The TV turns off when the refrigerator is turned on - 7 reasons and solutions

Have you turned on your favorite TV series, but when you start the refrigerator, the TV suddenly goes off? This problem is familiar to many - especially in houses with old electrical wiring or when connecting powerful equipment to one outlet. In 80% of cases, it is to blame overload of the electrical network, but sometimes the root of evil lies in malfunctions of the refrigerator, TV itself, or even in wiring installation errors.

In this article we will analyze all the possible reasons why The TV turns off when the refrigerator compressor starts- from the banal voltage surge to hidden defects in the starting relay. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when you can get by with moving the plug to another outlet, and in which cases you will need to call an electrician. We will also provide a checklist of actions to check each of the 7 most common scenarios.

Important: if the TV does not just turn off, but reboots with the manufacturer's logo or displays a power error, this is a sign of a critical voltage drop. Such jumps are dangerous not only for equipment, but also for home safety. Do not ignore the problem!

1. Overload of the electrical network: the main cause of outages

The most common scenario is simultaneous connection of the refrigerator and TV to the same outlet or extension cord. Modern refrigerators with system No Frost and inverter compressors (LG Inverter Linear, Samsung Digital Inverter) consume 3-5 times more energy when starting up than in normal mode. For example, a refrigerator with a power of 200 W at the moment of startup can “pull” up to 1000–1500 W!

If, in addition, the outlet is connected through an extension cord with thin wires (section less than 1.5 mm²), happens voltage drop to 180–190 V —this is not enough for stable operation of the TV, especially models with LED backlighting (Sony Bravia XR-55A80L, Samsung QN90C). As a result, the TV power supply operates as a protective mechanism and turns off the device.

• 🔌 Refrigerator and TV in one socket - even through a tee or extension cord.
• ⚡ Old aluminum wiring (typical for homes up to 2000), not designed for modern loads.
• 📉 Voltage drop below 200 V - checked with a multimeter when the compressor starts.

How to check? Connect the TV to a different outlet (preferably on a separate line, for example, for a washing machine). If the problem disappears, the overload is to blame. If not, look deeper for the reason.

⚠️ Attention: If the light in your house regularly blinks when you turn on the refrigerator, this is a sign critical network overload. The risk of a wiring fire increases 3 times - especially if the circuit breakers on the panel are older than 10 years.

2. Socket or plug malfunctions: hidden danger

Often the problem lies not in the wiring, but in socket contact group. Over time, the springs in the socket weaken and the contacts oxidize - this leads to voltage sags. This is especially true for cheap sockets without grounding or with low-quality spring-loaded contacts. microcircuits and voltage sags. This is especially true for cheap sockets without grounding or with low-quality spring-loaded contacts.

How to diagnose:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator and TV from the mains.
2. Carefully inspect the plugs of both devices for melting, blackening or cracks.
3. Check if the outlet is getting hot after 10-15 minutes of operation of the refrigerator (touch it with your hand - if it is warm, this is a bad sign).
4. Connect to There is another powerful device (for example, a vacuum cleaner) in this socket - if it also turns off, the socket needs to be changed.

If the refrigerator plug European standard (Schuko) is grounded, and the socket is old Soviet, this is also a potential problem. When the compressor starts, a current leak may pass through the ground, which leads to the protection in the TV being triggered. data-i="113">or

3. Problems with the refrigerator start relay: why the compressor “pulls” the network

If the TV turns off precisely at the moment of starting the compressor (a characteristic click is heard), the refrigerator may be to blame. This device is responsible for supplying voltage to the compressor windings at the moment of start. If it malfunctions, the following occur: starting relay refrigerator. This device is responsible for supplying voltage to the compressor windings at the moment of start. If it malfunctions, the following occurs:

• 🔥 Short circuits in the windings (compressor "sticks").
• ⚡ Current surges to 10–15 A (instead of the standard 5–8 A).
• 🔄 Multiple startup attempts (the compressor turns on and immediately turns off).

How to check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models the relay is located next to the compressor).
3. Inspect the relay for melting, cracks or burnt contacts.
4. Shake the relay - if you hear a knock, this is a sign of mechanical wear.

Models Atlant, Indesit and Beko often use a relay DANFOSS 103N0010 or Ranco K59. You can replace it yourself (cost - from 500 to 1500 rubles). If after replacement the problem remains, the compressor itself is to blame.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to repair the relay with a soldering iron or “fix” the contacts with sandpaper. This is a temporary solution that can lead to compressor fire.

How to test a compressor without a relay?

Disconnect the relay and apply voltage directly to the compressor (through the starting capacitor!). If the compressor starts and works stably, the relay is to blame. If it hums, but does not start, or turns off immediately, the problem is in the compressor windings.

4. Unstable voltage in the network: when it is not the refrigerator that is to blame

In apartment buildings (especially in old buildings), the voltage in the network can fluctuate from 180 to 240 V depending on the load. When the refrigerator starts up, it creates a short-term surge that is “added” to the already unstable voltage. TVs with switching power supplies (LED, OLED, QLED) are sensitive to such fluctuations and turn off when:

• 📉 Voltage drop below 190 V (critical for LG OLED C2, Samsung QN85C).
• ⚡ Jump higher 250 V (overvoltage protection is triggered).
• 🔄 Frequent micro-interruptions of power (typical for houses with worn-out transformers).

How to diagnose:

1. Buy digital multimeter (for example, DT-830B for 300–500 rubles).
2. Measure the voltage in the socket when the refrigerator starts.
3. If the readings are outside the limits 210–230 In, the problem is in the network.

