Static on Radio/TV from fridge

[Gregg]

A seasonal customer returned to the sunny south this year to the following problem.  A refrigerator they keep in the garage that is three years old and been in the same location and same outlet since new does the following.  When running it causes lines on the TV and static noise on the radio.  The refrigerator is unplugged when they leave and plugged back in upon there return.  About six months on and six months off.  This year when they arrived and plugged in the unit it soon blew the breaker.  It was connected to a GFI circuit in the garage.  It also caused the lines and static described earlier.  The had an electrician come install a dedicated circuit to the unit.  No more breaker problem.  Static and lines remained however.  The amperage draw is normal. What could be causing this and how did it happen when is was unplugged?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Kiwi-nadian]

Put a mains interference suppression capacitor in line with the live and neutral wires, like they use in fluorescent  light fittings and some major appliances.  I know Asko use these capacitors on their DW's and washers, and I have seen them on Australian made fridges.

The rating of the capacitor will be the critical part.  I suggest you phone the manufacturer and see if they have a fix for this problem, or can suggest someone who might know.

[Gregg]

Thanks for the advice.  The real reason for the question is what is causing this.  This problem was not there until this year.  No other variables have changed? Any ideas?

[Kiwi-nadian]

Could it have had a mouse pee:pisser:on the compressor terminals causing a short that blew out, but left a carbon trail causing a minor short to ground. 

Or a poor earth or neutral connection at the house switch board.