Freezer trips the household circuit breaker or GFCI outlet when it starts.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Repeated breaker tripping indicates a potential shock or fire hazard. Unplug the freezer and do not repeatedly reset the breaker without investigation.
Steps:
- Inspect power cord: Check for cuts, burns, or crushed sections. Replace the cord if damaged.
- Move off GFCI if possible: Freezers can nuisance-trip GFCI outlets. If code allows, plug into a standard dedicated circuit to test. If it still trips, a real fault exists.
- Check compressor and relay: Access the compressor compartment and inspect the start relay and wiring for burns or melted plastic. Replace the relay/overload if damaged.
- Moisture check: Look for water intrusion around the control board or junction boxes. Dry thoroughly and correct any leaks.
When to call a technician: If the breaker trips immediately when the compressor tries to start, the compressor windings may be shorted and require professional diagnosis and replacement.