Brandt
Electrical Short or Overcurrent
Refrigerator trips household circuit breaker 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, Damaged power cord, Shorted defrost heater, Water intrusion in electrical components
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker. Risk of fire or shock. Unplug the refrigerator immediately.
Step 1 – Inspect power cord and plug:
- Look for cuts, burns, or crushed sections.
- Replace the cord if damaged (by a qualified person).
Step 2 – Check for visible shorts:
- Inspect the compressor area, defrost heater wiring, and control board for burn marks or melted insulation.
Step 3 – Professional service:
- Because diagnosing shorts often requires live testing and insulation resistance measurements, contact a qualified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
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