The situation when the refrigerator Beko stops freezing, but continues to hum or, conversely, is silent, often confuses the owner. In most cases, the cause of a sudden failure of the compressor or its inability to start is a broken starting relay. This small device is responsible for supplying a starting impulse to the engine, and without it, normal operation of the unit is impossible. Understanding exactly where it is located and what it looks like is the first step to self-repair.
Owners often confuse the relay with a thermostat or control unit, but structurally it is located directly on the compressor. Modern models Beko (series RCNK, RCNE, CNE) have a standard layout, similar to other brands, but may differ in the type of fastening and the shape of the contacts. It is important to understand that diagnosing this part does not require complex equipment, but requires compliance with safety precautions when working with electricity.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm for searching, dismantling and checking the starting device. You will learn how to distinguish a burnt part from a working one, what tools are needed for replacement, and what to pay attention to in order not to damage the compressor tubes. The right approach will allow you to return the equipment to life without calling a technician, saving time and budget.
Design and principle of operation of the starting device
The starting relay in refrigerators Beko performs a critical function: it supplies voltage to the starting winding of the compressor only at the moment of start. As soon as the engine reaches the required speed, the relay opens the starting winding circuit, and the unit continues to operate on the main one. If this mechanism jams or burns out, the compressor either does not start at all, makes clicking noises, or hums, but does not start, which often leads to thermal protection.
There are two main types of relays used in technology Beko: posistor (PTC) and induction. In modern models, posistor devices are most often found, which do not have moving mechanical parts. Inside them there is a ceramic element (posistor), which, when heated by current, sharply increases its resistance, actually breaking the circuit. Induction relays operate due to an electromagnetic field and a moving core, which makes them more susceptible to mechanical damage.
It is important to note that the relay often comes in conjunction with thermal protection relay, which looks like a tablet or a small box that is placed directly on the contacts of the compressor. These two elements can be combined into one housing or be separate. When diagnosing, it is often necessary to change the entire assembly, since their service life is approximately the same, and the failure of one element often indicates the imminent death of another.
- 🔹 PTC relays do not make clicks during operation, unlike induction ones, which makes them quieter.
- 🔹 The thermal protection relay is triggered when the compressor overheats or during a current overload, opening the circuit.
- 🔹 The relay body is always marked with technical characteristics, such as voltage and type of freon.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to start the refrigerator compressor Beko directly, bypassing relays and thermal protection. This can lead to instant burnout of the motor windings or a fire due to overheating of the wiring.
The exact location of the relay on Beko units
To find the relay on the refrigerator Beko, you do not need to disassemble the entire unit or remove the back panel of the camera. All necessary components are located at the bottom of the device, in the compressor compartment. To access them, simply move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the back metal cover that covers the motor-compressor. In some models, especially built-in ones, access may be limited and you will need to remove the bottom plinth or decorative panel.
Directly on the body of the black cylindrical compressor, in its upper or side part (depending on the model), you will see a plastic box. This is the node we are looking for. On refrigerators Beko with two compressors (for separate cooling of the chambers), relays will be installed on each of the engines. They are usually covered with a plastic casing, which is secured with latches or screws.
Before removing the part, be sure to photograph the position of the wires and the box itself. This will help avoid assembly errors, since the contacts may look the same, but have different purposes. Also pay attention to the color of the wires: usually the phase wire is brown or red, and the grounding is yellow-green.
The location of the relay may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. In older models Beko the relay could be placed on a separate board or mounted on the side, but in 95% of cases it is located in close proximity to the contact group of the compressor. If you see three copper pins protruding, covered with a plastic cap with wires, you are on the right track.
Fault diagnosis: symptoms and testing
Understanding the symptoms allows you to determine with a high degree of probability that the problem lies in the starting relay. The most characteristic sign is a cyclic repetition of the process: the refrigerator turns on, there is a loud click, the compressor hums for several seconds, then another click follows, and the unit goes silent. After some time, the cycle repeats. This means that the thermal protection relay turns off the engine due to the impossibility of starting.
Another symptom is a complete lack of response when turned on, although the light in the chamber is on. In this case, the relay could burn out so much that the circuit was completely broken. Also, a malfunction may be indicated by a burning smell in the compressor area or visible melting on the body of the plastic box. Sometimes the relay “sticks” in the on state, which leads to constant operation of the starting winding and overheating.
For accurate diagnostics, you need to ring the part with a multimeter. The removed relay is disassembled (if it is composite) or checked as a whole. A posistor in a cold state should have a low resistance (several tens of Ohms), and when heated, it should go to infinity. If the multimeter shows zero or infinity when cold, the part is faulty.
How to test a posistor without a multimeter?
