Where to buy a relay for the Biryusa refrigerator: search, articles and replacement

The situation when a refrigerator Biryusa suddenly stops cooling, but the light is on inside, and the compressor either hums for a few seconds and goes silent, or does not make any sounds at all, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. In 90% of such cases, the culprit of the malfunction is starting relay a small but critical element of the compressor electrical circuit. Buying a new part seems like a simple solution, but the spare parts market is full of offers where it is easy to get confused about part numbers and compatibility.

An incorrectly selected relay can not only fail to start the engine, but also lead to more serious consequences, including burning out the compressor windings. That is why it is important to understand what types of relays exist for your model, how to correctly read the markings and where to look for original or high-quality analog spare parts. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of searching and purchasing this component.

Before you go shopping, you need to carry out an initial diagnosis. Often, users make the mistake of buying a part at random, relying only on the model of the refrigerator. However, over the years of production Biryusa it was equipped with different types of compressors and, accordingly, different starting devices. Accurate identification old parts are the key to successful repairs.

Types of starting relays for Biryusa equipment

Biryusa refrigerators, especially old-style models and modern versions, can be equipped with two main types of starting devices. The first type is RTK (Current-Contact Relay), which is often called a “tablet”. This device operates on the basis of heating a bimetallic plate with current and is more often found in older models or low-power compressors.

The second type is RTP (Starting Thermal Relay), which also belongs to the posistor type, but has a different housing and mounting design. There are also combined solutions and relays for inverter systems, although they are less common in classic Biryusa models. It is important to understand that RTK-1 and RTP-1 are not interchangeable parts in the literal sense, they have different operating logic and connection diagrams.

⚠️ Attention: Attempting to install a relay of a different type without changing the connection diagram may result in a short circuit or immediate failure of the new component. Always check the appearance and number of contacts.

Modern modifications can use European-made relays, such as Danfoss or Secop, which are installed at the factory during assembly. They are more compact in size and highly reliable. If your refrigerator is relatively new, most likely there is just such an option inside, which requires a specific approach to selecting an analogue.

How to determine the article number and compatibility

The most reliable way to find a suitable part is to dismantle the old relay and visually inspect the markings. There is always an alphanumeric code on the body of the product, which is its unique identifier. For Biryusa refrigerators, the most common markings are RTK-XX, RTP-XX or R-XX, where the numbers indicate the modification.

However, if the part is completely burned out and the marking is not readable, you can rely on the compressor model. The motor-compressor nameplate (located at the back of the refrigerator, at the bottom) indicates its type. Knowing the type of compressor, you can select a relay using the compatibility tables. For example, for compressors of the series SK one relay is suitable, and for ATLANT or Embraco, which were also installed on Biryusa, others are suitable.

Correspondence table of relays and compressors

Relays RTK-1, RTK-1-3 are suitable for compressors SKN-50, SKN-60. For ATLANT compressors (CJ, CT series) relays RTP-1, RTP-2 are used. For imported compressors, universal relays 60M, 13M or original Danfoss 101L0012 are often required.

It is also worth paying attention to the number of contacts. A standard relay for a single-phase compressor has three outputs, but there are models with additional contacts for thermal protection or temperature sensors. Visual comparison The shape of the case and the location of the pins with a photo in the store catalog will help to avoid mistakes.

Where to buy original spare parts and analogues

The question “where to buy a relay for a Biryusa refrigerator” has several answers, depending on your willingness to wait for delivery and desire to save money. Official service centers of the brand Biryusa (Krasnoyarsk Refrigerator Plant) offer original components. This guarantees full compliance, but the price may be higher than the market price, and availability in the warehouse is not always prompt.

Specialized online stores of spare parts for household appliances are the second most popular option. There is a wide range of both originals and proven analogues. Large sites allow you to filter products by refrigerator model, which greatly simplifies your search. Often here you can find rare items that have already been discontinued, but are available in residual warehouses.

• 🛒 Official service centers and brand stores.
• 🌐 Large online hypermarkets of spare parts with delivery to regions.
• 🏪 Local stores radio parts and components for repair.
• 📦 Marketplaces (Ozon, Wildberries, Yandex.Market) - a wide selection, but you need to carefully check the seller.

When purchasing on marketplaces, pay attention to the seller’s rating and reviews with photos. Often, under the guise of the original, they sell cheap Chinese copies of low quality, which fail after a month. Verified supplier is the key to long-term operation of the refrigerator.

Price range and cost factors

The cost of the starting relay for the Biryusa refrigerator varies widely. Simple domestic models such as RTK or RTP are inexpensive and available in almost any city. Their price is due to their simple design and mass production. More complex imported analogues or universal relays with protection are 2-3 times more expensive.

The price is also influenced by the region purchases. In remote areas, the markup of logistics companies can be up to 50% of the cost of the part itself. In such cases, it is more profitable to order several spare parts at once (for example, a relay and a thermostat) in order to amortize the delivery cost.

Checking the serviceability before buying a new one

Before spending money, make sure that the problem is in the relay. Sometimes the refrigerator does not turn on due to an open circuit or a malfunction of the compressor itself. The simplest test of the RTK relay is to “tap” it. If, when shaking, a ringing sound is heard inside (as if from broken ceramics), it means that the posistor is destroyed and the relay definitely requires replacement.

For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. In a cold state, the resistance between the main contacts should be close to zero (or several Ohms), and when heated (if current is applied) it should open. If the contacts are “stuck” in the closed state, the compressor will hum and overheat, trying to start.

Also inspect the compressor itself. If the three contacts on its terminals are covered with rust or carbon deposits, the new relay will burn out very quickly. In this case, it is necessary to clean the contacts or, as a last resort, replace them with new ones, if the design allows. Bad contact is the main cause of repeated breakdowns.

Instructions for replacement and first start

Replacing a relay - a procedure accessible to any home craftsman with a minimum set of tools. The main safety rule: de-energize the refrigerator before starting work. Unplug the cord from the socket and only then proceed to dismantle the compressor casing.

1. Remove the rear protective cover of the compressor (usually held on by latches or one screw).
2. Take a photo of the connection diagram of the old relay so as not to confuse it wires.
3. Remove the old relay from the compressor terminals. It may sit tightly, gently rock it from side to side.
4. Install the new relay, observing the orientation (usually the marking UP or TOP should face up).
5. Connect the wires according to the photo taken and secure casing.

After assembly, plug in the refrigerator. It is considered normal for the compressor to start 2-5 seconds after switching on, accompanied by a characteristic click. If the compressor hums for 3-5 seconds and turns off, perhaps the relay is not suitable for power or the starting current is too high. In this case, you will need to check the motor starting winding.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to install a relay from another manufacturer on Biryusa?

Yes, it is possible if the electrical characteristics (rated current, type of contacts) and geometric dimensions match. Often, relays from Atlant refrigerators or universal models are successfully installed on Biryusa, after first making sure that the terminals are compatible.

Why does a new relay burn out a week after replacement?

There may be several reasons: poor contact at the compressor terminals, an interturn short circuit in the motor winding, or unstable voltage in the network. It is also possible that a relay has been selected with a lower rated current than your compressor requires.

Where can you find the markings if they are erased on the relay?

If the markings are not readable, be guided by the compressor model (indicated on the sticker) and the number of contacts. It is best to take a photo of the part and show it to the seller in a specialized store or send the photo to the technical support of the online store.

How much does it cost to call a technician to replace the relay?

The cost of the technician’s work usually consists of the price of the part itself and the visit. On average, replacing a relay costs 1,500–3,000 rubles including spare parts, depending on the region and urgency. Replacing yourself saves these costs.