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3 dead fridges
8 Answers
This is the 3rd time a old fridge has died on me? The power here (in Taiwan) is 110vlts but why do my fridges keep dying? Does it matter that it is plugged in via 2 seperate extension cords?
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Dead fridges in Taipei
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I'm not an electrician, but if you say you have the fridge plugged into 2 separate exention leads, it could be that its overloading it. Also if it's the reel kind of extension lead, that is quite dangerous & should be completely unravelled first. (A qualified spark told me that).
I can hear my husband laughing at me - even though he's at work!
first, check the cords. Test the socket. Plug something like a radio or lamp into the wall socket and wiggle the plug - does it cut out? if so, get someone to replace it. problem solved.
Do the plugs fit tightly? a major cause of premature failure in electronics is stressed components, caused by the power line making and breaking contact in succession. This could be the case here.
Is there any noise from the compressor? does the light inside come on? are there any hums or odd noises? (if the latter, the compressor is jammed and the unit is scrap).
If the fridge is totally dead it is probably the cable. replace it. Dont use two. I recommend buying the required length of 13 amp good quality mains cable covering the distance from fridge to wall (3 core cable, I assume the fridge has an earth). Wire one end to a new mains plug (to plug in the wall outlet).
As regards the other (bare) end of your new cable, You can either cut off the plug on the fridge's cord and use a junction box to connect that cable to your new length OR buy a in-line (trailing) mains socket, wire that to the end of your new length and plug the fridge into it.
NOTE: observe colour coding etc. of cables and do this at your own risk! I take no responsibility for your untimely death, if you aren't sure how to proceed, get an electrician in!!
Euchine, cant really see how your extension cord arrangement would cause failure of the unit. It would either work or not depending on whether it was receiving current. The 110v local supply is entirely suitable as long as the fridge is rated for that voltage. There will be a plate on the rear which should tell you. If your fridge is rated 220v or above I would suspect that is your problem. Otherwise it may just be that the old fridges that you mentioned are just worn out!
fridges tend to be the single most reliable and long-lasting domestic appliance. Their sealed mechanism and simplicty mean they don't tend to fail at the same rate as, say, washing machines and televisions. It is not unusual at all for them to last more than 20 years.
Their reliablilty is mainly due to the fact that the compressor sits in a pool of oil to ensure permanent lubrication and is not exposed to the air in any way. The cooling system is totally sealed and has no "user interface". It is highly unlikely that four fridges fail in such a way. The problem has to be somewhere else!
Most fridges are dumped due to damage to the plastic insides, doors, rusting , etc. or for cosmetic reasons. Although it is possible for the compressor or thermostat to fail, I would look at the supply and connections first.
Perhaps the OP could say how the fridges failed, symptoms of fault, what happens now when you connect the fridge etc etc?
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