Serious question, has anyone else had a fridge compressor blow a hole in the side?

I was on a call last Tuesday for a noisy fridge in a basement apartment. The unit was an older Whirlpool, maybe 15 years old. I pulled it out, heard the compressor knocking, and went to unplug it before checking the terminals. The second my hand touched the plug, there was a loud pop like a firecracker and a spray of oil shot out from a small hole in the compressor shell. It got all over the wall and my tool bag. I had to tell the customer the whole system was shot and the repair cost would be more than a new fridge. It was the first time I've seen one fail that violently. What's the safest way you all handle a compressor you suspect is locked up? Just kill the breaker from the panel first?

2 comments

2 Comments

willowthomas2d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, always kill the breaker first, no question.

wright.michael2d ago

That sounds terrifying, reminds me of a capacitor that blew up in my face once.