Why Your Fridge Keeps Tripping Your Breaker

If your fridge keeps tripping your breaker, your first instinct may be to start shopping for a new one. However, the issue may not be the fridge itself. In fact, even a new fridge can trip a breaker depending on how your electrical system interacts with it.

This problem leaves many homeowners unsure if they should call an electrician, fix the problem themselves, or buy a new fridge. This article explores the question of why your fridge keeps tripping your circuit breaker to help you figure out the source of the problem and decide what to do next.

What is a Tripped Breaker?

A tripped circuit breaker occurs when the electrical current is interrupted, usually because an appliance overloads the circuit by drawing too much power. Each circuit has a rated capacity that determines how much power can be drawn over a certain amount of time. If an appliance goes over that capacity, the breaker “trips.”

Importantly, this isn’t a bad thing in the short term. It’s a safety feature that allows the breaker to shut off before a power surge damages your valuable appliances. However, if the issue isn’t resolved, repeated tripped breakers can lead to potentially costly issues, including:

• Damaged appliances
• Spoiled food
• Shorted circuits
• Electrical fires
• Higher energy bills

To avoid these and other issues, homeowners need to understand how circuit breakers trip in the first place. The three most common causes of a tripped breaker are: overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, and short circuits.

Overloaded Circuit

Overloads can happen when an appliance exceeds the circuit’s recommended electrical load. This is common when several high-demand devices are plugged into the same circuit, such as in kitchens where the fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and other appliances are likely drawing power from the same source. Even a new fridge that is functioning properly can trip the circuit breaker simply by drawing too much power.

Outdated Wiring

The fridge may not have been directly responsible for the breaker tripping. Over time, wiring materials can degrade, old insulation can deteriorate, and even parts of the breaker itself can become worn or loose. Any of these issues can cause frequent tripped circuit breakers, signaling a more serious electrical problem. Old and out-of-code wiring is a fire hazard that should be inspected and updated by a skilled electrician as soon as possible.

Short Circuit

Short circuits usually happen as soon as the fridge is plugged in. If that happens, you can unplug the fridge, reset the breaker, and plug in another appliance. If the new appliance also trips the breaker, the problem is most likely in the electrical system itself in either the breaker, outlet, or wiring. However, if the other appliance works fine, the short circuit is likely in the fridge.

What Should You Do When Your Fridge Trips the Breaker?

Firstly, to make sure you and your home are safe, unplug the fridge and reset the breaker. If the fridge works from a different plug, the problem is likely in the breaker or outlet. These can be inspected for damage, including signs of melting on the outlet cover or loose metal and plastic pieces on the breaker box. You can also check the fridge power cord for signs of damage such as discoloration or loose wires.

If no obvious damage can be found, a voltage tester can check the outlet’s electrical output. This will tell you if the circuit is outputting the right voltage for your appliances. However, most homeowners can’t accurately and safely assess their circuits and wiring for damage. If you’re unsure about the cause of the tripped breaker or wondering how to repair obvious signs of damage, it’s best to contact a professional electrician so they can find the root cause and recommend the best course of action.

Partner with NuBlue for Licensed Electrical Services in North Carolina

If your fridge is tripping your breaker, the problem may stem from faulty or old wiring, a malfunctioning breaker box, an overloaded circuit, or even a short circuit in the fridge itself. Fixing it yourself may be tempting, but misdiagnosing the problem can be a costly mistake that could damage your appliances. Licensed electricians can thoroughly check everything and find the cause of the problem.

At NuBlue, our experienced team offers accredited services for electrical issues, including tripped circuit breakers. Our goal is to inspect your problem, find the root of the issue, and give you an upfront cost analysis on the same day. We value transparency and efficiency as we strive to give our customers a premium service for all their electrical needs.

Contact our team today for professional electrical work, whether it’s an emergency or a routine checkup. Our team of local professionals is here to help!