When your refrigerator suddenly stops working, it can be a cause for concern, especially if you rely on it for storing perishable food items. While there are many reasons why a fridge may stop working, one of the most common issues is the tripping of the reset button. In this article, we’ll look at what the reset button on a refrigerator does, why it might trip, and what you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
What Is The Reset Button On A Refrigerator?
The reset button on a refrigerator is a safety feature that is designed to protect the compressor from damage. The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator and is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system, which cools the interior of the fridge. When the compressor is overloaded or overheated, it can trip the reset button, which shuts off the power to the compressor and prevents it from running until the problem is resolved.
Why Does The Reset Button Trip?
There are many reasons why the reset button on a refrigerator may trip, including:
- Overloaded circuit
- Faulty compressor
- Defective thermostat
- Damaged power cord
Troubleshooting The Reset Button On A Refrigerator
Before attempting to reset the button on your refrigerator, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem first. Here are some steps you can take to determine the cause of the issue:
- Check the power source: Ensure that the fridge is properly plugged in and that the power outlet is working correctly. Try plugging another appliance into the same outlet to confirm that it’s functioning.
- Check the circuit breaker: Locate the circuit breaker that controls the power to the refrigerator and ensure that it hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset the circuit breaker and see if the fridge starts working again.
- Check the thermostat: The thermostat regulates the temperature in the fridge, and if it’s not working correctly, it could be causing the reset button to trip. Try adjusting the temperature settings to see if that resolves the issue.
- Check the power cord: Inspect the power cord for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires. If you notice any damage, unplug the fridge immediately and call a professional to have it repaired.
How To Reset The Refrigerator
If you’ve determined that the reset button needs to be reset, here’s how to do it:
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power source.
- Locate the reset button on the compressor and press it firmly.
- Plug the fridge back in and wait a few minutes to see if it starts working again.
If the reset button trips again immediately, it’s likely that there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Fixing Common Issues With The Refrigerator Reset Button
Overloaded Circuit
If the reset button keeps tripping due to an overloaded circuit, here are some steps you can take to fix the problem:
- Unplug any other appliances that are connected to the same circuit.
- Move the refrigerator to a different outlet that’s on a different circuit.
- Have an electrician install a dedicated circuit for the fridge.
Faulty Compressor
If the compressor is faulty, it may need to be replaced. This is a complex and expensive repair, so it’s best to call a professional technician to assess the issue and provide a solution.
Defective Thermostat
If the thermostat is defective, it may need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple repair that can be done by a technician.
Damaged Power Cord
If the power cord is damaged, it may need to be replaced. This is another repair that should be done by a professional to ensure that it’s done safely and correctly.
When to Call a Professional
While some issues with the reset button on a refrigerator can be fixed with DIY troubleshooting and repairs, there are times when it’s best to call a professional. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, or if the issue is more complex, it’s always best to seek the help of a trained technician.
Conclusion
The reset button on a refrigerator is a crucial safety feature that protects the compressor from damage. When it trips, it’s often due to an overloaded circuit, a faulty compressor, a defective thermostat, or a damaged power cord. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can often fix the issue yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, or if the issue is more complex, it’s best to call a professional.
FAQs
- What happens if the reset button on a refrigerator is tripped?
- When the reset button is tripped, the power to the compressor is shut off, and the fridge will stop cooling.
- Can I reset the button myself?
- Yes, you can reset the button yourself by unplugging the fridge, pressing the reset button on the compressor, and plugging it back in.
- How do I know if the compressor is faulty?
- If the compressor is faulty, you may hear strange noises coming from the fridge, or the fridge may not cool properly.
- Can I replace the power cord myself?
- It’s not recommended to replace the power cord yourself, as this involves working with electrical components and can be dangerous. It’s best to call a professional technician to handle this repair.
- How often should I have my fridge serviced?
- It’s recommended to have your fridge serviced once a year to ensure that it’s running efficiently and to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.
Evan Lewis is the owner and editor of Indoorguider. By profession, he is a MasterChef in a five-star restaurant. Evan joined as a chef after completing a Diploma in professional cooking. Besides this profession, he’s a researcher and hobbyist blogger. He loves discovering new things, researching them, and sharing them with people who need that information. Most of his time as a chef is spent with different kitchen utensils. He already shares his knowledge and experience with various kitchen tools, utensils, and food blogging. This time he decided to write about one of the most needed kitchen tools and kitchen appliances. Therefore, he created this site, Indoorguider, and shared his experience, knowledge, and research results with people who have less knowledge about this tool. As a MasterChef of a five-star restaurant, Evan Lewis is not only experienced in cooking. He’s also experienced with different kitchen utensils, tools, and equipment. Besides, cooking he’s a hobbyist blogger. He does a lot of research on different kitchen tools for his blog and writes about them to help others, here at IndoorGuider. He shares his experience, knowledge, and research results for the benefit of people seeking different tools and cooking steps, tips, and recipes. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555977246806 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlewis9177/ Quora: Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/EvanLewisOfficial/ Pinterest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lewis-1157132b8/ Threads: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvanLewis5656
