Why Your Commercial Refrigerator Stops Cooling: Diagnosing a Grounded Compressor at IW Coffee, Indian Wells
Why Your Commercial Refrigerator Stops Cooling: Diagnosing a Grounded Compressor at IW Coffee, Indian Wells
At American Cool, Heat, Air & Commercial Refrigeration, we help businesses across Indian Wells, Coachella Valley, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas keep their refrigeration systems running smoothly. Recently, we were called out to a local favorite — IW Coffee in Indian Wells, CA — where a table refrigerator had stopped cooling completely.
Let’s talk about what went wrong, why it happens, and how to prevent it in your own commercial kitchen or café.
The Service Call: IW Coffee’s Refrigerator Trouble
When we arrived at IW Coffee, the staff reported that one of their table refrigerators wasn’t cooling. For a coffee shop that relies on fresh milk, syrups, and perishable goods, a fridge breakdown can be a huge problem — risking product loss and potential service disruptions.
Our initial check revealed:
♦ The compressor wasn’t kicking on at all.
♦ No cooling was happening inside the cabinet.
To get to the root of the problem, our technician performed two crucial electrical tests:
✅ Continuity Test
✅ Ohms Test
Understanding the Tests
Continuity Test
A continuity test checks whether electricity can flow through the compressor windings. If the circuit is broken or shorted, the test fails.
At IW Coffee, our continuity test failed, indicating a serious problem inside the compressor.
Ohms Test
An ohms test measures resistance across the compressor windings. Extremely low resistance readings can suggest a short circuit. Combined with a failed continuity test, it’s a strong sign of internal damage.
The Diagnosis: A Grounded Compressor
Our tests showed the compressor was grounded. This means the internal electrical windings had shorted out and were now touching the compressor’s metal casing, creating a direct path to ground.
When a compressor is grounded:
❌ It can’t start or run.
❌ The refrigerator stops cooling entirely.
❌ The system may trip electrical breakers or fuses.
❌ The compressor must be replaced.
At IW Coffee, this diagnosis explained why the refrigerator was warm — and why the compressor remained silent despite power reaching it.
Why Compressors Become Grounded
Several common causes can lead to a grounded compressor:
♦ High Acid Levels: Acid in the refrigerant can damage the protective lacquer on the compressor windings.
♦ Overheating: Poor airflow, dirty coils, or low refrigerant levels can cause excessive heat.
♦ Electrical Surges: Power issues or lightning strikes can short compressor windings.
♦ Moisture Contamination: Moisture in the system can corrode electrical parts.
Without routine maintenance, these issues can go unnoticed until a sudden failure occurs.
How We Solved the Problem
At IW Coffee, our next steps included:
✅ Confirming the compressor was grounded and needed replacement.
✅ Quoting a replacement solution tailored for their table refrigerator.
✅ Educating the client on preventative maintenance to help avoid similar failures in the future.
Preventing Compressor Failures
Here’s how businesses can help protect their refrigeration systems:
♦ Schedule regular maintenance for cleaning coils and checking refrigerant levels.
♦ Replace worn filters and monitor system pressures.
♦ Use proper service practices to keep moisture out of the system.
♦ Have electrical systems checked for surges or voltage imbalances.
Commercial Refrigeration Experts Serving Indian Wells & Beyond
At American Cool, Heat, Air & Commercial Refrigeration, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing commercial refrigeration equipment of all types — from small café refrigerators to large walk-in coolers and freezers.
Whether you’re running a coffee shop like IW Coffee or managing a large restaurant or hotel, we’re here to keep your equipment reliable and efficient.
Need Fast Commercial Refrigerator Repair?
Don’t let a broken fridge disrupt your business. Contact us today for expert service!
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Palm Desert, CA, 92211
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