fridge not working

Mar 2, 2009
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We have an Electrolux Domestic RM6271I, when we turn it on, on electric it cuts the fuse. If we put it on gas for an hour, and turn it back to electric it work fine. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Darren
 
Apr 8, 2007
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It would be hard to trace unless its when you turn the selector knob from gas to electric or electric to gas, it could possiably be the selector knob as you turn it to gas then back to electric there could be a worn connector in the selector switch or even a loose wlre at the back. hope this helps.
 
Mar 10, 2006
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Could the the 240v heating element getting damp, drying out when you use the gas, so then it works ok, until you rest it again?

Just a guess.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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Hello Darren,

The other replies may be right, but without a proper investigation with the correct equipment or knowledge you will never know.

For safety's sake have it checked out by a qualified electrician.
 
Mar 10, 2006
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John l

Are you suggesting that the people on this forum are incapable of carring out a diy repair?

This nanny state of mind, reciting of rules laws etc is becoming tiresome.

If i was to call for a repair, it would be a refrigeration engineer, not an electrician.
 

JTQ

May 7, 2005
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Ray,

Not trying to poke fun but seriously I think you will have a struggle finding a "refrigeration engineer" who even knows or remembers what an absorption fridge is!

In this case its clearly an electrical problem and not a refrigeration system problem and as its 240volt its too dangerous to recommend other than competent assistance.

Cheers John
 
Apr 13, 2005
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i take exception to some of the comments on this thread, as a fully qualified refrigeration engineer i am more than capable of dealing with absorbtion refrigeration equipment whether it be a small domestic unit as fitted to caravans or some major ammonia based industrial system.

one of the main reasons i left the refrigeration industry was becouse of electricians and plumbers trying to undercut the qualified staff as they saw a quick profit to be made with airconditioning, these guys have no qualification to carry out this work but generally get by on a wing and a prayer, usually calling us out once it all goes wrong.

darren your problem is more than likely to do with the insulation breaking down in the heating ellement or a loose connection somewhere, it would be impossible to locate the true cause without testing the fridges individual components with an insulation tester and meter.

a simple test would be to disconnect the 240 volt heater and then test your fridge, if the fuse still blows you know its not the heater, if it does not blow then its a pretty sure reason to believe the heater is to blame. there are no complicated circuits in a domestic caravan fridge so as long as your confident with 240 volt work and carefull not to work on it live then there is no reason why you could not resolve this issue yourself.

remember, a plumber installs pipes and repairs water leaks

a electrician installs and repairs electics

a gas fitter installs and repairs gas systems

a refrigeration engineer repairs refrigeration equipment regardless of whether the fault is electrical, mechanical or gas related !!.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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I agree with everyone, the poster asked why, Ray gives the most likely answer, JohnL offers caution and with that in mind, Icemaker then gives the correct person to ask for help.

I might add though, not mentioned is a good caravan repair man who is well capable of doing the repair!
 
Mar 10, 2006
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I had two elements changed in the first year, on the 2004 dometec fride.

First one changed by dealer.

Second time by a refrigeration engineer, who changed it at my home address.

Large numbers were failing at the time.

It's been ok since then.

engineer did stress the importance of ensuring the element is fitted securely in its pocket.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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Hello Ray,

I have seen too many instances in my career where well intentioned DIYers (or professionals in other fields who think they know better) have tried to install, service or repair gas appliances, and have actually endangered themselves and others through ignorance of the proper procedures and not having access to even basic test equipment yet alone what is legally required.

When someone writes to a forum and asks a question of how to do carry out a technical repair on what is a potentially lethal thing, then it strongly suggests that they do not have the essential knowledge to work safely with the fuel or appliance. If they had the necessary skills they would not need to ask the question. Under those circumstances it is the responsible thing to recommend the job is referred to a professional in the field.

In this specific case, even though the problem probably resides in the electric element, it's on a fridge that is also connected to a gas supply. To access the element will almost certainly involve disconnecting the appliance from the gas supply to gain access to the elements, and that by law must be carried out by a competent person.

Yes I am cautious, but that is preferable to suggesting a course of action that causes injury and then being called to account for it. The anonymity of the forum does not prevent you from being sued if the claimant wishes to.
 
Mar 10, 2006
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John l

Again i must differ, maybe it's because we are from different backgrounds.

When i worked as a member of a process control team, we would often trade knowlege, no one of us knew it all.

Only by trading our knowlege, could we reach synegy.

Some members had extensive experience in areas that others didn't.

Never be afraid to ask, and act.

Regaurding the fride repair, again you are misguided.

The engineer replaced the element, without removing the fride, access from the front and via the vent ducts.

I have a very long list of trainning courses that i have been on.

In the industry i worked in, we were and did expected to carry out gas, electrical, instrumentaion, high pressure gas installations, compressed air etc.

This applies to any modern craftman in work.

Further the production were expected to carry out maintenance and repairs.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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Hello Ray,

I does seem that the circumstances have conspired and resulted in the exchanges we have had recently, May I assure you it not a personal quest of mine to contradict you on everything. Clearly we have different views on some subjects and it important that we can openly put our points for consideration by others.

I am driven by caution, because I have seen the results of ill advised tampering.

You make a very valid point that no one knows everything, and being able to coach others to a greater understanding was also an important part of my work. However in my view, the situation on the forum is rather different: Where as in the work place, you knew the person and more importantly the level of skill they already possessed, you gauged the level of new information so that it was not beyond their skill but perhaps stretched them a bit. Here of the forum we have no knowledge of a questioners ability, but it is possible to spot a probable novice by the type of question they ask.

The other significant difference is that in the workplace, if you were coaching a colleague, you were there on hand and could prevent major problems often before they went too far. It is often said that we learn by our mistakes, but if a mistake can not be recognised because it is unsupervised, then it may a fatal mistake.

For these reasons, if what seems to be naive question about a fuel related subject is posted, I will recommend the questioner seeks professional advice. Equally if I see what I know to be unsafe advise being offered I will bring attention to it.
 
Mar 14, 2005
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Here I am agreeing again!

Theres two sides to this and for the most part being of the practical persuasion I side very much with Ray.

Rule number one, IF IN DOUBT ASK

However To agree with John, I see all to many botched attempts at repair to know that not everyone pro or not possesses my level of skill, difficult as that is to think never mind say, without sounding condescending.

Where I disagree with John is that you don't know the level of competence of a questioner, I find it easy to judge this by the framing of the question.

Of course its an open forum so a given solution is there for anyone who reads it to attempt to follow, however; this can be guarded against by framing the answer in equally technical terms.

If then a second question is posted to clarify or indeed someone else with obvious less knowledge does the same, then, and only then do I see the need to suggest expert help.

Other wise as Ray says it smacks of 'nanny state' and we may as well add 'Not' to Technical
 
Mar 10, 2006
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Just to add.

In the early days were i worked we had electricians, fully qualified, with one of them a HNC, who couln't wire a 3 phase motor up!! Absolutely useless.

Another i refused to work with, he would argue with operators, claimimg the machine was working normally, i knew it wasn't, he just didn't have a clue how to mend it.

All i'm saying is, if you have to use a professional don't assume he's any good. Get someone recommened.
 

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