Samsung refrigerator relay: where to look and how not to confuse it with other parts

When a refrigerator Samsung suddenly stops freezing, but the light inside is on, the first thought is a problem with the compressor. However, in 60% of cases, it is not the “heart” of the unit itself that is to blame, but the small relay that starts its operation. Finding this part yourself is not difficult if you know exact guidelines and the differences between the models. But here lies the catch: in refrigerators Samsung the relay can be hidden in unexpected places - from open access on the back wall to “walled up” in a polyurethane foam case.

This article will help you avoid common mistakes: you will learn how distinguish a start-up relay from a thermostat or fan relaywhere exactly to look for it in popular series (for example, RL-34E or RB-30 J3200), and why in models with the system No Frost sometimes you have to disassemble half of the refrigerator. We will also look at what tools are needed to access the part and how not to damage the freon line.

What is a relay in a refrigerator and why is it needed

Relay in a refrigerator Samsung is electromechanical or electronic switchthat performs two key functions:

• 🔌 Start the compressor: it supplies voltage to the motor winding at the moment of switching on, creating the necessary starting current.
• 🛡️ Overheat protection: turns off the power if the compressor winding begins to overheat (for example, due to jamming or power surges).

In older models (before 2010) were installed separate relays: starting (with capacitor) and protective (thermal). In modern refrigerators Samsung (series RB, RS, Bespoke), these functions are combined into one compact module a start-up protection relay (PPR). It is easy to recognize by its characteristic rectangular shape with terminals for connecting to the compressor and the network cable.

Why does the relay fail more often than other parts? The reasons are typical:

• ⚡ Voltage surges in the network (especially important for houses with old wiring).
• 🕰️ Natural wear of contacts after 5–7 years of operation.
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor due to a clogged capillary tube or leak freon.

Where is the relay located in Samsung refrigerators: 3 main options

The location of the relay depends on refrigerator models, it series and even year of manufacture. We will analyze the three most common scenarios, covering 90% of devices Samsung on the market.

1. On the compressor (classic circuit)

In most models (RL-34E, RB-29 FERNC, RT-25 HAR4 etc.), the relay is mounted directly to the compressor housing on the side or on top. It is easy to identify by:

• 🔧 Rectangular plastic case (usually black or gray).
• 🔌 Three terminals for connecting wires (power cable, compressor winding, grounding).
• 🔊 A characteristic click when turning the refrigerator on/off.

To get to the relay:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
2. Remove the bottom protective panel (it is attached to latches or screws).
3. The relay will be located on the side of the compressor (cylindrical black tank).

How to distinguish a relay from a capacitor?

A capacitor is a round or oval element (usually aluminum), soldered to the relay or installed separately. It is needed to create a starting impulse. The relay always has a housing with terminals for wires.

2. Inside the electronic module (models with a display)

In premium series refrigerators (RS-552NRUA1, Bespoke RF23) there can be a relay integrated into the control board (for example, in the module DA97-10489A). In this case, it looks like a small chip or a group of transistors, and it is impossible to replace it separately - the entire unit must be replaced.

Signs of this design:

• 📱 The presence of a touch screen or digital control panel.
• 🔌 No separate “box” on the compressor (only wires going to the board).
• 🛠️ In the service menu (called by buttons Power Cool + Power Freeze) errors like E-01 or E-05.

3. Hidden under the foam (No Frost models) In refrigerators with a system, the relay is sometimes mounted on the back wall. This complicates access, as it requires careful opening of the case.

In refrigerators with a system No Frost (RB-30 J3200, RT-43K6000) relays are sometimes mounted inside polyurethane foam insulation back wall. This complicates access, as it requires careful opening of the case.

How to understand that the relay is hidden under the foam:

• 🔍 There is no separate module on the compressor, only wires going up.
• 🔧 The instructions mention a “built-in relay” or Internal Relay.
• 🛠️ When disassembling the back panel, you can see a foam layer with a plastic box inside.

⚠️ Attention: when opening the foam, use a sharp knife and a vacuum cleaner - small particles polyurethane foam are toxic when inhaled and can clog the capillary tube of the compressor.

