To find out why your refrigerator is tripping the GFCI, please follow these steps.

  • Reset the GFCI Outlet. …
  • Check the Power Cord. …
  • Check the Power Plug. …
  • Check That the Circuit Isn’t Overloaded. …
  • Check the Outlet. …
  • Check the Circuit Breaker. …
  • Check the Refrigerator Wiring. …
  • Check the Defrost Heater.

Can I plug refrigerator into garage outlet?

Put simply, you can’t plug a refrigerator or a freezer into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets can’t handle the load, so the refrigerator will trip the outlet. You might not even know that your refrigerator isn’t getting power until all the food is warm and spoiled.

Why does my fridge trip my outlet?





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. Essentially, it means it is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Why does my refrigerator pop the GFI?

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.

Does refrigerator in garage need GFCI?

A. That “protector outlet” you’re referring to is a GFCI, or “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter” receptacle, and GFCI’s are required by building code in garages, kitchens, bathrooms, and on the exterior of new homes. So you can’t and shouldn’t defeat, bypass, or remove it.

Why does my fridge trips the garage GFCI outlet?

This is usually caused by multiple appliances being plugged into the same circuit. 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.

Can a refrigerator trip a breaker?





Your circuit breaker prevents your home’s electrical systems from dangerously overloading. Your fridge can trip this breaker when it overloads or shorts. You can fix this by inspecting the electrical connections inside your fridge, checking the outlet your fridge connects to, and inspecting the breaker box itself.

How do you fix a ground fault on a refrigerator?

  1. Reset the GFCI. Checking the outlet is your first step, but often it’s just a false alarm. …
  2. Use a Snubber. …
  3. Check Power Plug. …
  4. Overloading. …
  5. Check Power Outlet. …
  6. Circuit Breaker Issue. …
  7. Faulty Refrigerator Wiring. …
  8. Faulty Defrost Heater.