Any Electricians/refrig repairman???

[trip]

When we remodeled our kitchen, we moved the old frig to the garage. It worked there fine for over a year. Last week it tripped the GFI. When I plugged it back in it ran for about 30 sec. and then tripped the GFI again. Anyone have any suggestions? Should I just bite the bullet and call a frig repair man?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not an electrician here, but is there any moisture in the garage??

 

[trip]

No moisture. Just cold outside.

 

[grlpwrd]

Not an electrician, but I've had my share of problems ... I'll brainstorm with you as that is what I did just recently because part of our house had electricity problems.

Do you have another appliance(s) plugged in with it? That could cause an overloaded circuit which would trip a circuit breaker.

It could also be a short circuit in the cord or plug.

Because you stated it has been working fine for a year I don't think it's the wiring due to your kitchen remodeling, but it could be as I am not a professional ... just a person who is married-but-living-single-with-5-kids who basically survives on my own during the week.

Or by tripping the GFCI it could mean bigger problems. In my research I did when I had electrical problems I found this:

CAUTION: If the GFCI trips of its own accord, this indicates a possible ground fault condition which is potentially hazardous. Investigate the ground fault condition at once by making a thorough check to determine where the ground fault exists in the equipment plugged into your GFCI. Correct the defect at once. Carry out the test procedure as outlined to ensure that your GFCI is operating properly. If the GFCI does not reset, this indicates a ground fault still exists and must be corrected.

Have you tested the GFCI? It really must be tested regularly. If when you press the reset button and it does not pop out or if the test lamp or indicator light remains fit when the reset button does not pop out do not use any outlets on the circuit and call a licensed electrician.

Have you properly reset your circuit breaker when it has tripped? You must first disconnect any additional devices that may have caused the breaker to overload and trip. Breakers must be turned all the way off before turning back on which may require several attempts. If this fails to reset the breaker, there may be a more serious problem and that would mean calling a licensed electrician.

It may be a simple thing like overloading the circuit or getting a fridge repairman yet it may be a bigger problem that requires a licensed electrician. I hesitate suggesting it, too, but if it's an old-old fridge it might be worthwhile to get a new, more energy efficient one yet I would definitely make sure you don't have major electrical problems first.

GL and be safe!