If you don’t have a tester, you can gently shake the relay. If something rattles inside or you can hear the ringing of a ceramic element, it means that the posistor is destroyed and requires replacement. However, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee, since the element may be intact inside, but not conduct current.
Visual inspection also provides a lot of information. Pay attention to the color of the plastic: if it turns black or deformed, this is a result of overheating. The contacts inside should not be oxidized or covered with carbon deposits. If you find traces of soot, this may indicate that the problem was not only in the relay, but also in poor contact of the terminals on the compressor.
Instructions for replacing the start relay
Replacing the relay on the refrigerator Beko is a procedure that is accessible even to a beginner if you act carefully. The main rule: all work is carried out only after the device is completely disconnected from the power supply. Unplug the power cord and wait 10-15 minutes for the capacitors to discharge and the compressor to cool down. This will protect you from electric shock and burns.
First remove the rear cover of the compressor compartment. Then carefully remove the plastic casing from the relay itself. You need to disconnect the wires going to the contacts. It is best to mark them with a marker or take a photo so as not to confuse the polarity during installation. After this, the relay is simply pulled off the three pins of the compressor. It can fit tightly, so a slight rocking from side to side is allowed, but without jerking, so as not to break the tubes.
The new relay is installed in the reverse order. It is important to select a part with identical characteristics. There is always a marking on the body of the old relay, for example 18-220V or manufacturer code Danfoss, Sic. Install the new part on the pins all the way, connect the wires and return the protective casing to its place.
☑️ Checklist for replacing the relay
After assembly, do not rush to load the products. Turn on the refrigerator and listen: the compressor should start with a characteristic hum, then go into quiet operation. If after 5-10 minutes the back wall inside the chamber begins to warm up (or get colder, depending on the mode), and the condenser tubes at the back heat up, then the replacement was successful.
Compatibility and relay characteristics table
When choosing a spare part, it is important to focus not only on the brand of the refrigerator, but also on the parameters of the compressor itself. Different models Beko can be equipped with motors from different manufacturers (LG, Danfoss, Secop), and their relays may differ in housing shape and current characteristics.
| Relay type | Compatible compressors | Characteristic sound | Visual sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | Secop, Danfoss (modern) | Silent | Black or white plastic, no moving parts parts |
| Induction | LG, old Beko models | Loud click | Metal or plastic case with a hole at the bottom |
| Combined | Universal kits | Click | Contains both a posistor and thermal protection in one block |
| Thermal (separate) | All types | Click when overheated | Tablet placed on the contacts |
If you cannot find the original relay Beko, installing universal analogues is acceptable. The main thing is that the power range (indicated in Watts or Amps) matches the power of your compressor. This information is also indicated on the compressor nameplate or on the old relay.
⚠️ Attention: Using a relay with the wrong power range (too powerful or weak) will result in it either not turning off the starting winding (the compressor will burn out), or it will not be able to start the engine (it will click).
Frequent repair mistakes and useful tips
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself. Even a new relay will not work if the pins are oxidized. Before installing a new part, it is recommended to carefully clean the compressor contacts with fine sandpaper or a file, being careful not to damage them or drop chips inside.
Another mistake is trying to repair a burnt-out relay by shorting the contacts or knocking out the insides. This "temporary solution" often leads to the permanent death of the compressor. The start relay is a consumable item, and its price is not commensurate with the cost of a new refrigerator or motor repair.
It is also worth considering that frequent power surges in the network are the main reason for relay failure. If your area has unstable electricity, after repairs it makes sense to think about installing a voltage stabilizer for your refrigerator. This will extend the life not only of the relay, but also of all electronics Beko.
Questions and answers on relay repair
Is it possible to start a refrigerator Beko without a relay?
Technically, you can start a compressor without a relay using a button or an external circuit, but the refrigerator will not work in this mode. The relay is necessary to disconnect the starting winding. Without it, the compressor will quickly burn out due to overheating of the starting winding, which is not designed for long-term operation.
Why does the new relay click, but the refrigerator does not freeze?
If the relay clicks, it means the circuit is closed, but the compressor does not start. This may indicate a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit, piston group wedge) or that a relay with the wrong power has been selected. It is also worth checking the voltage in the network.
Where to buy an original relay for Beko?
Original spare parts can be found in authorized service centers Beko or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. However, since relays often have standardized dimensions and characteristics, high-quality analogues from well-known manufacturers (Danfoss, Sic) are also suitable if the parameters match.
How often do you need to change the starting relay?
The service life of the relay is not strictly regulated and depends on the quality of the electrical network and the frequency of on-off cycles. On average, a high-quality relay lasts 5-10 years. Frequent replacements (once a year) indicate problems with the voltage in the network or a malfunction of the compressor itself.