Dometic Fridge dripping out when it's turned on

[Murrayp]

Hi all,

Got the caravan out today ready to prep for the summer, and the fridge is tripping out the rcd when I turn it on. Not had time to look into yet, any initial ideas?

Thanks in advance

 

[GStockton]

Very likely to be the 230volt element down to earth. If you are competent with mains electrics disconect the element from the front panel thermostat and reset your rcd if it says on then it is the element. This is not a big job to replace via the rear access through the fridge vents outside the caravan

 

[Murrayp]

Thanks for the help in the right direction, Ill disconnect it and see what it does. Is there a good online Dometic spares site?

Thanks again

 

[Damian]

Leisurespares

 

[gary]

I would suggest the cause is the element has become damp over winter, before then doing anything else, try running fridge on gas for a day or two and let the heat from that drive out the damp and see if it works ok on electric then

 

[xtrailman]

The three elements I have changed all failed open circuit, so no trips.
I would power up with the fridge turned off to see if the RCD still trips.

I found the easiest way to change the element was through outside vents, this entails identifying the correct element wire they are usually two 12v and 230v, but with different colour outer sheaths.

Cut the old element wire and connect up the new one, I used porcelain connectors due to the heat in that area.

Spare elements are available of the shelf at the dealers usually.