refrigerator trips afci

ApplianceChat.com

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.

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.

Connect with an Appliance Repair Technician Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our friendly technicians No in-home service calls. No appointments.

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

• About Leviton

Search form

• Home Improvement
• Designer's Corner
• Network Solutions
• Electrical Contractors
• What's New

Understanding AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter) Challenges and Addressing Nuisance Tripping

The National Electrical Code ® (NEC®) has required Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters in residential and limited commercial applications for many years, and they seem to expand requirements for every new Code cycle. There are receptacle based and circuit breaker based solutions. Each have their own unique advantages/disadvantages and applications. 

This blog isn’t about specific NEC requirements and where AFCIs are required.  There are enough videos and on-line instruction already  available to address those concerns. Rather this blog is about how AFCIs function to help prevent electrical fires and the challenges electrical contractors face when installing them.  Nuisance tripping is the #1 complaint contractors have when installing AFCIs. After installation, homeowners may experience nuisance tripping when using a new vacuum cleaner or appliance. Then the contractor gets the call. The last thing they want to do is to go back for a warranty service call. 

To  address this recurring issue the first thing contractors need to know is how and why AFCIs trip. AFCIs are a sophisticated piece of electronic equipment (almost like a computer) designed to detect arcing when a wire is punctured or damaged and when it does, cut power to the circuit. That’s how they help prevent electrical fires. The problem arises when an appliance or load is plugged into an outlet and its’ electrical signature is misinterpreted as an arc by the AFCI and the AFCI by design cuts power. Hence, nuisance trips. To address this problem, manufacturers of AFCI devices test many appliances known to cause tripping and record their electrical signature. That signature is logged into the memory of the AFCI device so it knows not to trip when that appliance is used. 

This is all good and theoretically solves the problem , however what happens when a new appliance is introduced to the market after the AFCI device was installed? In many cases it would mean replacing the AFCI devices in the home with new ones every few years to keep-up. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH LEVITON AFCI SOLUTIONS. Leviton offers Smart Wi-Fi® circuit breakers for the Leviton Load Center which can receive firmware updates to make corrections and adjustments to the signature to prevent nuisance tripping. Leviton also offers a Bluetooth® AFCI Receptacle which is also engineered for firmware updates. 

To learn more about this breakthrough in AFCI technology , visit Leviton.com. You can also view our new Contractor Connect Video/Audio Podcast Series at  http://leviton.com/ContractorConnectPodcast . In the first  episode we interview nationally recognized NEC® Code expert Mike Holt and explore confusing AFCI requirements including how AFCIs work, required locations, nuisance tripping and overcoming challenges on other difficult Code topics and learn about Mike Holt the person, including his exciting hobbies and passions.  

You will also learn about NEW Leviton Products:  

• Bluetooth AFCI Receptacle
• Wi-Fi Connected Smart Load Center
• Combination GFCI and USB Receptacle

Click here for links to Podcasts  

Recent Posts

Follow leviton.

Footer menu

• LEVITON.COM
• ©2022 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

• Testimonials
• Clients & Associations
• Electrical Panel Work
• Aluminum & Copper Rewiring
• Electrical Compliance
• Home Automation
• Car Charging Station Installation
• Preston Electrician LLC Service Locations
• Accessibility Statement

• Common Causes for Tripped AFCI Breakers
• Posted by Joshua Peterson
• in AFCI Protection , Northern Colorado Electrical Projects

According to the National Electrical Code, AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) breakers are required on almost all 120V circuits within a finished space of a home. AFCI breakers are used to detect arc faults and any abnormal arcing activity, then cut power to a home’s wiring system in order to avoid a spark or electrical fire. A reliable Northern Colorado electrician will tell you how important it is to have AFCI breakers in your home, but they can also help you if you are having a problem with your breakers tripping regularly.

