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—What you are noticing

A fridge or freezer that keeps losing power

A fridge that goes off unnoticed costs food and money. Finding why it loses power usually starts at the socket.

Fridges and freezers run constantly, cycling their compressors on and off. A socket with worn contacts, a loose plug, an adaptor shared with other appliances, or an RCD that trips at night can all leave a fridge without power. Some fridges also trip RCDs themselves when their insulation deteriorates or defrost heaters develop faults.

This guide describes what people notice and what is safe to do. It does not diagnose your installation; only someone who has seen it can.

Check whether the socket feels secure and whether other appliances on the same circuit lose power too. If the RCD trips, note when. Avoid extension leads for fridges and freezers where possible, and consider whether a dedicated socket is needed. If the fridge itself trips the circuit, it needs an appliance check.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Start at the socket

    Worn contacts and loose plugs are common.

  • Watch RCD trips

    Night trips may point to appliances or moisture.

  • Avoid adaptors

    Fridges should have a secure, dedicated socket.

02Detail

What gets checked

  • Socket and plug

    Contact grip, heat damage and wiring.

  • Circuit protection

    Which device trips and why.

  • The appliance

    Insulation, compressor and defrost heater faults.

03Checklist

Protect food meanwhile

  • Keep doors closed

    Food stays cold longer.

  • Use a different socket

    On another circuit if possible.

  • Note trip times

    For the electrician.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Should a fridge be on an RCD?
Circuit protection arrangements vary; an electrician can advise on reducing nuisance trips without removing protection.
Can a fridge trip the power?
Yes, especially when defrost heaters or insulation fail.
Is an extension lead acceptable?
A dedicated wall socket is better for appliances that run constantly.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under troubleshooting. All topics are on the guides page.

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Fridge going off unexpectedly?

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