electricalgroundingrefrigeratorthermostat
I've recently replaced the thermostat in my fridge with a new unit with a much higher temperature range (this unit specifically).
The unit I took out had a ground connector & the original wiring had it connected. The new unit does not have a place for a ground connection, so I've not connected it.
Everything is running fine, but should I run the ground wire from the fridge somewhere? What could possibly go wrong?
This is the simplest thermostat you will get. It has 4 pins on it.
Easiest way to test which is the sensor and which is the switch will be to test continuity on the pins. Set your multimeter to ohm. Place one probe on GND and the other on one of the 2 suspected pins (senors, switch)
They should be pretty clearly marked to be honest. Are you sure that the thermostat has not been set to the lowest setting? Maybe the sensor is misinterpreting the thermostat.
The other way to test it is the Live way. This is dangerous so if you do not have gloves and insulated tools, or unsure of the voltage do not attempt this. Have somebody with you to turn off power in case of emergency.
One possible explanation for this would be if you run the fridge from batteries or solar power with too small inverter. Even a small fridge requires an inverter capable of giving at least something like 1 kilowatt when the motor starts. If the voltage drops when the motor starts, it won't be able to start spinning after the initial pressure pulse of the first rotation: the motor will get stuck and the overheat protection will cut the power from the motor. After a few minutes the motor will again try to start, and possibly fail again.
This answer does not apply if the fridge is connected to proper AC mains power.
Best Answer
If the new unit does not have a ground connection then it doesn't need one.
The ground wire was for the original thermostat so there should be no bad effects from not having it connected to anything. Any other component in the fridge that requires grounding will still be grounded through it's own wire.
Just make sure that you've insulated the end.