Nuisance Tripping

AFCI breakers tripping for no obvious reason is known as nuisance tripping. Because AFCI’s are designed to detect an arc fault , they can be very sensitive and easily tripped for a few common reasons including:

Incompatible Devices

Many electronic devices, by nature of their own design, can cause AFCI breakers to detect a dangerous electrical arc that isn’t actually there . This most commonly occurs with electronic products that have motors with brushes such as vacuums, treadmills or even power tools. These brushes can cause sparking, which is normal within the device, but abnormal in the eyes of the breaker. Televisions and fluorescent lights can also cause tripping. If you have a device that regularly trips your breaker, first try using it on a different circuit. If the other breaker trips, you know the device is incompatible. If it doesn’t, call an electrician to inspect the tripped breaker.

Wiring Problems

Tripped breakers can also be the result of improperly installed AFCIs or problems within the wiring system. Common wiring problems for tripping include

• Neutral conductors for different circuits that have been connected outside of the main board
• AFCI breakers that are not compatible with multi-wire circuits
• Standard circuit breakers in place rather then AFCIs
• Poor or loose connections within the breaker
• Wires that are improperly placed within the light box causing contact between two wrong wires

Outdated AFCI Breakers

If you feel that a breaker is tripping for no apparent reason, the licensed and experienced electricians at Peterson Electric have the experience and knowledge to identify the root of the problem. Call us today at (970) 599-1872.

While a tripped breaker can be frustrating, you at least have the assurance that it is doing its job in protecting your home and those you love.

(970) 599-1872

(720) 641-8866, recent posts.

• Heated Toilet Seat Installation in Your Home
• Featured in the New York Times Because Safety Is Our Priority
• A Professional Electrician Can Help You Avoid Improper Electrical Grounding
• Is AFCI Protection Needed in my Kitchen?
• AFCI Protection
• Berthoud Electrical Projects
• Centennial Electrical Projects
• Energy Savings
• Fort Collins Electrical Projects
• General Electrical Work
• GFCI Outlets
• Loveland Electrical Work
• Northern Colorado Electrical Projects
• Renewable Energy
• Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Uncategorized

Service Areas

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Home Improvement

Refrigerator keeps tripping breaker

• Add to quote

Not a refrigeration specialist, but did you think of changing breakers? They go bad. Is the breaker a standard breaker or an AFCI breaker?  

The breaker is about 3 years old as well. It is an AFCI , I finished the basement 3 years ago and this fridge is for the wet bar. I would be a bit surprised the breaker would be bad already but I also figured a refrigerator would last more then 3 years as well  

AFCI breakers do not like motor loads or anything that arcs naturally, sooo, I would have changed the breaker first knowing the refrigerator was only 3 years old and was working properly otherwise. Using a regular breaker to test the refrigerator temporarily would have been cheaper, and buying a replacement AFCI could be done afterwards once it is determined the refrigerator is operating well. I don't like the industry driven regulations requiring AFCI s on all circuits. They had their purpose in bedrooms, etc. but where motor loads are concerned, they stepped on their own foot.  

I may just put everything back together and try a new breaker, i assumed it was the fridge because it wasn't a very expensive fridge and they don't even make it anymore. It wasn't tripping the breaker for hours so I figured it was something on the fridge over loading or not turning off to pull more current then it should. But I'll try anything before I replace the whole fridge. Thanks for the input!  

Before doing anything in the panel - how about running an extension cord into a different room to get off that circuit breaker and see if that other breaker trips. The cord should be fairly hefty - not one made from lamp cord - but at least 14 gauge.  

Good idea, possibly a sensitive breaker which is tripping and is on it's way out. Not sure you could leave that permanently, dont know your local codes, but as a test sure  

