Brand refrigerators Indesit are deservedly popular due to their reliability and availability, however, even the highest quality equipment requires maintenance over time. One of the most vulnerable elements responsible for starting the engine is the start-protection relay. It is this small component that ensures the start of the compressor and protects the windings from overloads, breaking the circuit when critical currents are reached.
Understanding where it is start-up protection relayis the first and most important step for any owner who decides to independently diagnose the cause of the breakdown. If your refrigerator has stopped freezing, and the motor hums but does not start, or turns on for just a few seconds and immediately turns off, the problem most likely lies in this unit or in the compressor itself.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of the refrigeration unit Indesit and we will help you accurately determine the location of the relay without calling a technician. We will look at the different layout options specific to the different series and explain how to safely access the part for visual inspection or replacement.
⚠️ Attention: Any work related to the electrical components of the refrigerator should only be carried out after completely disconnecting the device from the power supply. Failure to comply with electrical safety rules can lead to electric shock.
Purpose and principle of operation of a start-up relay
Before starting to search for a part, it is necessary to clearly understand what exactly we are looking for and what function this element performs in the system. Start protection relay is a combined device that combines two important mechanism: starting relay and thermal protection relay. The starting component is responsible for briefly connecting the starting winding of the engine at the moment of start, creating the necessary torque.
Thermal protection, in turn, monitors the strength of the current passing through the compressor windings. If the current exceeds the permissible limits, which may indicate jamming of the piston group or an interturn short circuit, the bimetallic plate inside the relay heats up and opens the circuit. This prevents the burning of the expensive motor-compressor, which is the “heart” of your refrigerator Indesit.
Modern models are often equipped with more advanced electronic control systems, but classic induction relays with or without a posistor remain the standard for many series. It is the mechanical nature of these devices that makes them susceptible to wear: the contacts can burn out, and the bimetallic plate can lose its properties due to constant heating and cooling cycles.
Why do relays fail more often than other parts?
The main reason is high inrush currents and frequent power surges in the network. Each start of the compressor creates sparking inside the contacts, which gradually destroys their surface, increasing resistance and heating.
Typical location of the relay in Indesit refrigerators
In the vast majority of refrigerator models Indesit, regardless of their size and year of manufacture, the start-up relay is located directly on the compressor housing. The compressor is usually located at the lower rear of the unit, hidden behind a metal casing or open grille. The relay is placed directly on the terminals (contacts) of the motor windings.
Structurally, it looks like a plastic box in black or white, which is attached to the side or top of the cylindrical motor housing. Wires from the thermostat or electronic control module fit into this box. It is important to understand that the relay does not hang in the air and is not attached to the walls of the refrigerator case - its place is strictly fixed on the engine itself.
Sometimes access to the relay can be difficult due to the design features of the back wall or the presence of additional protective panels. In some models Indesit with a system No Frost or an increased volume of the freezer compartment, the compressor can be recessed deeper into the niche, which requires a more careful approach when dismantling the protective casing.
Step-by-step instructions for accessing the compressor
In order to get to the place where start-up relayis located, you will need to perform a number of preparatory steps. First, move the refrigerator away from the wall, giving yourself clear access to the back panel. Make sure that the floor under the legs is dry and stable so that the equipment does not wobble during operation.
Next, you need to remove the protective casing of the compressor compartment. Depending on the model Indesit, it can be secured with latches or pressed with screws. If you see screws around the perimeter of the metal plate, carefully remove them with a Phillips screwdriver. If there are no screws, the plate is held on by plastic latches - in this case, you need to lightly press the latches and remove the cover.
After removing the protection, a black cylindrical tank will open to your attention - this is the compressor. The relay will be attached to its terminals. In some cases, the relay may be approached by wires running through a plastic clamp or clip, which will also need to be carefully released in order to be able to remove the part for inspection.
☑️ Algorithm for accessing the relay
⚠️ Attention: When removing the protective casing, be careful with the copper tubes coming from the compressor. They are thin and easily deformed, and their damage will lead to refrigerant leakage and expensive repairs.
Visual identification and types of relays
When you get to the compressor, you will see a device on its terminals, which is the element you are looking for. On refrigerators Indesit most often there are relays produced by Indesit Company, Danfoss (now Secop) or Start. They may look like a small black plastic parallelepiped or a more complex design with a visible coil inside a transparent case.
The relay body must be marked with technical specifications: voltage (usually 220-240V), frequency (50/60 Hz) and, most importantly, permissible current or type of compatible compressor. This data is critically important when selecting a replacement, since installing a relay with inappropriate parameters can lead to failure of the new compressor.
