged into a regular outlet?

Refrigerators don't need special outlets. They can be plugged into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long as the socket is three-pronged. However, it's best if your refrigerator is on its own dedicated circuit. It may even be required by the code in your area.

Can a refrigerator trip a circuit breaker?

Your circuit breaker prevents your home's electrical systems from dangerously overloading. Your fridge can trip this breaker when it overloads or shorts. You can fix this by inspecting the electrical connections inside your fridge, checking the outlet your fridge connects to, and inspecting the breaker box itself.

Can a faulty appliance trip a circuit breaker?

An older appliance could have a frayed cord, missing parts, internal damage, or just too old to complete the task. There may be a cord that has been damaged by mice or water damage, as well. Overloading the appliances can cause them to trip a breaker, as well.

How do you ground a refrigerator?

By connecting a wire from the metal frame of the refrigerator to the ground, the unwanted electricity will travel through the wire and out to the earth. That wire has to be connected to something that is in turn connected to the earth or ground outside.

How do you fix an appliance that keeps tripping?

Unplug all appliances on that problem circuit and switch off any immersion heaters (if you have one). Switch the tripped switch to the ON position and plug in the appliances one by one until the trip goes again. Leave that appliance unplugged, and have it repaired by a qualified electrician.

How do you fix an appliance that trips the power?

Solve this problem by unplugging the appliance and then using a screwdriver to tighten all the connections inside the plug. Your appliance will work without tripping the breaker. It is also possible for your appliance, such as a dishwasher, to trip the circuit breaker if you have overloaded it.

How do I know which appliance is tripping?

Regardless of the reason, you can identify this by trying the appliance on a different electrical circuit to see if it trips that breaker too, or disconnecting everything so that the potentially faulty appliance is the only thing connected.

Can a refrigerator cause a power surge?

In some instances, a refrigerator itself may be the cause of a surge. Due to the high power requirements of the appliance, when a refrigerator cycles, turning on and off automatically, it may cause a surge that can flip the breaker or burn out the fuse.

Can you plug a freezer into a GFCI outlet?

However, GFCI's are prone to a phenomenon called "phantom tripping," meaning that they sometimes activate -shutting power off to the circuit - under normal, everyday voltage fluctuations. So freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI's.

Does a refrigerator need a dedicated outlet?

A modern refrigerator requires a dedicated 20-amp circuit. You may currently have a smaller refrigerator plugged into a general lighting circuit, but during any major remodeling, install a dedicated circuit (120/125-volts) for the refrigerator.

Can you plug a refrigerator in the garage?

Most refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter months in an unheated garage, depending on climate and how well the garage is insulated. Most manufacturers do not recommend placing a refrigerator in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do you check a refrigerator short circuit?

Short Circuit

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.

How do I reset my refrigerator compressor?

Can a fridge short circuit?

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).

How do you fix a overloaded circuit?

How Do You Fix an Overloaded Circuit? The short-term solution to a circuit overload is easy – move some devices from the overloaded circuit to another general-purpose circuit. Then you can just flip the circuit breaker back on or replace the fuse.

Why do some appliances trip?

Three of the most common reasons why this may happen are: Too many electrical appliances are in use together, which overloads the circuit. One of the electrical appliances in the house is faulty. There is a faulty power connection in one of the appliances.

What size breaker do I need for a refrigerator?

A refrigerator needs a 20 amp circuit breaker for a proper power supply. Most modern-day refrigerators require a 20 amp circuit breaker by the manufacturer. Although your refrigerator may need more or less than 20 amps to operate properly, it will depend on the model of your refrigerator.

Will a surge protector stop a breaker from tripping?

Many modern appliances are sensitive to sudden surges of electricity that, themselves, may not be enough to blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. Surge protectors essentially act as a buffer, dolling out the current at a constant rate regardless of how it is coming in.