How long should I wait to plug in the refrigerator after unplugging it

refrigerator

I just had a strange recommendation when I wanted to move the fridge inside my house to a new position. It's just about 2 feet away.

I was told that I should wait 30-40 minutes after I unplug the fridge before plugging it in again. How is it so and what's the science behind it?

I understand this is usually a recommended way for moving houses but he said that even not moving any bit the above would apply.

Best Answer

There's 2 reasons to wait after moving a refigerator.

If you tipped it over the oil needs to re-settle in the compressor.

If you interrupted a run cycle the compressor may not be able to re-start, as the motor has a low starting torque and starts more easily working into a low pressure difference - ie after a little rest.

In the first case wait a few hours. In the second case 5 minutes is plenty, or you can ignore it and the thermal cut-out will enforce the wait if needed.