Step-by-step instructions: how to get to the relay in a Samsung refrigerator

Before you start disassembling, prepare the tools:

Phillips screwdriver (PH2) and flat (3 mm)|Pliers with insulated handles|Multimeter (for checking contacts)|Flashlight or table lamp|Vacuum cleaner (for cleaning dust and foam particles)-->

Now let's start disassembling. The algorithm depends on the type of relay location:

If the relay is on the compressor (option 1)

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and move it 50-60 cm from the wall.

2. Remove the bottom decorative panel (it is attached to 2-4 screws or latches). In some models (RL-33E), the panel moves to the left after the latches are released.

3. Disconnect the wires from the relay (it is better to photograph their location!). The terminals are usually marked:

   • L — phase (mains wire).
   • M or C — common winding of the compressor.
   • S — starting winding.

Unscrew the screws securing relay to the compressor (usually 1-2 pieces).

If the relay is hidden under foam (option 3)

1. Remove the top cover of the refrigerator (unscrew the screws from the back).

2. Detach the plastic back panel (it may be on latches or screws under decorative plugs).

3. Find a foam block with a plastic box inside on the back wall - this is the relay. Carefully cut the foam with a knife along the contour of the box (not more than 2 cm deep!).

4. Remove the relay, having first disconnected the wires. Be careful: they may pass under the foam freon tubes —they must not be damaged!

⚠️ Attention: in models Samsung with a system Twin Cooling Plus (two compressor) relay may be separate for each section (refrigeration and freezer). Check both!

How to check a Samsung refrigerator relay with a multimeter

Before replacing the relay, make sure that it is the problem. To do this, you will need a multimeter (even a budget model for 500 rubles will do). Follow the algorithm:

1. Switch the multimeter to resistance test mode (ohmmeter) to the limit 200 Ohm.

2. Remove the relay from the compressor and find the starting (S) and working (M or C) windings.

3. Connect the probes to the terminals S i M:

   • 🔹 If the resistance 0 Ohm —the winding is closed (relay faulty).
   • 🔹 If the resistance infinity (OL) is an open circuit (also a breakdown).
   • 🔹 Normal value: 20–50 Ohm (depending on the compressor model).

Check the contact between L and M in the off state: there should be resistance infinite. If there is continuity, the relay is “stuck” and requires replacement.

For more accurate diagnostics, you can check compressor consumption current:

1. Connect the refrigerator to the network via a multimeter in ammeter mode (limit 10 A).
2. When the compressor starts, the current should briefly rise to 1.5–2.5 A, and then stabilize at the level 0.5–1 A.
3. If the current exceeds 3 A or jumps - the relay is faulty.

Has mechanical control (knobs)|Has electronic control (display)|With No Frost system|With Twin Cooling Plus system (two compressors)|I don’t know the model-->

Table: where is the relay located in popular Samsung models

To save time, we collected data on the most common series. If your model is not in the table, focus on year of manufacture and type of cooling system.

Refrigerator model	System type	Year of manufacture	Relay location	Features
RL-34E, RL-38E	Drip	2010–2016	On the side of the compressor	The relay is black, attached to 1 screw. The capacitor is separate.
RB-29 FERNC, RB-30 J3200	No Frost	2015–2020	Under the foam of the back wall	The relay is required in a plastic box.
RS-552NRUA1, RS-62R5001	No Frost + display	2018–2023	In the electronic module	Replacement only with the board. Module code: DA97-10489A.
Bespoke RF23, RF65	Twin Cooling Plus	2021–2026	Two relays: on each compressor	Gray relay, marking PTC-120.
RT-25 HAR4, RT-43K6000	Drip/No Frost	2012–2019	On a compressor or under foam	In models before 2015 - on a compressor, after - under foam.

⚠️ Attention: in refrigerators Samsung with inverter compressors (series Digital Inverter), the relay may be absent altogether - its functions are performed by an electronic controller. Check the compressor marking: if there is an inscription Inverter, do not look for the relay!

How to replace the relay in a Samsung refrigerator: compatibility and analogues

If diagnostics have confirmed that the relay is faulty, it needs to be replaced. Here it is important to select exact analogue or a compatible model. Focus on:

• 🔧 Markings on the relay body (for example, DANFOSS 103N0012 or SAMSUNG DA32-00003B).
• 📏 Dimensions and location of terminals (they must match the original).
• 🔌 Rated current (indicated on the compressor label, for example, 1.2 A).

