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The most common reason your refrigerator keeps tripping the GFCI outlet is that it may be somehow getting shorted. Look for exposed wires that may be touching the ground or some water accumulation, causing a short circuit. If there is a shorting, then the GFCI trips save the device from getting damaged in any way.
How do I stop my fridge from tripping the GFCI?
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 you run a refrigerator on a GFCI outlet?
A refrigerator shouldn’t be plugged into a GFCI outlet. GFCI outlets are used in areas of the home with water or moisture. The problem with refrigerators is that they can cause unneeded trips in GFCI outlets. When not caught soon enough, this can lead to a fridge full of spoiled food.
Does a refrigerator need a GFCI breaker?
Residential Kitchen In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There’s no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.
Should a garage refrigerator be on a 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 freezers and refrigerators should never be plugged into GFCI’s.
Why does my GFCI outlet keep breaking?
Circuit overload occurs when more amperage flows through an electric wire or circuit than it can handle. This may happen if you connect malfunctioning or defective appliances. Loose, corroded wires or connections may also be to blame. Once the GFCI outlet senses an overload, it trips or “breaks” the circuit.
Do you need a special outlet for a garage refrigerator?
You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit. Keep in mind that even if you don’t place your freezer or refrigerator in your garage, it is still required that freezers be on a dedicated 120 volt circuit.
Should I unplug my garage refrigerator in the winter?
If your garage gets colder than 35 degrees in the winter, you’d want to unplug the garage refrigerator only if you use the water dispenser/icemaker or if you have food inside the refrigerator. If you have water lines or food inside the refrigerator everything will freeze and the water lines will burst.
How can you tell if a GFCI outlet is bad?
If the GFCI won’t reset or the button doesn’t pop out when you press the “test” button, there may be no power to the GFCI or you may have a bad GFCI. Pro tip: If the “reset” button trips again every time you press it, there may be a dangerous current leak somewhere on the circuit.
How long should a GFCI outlet last?
GFCI outlets last between 7-10 years but can sometimes fail after only 5 years. Since GFCIs are one of the most important safety features in your home, it’s important to check your GFCIs monthly and every home should have its GFCIs tested and replaced if necessary every 7-10 years.
Why does the reset button keep popping out on my outlet?
If too much power is flowing through an outlet—say, because a device has fallen into water—the power is automatically cut off, and the RESET button pops out. Test monthly. d) The switches are called GFCIs: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters.
Can a refrigerator share an outlet with a TV?
Yes, that is not an overload, unless the outlet is on an UPS or a line voltage stabilizer that is too small. Look at the fridge and tv labels to check the AMPS or WATTS it uses; they should probably be less than 8 amps added together, or 1000 watts or less together.
Why do I need a GFCI in my garage?
GFCIs are required in garages because they prevent “ground fault” situations that can result in electric shock. Ground faults cause more than 80% of all electrical equipment failure and can be caused by: Worn insulation. Moisture.
How many amps does a fridge draw?
Amperage for most household refrigerators, is anywhere from 3 to 5 if the voltage is 120. A 15 to 20 amp dedicated circuit is required because the in-rush amperage is much higher. The average amperage is lower because the compressor isn’t running all the time, this is often measured in kilowatt hours KWH.
Can you leave a fridge outside in the winter unplugged?
It is not a good idea to leave your fridge outside in the winter unplugged. This can damage key internal components including the compressor. If you are going to be storing a fridge outdoors, it’s recommended to have it fully packaged and protected for warmth.
Do refrigerators stop working in the cold?
Refrigerators do not work as well in the cold, as they were designed to work in room temperature. Most of the time, the freezer stops working before the fridge section does. The thermostat is within the fridge compartment, rather than the freezer.
Where should a fridge be placed in a garage?
1. Bring it inside if temperatures get extreme. Because garages aren’t insulated, you should only store a refrigerator in one if you live in an area with moderate temperatures. Cold weather may cause your fridge not to work at all, meaning your freezer section can thaw out.
