HD TV cuts out when I open the fridge door?

Question

Hi,

I've heard that when a fridge compressor kicks in it can cause a major voltage drop across the main breaker in a house. This can cause modern TV's to go black for a few seconds.
Now, sometimes when I open my fridge the power cuts out to it (as if its been plugged out), I suspect its the socket as its kinda lose and sometimes makes a small 'electrical' buzzing!

Also, for clarification, when the TV cuts out, it happens when I watch DVD's or play video games (which are connected using a HDMI cable). I dont have TV channels so it's not a RF or digital signal interference, its purely electrical.

Should I be worried about dodgy wiring or the half broken socket?
Or is it just a voltage drop when the compressor on the fridge kicks in?

? · Answer

Actually you might find that your tv set and your refrig are hooked up to the same circuit.  In any house there's several circuits - like one for the overhead lights which is different for one that runs the microwave.

So try shut off the breaker to your refig and see if that doesn't also turn off your tv set.  If that's the case, you might get an extension cord and plug your tv set into another plugin which is on a different circuit.

A new plugin is cheap - they're only about 60¢ at the hardware store.  You just take out old one and see where the wires go - and hook them up in the same places.

Anonymous · Answer

You are probably operating your fridge on a shared circuit, which is a no-no.   Houses should have a dedicated plug for the refrigerator.

lovetosurf · Answer

I believe your TV is politely waiting for you to come back. Its trying to save you money on the electric.

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HD TV cuts out when I open the fridge door?

3 Answers