[lcb]

I am not so techincal...and I have attempted to search the forums...but I don't know what I am looking for.

My observation is: I have had 3 refrigerator compressors go out on me...since 1993. A Subzero, a u-line and now a Frigidaire. could there be something wrong with the electrical wiring in my condo that causes stress on the compressors?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

If there was a problem with the wiring in your home it would not only be the fridge that would be effected. Other electrical appliances would also have problems.

[lcb]

Thank you for your response...

My question is then do other appliances have simular components, such as a compressor? It seems that only my compressor appliances go out...well besides a hot water heater that went out in 5 years when most last for at least 10 yrs...or so has been my experience. Since i posted this question, my friend said that one of her installers told her not to put a computer on the same wiring as a refrigerator...but she wasn't sure why.

Thanks again for your input!

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Yes other appliances have similar components.

The compressor is a motor that pump the refrigerant through the fridge just like a motor in a washer or any other motorized appliance.

Although the motors do different job that is all they are a motor.

So it there was a problem with the voltage in your home other appliances would be effected also.

Nothing else should be on the same circuit as a fridge because of the amperage that a fridge draws when it starts up.

The same goes for a washer,a vacuum cleaner, a toaster, a kettle or a microwave.

These appliances all draw a high current when they first start up.

So if something else is running on the same circuit when they start up there will be to much of a load on the circuit and the fuse or circuit breaker will open.

[denman]

Your fridge should be on a separate breaker in a perfect world.
Unfortunately the world is not perfect. I would check to see if it has its own breaker.
Do not trust the labeling on the breaker panel if one is labeled fridge. Check to see if other lights or receptacles shut off when the breaker is flipped. Use a hair dryer or lamp to check receptacles. If you have other appliances on the same circuit try to limit the current draw re: a couple lights would be OK a toaster or other heating type appliance would be no good. Swap them to a different circuit if you can.

Check the voltage at the fridge receptacle It should be an absolute minimum of 110 Volts. Normally my receptacles read 120 Volts. Compressors are sensitive to low voltage. They will continually try to start up, overheat and eventually burn out.