Why does the refrigerator turn on only at an increased voltage of 225-230 Volts, but not at 220-224? Answering a reader's question

  • Mar 25, 2021
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For your attention, this is the 76th question that was asked to me by a reader who introduced himself as Vladimir. If you have your own answer to the question, then write it in the comments below. I and other readers of my channel will be happy to read it.

I quote verbatim the text of the question itself:

Hello! Please tell me. I got into such a situation. The refrigerator turns on only when the voltage is increased, if the voltage is 225-230 Volts, it turns on, and if it is 220-224 V, it does not turn on. Just trying to turn on. What could be the reason?
The photo is illustrative.
The photo is illustrative.

I reviewed the issue and advised the reader within the framework of my knowledge and qualifications as follows:

Good day!

This is a new refrigerator or it worked normally from 210V before, this moment can help to repair the device for free if it is still under warranty. Any electrical device has a passport indicating the operating voltage limits. For example, for some refrigerators, the limit can be from 180V to 240V or from 190V to 250V, there can be a lot of options.

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Look closely at the limits of your refrigerator, if the lower limit is clearly less than the 225V you specified, then on the face of a breakdown or inconsistency of one of the elements, it is advisable to seek help from the service Centre.

Of the most likely causes of a malfunction in your situation, I can highlight the following options:

  • the compressor starting block is faulty - any element could fail (depending on the model, their composition will differ significantly);
  • the electric drive is faulty - there may be problems with the windings, brushes, contacts and other parts in the electric machine;
  • in the refrigerator from the factory, the working rating is overestimated, it is possible that all the elements are in good order, but they are incorrectly selected or the operating mode is incorrectly set.

If at 225V the refrigerators work without unnecessary noise effects, stably and with a sufficient level of cooling, then it is worth conducting a comprehensive diagnosis of all systems. If you hear abnormal sounds in its operation or it does not cool enough, most likely you will need to replace some unit.