Lg Refrigerator: tripping GFCI

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your LG refrigerator is tripping the GFCI, it indicates an electrical imbalance or leakage. This issue often arises even when the appliance seems to operate normally. Common causes include internal ground faults, a faulty GFCI outlet, or a damaged power cord. Addressing this promptly is crucial to prevent potential damage to your refrigerator or home electrical system.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • No specific LG manufacturer documentation found; however, users recommend dedicated circuits and careful inspection similar to general refrigerators.

Possible Causes

Ground fault within the refrigerator’s electrical system

How to Identify: GFCI trips when refrigerator operates; multimeter continuity tests between live/neutral and ground show leakage; moisture around components

Part: Internal wiring, defrost heater, compressor, fan motors

Faulty or overly sensitive GFCI outlet

How to Identify: Other devices trip same outlet; refrigerator runs normally when tested on different outlet or non‑GFCI circuit

Part: GFCI receptacle

Shared or overloaded circuit

How to Identify: Multiple appliances on same circuit; removing other loads stops GFCI trip

Part: Circuit wiring/outlet circuit

Damaged power cord or insulation

How to Identify: Visible damage on cord, GFCI trips immediately upon plugging, wriggling cord changes behavior

Part: Power cord insulation

DIY Solutions

Test on different circuit/outlet

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Plug into a different GFCI outlet or regular outlet that is not GFCI-protected.
  3. Observe if it still trips the GFCI.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not bypass safety features permanently without professional assessment.

Inspect power cord

Easy 5 minutes
Tools Needed: visual inspection
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Visually inspect the entire power cord for cracks, cuts, frays, or exposed wires.
  3. If damage is found, avoid using the refrigerator until cord is replaced.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before inspection.

Professional Repairs

Repair internal electrical leakage or component fault

Estimated Cost: $150 - $600+

Replace GFCI outlet if faulty

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

When to Call a Professional

Internal electrical leakage suspected
Water intrusion near electrical components
Refrigerator is older and insulation may have degraded

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly inspect and keep the area dry: Moisture‑induced ground faults
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check power cord condition: Damage‑related leakage and short circuits
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Refrigerator tripping GFCI?
It's likely due to a ground fault in the refrigerator, a faulty GFCI outlet, or a damaged power cord.
How do I fix LG Refrigerator tripping GFCI myself?
Test it on a different outlet and inspect the power cord for any visible damage.
How much does it cost to fix tripping GFCI?
Repairing internal faults can cost $150 - $600+, while replacing a faulty GFCI outlet costs $30 - $100.
When should I call a technician for tripping GFCI?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if there's visible damage, contact a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty compressor or compressor start relay causing excessive current draw.
  • Moisture or water ingress in electrical components, leading to short circuits.
  • Damaged or frayed power cord creating a ground fault.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the compressor and start relay for signs of damage or failure. If faulty, replace the compressor or relay as needed.

  2. Check for moisture or water accumulation around electrical components. Dry out any wet areas and seal any leaks.

  3. Examine the power cord for any visible damage. If frayed or damaged, replace the power cord.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. LG Refrigerator keeps tripping GFCI, and blew up a control b...

Community Discussions

Refrigerator keeps tripping GFCI and blew up a control board

Replaced control board; still tripping GFCI outlet.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!