Amana Refrigerator: tripping breaker

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana refrigerator tripping the circuit breaker? This commonly occurs during startup or operational cycles, disrupting your appliance's function. Causes may include an overloaded circuit, a faulty power cord, internal wiring issues, or a malfunctioning compressor. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective resolution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

Official guidance focuses on correct power connection: proper 3â€‘prong grounded outlet, 15â€“20A dedicated circuit, avoid extension cords

Possible Causes

Overloaded circuit (shared circuit exceeding capacity)

How to Identify: Breaker trips only when multiple devices are on the same circuit; fridge works fine when on its own circuit

Part: Household electrical circuit

Faulty refrigerator power cord or plug causing short or overload

How to Identify: Visible damage (fraying, burns, breaker trips when cord/plug moved or stressed

Part: Power cord/plug assembly

Internal wiring issues (chafed/loose wires)

How to Identify: Intermittent trips, arcing sounds, breaker trips only with fridge plugged in and isolated

Part: Internal fridge wiring

Compressor drawing excessive current due to failure or wear

How to Identify: Breaker trips when compressor tries to start; clicking sound; fridge not cooling properly

Part: Compressor and start relay/capacitor

Faulty start relay or capacitor leading to improper compressor start

How to Identify: Clicking sounds from compressor, repeated start attempts, breaker trips on startup

Part: Start relay/capacitor

DIY Solutions

Move refrigerator to a dedicated circuit

Easy 5â€“15 minutes

Unplug refrigerator
Ensure no other appliance is on its circuit; plug into a dedicated outlet on its own breaker
Reset breaker and monitor if trips continue

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure breaker reset is done safely; keep refrigerator unplugged while adjusting other appliances

Inspect and replace damaged power cord

Moderate 30â€“60 minutes

Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Replacement power cord compatible with your model

Unplug refrigerator
Pull fridge from wall and inspect cord for fray or burn marks
Remove access panel, disconnect old cord, install new cord following wiring connectors
Secure panel and test

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before working on electrical connections

Clean condenser coils to reduce overload strain

Easy 20â€“30 minutes

Tools Needed: Vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush

Unplug refrigerator
Locate condenser coils (back/bottom)
Vacuum and brush away dust/debris to improve cooling efficiency
Plug refrigerator back in and observe

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before cleaning

Professional Repairs

Diagnose and repair internal wiring faults

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Replace compressor or startâ€‘up components

Estimated Cost: $300 - $800+

Install dedicated circuit or upgrade electrical panel

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

When to Call a Professional

Breaker continues tripping after basic DIY checks

Visible burning smells, sparks, or outlet damage

Compressor or internal component suspected fault

Electrical issues beyond basic cord/circuit troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Overheating and excess current draw
Frequency: biannually
Ensure fridge on dedicated circuit: Circuit overload trips
Frequency: once when installing or relocating

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator tripping breaker?

Common reasons include overloaded circuits, faulty power cords, or internal wiring issues.

How do I fix Amana Refrigerator tripping breaker myself?

Try moving the fridge to a dedicated circuit or inspect the power cord for damage.

How much does it cost to fix tripping breaker?

Professional repair costs range from $150 to $800, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for tripping breaker?

Call a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if complex internal repairs are needed.

References & Sources

Tripping Breaker - Refrigerator - Product Help | Amana Official

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

Short circuit in the refrigerator wiring or components
Faulty compressor drawing excessive current
Defective start relay or overload protector

User Suggested Solutions

Unplug the refrigerator and inspect the power cord for damage. If damaged, replace the cord. Check the internal wiring for any visible signs of short circuits. If found, repair or replace the affected wiring.
Test the compressor using a multimeter to check for shorts. If the compressor is faulty, it will need to be replaced. Make sure to discharge the capacitor before handling.
Check the start relay and overload protector. If either component is defective, replace them. This typically involves removing the relay from the compressor and installing a new one.