Refrigerators not working after a power outage is a common problem, especially in areas where power outages are frequent due to repairs or new electrical networks. This can cause power outages in the home. We'll discuss the causes of power outages and how to fix them.
The refrigerator does not work after a power outage.
There are several reasons why a refrigerator may not operate properly after a power outage. We'll explore the most important details in the following points:
1. Problem with the refrigerator's electronic board
A power outage can cause your refrigerator to shut down. Refrigerator brands vary and there is no standard operating system, so read your refrigerator's instruction manual to learn how to restart it.
Treatment
Some types of refrigerators have an on/off button (ON for several reasons OFF) on the control panel, while other types have the switch inside. Therefore, it is necessary to read the refrigerator’s instructions to solve the problem, or contact the maintenance service.
2. Damage or disconnection of the refrigerator plug.
The plug is the part responsible for connecting the refrigerator to the electrical outlet. It can be damaged due to electrical repairs or any other reason. Many companies install fuses inside the plug to increase safety. When a problem occurs, the fuse disconnects, preventing damage to the refrigerator.
Treatment
The plug is checked using a multimeter in the conductivity setting. This step requires an experienced electrician and electrical appliance maintenance technician. If the plug is damaged, it is replaced with a new one.
3. Disconnect the refrigerator's power outlet.
The refrigerator plug is inserted into the socket. If there is a fault and there is no electricity in the socket, the refrigerator will stop working. When you make sure that the automatic switch is in the ON position, you must check the socket to see if it has electricity or not. This can be confirmed through another device. You can put the phone charger and connect it to a device and see if it is charging or not.
Do not use a test wrench (basin screwdriver) because it will give an inaccurate result, because it is confirmed by 220 volts in the outlet, so we can confirm by placing another device or by measuring with an ammeter in the AC voltage measurement mode higher than 700 volts in the barometer, at the same levels or according to the type of barometer used.
If the outlet is disconnected from the power, we have a set of possibilities, which are:
- Break in the outlet wires
- There is damage or a defect inside the socket.
- Damage to the wire before the outlet.
Fix the problem
You should contact an electrician to identify and fix the problem, whether it is with the assembly ports or the outlet needs to be replaced.
It is well known that an electrician has experience in dealing with electricity and knows the rules of safety and security, and can identify the fault causing the problem and fix it. After the electricity is restored to the outlet and the plug is connected, it will return to work as long as there is no fault with it.
Automatic key in the off position (key down)
The circuit breaker (socket) or automatic switch, as it is called, protects the circuit from high electrical current or a short circuit. A power outage can occur and the automatic switch in the electrical circuit connected to the refrigerator can be disconnected, thus preventing electricity from working in it.
Fix the problem
- The main switchboard that distributes electricity to the house is checked, and the one responsible for protecting the refrigerator circuit is checked.
- If it is closed or (the automatic switch is down), the switch should not be lifted directly before checking and ensuring that there is no short circuit in the circuit to which the current is supplied.
- If the problem is solved and the circuit is intact, remove the switch and the refrigerator will work again.
The refrigerator lights are on but not cooling.
If you notice the refrigerator lights are on but not cooling
(The refrigerator is lit but not working), after a power outage, there may be a fault in a part inside the refrigerator or freezer, or the refrigerator needs some time to start the cooling process.
When the power is restored and the refrigerator is turned on (it is recommended not to turn the refrigerator on immediately after the power is restored. You must wait for some time, even if the power source is experiencing any problems that can be resolved. The power can be cut off again), the refrigerator may need time for the cooling process to begin and for the mechanical circuit to begin working.
You should concentrate and listen to the sounds. If the compressor makes a quiet sound, it is still working.
It is necessary to give the refrigerator some time to start cooling, between 30 to 60 minutes, before starting to monitor and fix any problems.
Why does the electricity go off when the refrigerator is turned on?
If a circuit breaker (automatic switch) cuts off the electricity to the area where the refrigerator is located in the apartment, this indicates that there is an electrical problem that caused the circuit breaker to trip and cut off the electricity. This could be a problem inside the refrigerator, such as a short circuit, or in the electrical circuit in that part of the apartment.
Does a power outage affect the refrigerator?
Yes, power outages affect refrigerators. If the outage lasts for a long time, the food inside the refrigerator will spoil. If the power is cut off repeatedly—meaning the electricity is turned off and back on within a minute—this can cause damage to the electrical system in some refrigerators.
Why does the refrigerator shut down and then restart and repeat?
If the cooling process is fine and you notice the compressor working, then shutting down, then working again, this is normal, because the compressor works when the temperature reaches the temperature that the refrigerator thermostat is set to. However, if the cooling is weak and the compressor shuts down quickly, this indicates a malfunction in the refrigerator that needs to be resolved.
At the end of the article, we discussed refrigerators not working after a power outage. We listed all the reasons for a refrigerator to stop working after a power outage, and provided solutions for each malfunction. This will help you easily identify the refrigerator malfunction. You can fix the malfunction yourself or seek the help of a technician.
You may also be interested in: How does a home refrigerator work?
English 
Arabic 
French 
Spanish 
Portuguese