ajaye said: not an expert but dabbled with fridges (hate them) every 8-10 hours.. that's a specific cycle, which is good EVERY now and again, the fridge does an auto defrost, on the freezer unit, it has a heating element, which kicks in for a while, to make sure the condenser doesn't freeze up, the melting ice, then goes done a tube, to a pan which then evaporates (it's literally small tiny bits of water) Then the condenser/pump kicks in to start circulating the Freon or whatever coolant they use. EITHER something is wrong with the defrost part of it , causing a high current to draw which trips the fuse (which I doubt) OR the condenser/pump is on it's way out and the pump is stuck or motor screwed Can you hear the pump sound ? As your saying the fridge is cold, it's not blown, but I suspect it's sticky and not able to kick in properly I hate working on fridges, modern fridges are only designed to last for a few years, older fridges where bullet proof and lasted for 15-20 years+ now your fridge will only last 6 years once out of ext. warrantee, cost of parts is prohibitive. I mean it looks like your on the right track and your handy, so you could replace the pump, the PROBLEM is I think your going to need to release the gas and then regass it if you do the pump, dont think its easy (like a car) you may need special tools and your state may NOT allow you to release coolant into the atmosphere I repaired my fridge 5 times, till it got to a point I needed my insulin at a stable temp, just threw that **** out and bought a new one I expect to replace that in about 6 years time COST of appliance is also NO measure of reliability But I have a GE, seems ok so far Click to expand...

ooh that's an autoranging meter, God I hate thoes 0.071 K ohms is 71 ohms in real money, not a short, what ever your measuring has some resistance, if it's measuring a COIL depending on the winding you'd typically see 0.2-3 ohms problem is without a diagram or KNOWING what your trying to measure, the correct answer could be, 5-20k or dead short LOL. maybe thats a switch or a themostat or some thing. see how you go with a different breaker, report back  

So I got it put back together yesterday and plugged it into an out let on a completely different breaker , everything was working then it tripped the different breaker about 8 hours or so in, so its the fridge for sure , I ordered a new relay and defrost heater and hopefully one of those will be the fix! Unfortunately no one has the parts in stock so it will be a couple weeks before I get them.  

I would replace the AFCI with a regular breaker and not look back if it holds.  

Not sure if I missed something, as I said I'm not an electrician. OP tried a different breaker and it tripped, so it's not the breaker. Also, can you swap out an AFCI breaker with a standard one (code wise) and how do we know if it is an AFCI ? The OP didnt state I did some research and found this: but personally I wouldnt even want to consider replacing a safety item with something that is technically not safe, I also think it's against code in ont. Can "I am an electrical engineer that inspects homes after fires for insurance comapines. Typically I do not help adjusters deny claims but they would have a huge case against you if you took out code required safety stuff. You could probably get your claim through if you could prove without a doubt that the lack of AFCIs didnt cause the fire but thats a long hill to climb and you might have to get a public adjuster to even have the chance to fight it ."  

I agree, plugging it in to another AFCI protected receptacle isn't proof that your refrigerator is at fault. Change the AFCI out for a regular breaker and run it.  

• ?            
• 325.2K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• General Electrical
• General Electrical Discussion
• Recalls, Safety Notices and References

Refrigerators Tripping AFCI's

• Add to quote

chicken steve said: I lost the recall notice i previously posted here, sorry.... ~CS~:blink: Click to expand...

