What does it mean when a fridge is tripping the power?
It means a protection device in the DB board has cut the supply. The earth leakage unit trips when a small current leaks from a live part to earth, and it protects people from shock. A circuit breaker trips when a circuit draws too much current, and it protects the wiring. When the earth leakage trips, every circuit it protects goes off together.
- Trips the moment the fridge is plugged in: the cord, the plug or wet wiring.
- Trips when the compressor starts: the start relay or the compressor.
- Trips hours apart while the fridge runs normally: the defrost heater.
Common causes of a fridge tripping the power
The most common causes are moisture and failed insulation inside the fridge.
At a glance
| Cause | Typical sign | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Overloaded plug circuit | Trips when another appliance runs | You can check this |
| Damaged cord or plug | Scorch marks, cracked insulation | You can check this |
| Water on the wiring | Trips after a leak | You can check this |
| Surge after load shedding | Trips only when power returns | You can check this |
| Defrost heater leaking to earth | Trips hours apart | Technician |
| Damp start relay or terminals | Trips in damp weather | Technician |
| Failing compressor windings | Trips as the compressor starts | Technician |
- 1
The plug point or circuit is faulty or overloaded
You can check thisA worn plug point, a multiplug or an extension lead overheats. A kettle, a microwave and a fridge on one circuit overload the breaker. The sign is tripping when another appliance runs.
- 2
The cord or plug is damaged
You can check thisA crushed, chewed or perished cord, or a plug with burnt pins, leaks current or shorts. The signs are scorch marks and cracked insulation. A technician replaces the cord.
- 3
Water has reached the wiring
You can check thisThe drip tray and drain tube sit close to the compressor wiring. The sign is tripping after a leak or after the floor was washed. See why a fridge leaks water.
- 4
A surge when power returns after load shedding
You can check thisPower can return with a voltage spike, and every appliance in the house starts at once. The sign is tripping only when the power comes back.
- 5
The defrost heater is leaking to earth
TechnicianThe defrost heater melts frost off the evaporator in a frost-free fridge. Its sheath cracks with age and moisture gets in. The sign is tripping hours apart, each time a defrost starts. A technician replaces the heater.
- 6
Moisture in the compressor terminals or start relay
TechnicianThe start relay plugs onto the compressor terminals under a small cover. Damp, dust and insects create a leakage path there. The signs are tripping in damp weather and a burnt smell at the back.
- 7
The compressor windings are failing
TechnicianThe compressor motor windings are insulated from the metal casing. When the insulation breaks down, current leaks to earth as the compressor starts. A technician confirms it with an insulation test during a fridge repair visit.
What you can safely check yourself
You can inspect the plug, cord and plug point, and do one test on another circuit. Switch off and unplug at the wall before touching anything.
- Note what trippedNote whether the earth leakage unit or one circuit breaker is down.
- Unplug the fridge and resetIf the power still trips with the fridge unplugged, the fridge is not the cause. Call an electrician.
- Inspect the plug and cordLook for burnt pins and damaged insulation along the whole cord.
- Look for waterCheck under and behind the fridge. Leave it unplugged until the area is dry.
- Try another plug point oncePlug the fridge directly into a plug point on a different circuit, with nothing else on that circuit. If it trips again, the fridge is faulty.
When to stop and call a technician
Stop and call a technician if the fridge trips the power on a second plug point. Do not keep resetting, because each reset puts power back onto a fault. Stop if you smell burning, see scorch marks or find water near the plug or wiring. Never remove the earth pin or use a two-pin adaptor. Do not open the compressor terminal cover, mains wiring, the control board or the sealed refrigeration system.
Still having trouble with your fridge?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses a fridge that trips the power
- Tests insulation resistanceAn insulation tester measures leakage between the live parts and the earthed cabinet of the unplugged fridge.
- Isolates each partThe defrost heater, compressor and fan motors are disconnected one at a time until the leakage disappears.
- Inspects the start componentsThe start relay, overload protector and compressor terminals are checked for moisture and burning.
- Tests the cord and earthThe cord, plug and earth continuity are tested.
Can load shedding damage a fridge?
Yes, load shedding can damage a fridge, mainly at the moment the power returns. A voltage spike stresses the control board and start relay. A short gap between off and on also makes the compressor start against pressure. A surge protector plug with a time delay reduces both risks.
Is a fridge that trips the power worth repairing?
Repair usually makes sense when
- The fault is a defrost heater, start relay, fan motor or cord
- The compressor passes its insulation test
- The cabinet is dry and free of rust
Replacement is worth considering when
- The compressor windings have failed on an old fridge
- Water or rust has damaged wiring throughout the cabinet
- The same earth fault returns after a repair