[lisamchilders]

Hi... I was wondering, I have a fridge and microwave plugged into the same outlet. When the microwave is on, lights dim in my apartment. Back in May, my fridge compressor was suddenly shot. We got a close to new fridge given to us to replace it. Within 2 months, the fridge stopped working, the freezer is working because this one is 2 separate parts instead of one. My question is... could it be the wiring in that outlet? Could it be the microwave sending a surge every time its used? I don't think it's a coincidence but I figured I would start with asking since getting our landlord to fix anything is like pulling teeth. Thanks for any help!

[hkstroud]

Within 2 months, the fridge stopped working, the freezer is working because this one is 2 separate parts instead of one

Unless you have one of those very expensive SubZero refrigerators, you have only one compressor in your refrigerator. That means you have only one cooling unit, the freezer unit. The freezer compartment is cooled and cold air is passed from the freezer unit to the refrigerator compartment. So you have an air circulation problem.

If lights dim when microwave is used, you have a wiring problem, probably in the neutral side. Landlord needs an electrician to check out the wiring.

And yes this wiring problem could have damaged the old refrigerator.