Are you faced with a situation where, when you start the refrigerator, the TV suddenly turns off? This is not just an unfortunate coincidence, but a signal of problems in the electrical network or equipment. This behavior of the equipment may indicate an overload of the circuit, faulty sockets, power surges, or even a breakdown of the refrigerator compressor.
In most cases, the problem is solved without calling a technician - it is enough to correctly diagnose the source of the problem. But you cannot ignore the signals: regularly turning off the TV while the refrigerator is running can lead to failure of both devices. This is especially dangerous for modern LED TVs with sensitive electronics and refrigerators with inverter compressors.
In this article we will analyze 7 main reasonswhy the TV goes out when the refrigerator is turned on, and we will give step-by-step instructions for eliminating them. You will learn how to check sockets, stabilizers, surge protectors and even the internal components of the refrigerator - without special equipment.
1. Overload of the electrical network: the most common reason
In 80% of cases, the TV turns off due to exceeding the permissible load on one socket group. The refrigerator, especially when the compressor starts, consumes 3-5 times more energy than in normal mode. If a TV, microwave, or other appliance is connected to the same line, the circuit breaker may trip—but not always. Sometimes the voltage simply sags so much that the TV “does not reach” the minimum threshold and turns off.
The problem is especially pressing for houses with old wiring (aluminum wires with a cross-section of 1.5–2.5 mm²), where socket groups are often not designed for modern loads. For example, a refrigerator Samsung RB37A5200 on startup consumes up to 1200 W, and a TV LG OLED55C1 - about 150 W. Together they create a peak load that can exceed the capabilities of the outlet or extension cord.
- 🔌 Check the distribution loads: Connect the refrigerator and TV to different outlets (preferably on different machines in the panel).
- ⚡ Use a surge protector with protection: models with varistor (for example, APC SurgeArrest) smooth out voltage surges.
- 📊 Calculate the total power: if it exceeds
3.5 kWon one line, redistribution is required.
How to check? Turn on the refrigerator and at the same time measure the voltage in the TV socket with a multimeter (should be 220–230 V). If it drops below 190 V, the problem is overload or poor contact.
2. A faulty socket or extension cord: a hidden danger
Oxidized contacts, loose sockets or overheated wires in the socket can cause voltage sag when connecting a powerful load (for example, a refrigerator). The TV, being a more sensitive device, reacts to this by turning off. This especially often happens with cheap Chinese-made extension cords, where the cross-section of the wires is underestimated.
The danger is that visually the socket may look serviceable, but at the same time have hidden break of the neutral wire or burnt contacts. This leads to a “sag” of voltage up to 150–180 V at the moment the compressor starts - enough for the TV to turn off, but not enough for the machine to operate.
☑️ Socket diagnostics
| Symptom of malfunction | Probable cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The socket gets hot when the refrigerator is running | Poor contact or loose wire clamp | Replace the socket, tighten the terminals |
| A spark is visible when the plug is turned on | Oxidation of contacts or short circuit | Disconnect immediately, replace the socket |
| The voltage in the socket is below 190 V | Line overload or zero break | Redistribute the load, check the shield |
| The TV turns off only when using an extension cord | Insufficient cross-section of the extension cord wires | Use an extension cord with a cross-section ≥ 1.5 mm² |
⚠️ Attention: If the socket sparks or has traces of melting, not continue to exploit it! This may cause a fire. Immediately turn off the power to the panel and replace the socket.
3. Problems with the refrigerator compressor: high starting currents
Modern refrigerators are equipped with inverter compressors (for example, in models LG Inverter Linear or Samsung Digital Inverter) that consume less energy in normal mode. However, at the moment of launch, even they create starting current3-7 times higher than the nominal one. For conventional compressors, this figure can reach 10–12 A, which is equivalent to a load of 2.2–2.6 kW.
If the refrigerator is old (manufactured before 2010) or the compressor is worn out, the starting currents may be even higher due to:
- 🔧 Wear of windings (resistance increases, current increases).
- 🛠️ Bearing jamming (compressor “stutters” at start).
- ⚡ Malfunctions of the start-up relay (incorrectly controls startup).
In such cases, the TV goes out not because of electrical problems, but due short-term jump in consumption, which “leaks” the voltage throughout the apartment. This can be diagnosed by the characteristic hum or clicks from the refrigerator when the TV turns off.
4. Unstable voltage in the network: surges and sags
In apartment buildings, especially during peak hours (morning/evening), the voltage in the network can drop to 180–200 V. The refrigerator continues to work, but the TV (especially models with LED backlight or OLED matrix) may turn off due to protection. Reasons for unstable voltage:
- 🏢 Transformer overload substation (relevant for old areas).
- ⚡ Poor grounding or zero break in the panel.
- 🌩️ Atmospheric phenomena (thunderstorm, strong wind).