Pay attention to the condition of the external contacts and wires. If you see traces of soot, melted plastic, or smell a burning smell coming from the relay, this is a sure sign that the part requires replacement. Also, the relay can make a characteristic rattling sound if the ceramic posistor tablet inside is broken or the coil is damaged.
| Parameter | Induction relay | Relay with posistor | Electronic relay |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Operating principle | Electromagnetic tripping | Heating a ceramic element | Microcircuit control |
| Appearance | Often with visible coil | Compact black block | Plastic block with wires |
| Noise during operation | The shutdown click is heard | Almost silent | Silent |
| Failure rate | Average | High (due to power surges) | Low |
| Compatibility | Old Indesit models | Most modern models | Premium series |
Diagnosing relay faults
Just knowing where it is start-up relayis not enough - you need to be able to determine whether it is working properly. The simplest diagnostic method is visual inspection and a “shaking test”. Remove the relay from the compressor terminals (after unplugging the refrigerator from the mains!) and shake it strongly near your ear.
If you hear a distinct knocking or rattling sound inside the relay, similar to the sound of a rattlesnake, then the ceramic posistor tablet has cracked. Such a relay will not work and must be replaced. However, the absence of sound does not guarantee serviceability - the contacts could simply burn out and stick.
For more accurate diagnostics, you will need a multimeter. Switch the device to continuity testing mode and check the contacts. In a cold state, the resistance of the posistor should be low (about 30-50 Ohms). If the multimeter shows an open circuit or, conversely, a short circuit, the part is faulty. Also check the thermal protection - it should “ring” when cold and open when heated.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the refrigerator still does not start or knocks out the machine in the panel, the problem may not be in the relay, but in the compressor itself (interturn short circuit) or in the wiring. Further diagnostics require a qualified electrician.
Replacing the start-up relay with your own hands
The process of replacing the relay on refrigerators Indesit is technically simple, but requires care. Once you have purchased a new part with identical markings, make sure it is oriented correctly. There are markings on the relay body and on the compressor terminals: R (Run - working winding), S (Start - starting winding) and C (Common - common wire).
Align the relay holes with the terminals compressor. They should fit tightly and with light force. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the ceramic terminal insulators. The relay must sit vertically on its terminals as indicated on its body (usually with an upward arrow) for the thermal protection mechanism to work correctly.
After installing the relay, connect the wires, secure them in the terminal block or clamp if they were removed. Replace the compressor compartment protective cover and secure it. Only after complete assembly can you turn on the refrigerator and listen to how the startup went.
Successful starting is characterized by a confident hum of the motor and a subsequent quiet click (if the relay is inductive) after 1-3 seconds, after which the engine continues to run smoothly. If you hear a series of clicks every few seconds, but the cold does not appear, it means that the problem is not solved or the compressor is faulty.
Frequent errors during replacement and operation
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the reasons that caused the relay to break down. If the relay burns out due to a power surge, simply replacing the part without installing a stabilizer can lead to a repeat of the situation. Also, technicians often forget to check the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself, which could have oxidized.
Another mistake is using a relay “at random”, just to fit the seats. Different models Indesit can be equipped with compressors of different powers, and a relay designed for a lower current will burn out instantly, and one designed for a higher current will not turn off the motor in an accident. Always check the markings.
You should also not neglect cleanliness in the compressor compartment. Dust, fluff and pet hair accumulate on the relay coil and motor housing and impair heat dissipation. This leads to overheating and premature failure of both the relay and the compressor itself. Regular cleaning of the back wall prolongs the life of the equipment.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can close the contacts for direct start, but this is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fire or permanent breakdown of the compressor. This can only be done for short-term diagnostics by an experienced technician.
Is it possible to replace the relay on an Indesit refrigerator with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Yes, it is possible, but only if the electrical characteristics (current, voltage) and geometric dimensions of the seats match. It is important that the analog matches the type of compressor (low-speed or high-speed).
Why does the new relay click, but the refrigerator does not turn on?
This may indicate that the compressor is jammed (mechanical failure inside the motor) or an interturn short circuit has occurred in the windings. Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the thermostat, which does not give a start command, although the relay is trying to operate.
How long does a start-protection relay last on average?
The average service life of a high-quality relay is 5-7 years of active operation. However, with frequent voltage fluctuations in the network or unstable operation of the electrical network, this period can be reduced to 2-3 years.
Is it necessary to solder the wires when replacing the relay?
In most cases on refrigerators Indesit the relay is connected through connectors or a terminal block, and soldering is not possible required. However, if the wires are burned out or the terminals are melted, you may need to strip the contacts and use connecting sleeves.