What Is an Overload Protector?

The overload protector is a safety switch mounted on the compressor that cuts power if the motor draws too much current or runs too hot. It's designed to prevent permanent motor damage from a stalled or struggling compressor — a protective feature, not a failure point on its own, though it can wear out and trip prematurely.

When a compressor tries to start, trips the overload protector, shuts off, cools down, and tries again every few minutes — often described as "clicking" — that repeating cycle usually means the compressor is struggling to start, whether the underlying cause is the compressor itself, a bad start relay, or high pressure elsewhere in the sealed system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my refrigerator compressor click repeatedly and then stop?

That pattern — an attempt to start, a click, then silence for a few minutes before trying again — is usually the overload protector tripping to stop the compressor from overheating. Repeated tripping means something is preventing the compressor from starting normally, whether that's the protector itself, a bad start relay, or high pressure in the sealed system.

Can a bad overload protector be replaced on its own?

Yes, it's a small, inexpensive part mounted on the compressor. The harder part is confirming it's actually the cause rather than a symptom of the compressor itself struggling, which is what a proper diagnostic is for.