Kenmore
Electrical Short or Ground Fault
Wine cooler trips the circuit breaker or GFCI outlet 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, Moisture in electrical components
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Do not repeatedly reset a breaker that trips immediately; this indicates a potentially dangerous fault.
Steps:
- Inspect cord and plug: Unplug the unit and check the cord and plug for damage or burn marks. Replace the power cord if any defects are found.
- Dry out moisture: If the cooler was recently moved or exposed to water, allow it to dry for 24 hours unplugged before trying again.
- Isolate the fault: With the rear panel removed and unit unplugged, inspect wiring around the compressor, fan, and control board for chafing or contact with metal edges.
- Compressor test: A technician can test compressor windings for shorts to ground. If the compressor is shorted, it must be replaced by a licensed professional.
Recommendation: Because breaker-tripping faults can be hazardous, have a qualified appliance technician diagnose and repair the issue.
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Repair Difficulty
Professional Required
5/5
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