Q. Regarding the use of modern fridges on Shabbos, how can I find out if our fridge is okay to use or not? What do I do if there’s no switch to disable the fan/motor? Should our family buy a new fridge?

A. In order to achieve greater energy savings Refrigerator Manufacturers now are turning to LEDs for lighting and microprocessors to reduce the energy consumption of appliances.

Most modern refrigerators now contain hidden magnetic sensors to detect the opening of doors, activate lights and other functions that are not visible.
In some cases there are sensors that activate when the crisper drawers are opened. They regulate temperatures as needed for the items stored.

On question 2341 regarding using on Shabbos a modern fridge that has a set of LED lights which go on when the fridge is opened, we wrote: “Regarding the fridge that does not seem to have a switch to tape over and disable the LED lights during Shabbos, your best bet is to get the make and model and google to find if it has a Shabbos mode and what are the instructions to set it up.

If you cannot figure out how to set the Shabbos mode, you may try the manufacturers customer service – they might have to send a technician to install the Shabbos mode or show you how to use it. (It should be free).
If no Shabbos mode is available, you may try to find out if the switch is of the magnetic kind and where it is located. You will have to slide a strong magnet on all sides of the doors edge, until the light goes off – mark that spot. You may be able to keep it on the off position with a magnetic strip. Most likely you will need a strong and bigger magnet, that you can still tape and attach.
On Star K. 0rg, the following is mentioned: “Numerous models are now using magnetic door switches instead of the mechanical, spring plunger switches. Avoid these models. If you already have such a model you may disable it by locating the switch with a strong magnet, then taping the magnet over it. The magnet must be flat enough not to interfere with the door gasket sealing properly when you close the fridge. To locate the switch, check the outside top of the refrigerator – there may be a plunger switch located there. Or, you may find a magnetic switch, somewhere along the refrigerator’s inside frame, around the sides or at the top of the fridge.
You should also consult with the Technical Department of the fridge manufacturing company or a with a knowledgeable repair technician familiar with these issues on the particular settings of your fridge.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a