TECHNICAL For Immediate Attention of Your Service Department SERVICE POINTER Brands Affected Technical Service Pointer #: W10806461 Action Required: Informational/Mandatory Release Date: September, 2015 IKEA, Maytag, & Whirlpool FDBM Refrigerators Tripping of Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Breakers Models: See attached page Serial Numbers: All Possible Concern: Refrigerators supplied by Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) type circuit breakers can trip the AFCI circuit breaker. Potential Cause: Under limited, varying circumstances, the LED Driver Board may produce signal noise which can produce a false trip of an AFCI breaker. Correction: After verifying the refrigerator is supplied by an AFCI breaker, order Service Kit # W10810444 and install in accordance with instructions supplied with kit. Note: AFCI breakers are different than GFCI breakers. GFCI breakers are not affected. AFCI breakers are typically labeled “Arc Fault” (Figure 1) or “AFCI” (Figure 2) on the breaker face and have a test button.  Refrigeration Products ALL POINTERS ONLINE: https://www.servicematters.com/ To receive pointers by email, or to edit or delete a current email address, go to https://www.servicebench.com/ Page 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 ® Registered trademark of Whirlpool, U.S.A., KitchenAid, U.S.A., Jenn-Air, U.S.A., or Maytag Properties, LLC or its related companies. ®MAGIC CHEF is a registered trademark of CNA International, used under license. © 2015 All rights reserved. TECHNICAL For Immediate Attention of Your Service Department SERVICE POINTER Models: Technical Service Pointer #: W10806461 Action Required: Informational/Mandatory Release Date: September, 2015  Refrigeration Products IX7DDEXDSM00 MFT2574DEM00 MFT2672AEW12 WRF736SDAB11 WRF736SDAM12 7WF736SDAM12 IX7DDEXDSM01 MFT2574DEM01 MFT2673BEB11 WRF736SDAB12 WRF736SDAM13 7WF736SDAM13 MFT2574DEE00 MFT2672AEB12 MFT2673BEM11 WRF736SDAF11 WRF736SDAW12 MFT2574DEE01 MFT2672AEM11 MFT2673BEM12 WRF736SDAF12 WRF736SDAW13 MFT2574DEH00 MFT2672AEM12 MFT2673BEW11 WRF736SDAF13 MFT2574DEH01 MFT2672AEW11 MFT2673BEW12 WRF736SDAM11 7WF736SDAM11 MFT2672AEB11 MFT2673BEB12 WRF736SDAB13 WRF736SDAW11 Page 2 ® Registered trademark of Whirlpool, U.S.A., KitchenAid, U.S.A., Jenn-Air, U.S.A., or Maytag Properties, LLC or its related companies. ®MAGIC CHEF is a registered trademark of CNA International, used under license. © 2015 All rights reserved. Click to expand...

The last time I lit my refer. on fire, it "self extinguished".  

I am sorry, but what standard says that driver can't upset the AFCI? These types of problems should be correct by the manufacturer of the AFCI at their expense, not by the appliance manufacturer and or the home owner.  

Or at the very least get together with the makers of the AFCI's to establish some sort of standard to test by and eliminate the issue before the product reaches the hands of consumers.  

All electrical equipment and any cord-and-plug connected appliance that is listed to a U.S. based electrical product standard (typically UL, but many CSA & IEC standards as well) will NOT trip an AFCI if it is operating under the normal parameters outlined in it's applicable standard. Period. If the branch circuit wiring is completely free of defects, damage, and unintentional mis-wiring, an AFCI will not produce and unwanted trip. Period. If the AFCI device is operating and functioning within the parameters outline in UL 1569, it will not produce an unwanted trip when connected to a code compliant and defect free branch-circuit supplying electrical equipment. Period. There is less than a 1% chance that a listed AFCI device is defective and not operating properly. This is based on batch testing, NRTL field reports, & data from the CPSC. So, there is likely a 99% change that what is being described as an unwanted or nuisance trip is more likely an AFCI device responding, properly, to a defective appliance or an unintentional mis-wire of the branch-circuit. Much like GFCIs in the recent past, AFCIs are exposing the lack of workmanship and qualified electricians we have in our industry. They are also exposing the manufacturers of appliances and equipment that are not in compliance with their product standards. And, they are exposing the counterfeit and unlisted products that are flooding the market. As soon as these three problems are corrected, the issue of unwanted AFCI tripping goes away. NEMA has strategic initiatives currently in place to combat these three issues. In the meanwhile, more needs to be done to educate the installers and users about these issues so they know how to respond properly to AFCI tripping. This too is a major focus of NEMA activities, related to AFCIs. The hyper-focus and obsession with the AFCI device itself has no merit. Our efforts need to be on workmanship, appliance standards, and preventing unlisted and counterfeit products. Period. Click to expand...

I have heard this as well. While there is no doubt that faulty wiring will cause problems, I don't think our wiring is as much of a problem as they'd like to it to be.  

