When you walk into the kitchen and notice a burning odor spreading throughout the space, it can send the alarm bells ringing.
You are going to want to take action as soon as possible because a burning fridge is not a pleasant sight.
However, before doing this you will need to figure out what is causing a burning smell from the fridge.
If there is a burning smell coming from the fridge, the most likely reason is a faulty connector or brittle wiring. To fix the issue, unplug the appliance immediately, remove the back cover, and tighten or replace the wiring.
In most cases, you will notice the burning smell coming from the fridge and where the damage is. It is often easy to spot the wiring that has become damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.
It is best to stay patient while managing a situation such as this. You will want to be thorough with how you go about doing this.
Here is a look at the main steps when there is a burning smell coming from the fridge.
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Steps To Remove Burning Smell From Fridge
1. Unplug The Fridge Immediately
A refrigerator burning smell is dangerous.
It’s not something you are going to want to take lightly. As electricity rushes through the appliance, it can easily set something on fire due to the warning signs you are already getting.
It’s essential to make sure you are unplugging the fridge as soon as you can.
If you don’t do this, you are going to end up in a situation where the fridge will burn or the wiring is going to damage another component inside the appliance.
By unplugging the fridge, you are going to have the chance to pull the appliance away from the wall and inspect the root cause of the burning odor. This is a must when you want to get rid of the burning smell in a fridge.
2. Remove The Back Cover
If there is a burning smell coming from the fridge, it’s time to go straight to the source of the odor.
It is likely coming from the back.
You are going to pull out the fridge and unscrew the back cover. Each design is different but most will have a set of screws that are holding the back cover in place.
Remove them to unveil the wiring inside.
Be patient while doing this and make sure to set aside the screws during the process. You will need them to screw everything back into place.
3. Inspect The Wiring
Now, it is time to start looking at what is going on with the wiring.
In some cases, the external wire is going to be the problem. This is the wire that is going directly into the outlet. If it is damaged, you will notice how it is brittle and about to snap into half.
This is not a good sign and you will need to repair or replace the wire.
The same applies to any wiring that is inside the fridge. Look at each one in great detail and find the root cause of the burning smell.
4. Repair Or Replace The Damaged Wiring
When you have found the wire, it is time to begin working on fixing it.
Sometimes, the main issue has more to do with the wiring being loose. If that is the case, make sure the wire is in good shape and then tighten everything to ensure it is back into its required spot.
If the wire is truly damaged, you will need to repair or replace it.
You can repair it by attempting to tape the area that is causing the issue. If it is too brittle, the wiring will need to be replaced before you plug the fridge back in.
Final Thoughts
These are the main steps to consider if there is a burning smell coming from a fridge.
When there is a burning smell coming from a fridge, the most likely cause is damaged or brittle wiring. This can cause the smell to spread throughout the space. To fix the issue, unplug the appliance, remove the back cover, and inspect each wire to find the troublemaker. Repair or replace it before plugging the appliance back in.
This is the only way to fix the issue.
It is common for this to occur with older fridges, which is why you have to be diligent with your maintenance. Always keep track of the wiring and make sure it is in good shape year-round.
Even when you fix the burning smell in a fridge, this is something to keep a note of.
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