A GFCI outlet is designed to cut power when it senses current leaking where it should not. That is a safety feature, so a repeat trip is a message to take seriously, not an annoyance to bypass.
Two Likely Sources
- The outdoor circuit or outlet. Moisture in the box, a worn outlet or damaged wiring can trip it even with nothing plugged in.
- The appliance. A heater, fan or control that has deteriorated can leak current and trip the outlet only when the unit is operating.
A Safe Test
- Unplug the refrigerator and press reset on the outlet.
- If it holds with nothing plugged in, plug in another item such as a lamp. If that trips it, the circuit is the likely cause.
- If it holds with the lamp but trips only when the refrigerator is plugged in, the unit is the likely cause.
- Never replace a GFCI with a regular outlet to stop the tripping.
Who to Call
An electrician handles the outlet, the circuit and the wiring outdoors. We handle the refrigerator. If the test points to the unit, we can find the part that is leaking current. If it points to the circuit, we will tell you so and you will not pay for repairs the unit did not need.
Until It Is Sorted Out
Move food to another refrigerator, because a unit that keeps losing power spoils food quickly in summer. Keep the outlet cover closed and dry, and never use an extension cord that is not rated for outdoor use.
Write down when the outlet trips: right away, after an hour, or only in rain. That timing tells us a lot about whether the cause is moisture or the appliance.
If your test points to the appliance, call us or use our online form. We confirm a three-hour arrival window for your outdoor refrigeration repair, and we tell you if it turns out to be the circuit.