A refrigerator that keeps tripping the circuit breaker is a sign of a problem that needs quick attention. Many Appliance Repair San Diego calls involve this exact issue. It can lead to spoiled food, electrical hazards, or damage to the appliance. Knowing what to do when this happens can help prevent bigger problems.
If you live in the Appliance Repair San Diego area and your breaker keeps shutting off due to your fridge, stop using the appliance and unplug it. Continuing to use it can cause further electrical damage. You should first check a few simple things before calling for professional help.
Start by resetting the breaker. Locate your home’s electrical panel and flip the tripped breaker back on. Plug the refrigerator into a different outlet on another circuit if possible. If the breaker trips again immediately, the problem is likely with the fridge itself or its power cord.
Next, inspect the power cord. Look for cuts, burns, or signs of wear. A damaged cord can cause a short circuit, which leads to a tripped breaker. Do not use the appliance if you see any damage. Replacing the cord may solve the issue if the rest of the unit is working properly.
Check the outlet. Sometimes the problem lies with the wall socket, not the fridge. Use a different small appliance, like a lamp or toaster, to see if the outlet works. If it does not power other items, the outlet may need repair. An electrician should inspect it before using it again.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall. Make sure it is not pinching the cord or causing strain on the plug. Also, ensure that the unit is standing level. Tilted or unbalanced refrigerators can stress internal components, sometimes leading to power issues.
A dirty or overloaded compressor can also cause electrical problems. If you hear loud humming, clicking, or if the fridge is hot to the touch at the back, the compressor may be overheating. When this happens, the breaker might trip as a safety measure.
Another possible cause is a faulty defrost heater or thermostat inside the refrigerator. These components cycle on and off and draw extra power. If one malfunctions, it could overload the circuit. This type of problem usually requires inspection by a technician.
Don’t keep resetting the breaker if it trips repeatedly. This is a safety feature and ignoring it could cause electrical fires. It’s important to stop using the fridge until the source of the problem is found and fixed.
If basic checks don’t solve the problem, contact a technician who handles Appliance Repair San Diego. They have the tools and training to test internal parts and replace faulty components safely. Quick service can save your fridge and keep your home safe.
A refrigerator that trips your breaker is never normal. Act quickly, stay safe, and don’t ignore the warning signs. Getting the issue checked early can prevent a small fault from turning into an expensive repair.
