Fridge/freezer tripping RCD

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PANiCnz

982 posts

Ultimate Geek

#304671 27-May-2023 07:45

In the last couple of days our fridge/freezer has started tripping the RCD, but the circumstances seem a bit strange.

I've tried the fridge on a different circuit connected to a different RCD and it still trips.

The fridge/freezer trips at or very close to 6:30 each evening. It was exactly 6:30 last night and the night before my wife said it was close to 6:30.

Plugging the fridge/freezer into an isolating transformer appears to reset the problem. After running connected to the transformer for 15-20 minutes I can reconnect it to the socket directly and it runs fine.

Any ideas on what might be causing the problem?

I am assuming the fault is with the fridge/freezer rather than the house wiring?

rscole86

4946 posts

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#3079939 27-May-2023 07:48

Have you had a read through https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=48&topicid=269683

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gregmcc

2130 posts

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#3079941 27-May-2023 07:59

2 possible issues, defrost element has developed an earth leakage fault sufficient to trip the RCD

or there are a number of appliances all with a small earth leakage problem the fridge itself may not be enough to trip the RCD, but all combined is enough, the fridge just pushes it over the limit.

tweake

2214 posts

Uber Geek

#3080012 27-May-2023 11:13

as above, defrost heater is a known issue.

the other is really old fridge/freezers (pre rcd) that tend to do it.

PANiCnz

982 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3080018 27-May-2023 11:29

Thanks, looks like im calling the appliance repair guy on Monday. It's about 10 years old.