Why won't my fridge run off my portable generator?

If your Portable Generator is not working when powering your fridge, following these steps may help identify why. Homeowners should only perform these steps if they are comfortable doing so.
 

Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.
 

Environment:

This article refers to Portable Open Frame Generators and common scenarios for troubleshooting when powering a refrigerator.

 

Troubleshooting guide: Power a refrigerator off a Generac Portable Generator

Before calling a dealer, homeowners may try the following troubleshooting steps.
 

1. Verify your generator is producing power: 

• A simple way to do this is to plug a known-to-work appliance (e.g., a desk lamp) directly into the generator. 

• If your generator is not producing power, see the following article for troubleshooting: Why Won't My Generac Portable Generator Produce Power?

2. Check your extension cord

• Check that the extension cord is rated for the correct amperage.

• Check that there are no signs of damage, such as cuts, frays, or exposed wires.

• First, connect the extension cord to the portable generator, then plug the refrigerator's power cord into the other end of the extension cord.

 

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: The generator’s circuit breaker keeps tripping

Step 1: Identify your refrigerator power needs

• Ensure your generator has enough power to operate your refrigerator.

• Start by looking at the nameplate inside your refrigerator, usually near the front. 

• Write down the volts and amps listed.

 

Step 2: Calculate the refrigerator power needs

• Calculate the watts needed by multiplying the volts x amps

• Refrigerators need an extra surge of electricity to start up and get the compressor going. The surge wattage is typically 2 to 3 times the running wattage. A good rule of thumb is multiplying the running watts by 2 to 3 to estimate the surge wattage needed.

• Make sure the surge wattage does not exceed the generator's surge rating wattage.

Note: For more information on running and surge wattage, see the following articles: 

• What Does Running/Rated Wattage Mean?

• What Does Surge/Starting Wattage Mean?

 

Scenario 2: The generator is running but NOT supplying power to the refrigerator

• Check that the GFCI outlet is not tripped.

• If the GFCI is tripped and your generator is rated to supply enough wattage, your fridge may not be compatible with GFCI outlets. See your refrigerator's user manual to confirm whether it is compatible with GFCI outlets. (e.g., “Do not plug directly into GFCI outlets.”)

Note: You can check the refrigerator manufacturer's website for a copy of your user manual. 

• If your refrigerator is incompatible with GFCI outlets, you can use a connector cable to run the fridge off the 30A twist lock outlet instead of the 20A duplex outlets.

• Using the 30 Amp Twist lock L14-30R connector on the portable generator will eliminate the GFCI from that circuit and allow your fridge to be powered safely from the portable generator.

• The connector cable should be a NEMA L14-30P to 5-15R or 5-20R, easily found online through all major retailers.

 

Scenario 3: Refrigerator requires clean energy

• Some refrigerators require "clean energy" to operate due to sensitive electronics. 
• Some portable generator models do not produce a "clean" enough signal for sensitive electronics. To learn more about THD and to determine if a generator is safe for sensitive electronics, see the following articles: 

  • What Is Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)?

  • What is TruePower™ Technology?

  • Which Generac portable generators have TruePower™ technology?

 

Additional Resources

• Why Won't My Generac Portable Generator Produce Power?

• Portable generator troubleshooting quick reference guide

• How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?