To the Beatles tune nowhere man..... He's a real Nema man, Sitting in his Nema Land, Making all his Nema plans for big money. Only has a profit view, Doesn't want to pay his dues Isn't he a bit like you and me? Nema man please listen, You got clout with gold glisten Nema Man, the CMP's are at your command! He's as shill as he can be, Just shows us what he wants to see, Nema Man can you see me at all? Nema Man, don't worry, Take your time, don't hurry, Leave it to the testing labs to lend you a hand! Only has a profit view, Cloaked behind his safety spew Isn't he a bit like you and me? Nema Man please listen, Studies paid do the dissing Nema Man, the CSPC is at your command! He's a real Nema Man, Sitting in his Nema Land, Making all his nema plans for big money. Making all his nema plans for big money. Making all his nema plans for big money! :whistling2::no::whistling2: ~C (w/apologies to the fab4) S~  

I'm amazed if any AFCI tolerates a universal motor. The commutator ought to drive the logic to trip out -- every time.  

Fwiw, May is electrical safety month :thumbsup: The ESFI issues all manner of related topics , such as>>> Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Prevent Electrical Fires For extra credit, guess who ESFI members are comprised of.....:whistling2: :no:~CS~:no:  

chicken steve said: Fwiw, May is electrical safety month :thumbsup: The ESFI issues all manner of related topics , such as>>> Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Prevent Electrical Fires For extra credit, guess who ESFI members are comprised of.....:whistling2: :no:~CS~:no: Click to expand...

Oh!..Oh!..Oh!...Seimens?..G.E?....uhhhh...Cutler Hammer?  

You know, I'm all for safety and saving energy. As much as the AFCI issue was forced down everyone's throats, as distasteful as it is, it's a degree of safety at least and that's a good thing. But as for refrigerators employing LEDs for illumination... exactly how long does one keep the door open in a lifetime and when is payback achieved (if ever) on the added expense of the drivers and LEDs instead of a frigging 25 watt appliance lamp? I will bet over the practical life of a new fridge it's never.  

Other than the 30/50ma GFP being taken out of some AFCI, arc signature analysis provides no protection. You can not sustain an arc at 120 volts under typical conditions, and even if you could, what gurantees and AFCI will trip? They cant tell a motor from an arc, what makes you think they can tell an arc apart from a motor? They really cant because its the same thing. And I do agree with you, 25 watt appliance lamp is actually more progressive over LEDs that spoil your food.  

Had a new home build I wired..apprx 6500 sq finished space.. After owner moved in , arc faults began tripping off (randomley) about (6) different afci circuit breakers.. .. I trouble shoot these circuits , taking off each device , checking light fixtures (actually dropping them down , checking splicing - I have found faulty manufacturers splicing to be poorly done before)..spent a lot of time doing all of this.. Know it all GC , (who does not listen ) insists I am at fault , wanted ALL afci circuit breakers replaced.. My supplier reluctantly agreed to allow me to return them for new ones. Did nothing to resolve the problem. Nothing stopped the afci NUISANCE ..yeah I said it ..NUISANCE tripping. Owner got POCO to come , review transformer and (surprisingly) agreed to do his own troubleshooting IN the house. His fluke picked up interuption/distortion in the alternating current sign wave whenever the WI-FI booted up for the owners internet connection in the home...another companies equipment that utilizes romex as a kind of "antenna" - plug in connections @ several areas of the home -all 3 floors. Unplugged all these devices and the tripping ceased completely. End result was I still have owner as a customer ..GC who later continued to ignore me about arc fault nuisance tripping is long gone and now working with a new EC ...and is experiencing the same problems with them. (They and I know some of the same people) In my opinion the damage done through these afci"s problems have caused me financial harm in many more ways than just return trips.  

The Fluke... scope meter or power analyzer?  

Ughhhh, powerline networking. Could not pay me to install that, and that's before now finding out it plays havoc with AFCI Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk  

I thought the same exact thing when I first heard of it. I know that other stuff that used the house's electrical cabling always sucked, so networking must suck too. But here's the thing, it's actually pretty good. People use relatively inexpensive powerline adapters and get excellent results. I was very skeptical until I read the reviews.  

I been wondering too if certain signal can interferce it.. Just like some of GfFCI's do same way.. I dont know if you guys still use the two way radio system ? If so try that near AFCI breaker if that trip then it is NOT immude or signal proof .. That something it can show up and cause some headache...  

