fridge freezer tripping RCD

[rhodesthomso]

Our American style fridge/freezer is tripping the RCD on our consumer unit. This tends to happen after the machine has been running for about 40 minutes or so. Any thoughts on what could be wrong?

[pug100]

The way an RCD works is by detecting a difference in current between live and neutral, when it trips it's usually because there is a short circuit somewhere.
If possible try it in a different socket on a different circuit and see if it still trips, if it does then I'd get the fridge seen to ASAP.

[stewey]

Why is the compressor running for 40 minutes?

[buildersmate]

It's not unknown for inductive loads (electric motors are an example) to do this and it doesn't necessarily indicate a short circuit fault. The starters on fluorescent lights also tend to do this (but lighting circuits are not normally attached via an RCD).

[Disco Fever]

Ive never known a starter on a fluorescent fitting to ever trip an RCD there encased in plastic and the capacitor which is in the starter case supresses the spark to stop it from interferring on your Tv or radio

[rhodesthomso]

Thanks for all the input, much appreciated. Still haven't got to the bottom of it. Brand new wiring system in property with no other problems. Fridge has just gone back to retailer and it works perfectly in their warehouse! RCD doesn't trip with any other appliances so I assume the appliance has a fault which only trips the RCD, but doesn't cause problems in a commercial setting?