Freezer trips the household circuit breaker when it starts or shortly after
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 warning: Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker. Unplug the freezer and investigate. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, contact a professional.
Steps:
- Inspect power cord: Look for cuts, burns, or crushed sections. Replace the cord if damaged.
- Check compressor components: Remove the rear panel and inspect the start relay and capacitor for burn marks or melted plastic. Replace any suspect components.
- Look for pinched wires: Trace wiring harnesses for areas where they may be pinched by panels or rubbing against sharp metal. Repair with proper insulated connectors and secure routing.
- Test on dedicated circuit: Ensure the freezer is on its own properly rated circuit, not shared with high-draw appliances.
Warning: A shorted compressor or internal wiring fault may require professional replacement; do not attempt sealed system repairs yourself.