California explosion: Refrigerator explodes violently, shattering 4 windows in CA home

[IcyPeas]

[Picture in link.]

The refrigerator inside a home erupted so violently, it shot up to the ceiling, and shattered at least four windows.
...
Investigators said they are still trying to figure out what caused the explosion. Jones said he had never seen anything like this before.

We discovered that the fridge was actually blown out from all sides, which is a sign of an actual explosion from the inside of the fridge, which is not a normal thing," Jones said.

Fire crews said there was no fire and no evidence of a honey oil lab operation or leaking gas that could have caused the explosion.

Had to look up honey oil.... it's hash oil.


https://abc7.com/refrigerator-fridge-explosion-california/11966102/

[Iggo]

1. I haven't heard it called honey oil in a long time.

A really long time, actually.

(EDIT: I also didn’t know it could blow up your fridge like that.)

[NotASurfer]

2. Propane refrigerator? n/t

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Occurred To Me, Too

I guessed somebody charged the compressor with the wrong gas. Or, it was an RV refrigerator which uses heat to compress the gas.
134A refrigerant does not burn. In fact, it's related to Halon which was used as a extinguishing agent.
Since they say there was no evidence of extraction work, I don't see a solvent explosion.
If it was a propane BLEVE, investigators will know in a hour or less. BLEVEs have very strong tells.

[SheltieLover]

3. Problem with neutral in elect panel?

[Goonch]

4. Reason Why Your Fridge EXPLODES

The main reason why your refrigerator explodes is due to its compressor- which is situated at the back of the unit. It consists of a pump and motor which pushes the refrigerant gas right through its coils. As this gas cools and changes into liquid, it absorbs the heat from the fridge unit and helps cool all the items inside.

But at times, the rear side of the refrigerator can get really hot as the refrigerant keeps moving through the compressor. And when this happens, it causes the condenser coils to contract. This traps the gas preventing it from venting out. And as more gas accumulating inside the compressor coil, with time, the pressure causes a dangerous explosion.............

https://www.commercialfridgerepairs.com.au/blog/what-causes-a-fridge-explosion-how-to-prevent-it/