Amana fridge fails to re-start after auto defrost (sometimes)

[bluebabe]

Hi There,
I bought a fridge from the USA for my condo in St Lucia - the problem is that the electricity supply in St Lucia is the same as the UK - 240 V 50 Hz, while the USA has different voltage, 120V 60 Hz. Although there is a voltage converter, the fridge will often not switch back on again after its defrost cycle, which spoils the food in there. Can anyone suggest whether the problem might be caused by the different Hz cycle? And if I need a different transformer, where can I get one in the UK?
The fridge is a US Amana 14 cu ft and draws 6.5 amps.
I would be grateful for any advice.
thank you,
Bluebabe.

[1mikeefc1]

Not sure on the power issue but are you sure it is actually going onto the defrost not that the fridge is actually cutting out on something else I.e comp overheating.

[bluebabe]

That is what might be happening! - as I can't see the fridge, I am just reying on second hand reports from the resort. what is comp overheating exactly? and what can i do about it? sorry to be so dense
bluebabe

[1mikeefc1]

Compressor that pumps gas around over heating then it goes off on an internal overload. This could be happening for numerous reasons, short of gas, compressor failing to pump efficiently, door not shutting so always running, stat faulty etc....

[bluebabe]

I think it is something to do with the electricity supply as it is a brand new fridge and has been doing this since it was installed. when turned back on again manually, after it has stopped, it works fine again. I have been told that a step-down transformer would solve the problem, but it's an expensive gamble.....

[passandscore]

What do you mean by turn it back on manually? What is tripping? The converter, a breaker?? If you have proper voltage and hertz (120v, 60hz) to the fridge and it trips only when in defrost then you need to check the defrost heaters, controls and wiring for loose connections or faulty components.

If you already have proper voltage I do not see what good a step down transformer will be. If you are running 120v, 50hz on equipment designed for 60hz then you will have problems.

[bluebabe]

Yes, that is exactly the problem, in a nutshell.
The fridge is on USA voltage, St Lucia is on British.
I am not sure what converter they are using but I should imagine it is a cheap one, which will not change the hz
what problems would that cause?
would it make it just stop working from time to time? (which is what is happening)

[frank]

Have a look at the VC2000 here http://www.knighton-tools.co.uk/acat...Convertor.html

This is the step down transformer you were advised to buy to solve the voltage mis-match problem.

[bluebabe]

Thank you Frank.
Crumbs, £188 plus delivery.
How do you know which converter to choose?
And how do I know it will solve the problem?
Cheers, Bluebabe

[frank]

That one will do the job as it converts from 240v down to 110v either 50 or 60hz.
You said that your compressor runs at 6+amps, this one will handle that as it is rated at 8amps, so you won't burn it out.

[bluebabe]

Thank you!