• ?            
• 94.9K members

Top Contributors this Month

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?

Table of Contents

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.

Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech

Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians. No in-home service calls. No appointments.

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?

Comments are closed.

Refrigerator Keeps Tripping GFCI [SOLVED] – Let’s Fix It

The GFCI is the first line of defense against electrical problems in your home. It’s designed to trip if it senses an electrical imbalance, delivering an automatic shutdown that protects you against dangerous shock. If your refrigerator keeps tripping GFCI , it can cause lots of problems for you, including running the risk of your refrigerator randomly turning off, which causes your food to spoil.

If you’ve ever had a refrigerator trip its GFCI, you know the frustration it can cause. 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. Today, we’ll discuss common reasons for this and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Why Refrigerator Keeps Tripping GFCI – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices protect you and your loved ones from potentially electric accidents. A GFCI device works by monitoring the current in a circuit and comparing it to the current that should be present. If there is a difference, then the device knows that something is wrong — like water or an object that’s touching both the hot and neutral wires — and it shuts off power to prevent serious injuries.

If you have an appliance connected to a GFCI outlet, there’s no need to worry about electric shock. A GFCI outlet is more than just a circuit breaker or fuse, it does both of these things! When it detects water in the receptacle, the GFCI automatically cuts off the current to that outlet, preventing shocks. And just like any great machine, if it’s tripped, it’ll reset itself after a few minutes.

Did you know that your fridge probably trips the GFCI device? This is because all devices with motors produce inductive loads . An inductive load is any component of a circuit which has current flowing through it at all times, even when power isn’t being supplied to the circuit.

To fix the problem, unplug your refrigerator. Then, follow these steps:

Reset the GFCI

Checking the outlet is your first step, but often it’s just a false alarm. This device is sensitive to usage and environmental changes which could result in “ nuisance trips ”, where it disengages despite there being no issue with the appliance or power source itself. Especially common during electric hot-weather months, you can test your fridge by plugging it back into the outlet.

If your fridge is experiencing frequent tripping, you’ll need to locate the issue. Check your appliance’s owner’s manual for instructions on testing the outlet. If you’re unable to test it yourself, call an electrician to do it for you. Once the GFCI has been tested, reset it. If the problem continues, there may be a defect that requires replacing.

Use a Snubber

If you use a refrigerator with vapor compression and have a GFCI outlet installed near it, be careful. If you unplug the refrigerator, it may trip your GFCI outlet.

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) with a snubber is an option for people who would like to continue using their refrigerator or freezer. A snubber will lessen the effects of the interference with the appliance by creating more resistance on the ground circuit. If you choose to use a snubber, it must be installed between the GFCI deceive and the refrigerator or freezer.

If you’re worried about your refrigerator tripping a GFCI outlet, first try replacing the breaker in the box with one that’s rated for GFCI. If you have a dedicated circuit that operates the refrigerator only, removing the GFCI outlet and replacing it with a standard outlet will solve it.

Inspect Power Cord

One common source of trouble with fridges is the power cord. The problem isn’t usually obvious, so the first thing to do is unplug it and give it a thorough inspection. You can often spot damage to the cord by looking for worn-out insulation, kinks, or bite marks. If you do notice any of these problems, it’s time to replace your current power cord with a brand new one.

Check Power Plug

Next, look at the power prongs. If they are bent or rusted you will need to 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.

Overloading

If your GFCI is tripping often, it’s possible that you’re plugged into an overloaded circuit — which, if it goes unchecked, could lead to a fire. If you’ve got any other major home appliances or electronics plugged into the same circuit as your fridge, move them to a different outlet before calling a professional.

If you discover that your home refrigerator is tripping your circuit breaker, and you want to avoid the hassle of running a new dedicated circuit for it, then what you need to do is move your refrigerator to an alternative power outlet, and make sure that it does not still trip the breaker. If it trips in the alternative power outlet, then you will need to contact your local electrical service provider, and they will help you run a new dedicated circuit for the fridge.

