My Fridge Does Not Work and Trips the Breaker When Plugged In

Refrigerators draw a large amount of power when running the compressor that cools them. Especially when the compressor first clicks on, the amount of power drawn initially can trip a circuit already loaded with other electrical devices. A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse cuts off power to any device connected to that circuit. This problem can ruin food and drinks stored in the refrigerator, damage its electrical components and even present a fire hazard. Each circuit is required to handle a minimum load of 15 amps with some electricians choosing 20 amp circuits for added protection.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine what other electrical items and appliances are plugged into the same circuit as the refrigerator. Do this by turning on multiple items in the same area. If some lose power at the same time, note which items. You can also turn them all on, then go to the circuit breaker panel, and flip each circuit until you find the one that shuts off the refrigerator and the turned on items.
- 2
  Relocate some of the electrical appliances on the same circuit as the fridge to other outlets on different circuits. Some circuit breaker boxes have labeled circuits helping you determine which outlets are on which circuit.
- 3
  Unplug the refrigerator and leave it unplugged for a few minutes. Go to the circuit breaker box and make sure the proper circuit is turned on. Plug the refrigerator back in to the circuit.
- 4
  Open the refrigerator and adjust the temperature controls.

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Refrigerators