Sharp Electrical Short or Overcurrent

Freezer trips the household circuit breaker or blows fuses when it starts.

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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, Shorted defrost heater, Faulty main control PCB or wiring harness

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Critical safety: Unplug the freezer and do not repeatedly reset the breaker. Risk of fire or shock.

Steps (for qualified persons):

  • Inspect power cord: Check for cuts, burns, or crushed sections. Replace if damaged.
  • Isolate components: Disconnect compressor, defrost heater, and other loads one at a time and test if the breaker still trips when powered (this should be done by a technician).
  • Test compressor: Measure resistance between compressor terminals and to ground. Any continuity to ground indicates a shorted compressor.
  • Defrost heater: Check for continuity to ground. Replace if shorted.

Recommendation: Due to shock and fire hazards, have a licensed technician perform detailed electrical diagnostics.

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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Compressor or Defrost Heater
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