Kenmore Refrigerator Tripping Circuit Breaker — Troubleshooting Guide

A Kenmore refrigerator that trips the circuit breaker draws excessive current during operation — typically during compressor startup. Refrigerators operate on a standard 120V/15A or 20A circuit and normally draw 3–5 amps steady-state, with a brief startup surge of 8–12 amps when the compressor kicks on. When a fault develops, this startup surge or continuous draw exceeds the breaker rating.

Most Common Causes by Platform

Compressor Start Relay Failure — #1 Cause (30% of Cases)

The start relay provides the extra current boost needed to get the compressor motor moving from a standstill. When the relay fails, the compressor attempts to start, draws locked-rotor current (5–8x normal running current), and the overload protector trips — but not before the current surge may trip the house breaker.

Symptoms: The refrigerator clicks (relay attempting to engage), then buzzes briefly (compressor trying to start), then clicks again (overload tripping). This repeats every 3–5 minutes. The breaker trips during one of these attempts.

106/596-Series (Whirlpool): Start relay part W10189190 or model-specific. Located on the side of the compressor — a small box-shaped device that plugs directly onto the compressor terminals.

795-Series (LG): Start relay/overload EBG60663230 (combined unit). Same location on the compressor.

Diagnosis: Unplug the refrigerator. Access the compressor (rear, bottom). Remove the start relay from the compressor terminals. Shake it — if you hear a rattle, the internal component has broken loose and the relay is defective. Test with a multimeter for continuity between start and run terminals.

Parts Cost: $15–$50 Professional Repair Cost: $100–$200

Compressor Failure (Locked Rotor) — 25% of Cases

When a compressor's internal motor windings develop a short or the compressor seizes mechanically, it draws excessive current that trips the breaker immediately upon startup attempt. A completely seized compressor produces a loud humming/buzzing sound for 2–3 seconds before the overload cuts it off.

795-Series LG Linear Compressor note: The LG Linear Compressor has a known failure rate that prompted LG to extend the compressor warranty to 10 years on many models. If your 795-series Kenmore is within this warranty period, the compressor replacement is covered by LG regardless of where you purchased the unit. Check your model number against LG's warranty lookup.

Diagnosis: Remove the start relay and test the compressor windings directly:

• Start winding to Common: should show 5–20 ohms
• Run winding to Common: should show 3–10 ohms
• Any winding to case (ground): should be open (infinite) — any reading indicates a short to ground that will trip breakers

Professional Repair Cost: $600–$1,200 (compressor replacement) or warranty-covered

Shared Circuit Overload — 20% of Cases

Refrigerators should be on a dedicated circuit, but in many Sacramento homes (especially older homes and houses where the kitchen was remodeled without electrical upgrades), the refrigerator shares a 15A circuit with other kitchen outlets. When other high-draw devices (microwave, toaster, coffee maker) run simultaneously, the combined load trips the breaker.

Diagnosis: Check what else is on the same circuit. Plug the refrigerator into a different outlet (temporarily, using a properly rated extension cord for testing) or turn off all other devices on the circuit. If the breaker holds, it is a circuit capacity issue.

Fix: Have an electrician install a dedicated 20A circuit for the refrigerator. This is the proper solution per modern electrical code.

Defrost Heater Short to Ground — 10% of Cases

The defrost heater operates in a wet environment (melting ice) and over years, the heater housing or leads can develop insulation breakdown. When the heater's resistance element shorts to the metal housing (which is grounded), it draws excessive current during the defrost cycle.

Diagnosis: The breaker trips only during defrost cycles (every 8–12 hours — you may notice the trips occur at regular intervals). Unplug the refrigerator, disconnect the defrost heater leads, and test between each lead and the heater housing with a multimeter. Any continuity to the housing indicates a ground fault.

Parts Cost: $20–$50 (defrost heater) Professional Repair Cost: $120–$250

Condenser Fan Motor Short — 10% of Cases

If the condenser fan motor's windings develop a short, it draws excessive current whenever the compressor runs. Since the condenser fan runs every time the compressor does, this presents as frequent tripping.

Parts Cost: $25–$60 Professional Repair Cost: $120–$230

Safety Warning

• Never replace a 15A breaker with a 20A breaker to stop trips unless the wiring is verified as 12-gauge (rated for 20A). 14-gauge wire (common on older 15A circuits) will overheat with a 20A breaker and create a fire hazard.
• Do not use a GFCI outlet for a refrigerator in a kitchen unless required by local code — GFCI outlets are sensitive to the inductive load of compressor startup and may nuisance-trip, causing food spoilage.

Diagnostic Steps

1. Unplug the refrigerator. Reset the breaker.
2. Plug the refrigerator back in with the thermostat set to Off (if possible). If the breaker trips immediately, check the power cord and plug for damage.
3. Turn the thermostat to normal. If it trips when the compressor starts, check the start relay and compressor.
4. If it trips periodically (every 8–12 hours), the defrost heater is shorting during defrost cycles.
5. If it only trips when other devices are also running, the circuit is overloaded.

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Kenmore refrigerator tripping your breaker? Our technicians test start relays, compressor windings, and heater circuits on-site to identify the exact fault. Schedule a repair →