CDA
Electrical Short or Earth Leakage
Refrigerator trips the household circuit breaker or RCD 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, Faulty defrost heater insulation, Damaged mains cable, Moisture in electrical components
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that trips immediately; there may be a dangerous fault. Unplug the appliance and do not use it until inspected.
User-level checks:
- 1. Inspect mains cable and plug: Look for cuts, crushed sections, or burn marks. Replace the CDA mains lead if damaged.
- 2. Dry out moisture: If the unit was recently defrosted or moved, allow it to stand unplugged for 24 hours to dry any condensation from electrical parts.
- 3. Try a different socket: Use a known-good outlet (not via an extension lead) to rule out wiring issues in the home.
- 4. Professional diagnosis: If tripping persists, a technician must insulation-test the compressor, defrost heater, and other components to locate the fault.
Warning: Live electrical fault-finding should only be done by qualified personnel.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
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