Philips Integral Fridge

[smurfchops]

My fridge is getting rather old now but fingers crossed is still OK. However this moring I opened it and the light suddenly went off and the whole fridge switched off. I put a new fuse in, it suddenly came to life again, but the light inside the fridge (top shelf of fridge) is still out and the on/off switch light (green) doesn't work. I am going to buy a new light tomorrow but do you think the fridge is nearing the end of its days ??

[gen2]

I know nothing specific about fridges but from a purely scientific point of view I can offer the following observations:-

Facts:
The failure occurred at the moment of door opening.
The only electrical change that takes place when a fridge/freezer door opens is that the light comes on.
It is an observed fact that bulbs are most likely to blow at the moment of switching on. (low resistance / current surge)
When a lightbulb blows, there is a significant probability that the broken filament will fall and short the input contacts, thus blowing the fuse.

Deduction:
The failure you describe is most likely to be the result of the bulb failure and not a predictive symptom of major appliance failure.

PROGNOSIS:
I therefore predict that the appliance will resume normal working after the replacement of both the fuse and the bulb. It should give many years of future reliability.

Fingers Crossed
gen2

[smurfchops]

Thanks gen, great answer, it does make sense, hope you are right !

[romko]

Gen2 has it spot on. a blown bulb. just be sure to get the EXACT replacement spec.
fridges are amongst the most reliable domestic items and happily go on for years. generally its the plastic trim or racks and door seals which deteriorate first.
fridges release ltos of toxins when disposed of, so it s best to keep them going as long as possible for the environments sake.