Sudden cessation of operation of refrigeration equipment or uncharacteristic clicks often indicate a malfunction of the trigger mechanism. Owners of equipment Ariston when trying to independently diagnose, wonder where exactly this node is located and how to get to it. The start relay is a critical element of the electrical circuit responsible for starting the compressor, and its failure requires immediate attention.
The location of this component is not a secret, but access to it may be difficult due to the design features of a particular model. In most cases, the relay is mounted directly on the side or bottom of the motor-compressor housing. To carry out a visual inspection or replacement, you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator; it will be enough to gain access to the rear lower part of the unit.
Before proceeding with active actions, you need to turn off the power to the device and prepare the necessary tools. Understanding how the starting system works will help you avoid mistakes during dismantling. Electrical safety is a primary rule, ignoring which can lead to serious consequences for the master and the equipment itself.
Design features of the starting relay
Starting relay in refrigerators Ariston is a compact device that is often combined with a thermal protective relay in one housing. Inside this small plastic block there are contacts and a sensing element that responds to current strength. When the compressor starts, the current in the winding is high, which causes the relay starting circuit to close.
As soon as the motor rotor begins to rotate, the current drops and the mechanism opens the contacts of the starting winding. If this process is disrupted, the compressor will either not start at all or will hum while trying to turn the shaft. Inside the case there may be a coil with a core or a posistor, depending on the type of triggering technology used.
It is important to distinguish between relay types, since they are not always interchangeable even within the same brand. There are models with vertical and horizontal contacts, as well as differing in the number of pins. Thermal protection, often built into the same unit, serves as a fuse against overheating of the motor windings during prolonged operation or jamming.
⚠️ Attention: Some relay models have a specific installation orientation, indicated by an "UP" or "DOWN" arrow. Installing the part in the wrong position may result in the mechanism not opening the circuit, which will cause the compressor to burn out.
A visually serviceable relay should not have melting, cracks or a characteristic burning smell. However, external integrity does not guarantee the serviceability of internal contacts. Often a test with a multimeter is required to accurately diagnose the state of conductivity and the operation of the switching mechanism.
The exact location of the unit in the refrigerator
To find the relay, you need to go to the back wall of the refrigerator Ariston. At the bottom of the case, closer to the floor, there is a compressor - a black metal barrel. It is to its body on one side (most often the left, when viewed from the rear) that a plastic container or box is attached, in which the desired part is hidden.
In some older models, access may be partially blocked by a decorative panel or protective casing covering the compressor area. Modern lines Indesit and Ariston often use an open layout, where all elements are visible immediately after removing the back mesh or simply when moving the unit away from the wall.
The relay is always located in close proximity to the compressor terminals, since the length of the connecting wires is minimal. This is dictated by the need to reduce resistance and ensure reliable engine starting. If you see wires going from the black barrel to a small box, then you are on the right track.
Sometimes the relay can be hidden under a layer of dust or dirt accumulated over years of operation. Before removal, it is recommended to carefully clean the surface around the compressor so that debris does not get inside the electrical contacts during dismantling. Cleanliness of the work area will make it easier to find small fasteners.
Algorithm for dismantling and accessing the part
The process of removing the start relay requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. The first step should always be to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. After this, you need to move the unit, providing free access to the rear panel.
Next, remove the compressor protective cover, if provided by the design. It can be secured with latches or screws. After removing the protection, you will see the compressor itself and the relay box attached to it. To dismantle, you must perform the following steps:
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the connector with the wires going from the relay to the main board or thermostat.
- 🛠️ Remove the retaining bracket or frame that holds the relay to the compressor housing (if there is one).
- 🧤 Pull the relay off the three pins of the compressor, slightly rocking it from side to side.
- 👀 Inspect the inside of the block for oxidation or burning of the contacts.
Often the relay is simply put on the contacts of the compressor and is fixed due to the tightness of the fit and the plastic frame. Do not use excessive force as plastic parts become brittle over time. If the part cannot be removed, check for hidden fasteners or screws.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling the relay
After removing the part, it is necessary to carry out an external inspection. Plastic melting or blackening of the internal part indicates an overload or short circuit. In such cases, replacement is necessary, even if the mechanism seems to be moving.