Check Power Outlet

Turn the power off at the circuit breaker Remove the plug from the wall 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 . If you see any, disconnect them from the outlet and purchase new ones. Plug the wires back in to the outlet and then plug your refrigerator back in.

You can easily check whether or not a power outlet has continuity. Just use a multimeter to check for current flow, and you’re good to go! If the current isn’t flowing through the device, it means that there is a problem with one of the wires. However, before you start working on any electrical system, make sure that you equip yourself with the right tools and equipment — and remember to only carry out repairs if you’re qualified to do so.

Circuit Breaker Issue

If you have tried all the above steps to no avail, then it might be time to take a look at the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is responsible for regulating electrical current in your home, so if the fault lies with this, it will need to be replaced or fixed. The correct procedure for doing this will depend on which type of breaker panel you have. If you are unsure, please consult a licensed electrician before proceeding.

Faulty Refrigerator Wiring

If your refrigerator is failing to cool the food inside it, check the wiring first. Always unplug the fridge before performing any repairs. The wiring is not difficult to fix—should you decide to do it yourself. It will involve unplugging and removing the lower back panel of your refrigerator and inspecting for damaged wires. If any are found, you will need to replace them with new wires and tape them up securely in place.

Faulty Defrost Heater

The Defrost Heater is a safety device that prevents the formation of ice inside the refrigerator. This part works by removing heat from the air surrounding the refrigerator coils to keep moisture from settling on them and freezing. Over time, this heater can become weak and may not be able to remove enough heat.

Defrost heaters are designed to get hot quick to help melt any frost or ice that has built up inside your refrigerator. A GFCI outlet trip is often the result of a faulty defrost heater. The best way to test it is to replace the timer so that it creates a defrost cycle, then watch for any signs of overheating.

To find out for sure, you’ll have to reset the timer so that the defrost cycle happens. And when it does, you’ll want to stay nearby. Monitor the GFCI outlet closely when the defrost cycle starts. If the GFCI trips in under five minutes, this is a serious warning sign that your refrigerator’s defrost heater has failed.

Defective Compressor

If you’ve read this far, but still aren’t sure what the problem is, then it’s likely that your refrigerator’s compressor is having issues. Over time, the winding on the compressor starts to fail , and it takes more power to run than the fridge can provide. This causes the fridge to constantly run, which uses extra electricity and wastes food.

A faulty condenser usually requires a new refrigerator, but it doesn’t happen as often as some people think. Before you make a decision on whether to replace the refrigerator or not, bring it to a qualified technician for inspection. The technician will take a look at the fridge to ensure you didn’t forget any problems that can be fixed.

Refrigerator Tripping GFCI On Generator

After the GFCI trips, or any other type of breaker trips, it is always a good idea to check the reason why. If nuisance tripping is the only issue, then adding a snubber will fix this issue. However, there are other potential issues that can cause your breaker to trip, and this includes:

Created Faults

If you have an older refrigerator that doesn’t have an ice maker or a self-defrost function, it could be tripping the GFCI outlet. Or if you do have an icemaker or a self-defrost function, you can turn these off to stop the GFCI outlet from tripping.

If your fridge isn’t new enough to have an ice maker or a self-defrost function, it can cause the GFCI outlet to turn off. In this case, you will want to avoid using a GFCI outlet if possible.

Ground Fault

A ground fault occurs when electricity is sent through a different path than intended. For example, instead of going into the outlet to power your appliances, it could go through the pipes that run inside your walls. When electricity passes through metal pipes, it will cause a circuit breaker to trip. Ground faults damage your electrical system and are dangerous for you and your home.

Before electricity moves from a source to a destination, it goes through a series of devices so that if there is a problem, it can be stopped in its tracks. If your GFCI trips, don’t panic — it’s just doing its job.

While you can solve the problem by removing the GCFI outlet, the real issue is your home’s wiring. When it comes to electrical problems in your home, you can’t cut corners. If you don’t address the problem at its source, the fault will come back – and not all at once. That means additional problems to fix, the extra money spent on repairs, and even worse: a fire.

Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.

Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.