How to stop a refrigerator from tripping a gfci outlet?

Many people like to opt for GFCI outlets almost everywhere. There are, however, a few features that do not necessarily require a GFCI outlet.

The problem is that when you use the GFCI outlet unnecessarily, it might result in excessive tripping. Many people complain that when they connect the refrigerator to a GFCI outlet, it keeps on tripping.

Wondering why?

I will today share with you the reason and also the solution for the same.

How to stop a refrigerator from tripping a gfci outlet?

I will today share with you the solutions to this problem. Once you adopt any of these solutions, you can stop the GFCI outlet from tripping.

1. Snubber circuit:

One of the best ways to prevent the refrigerator from tripping the GFCI outlet is to install a snubber circuit. The snubber circuit will consist of a resistor and capacitor. Once you install such a circuit, you will prevent the current fluctuation to a greater extent. When the current fluctuation reduces, you will not have to worry about the GFCI tripping.

2. Install a surge protector:

Normally, the surge protector reduces the current fluctuations in the circuit. It protects the gadget from any impulses and currents.

The regulation of current means that you will not have to worry about any electrocution risk. A GFCI outlet will monitor the input and output current. Since the surge protector will regulate the current, there will be little to no fluctuation, which means that GFCI will stop tripping.

It is another solution you can go with.

3. Get newer GFCI circuits:

GFCI circuits also have their own life. After this time, they might trip accidentally.

If your refrigerator keeps on tripping the GFCI outlet, it is a good idea to install a new one 1. The newer one will be much more precise and will be able to monitor the current accurately. That is why the refrigerator will no longer have the GFCI circuit if you install a newer one.

4. Replace with a standard outlet:

Refrigerators do not necessarily require a GFCI outlet. If the refrigerator is tripping the GFCI outlet consistently, it might be good to replace the GFCI outlet with the standard outlet.

Once you replace the GFCI outlet with the standard outlet, no problem will occur in most cases. The refrigerator will function appropriately. It will not lead to current fluctuations or electrocution either.

5. Get a dedicated circuit:

Many times, when you look at the circuit composition, you will realize that multiple loads will be connected to a single circuit. It is not uncommon that the refrigerator is connected to the same circuit where a microwave or oven is connected.

In case multiple heavy loads are connected to the circuit, they might end up tripping the GFCI circuit again and again.

It is a much better idea to get a dedicated circuit for a refrigerator to avoid such a problem. Once you get a dedicated circuit along with the GFCI for the refrigerator, it will certainly stop tripping.

6. Follow NEC:

Whether you install a GFCI outlet or whether you install a standard one will be dependent on NEC.

Even if you look at the latest and easy guidelines, you will realize that you need not install the GFCI as a circuit breaker for the refrigerator.

Thus, if your refrigerator is consistently tripping the GFCI circuit, it is a good idea to follow NEC guidelines and ensure that you go with the standard one.

Thus, these are the 6 solutions that you can opt for if you want to stop a refrigerator from tripping a GFCI outlet.

Why does this occur?

During the start-up of the refrigerator, the motor will need a significant current. The current level at the output of the circuit might not be that high. It means that the GFCI circuit will certainly detect the difference between the input current and the output current.

When the GFCI circuit detects the same, it will trip itself.

When that circuit gets tripped, the refrigerator will stop.

After that, you will have to reset the circuit and turn on the refrigerator again. When you turn on the refrigerator again, since the motor will start again and the motor will require a lot of current, the problem will occur again.

That is the reason why the refrigerator might keep on tripping the GFCI circuit.

As I have highlighted above, it is not necessary to install a GFCI outlet for the refrigerator.

The question which then arises is, is a refrigerator safe without GFCI?

I will answer this below.

Is the refrigerator safe without GFCI?

Yes, my refrigerator is entirely safe without the GFCI outlet.

To understand the same, you have to understand for what purposes, GFCI outlet is needed.

You require a GFCI outlet for:

1. 2 pronged ungrounded outlets:

In case you have a two pronged outlet that is not grounded, then you need a GFCI circuit breaker. When the outlet is ungrounded, there is always a risk of electrocution. Having a GFCI ensures that this risk of electrocution is eliminated as the circuit will trip itself before electrocution occurs.

2. Appliances with non-metal casing:

In case the appliance does not have a metal casing, it will not experience a proper grounding effect. In that case, you will need a GFCI outlet.

When you look at the refrigerator, you will realize that it consists of a metal casing. That is why you won’t have to worry about opting for a GFCI outlet for the refrigerator.

3. Appliances susceptible to water:

Many appliances are susceptible to water. These can be mixers, heavy-duty motors, and so on.

In case the appliance is susceptible to water, the chances of electrocution are pretty high. In that case, connecting it with the GFCI outlet is certainly a good idea to prevent electrocution.

4. Appliances with a high risk of electrocution:

Appliances with wiring suffer from wear and tear. They might suffer from the short circuit as well. In that case, the risk of electrocution is on the higher side.

If you have a refrigerator which is less than 5 to 6 years old, you will not have to worry about opting for a GFCI outlet.

Once you understand the need of the GFCI outlet, it is easy to understand why refrigerators need one. Refrigerators are completely safe without the GFCI outlets.

So, if you experience the refrigerator tripping the GFCI outlet regularly, my guide above will certainly come to your rescue. With the help of the solutions which I have highlighted, you will be able to fix this problem.

You can go through my other posts like outdoor light with gfci outlet, outdoor solar chandelier, and farm lights to buy these Electric accessories.

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