If your fridge keeps tripping the power, don’t ignore it. While it could be something as simple as a faulty power point or extension lead, it may also indicate an electrical fault within the refrigerator, such as a failing compressor, damaged wiring or a defective defrost heater. Selective Fridges provides expert mobile fridge repairs across Perth, safely diagnosing electrical faults before they become more serious.
Why Does My Fridge Keep Tripping the Power?
Your refrigerator is designed to run continuously with minimal interruption. If it suddenly starts tripping the power, it’s a sign that something isn’t operating safely.
At Selective Fridges, we regularly attend homes and businesses across Perth where customers report that their fridge works for a short time before the safety switch or circuit breaker trips. In many cases, the problem isn’t the electrical system in the home, but a fault developing inside the appliance itself.
The good news is that many of these issues can be repaired if diagnosed early.
What Causes a Fridge to Trip the Power?
There are several reasons why a refrigerator may repeatedly trip the safety switch or circuit breaker.
Common causes include:
- A faulty compressor drawing excessive current
- A failed defrost heater causing an electrical short
- Damaged internal wiring
- Moisture affecting electrical components
- A faulty thermostat or control board
- A failing start relay
- Compressor overload protector faults
- Damaged power cord or plug
- Electrical faults following a power surge
Because electricity and water don’t mix, it’s important not to continue resetting the breaker without investigating the cause.
What’s the Difference Between a Safety Switch and a Circuit Breaker?
Understanding what is tripping can help narrow down the problem.
A safety switch (RCD) trips when it detects electricity leaking to earth, helping protect people from electric shock.
A circuit breaker trips when too much electrical current is flowing through the circuit, helping protect wiring and appliances.
Both situations indicate that the refrigerator should be inspected before further use.
What We Found This Week
One of our recent service calls involved a family whose refrigerator would trip the safety switch every morning.
Initially, they suspected a problem with the house wiring. After testing the appliance, we discovered the fault only occurred when the automatic defrost cycle activated. A failed defrost heater had developed an earth leakage fault, causing the safety switch to trip at roughly the same time each day.
Once the faulty component was replaced and the system tested, the refrigerator returned to normal operation.
It’s a good reminder that intermittent electrical faults can be difficult to identify without specialised testing equipment.
Before You Reset the Breaker Again
Repeatedly resetting the breaker may seem harmless, but it can make matters worse if an internal electrical fault is developing.
Before arranging a repair:
A Five-Minute Check You Can Try
- Plug another appliance into the same power point to see if it operates normally.
- Check that the fridge power cord isn’t trapped, damaged or frayed.
- Remove any extension leads or double adaptors and plug the fridge directly into the wall.
- Look for signs of water around the rear of the appliance.
- Listen for unusual clicking noises when the compressor attempts to start.
If the breaker continues tripping, unplug the refrigerator and arrange a professional inspection.
Is It Safe to Keep Using a Fridge That Trips the Power?
Generally, no.
A refrigerator that repeatedly trips the power may have an electrical fault that could worsen over time.
Continuing to use the appliance without identifying the cause may increase the risk of:
- Damage to electrical components
- Compressor failure
- Food spoilage
- Damage to your home’s electrical circuit
- Potential electrical safety hazards
For your safety, it’s best to have the appliance tested before continued use.
Which Fridge Brands Can Develop Electrical Faults?
Electrical faults can occur in refrigerators from virtually any manufacturer.
Selective Fridges regularly repairs brands including:
- Samsung
- LG
- Fisher & Paykel
- Westinghouse
- Bosch
- Electrolux
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Hisense
- Haier
- Kelvinator
While the specific components vary between manufacturers, the diagnostic process remains much the same.
Why Choose Selective Fridges?
Selective Fridges provides professional mobile refrigerator repairs throughout Perth, specialising in diagnosing difficult electrical and cooling faults.
Our experienced technicians use professional testing equipment to identify the real cause of the problem, helping customers avoid unnecessary part replacements while restoring safe, reliable operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my fridge trip the safety switch?
The most common causes are electrical leakage from components such as the defrost heater, damaged wiring or moisture affecting internal electrical parts.
Can a faulty compressor trip the power?
Yes. As compressors begin to fail, they may draw excessive current or develop internal faults that cause the circuit breaker to trip.
Should I keep resetting the breaker?
No. Repeatedly resetting the breaker without identifying the fault may worsen the problem and could create an electrical safety risk.
Can power surges damage a refrigerator?
Yes. Significant power surges can damage electronic control boards, relays and other electrical components inside modern refrigerators.
Is repairing an electrical fault worth it?
In many cases, yes. Many electrical faults can be repaired without replacing the entire refrigerator, particularly when diagnosed early.
