Gladiator
Electrical Short / Ground Fault
Freezer trips the household circuit breaker or GFCI outlet intermittently.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Shorted compressor windings, Damaged power cord, Moisture in electrical components, Shorted defrost heater
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Repeated breaker tripping can indicate a serious electrical hazard. If you are not experienced with electrical testing, contact a qualified technician.
- Step 1 – Try a non-GFCI outlet: Gladiator freezers in garages may nuisance-trip GFCI outlets. If code allows, plug into a dedicated non-GFCI circuit to test.
- Step 2 – Inspect cord and plug: Look for damage or burn marks. Replace a damaged power cord immediately.
- Step 3 – Isolate defrost heater: If trips occur during defrost, the defrost heater may be shorted to ground. Testing requires a multimeter and access to the heater terminals; replace if grounded.
- Step 4 – Compressor test: A shorted compressor will also trip breakers and requires professional replacement.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
Required Part
Defrost Heater
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