Solutions:

• 🔌 Install stabilizer voltage (for example, Resanta ACH-500/1-C for a TV or Calm IS550 for the whole apartment).
• ⚡ Connect the TV via surge protector (APC SurgeArrest, Pilot T).
• 📊 Contact to the management company with a request to check transformer substation (if the drawdowns are constant).

5. Defects in the TV power supply: why it does not “hold” the load

If the TV turns off only when starting the refrigerator, but other devices are working stably, the problem may be power supply unit (PSU) of the TVModern LED TVs use switching power supplies, which are sensitive. to:

• 🔋 Swollen capacitors (typical for TVs older than 5 years).
• 🔥 Burnt tracks on the board (due to overheating).
• 📉 Insufficient power (if the power supply is designed for 120 W, and the TV consumes 150 W).

How to check:

1. Disconnect the TV from the mains for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the back cover (in most models the power supply is located on the left or bottom).
3. Inspect the capacitors for swelling or electrolyte leakage.
4. Smell fee - if you feel it smell of burning, this is a sign of burnt elements.

On TVs Samsung series QLED Q60B i LG NanoCell often come out building capacitors 1000 µF × 16 V i 470 µF × 25 V. Their replacement will cost 800–1500 rubles (depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: If you do not have experience with a soldering iron, do not try to repair the power supply yourself. An error can lead to electric shock or fire.

6. Problems with grounding: why it “shocks” and turns off. equipment

In houses without high-quality grounding (or with incorrectly connected "zero"), when starting the refrigerator, leakage. current to the housingthis can lead to:

• ⚡ Tripping of an RCD (if installed).
• 🔌 False shutdowns of the TV (the power supply detects instability).
• 🤯 "Pinging" when touching the case (dangerous for life!).

How to check the grounding:

1. Take indicator screwdriver.
2. Touch the metal parts of the case refrigerator or TV.
3. If the indicator lights up, there is a current leak.

Solutions:

• 🔌 Install differential automatic (RCD + circuit breaker in one case).
• ⚡ Lay grounding circuit (if it is not there).
• 🛠️ Replace the two-wire wiring with three-wire (phase + zero + ground).

In temporary houses or dachas they often use "zeroing" (connecting the zero to the ground), but this is dangerous! data-i="238">"grounding"

Check the socket for the presence of a grounding contact|Use an indicator screwdriver to look for leaks|Make sure that the RCD is triggered when you press the "Test" button|Do not use extension cords without grounding-->

7. Hidden wiring defects: when the problem is in walls

If all previous checks did not produce results, the problem may lie in hidden wiring. Over time, the insulation of the wires is destroyed, especially in places:

• 🔥 Overheating (for example, under the plaster next to the battery).
• 🐭 Damage by rodents (relevant for private homes).
• 💧 Moisture ingress (in bathrooms or kitchens without waterproofing).

Signs of wiring problems:

• 🔌 Sockets periodically spark.
• 🕯️ Lights blink when the refrigerator is turned on.
• 🔥 Burning smell from under the wallpaper or baseboards.

What to do:

1. Turn off input machine on the panel.
2. Call an electrician with thermal imager to find overheated areas.
3. If necessary, replace the wiring with copper with a cross section of 2.5 mm².

⚠️ Attention: Independent repair of hidden wiring without experience is fraught. electric shock or fire. If you are not confident in your abilities, entrust the work to a professional.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can the TV break due to constant shutdowns when starting the refrigerator?

Yes, frequent voltage sags lead to wear. capacitors in the TV power supply. On average, after 50-100 such outages, the risk of failure of the power supply increases by 30%. TVs with OLED screens (LG C2, Sony A80Lare especially vulnerable, since their power drivers are sensitive to surges.

Why did the problem appear, although everything worked fine before?

Probable reasons:

• 🔌 Wear of the refrigerator starting relay (average service life is 5–7 years).
• ⚡ Deterioration of contacts in the socket due to oxidation.
• 📉 Voltage drop in the network (for example, after connecting new neighbors to the same transformer).
• 🔋 Failure of capacitors in the TV power supply.

Start by checking sockets and refrigerator relays.

How to temporarily solve the problem if it is not possible to call an electrician?

Temporary measures:

1. Connect the TV to another outlet (preferably on a separate line).
2. Use surge protector (for example, Pilot Pro).
3. Disable the function Energy saving in the TV settings (it makes the power supply more sensitive to sags).
4. Install priority relay (for example, Zubr RKM-1), which will turn off the refrigerator for 1-2 minutes upon startup.

These methods will not eliminate the cause, but will reduce the frequency of shutdowns.

Could the TV itself be to blame if the refrigerator is new and powerful?

Yes, if:

• The TV is older than 5 years and its power supply is worn out.
• The TV model has a weak switching power supply (typical for budget TCL, Hisense).
• The Eco mode or Automatic shutdown at low voltage.

Try connecting the TV via uninterruptible power supply (UPS) - if the problem disappears, the TV's power supply is to blame.

Which refrigerators most often cause TVs to turn off?

The problem is typical for models with:

• 🔄 Inverter compressors (LG GA-B489YDQZ, Samsung RB30A3200SA) - they consume a lot of current when starting.
• ❄️ No Frost system (additional heating of the heating element during defrosting creates a load).
• 🔋 Two-compressor systems (Atlant MHM 2835-90, Liebherr CPes 4066).

If you just such a refrigerator, it is recommended to connect it to a separate socket with grounding.