Refrigerators and freezers are large appliances that use significant amounts of electricity to operate. This is why many electricians recommend putting them on their own dedicated circuit. Is this really necessary, or is it simply a precautionary measure? Does your refrigerator need a dedicated circuit? We will help you answer this question and explore other common refrigerator problems and explain how to handle them.
Does a Refrigerator Need Its Own Circuit?
Yes. In most situations a refrigerator will need its own circuit. This is because a refrigerator is a large appliance that requires a significant amount of energy to run. If it doesn’t run on its own circuit, the appliance will likely draw too much electricity and cause the circuit to function poorly.
Most refrigerators run between 3 to 6 amps. However, they can experience sudden spikes, which can cause them to run at around 15 amps. As a result, a refrigerator must run on a circuit that is capable of handling these occasional spikes. The best course of action is to run the refrigerator on a dedicated 20 amp, 120-volt circuit.
Safety
A circuit can only safely handle 80% of its overall amperage. For example, a 20 amp circuit can only handle amps at a maximum of 16. Exceeding this point risks the safety of the circuit. This is something to consider when putting anything on a circuit, including installing a refrigerator, configuring other appliances, or performing a lighting installation project.
Any additional safety warnings the fridge comes with should be followed. Sometimes, a fridge will have specific instructions listed in the owner’s manual or somewhere else on the appliance or packaging. Following these instructions will help prevent any device-specific mishaps from occurring.
Read More: Top 6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Old Malfunctioning Furnace
GFCI Outlets and Backup Generators
One of the best ways to prevent refrigerator problems is to use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI outlet. These power outlets shut off if anything goes wrong with the electricity going to and from the refrigerator. Often, this is enough to detect and stop a problem before it becomes a bigger one.
Backup generators are another helpful feature to consider when setting up a refrigerator or freezer. A harsh storm or a freezing winter can knock the power out for an undetermined amount of time. A backup generator helps prevent all the food inside a fridge or freezer from going bad.
Why Does My Refrigerator Keep Tripping the Electricity?
One of the most troublesome things a refrigerator can do is trip the electricity. This prevents the fridge from working properly and is an annoying problem to address. In many cases, the reason a refrigerator keeps tripping the electricity boils down to a few common problems.
Malfunctioning Compressor Relay
The compressor of a refrigerator is somewhat prone to experiencing problems. If it has a grounding issue, it will overload with electricity. When this happens, it will end up tripping the breaker.
You can ensure the compressor does this by waiting for it to turn on. The compressor should turn on every 30 to 60 minutes and should make a noise when it does. A compressor malfunctioning in this way will always trip the breaker.
It will be obvious that it’s at fault if the compressor runs and the breaker trips immediately after starting. The only real solution here is to replace the compressor. Most companies that provide electrical services should be able to do this.
Damaged Defrost Heater
Almost all modern freezers have a defrost heater. These devices help the fridge fight against frost by melting it and draining it away. However, defrost heaters are another element of the machine that can malfunction and cause an overload.
You can determine whether the defrost heater is the problem by seeing if the freezer trips the breaker when the defrost heater runs. All you have to do is wait until the heater runs and see if the breaker trips.
The heater will run naturally, but you can force it to run by leaving the freezer door open for a while. To avoid confusing the defrost heater with the compressor, you may want to unplug the compressor first.
Read More: 7 Common Tankless Water Heater Issues and Ways to Respond
Faulty Fan
Unfortunately, a fan is another essential part of a fridge that can overload. If this happens, it will trip the breaker. The good thing about a problem with the fan is that, in many cases, it’s fixable. Many fan problems result from dirt or other material buildup on the fan itself.
You will have a clue that this is the case if the fan is making more noise than usual or if you visually check it and see that it’s dirty. When this happens, the best action is to clean the fan and see if that resolves the issue.
Broken Thermostat
A broken thermostat has the potential to mess with your refrigerator in all sorts of ways. It can potentially cause an electrical issue on its own, or it can cause the fridge to run harder than it needs to, which can cause other problems.
In these cases, it’s best to replace the thermostat. Luckily, this is a relatively easy replacement—much easier than replacing other components.
Electrical Repair and Installation Services
It’s important not to make a mistake when dealing with electrical issues. Attempting to address the electrical problems in your refrigerator on your own can put you at risk of harm or damage to your fridge permanently. If your refrigerator keeps tripping a circuit breaker in your electrical system, this is a sign the appliance needs a dedicated circuit. Give our team a call at (484) 206-8594 to receive assistance with electrical issues in your fridge.
Our team of emergency electricians in Norristown, PA offer exceptional appliance wiring installation and repair services for homes. In addition, our technicians provide other reputable emergency electrical services such as ceiling fan repair, electrical panel replacement, power outlet maintenance, and whole-home generator installation. Book an appointment on our website to receive support with a damaged fridge, appliance, or other electrical issues in your house.