The table below shows popular relays and their analogues:

Original relay (Samsung)	Analogs	Suitable for models	Notes
DA32-00003B	DANFOSS 103N0012, EMBRACO ER2225	RL-34E, RB-29 FERNC	Requires soldering of the capacitor (if it is external).
DA97-05494A	SENSATA 3MP15-01, LG 6871W1M004A	RS-552NRUA1, Bespoke RF23	Only for inverter compressors.
PTC-120	STARTCO SCR-120, ASCO R-120	RT-43K6000, RB-30 J3200	Comes with a thermal fuse.

Where to buy relay:

• 🛒 Official Samsung service centers —original parts, but expensive (from 1,500 rubles).
• 🌍 Online stores (for example, AliExpress, eBay) - cheaper (from 300 rubles), but the risk of running into counterfeit.
• 🔧 Stores of spare parts for refrigerators (for example, 220-volt.ru, holod-remont.ru) - the best option in terms of price/quality.

Typical mistakes when replacing a relay and how to avoid them

Replacing a relay seems like a simple procedure, but even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes:

1. The wires are mixed up when connecting. Consequences: the compressor works in the opposite direction (if you confuse S and M) or does not start at all.

   ⚠️ Attention: models Samsung with the system No Frost the wires are often marked non-standard. Always check the diagram in the instructions!

2. Using a relay with a different rated current. For example, putting a relay on 1.5 A instead of 2.5 A. and repeated breakdown.

3. Forgot to check the capacitor. If the capacitor is faulty, the new relay will quickly fail. Check it with a multimeter (the resistance should drop from OL to zero when connecting the probes).

4. Damage to freon tubes when opening the foam. This is the most expensive mistake - repairs will cost 5-10 thousand rubles.

To avoid problems, follow the checklist:

Disconnected the refrigerator from the network and discharged the capacitor (short circuit its terminals with a screwdriver with an insulated handle)|Took a picture of the location of the wires before disconnecting|Checked the new relay with a multimeter (the resistance between S and M should be 20–50 Ohms)|Made sure that the capacitor is working (if it is external)|Fixed the relay on the compressor without distortions (the screws are tightened, but not pinched)-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about relays in Samsung refrigerators

Is it possible to repair the relay yourself without buying a new one?

In most cases, no, the relay is a sealed module, and Attempting to repair it at home (for example, cleaning the contacts) will give a temporary solution. effect. Exception: if the problem is oxidized terminals —they can be cleaned with sandpaper (P120) and treated with alcohol.

How to understand that the relay has burned out and not the compressor?

Main signs of a relay malfunction:

• The refrigerator turns on for a few seconds and turns off with a click.
• The compressor hums, but does not start (you can hear it “trying” to start).
• The relay body heats up (you can check by hand after turning off the power).

If the compressor shows no signs of life at all (no hum, clicks), the problem is most likely in it or in a broken winding.

How much does it cost to replace the relay in a service center?

The cost depends on the model and region:

• Replacement of the relay on the compressor: 1500–2500 rubles. (with spare part).
• Replacement of the relay under the foam: 2500–4000 rub. (requires disassembly of the housing).
• Replacement of the electronic module (if the relay is on the board): 5000–8000 rub.

Independent replacement will cost 300–1500 rubles. (price relay) + tools.

What will happen if you do not change the faulty relay?

Ignoring the problem will lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating and failure of the compressor (repair will cost 8–15 thousand. rub.).
• ❄️ Loss of products due to lack of cooling.
• ⚡ Fire hazardous situation (in rare cases, a faulty relay can cause a short circuit).

Is it possible to use a relay from another refrigerator (for example, LG or Atlant)?

Absolutely not, if the parameters do not match! The relays must match in:

• Rated current (indicated on the compressor label).
• Type of mounting (dimensions and location of pins).
• Presence/absence of a built-in thermal fuse.

Exception: some relays DANFOSS and EMBRACO are universal and suitable for different brands (for example, 103N0012But before purchasing, check compatibility with the seller!