Trash compactor blows fuse or trips circuit breaker: How to troubleshoot like a pro

Is your trash compactor blowing fuses or tripping the circuit breaker? Before you pick up the phone to call a service technician, try out these troubleshooting techniques so you can fix it yourself.

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.

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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 your trash compactor

Follow these steps to fix a trash compactor that blows the fuse or trips the circuit breaker.

Step 1: Check for circuit overloading

The trash compactor may be drawing too much current, which can cause the circuit to overload or the fuse to blow.

1. Unplug the trash compactor from the power outlet.
2. Find the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the outlet the trash compactor is plugged into.
3. If you have a circuit breaker, check to see if it’s been tripped. Reset the breaker by switching it to the off position and then back to the on position. If you have a fuse, see if the fuse is blown. Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same amperage rating.

If there are any other appliances or devices plugged into the same circuit as the trash compactor, try removing them to reduce the electrical load on the circuit. If possible, let the trash compactor be on a dedicated circuit.

If the circuit can’t handle the power load, you may need to get a licensed electrician to upgrade the circuit by installing a higher-amperage breaker or adding a new circuit.

Step 2: Check the cord or plug for short-circuiting

1. Unplug the trash compactor from the wall outlet.
2. Inspect the power cord and plug for any visible damage, such as cracks, fraying, or exposed wires.
3. Gently flex and twist the cord to check for any internal damage.

If the cord or plug appears damaged in any way, replace it with a new one.

Step 3: Check the switch and motor for short-circuiting

1. Find the access panel or front cover of the trash compactor and remove it.
2. Visually inspect the trash compactor’s switch and motor for any signs of damage, such as burns, cracks, or loose connections.
3. Disconnect the wires, then set a multimeter to continuity mode and touch the multimeter probes to the chassis and one terminal of the switch. Then set the probes to the chassis and the motor terminals. If the switch or motor shows continuity, then they’ll need to be replaced.
4. Check the wiring connections to the switch and motor. Make sure they’re secure and undamaged. If you find any that are damaged, replace the wiring.

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

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

Additional 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.

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