Diagnostics and signs of malfunction
You can understand that the problem lies in the start relay by the characteristic signs of the refrigerator. Most often, the device stops freezing, and the compressor is either silent or makes short humming sounds. These symptoms indicate that the engine cannot switch to operating mode.
One of the most obvious signs is the frequent turning on and off of the motor with a characteristic click. This triggers thermal protection, which turns off the power, preventing the windings from burning out. If the relay is stuck in the closed state, the compressor may operate continuously, causing the housing to become very hot.
For accurate diagnostics, use a multimeter in continuity mode. Check continuity between contacts. Depending on the type of relay (with a coil or a posistor), the resistance must be either zero or correspond to the value specified in the technical documentation.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clicks every 5-10 seconds | Faulty start relay | Replacing the relay |
| Humming without starting | Stuck contacts or compressor | Checking the relay and compressor |
| The compressor is hot, does not work | Thermal protection has tripped | Cooling and checking the circuit |
| The refrigerator does not turn on | Open circuit in the relay | Checking contacts |
It is also worth checking the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself. If they are oxidized or burnt, a simple relay will not solve the problem. In this case, you will need to clean the contacts or use a special spray for electrical connections.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor continues to hum and does not start, the engine itself may be faulty or the freon circuit is leaking. Further operation in this mode is dangerous.
Rules for selecting and installing a new part
When purchasing a new relay for a refrigerator Ariston it is critical to consider the labeling of the old device. The manufacturer's code and technical parameters are always marked on the body of the part. The matching part number guarantees full compatibility and proper operation of the starting system.
Universal relays exist, but their installation requires careful study of the connection diagram, which is usually printed on the case or included in the kit. Incorrect connection can lead to immediate failure of the new component or damage to the compressor. Model compatibility is a key factor in successful repair.
Installation is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Make sure the compressor pins are clean and free of corrosion. The relay should fit tightly, without any play. After installation, check the secure fixation of all wires and protective frames.
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand?
In emergency cases, installation of analogues from other manufacturers (for example, Danfoss, Indesit) is allowed if the electrical parameters and geometric dimensions of the seat match. However, it is better to use original spare parts or certified analogues recommended by the manufacturer.
After assembly, do not rush to close the back panel. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the compressor work. Startup should be quiet, without strong vibrations or repeated clicks. If everything went well, you can fix the casing and move the equipment to the wall.
Common mistakes during self-repair
Independent repair of household appliances often involves risks associated with the inexperience of the technician. One common mistake is ignoring safety rules. Working with electricity requires caution, and neglecting this rule is unacceptable.
Another common mistake is trying to clean the contacts of an old relay with sandpaper and it. In modern relays with posistors, there is nothing to clean, and in electromagnetic ones, the calibration of the spring is disrupted, which leads to unstable operation. Maintainability The number of such units is extremely low, so replacement is preferable.
Also, users often confuse the starting relay with a thermostat or a defrost sensor, starting to change serviceable parts. It is important to correctly diagnose the malfunction, based on the symptoms and test results, and not just on a visual inspection.
Do not forget about cleanliness. Dust or metal shavings trapped inside the compressor can cause a short circuit or jamming of the mechanism. Always check the cleanliness of the work area before final assembly.
How often do you need to change the starting relay?
The starting relay does not have a scheduled replacement period and serves until it fails. On average, with a stable network voltage, it can work for 10-15 years. Frequent power surges shorten its service life.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
A short-term start without a relay is possible for diagnosing the compressor, but long-term operation without a starting device will burn out the motor windings. It is prohibited to operate a refrigerator without a working relay.
Why does the relay often burn out?
The main reasons for frequent relay breakdowns are unstable voltage in the electrical network, overheating of the compressor due to poor ventilation, or a malfunction of the engine itself, which creates an increased load on the starting system.