- 🔌 Neighbors use powerful equipment (welding, air conditioners).
You can check the stability of the network using voltage recorder (for example, Elitech SP 3850) or a multimeter in logging mode. If drawdowns occur regularly, there is only one solution - install a stabilizer voltage (with a power of at least 2 kW for a refrigerator + TV).
⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation of the refrigerator at a voltage lower 190 V leads to overheating of the compressor and reduces its service life by 30–40%. If drawdowns occur frequently, a stabilizer is not a luxury, but a necessity.
5. Malfunction of the power supply filter or power supply of the TV
If the TV turns off only when starting the refrigerator, but other devices (for example, lamps or chargers) continue to work, the problem may lie in its power supply or power supply filter. Modern TVs (especially Sony Bravia, Philips The One) are equipped with sensitive electronics that react even to short-term interference.
Frequent reasons:
- 🔌 Failure of capacitors in the power supply (swelling, electrolyte leakage).
- ⚡ Failure of the varistor (protective element against overvoltage).
- 🛠️ Bad soldering on the board (typical for budget models).
For diagnostics, disconnect the TV from the surge protector and connect it directly to the outlet. If the problem disappears, the filter is faulty. If the TV still turns off, you will need checking the power supply (preferably at a service center).
How to check the capacitors in the power supply?
Disconnect the TV from the network and discharge the capacitors (short-circuiting them with an insulated screwdriver pen). Visually inspect the board: swollen or sweaty capacitors need to be replaced. For accurate diagnostics, use a multimeter in capacitance test mode.
6. Problems with grounding or neutral wire
The absence or incorrect grounding can lead to current leakage false alarms of the protection on the TV. This is especially true for houses with a grounding system TN-C (where the neutral and ground wires are combined). In such cases, when starting the refrigerator, a phase asymmetrymay occur, due to which the TV “sees” an unstable voltage and turns off.
How to check:
- Open the electrical panel and make sure that neutral wire is securely fastened.
- Check the voltage between phase and neutral, as well as between phase and ground (must be the same).
- If the difference exceeds
10 V, there is a problem with grounding.
Solution - install an RCD (residual current device) or switch to a grounding system TN-S (if possible in your home). A temporary solution may be to use surge filter with grounding (for example, Pilot T).
⚠️ Attention: Independently changing the grounding circuit in an apartment building can be dangerous and contradicts the PUE (Electrical Installation Rules). For For such work, be sure to invite a qualified electrician.
7. The influence of other household appliances: hidden culprits
Sometimes the TV goes out not because of the refrigerator, but because additional load, which turns on at the same time. For example:
- 🔥 Electric kettle or microwave (consume
1.5–2.5 kW). - ❄️ Air conditioner (starting current up to
15 A). - 💡 Halogen lamps (give pulse load).
To identify the culprit, turn off the devices one by one and observe the reaction of the TV. If the problem disappears when you turn off, for example, the microwave, it means that the total load on the line exceeds the permissible limit.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the problem
Can a refrigerator with an inverter compressor cause the TV to turn off?
Yes, but less often than a conventional refrigerator. Inverter compressors (for example, in LG GA-B489YDQZ) have. lower starting currents, but if the relay is worn out or faulty, they can also create voltage surges. If the TV turns off when the refrigerator starts, check the starting relay and compressor capacitor.
Why the TV turns off only at night, when the refrigerator turns on?
At night, the voltage in the network is often higher than during the day (less load from neighbors), but in some areas the opposite situation is observed - drawdowns up to 190–200 V due to unstable operation of transformer substations, the refrigerator in night mode may start up less often, but with a higher load (for example, during defrosting). data-i="240">or stabilizer or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
What to do if the TV does not turn on after being turned off?
If the TV has completely stopped responding on the remote control or buttons, there are two possible reasons:
- The power supply protection has tripped - unplug the TV for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
- The fuse has failed —disassembly and replacement will be required (this requires skills in working with electronics).
If the TV is not restored after turning off the power, contact a service center.
Can I use an extension cord for a refrigerator?
Technically it is possible, but only if:
- The extension cord has a wire cross-section ≥
1.5 mm². - The cable length does not exceed
3 meters(otherwise there will be voltage losses). - The extension cord is equipped with a grounding contact.
It is better to avoid extension cords for refrigerators - they increase the risk of overheating and fire. It is optimal to install a separate outlet for. refrigerator.
How to protect your TV from power surges?
Effective methods:
- 🔌 Surge filter with protection against impulse interference (for example, APC P6G-RS).
- ⚡ Voltage stabilizer (power from
1 kW, for example, Resanta ASN-2000). - 🔋 UPS (for TVs with sensitive electronics, for example, CyberPower CP685AVR).
For maximum protection, combine a surge protector + stabilizer.