5 reasons a trash compactor shocks when it’s touched & how to fix it

If your trash compactor is shocking you when it’s touched, it’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. While receiving a shock from an electrical appliance can be frustrating, it’s also potentially dangerous.

Thankfully, there are some ways you can troubleshoot this problem without calling an expensive service technician. We’re here to help you save time and money while repairing your trash compactor. Let’s get started.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your trash compactor while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Screwdrivers
• Cleaning supplies

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How to fix a noisy trash compactor in your kitchen  

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

Read more: Trash compactor ram stuck? Top 5 reasons & fixes

How to troubleshoot the trash compactor

Learn how to fix a trash compactor that shocks by following these steps.

Reason #1: A faulty power cord

1. Unplug the trash compactor from the power supply.
2. Inspect the entire length of the power cord. Look for any signs of fraying, cracking, or damage.
3. Run your hands along the cord to feel for weak spots, bulges, or exposed wires.
4. Check the areas where the cord enters the compactor housing and the power plug for any loose connections.

If the cord is damaged, replace it with a new cord that’s compatible with your specific trash compactor model.

Reason #2: An electrical short circuit in the case

1. Inspect the entire exterior of the compactor case for any cracks, holes, or other signs of damage. Look for areas where liquids or debris could have entered the case and created conductive paths.
2. Remove the case panels to inspect the interior for any signs of moisture, corrosion, or short-circuited components.

If you find any damage or evidence of short circuits, replace the affected parts.

Reason #3: Improper grounding

1. Make sure the trash compactor is disconnected from the power outlet.
2. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and use the probes to check for continuity between the grounding prong on the power plug and a known ground point on the compactor’s metal chassis. If there’s no continuity or a poor ground connection, then the grounding parts will need to be replaced.
3. Make sure the compactor is able to be properly plugged into a grounded electrical outlet.

Reason #4: Faulty wiring

1. Remove the compactor case panels to visually inspect the motor, wiring, control board, and other electrical parts for any signs of damage, corrosion, or moisture. Replace any damaged internal parts.
2. Carefully examine all the internal wiring, connectors, and harnesses for any signs of damage, loose connections, or exposed wires. Make sure all wiring connections are secure and properly insulated. If you find any damaged or frayed wiring, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
3. Check that the wiring is routed correctly and not exposed to any sharp edges or potential sources of damage.

Reason #5: Electrical surge or improper power supply

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Set a multimeter to Volts AC mode and use the probes to check the voltage at the electrical outlet the compactor is plugged into.
2. Check the meter reading. The voltage should match the compactor’s required operating voltage, which can be found in the compactor’s technical sheet.

If you get an incorrect voltage reading, then the issue may be with the home’s electrical system, which will require a licensed electrician’s assistance.

Once you’ve completed troubleshooting, test the trash compactor to make sure it’s working correctly.

Pro tip: Consider installing a surge protector or power conditioning device to protect the compactor from electrical spikes or surges.

Read more: How to replace foot pedal kit 882657 on a KitchenAid, Whirlpool or Maytag trash compactor  

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your trash compactor working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!