2 Answers. Show activity on this post. The fridge is most likely tripping the GFCI. Most folks recommend not plugging refrigerators into GFCI circuits, for this exact reason.
Can a refrigerator cause a GFCI to trip?
Why does the fridge trip the GFCI? Any inductive load when switched off, can produce electromagnetic interference (EMI). This interference can, and often does, trip GFCI devices. Most vapor compression refrigerators have a few inductive loads, any of which could cause the trip.
Why does my refrigerator keep tripping the breaker?
If your refrigerator trips often, then it is likely due to the compressor. Every time your compressor turns on to run the cooling cycle, it will trip the breaker. When this happens, it is typically due to a grounding issue with the compressor that is causing the part to essentially become overloaded with electricity.
How do I stop my refrigerator from tripping the GFCI?
To avoid this happening, make sure that your refrigerator has a dedicated circuit, which you can do by plugging your refrigerator into an alternative power outlet and seeing if it still trips.
How do you fix a refrigerator tripping GFCI?
If you’re worried about your refrigerator tripping a GFCI outlet, first try replacing the breaker in the box with one that’s rated for GFCI. If you have a dedicated circuit that operates the refrigerator only, removing the GFCI outlet and replacing it with a standard outlet will solve it.
Should fridge be on GFCI?
A refrigerator shouldn’t be plugged into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are used in areas of the home with water or moisture. These include bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. This type of outlet is important because it reduces the risk of electrocution and electrical fires.
How do I find a short circuit in my refrigerator?
Short Circuit
In the case of fridges, if you plugged in the refrigerator directly just before the breaker tripped, disconnect it and plug in a different electrical appliance. If the second appliance works without any issues, then the cause of the short circuit could most likely be from the fridge itself.
What size breaker should a refrigerator be on?
A refrigerator needs a 20 amp circuit breaker for a proper power supply. Most modern-day refrigerators require a 20 amp circuit breaker by the manufacturer.
Why would a GFCI outlet keep tripping?
Electrical Fault
If your GFCI outlet trips consistently, it could be an electric fault resulting from faulty structural wiring. An electrical outlet connected to the same circuit could also be the source of the problem, especially if it was not part of the original wiring of your home.
What can cause a GFCI to trip?
If the GFCI detects a ground fault leakage of 5mA it will trip. This leakage is caused by a hot wire touching the ground somewhere on the electrical line such as an appliance or even the outlet itself. This can be caused by water, wires touching, dust or debris, etc.
How can you tell if a GFCI outlet is bad?
How to Tell If a GFCI Is Bad. When a GFCI trips, it won’t supply power, so your hair dryer or power saw won’t work, and if a tripped GFCI is at the beginning of a circuit, it will cut power to the entire circuit, so other outlets and lights on the circuit won’t work either.
How much current is needed to trip a GFCI?
5 mA
It takes only 5 mA (0.005 A) of current leakage from the hot wire to the ground to cause a GFCI to trip. A small amount of leakage current may be difficult to avoid in some normal circuits. Hand-held power tools do not cause a tripping problem if the tool is maintained in good condition.
