Worried about a fridge

[tim.gjs]

Hi Everyone

I would be very grateful indeed for some help with something.

A few years ago, I purchased a Russell Hobbs RHTTLF1 table top fridge from Argos.

After about a couple of years, I noticed that the sides of the fridge were getting too hot to touch. I therefore suspected that it was possibly becoming a fire risk so I disposed of it.

I then searched the Internet for a replacement which satisfied the same criteria as the original fridge but could only find fridges which were identical to the RHTTLF1. It seems that several brands are purchasing the same fridge model from an anonymous manufacturer and relabelling it as their own.

I therefore purchased another RHTTLF1.

Again, after a while, the sides of the fridge became too hot to touch. However, I decided that as this fridge model was still being sold, and nobody seemed to be complaining about it, I would leave it switched on and continue to use it. It occurs to me that it may have been a mistake to dispose of the previous fridge.

Recently it has started making clicking noises which I am worried could actually be sparks. I don't know for sure though.

I am therefore no longer confident in its safety and have therefore now unplugged it and I am no longer using it. This means that I am currently without a functioning fridge which is rather inconvenient.

I have just now very briefly switched it back on to listen to the clicks again but they are gone. But I don't know if they will come back so I have switched it off again.

I would therefore be very grateful indeed for any thoughts about this situation. What do you recommend that I do?

Can I safely switch it back on again?

Thank you very much.

Kind regards

[AnthonyB]

Some guidance is here: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/product-safety/refrigerators/

[tim.gjs]

Hi Anthony

Thank you very much for the link.

The document at the link gives a link to a Product Recalls search page. The RHTTLF1 is not on the list.

The document also gives the following list of safety measures:

    Always ensure that the area you are placing the refrigerator is free of paper or other flammable materials, and make sure there is enough room behind the refrigerator for air to circulate freely.

    Don?t connect a fridge to the electricity supply until all packaging has been removed.

    Never block the interior or exterior ventilation openings of the refrigerator.

    Make sure you don?t trap the mains cable beneath the fridge when putting it in position.

    Don?t use the fridge outdoors or anywhere it is likely to come into contact with the elements.

    Don?t place a refrigerator near cookers, radiators, or in direct sunlight, as this will result in it having to work harder to maintain the required internal temperature.

    Defrost your fridge at least once a year to ensure these appliances continue to work properly. Clean behind your fridge and freezer regularly to keep lint and dust from building up.  Do not use a heater to defrost the inside of the fridge.

My RHTTLF1 fridge has always been complaint with all of the above.

Is it normal for the sides of a refrigerator to be almost too hot to touch?

Do you think it is safe for me to switch my fridge back on again?

Thank you very much.

Kind regards

[AnthonyB]

They have a section where you can ask questions, I'd suggest you ask there, it does sound a bit odd, usually is the back where the heat is circulated https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/your-questions-answered/