Safety First
After a loud pop or flickering lights, unplug the fridge immediately. Inspect the plug top for burn marks and smell for melted insulation. Do not touch wet floors or metal casings until you confirm there is no live current.
Reset the Basics
Wait five minutes before plugging the fridge back in so the compressor equalises internally. If your model has a digital control panel, perform a factory reset according to the manual. Sometimes surge-induced glitches clear after a reboot.
Listen and Observe
Once power returns, listen for the compressor humming steadily. Clicking without cooling indicates a faulty start relay or capacitor. A loud buzz followed by silence could mean the compressor windings are damaged. Note any error codes on digital displays—they help technicians bring the correct spare parts.
Test Temperatures
Place a fridge thermometer inside both the fresh food and freezer compartments. If temperatures fail to drop within an hour, keep doors closed to preserve remaining cold and call a professional. Move high-risk foods (meat, dairy, vaccines) into cooler boxes with ice packs while you wait.
When to Involve Experts
Power surges often affect more than one component. Technicians should test:
- Start relay and overload protector
- Compressor winding resistance
- Main control board fuses
- Wiring harness continuity
They can also install surge protection devices and advise on inverter or generator setups to protect against future surges.
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