Search starting relay in units of the Italian brand Hotpoint Ariston often becomes the first task when independently diagnosing faults. If your refrigerator stops turning on, hums, but does not cool, or the compressor makes clicks and immediately stops, the problem in 80% of cases lies in this unit. Understanding where this part is physically located allows you to quickly assess the situation and make a repair decision.
In most models Ariston the relay is mounted directly on the motor-compressor housing, which is located in the lower rear part of the device. However, the design may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. In older models, access to the assembly can be open, while in modern versions it is necessary to remove the protective cover. It is important to understand that electrical diagram the refrigerator is tied to this element, so any work requires a preliminary disconnection from the network.
Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that you are dealing with a failure of the starting device, and not with a more serious engine breakdown. A visual inspection and a simple test with a multimeter often gives the answer without calling a technician. In this article we will analyze in detail the location of the part, the types of relays used and the algorithm for replacing them.
Functional purpose and types of relays in Ariston technology
Starting relay performs a critical function in the operating cycle of the refrigerator. When the compressor is turned on, the electric motor requires a powerful current pulse to start the rotor. The usual winding is not enough for this, so the starting winding comes into play, the control of which is taken over by the relay. As soon as the motor reaches the required speed, the device automatically opens the starting winding circuit, transferring the unit to normal operation.
In refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston historically, two main types of these devices were used. The first type is electromagnetic relays, which were more often found in equipment manufactured before the mid-2000s. They are distinguished by a massive body and a characteristic click when triggered. The second type is posistor (thermal) relays, which are installed in more modern models. The principle of their operation is based on heating a special element (posistor), which changes its resistance as the temperature rises.
- 🔌 Electromagnetic relays: they have a coil and a movable core, react to current strength, and often fail due to burning contacts.
- 🔥 Posistor relays: do not have moving mechanical parts in the starting circuit, are considered more reliable, but sensitive to overheating.
- 🛡️ Combined devices: in some models Ariston the starting relay is combined with a thermal protective relay in a single housing for compactness.
You can determine the type of your device only after removing the back panel. Do not try to guess the modification by the external signs of a working refrigerator, since compressor design it may be hidden. Knowing the type of relay is necessary for the correct selection of spare parts when purchasing a new one.
Why does the relay burn out?
A frequent cause of failure is poor-quality voltage in the network or natural wear of the contacts. The relay can also burn out if the compressor is overloaded due to a dirty condenser or a freon leak, causing the motor to try to start endlessly.
The exact location of the unit in the refrigerator structure
To find the relay, you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator. All key components of the cooling system are concentrated in the lower part of the rear wall of the unit. You will need to move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing access to the back of it. Be careful: there may be sharp metal edges and dust deposits in this area, so it is better to carry out work with gloves.
Directly compressor it is a black round-shaped metal tank attached to the frame. The relay is always located on one of the compressor terminals (usually there are three of them, arranged in a triangle or in a row). In refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston this unit is closed with a plastic or metal casing, which prevents oil from splashing and protects the contacts from moisture.
To access the part, you must perform the following steps:
- Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from sockets.
- On the back wall, opposite the compressor, find an oval or rectangular metal/plastic cover.
- It can be secured with latches or screws. Carefully remove the clips, without using excessive force, so as not to break the plastic.
- After removing the cover, you will see the “tail” of the compressor with a black plastic block placed on the contacts - this is the desired relay.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the cover, make sure that the capacitor (grid on the back) has cooled down if the refrigerator has just been running. Also check for visible traces of rodents or insects, which often like to bask near a warm compressor.
Sometimes the relay may be shifted to the side or turned at an angle, which depends on the model of the installed motor. In some lines Ariston the relay is additionally secured with a clamp or clip on the motor housing. If you see the wires going to the black plastic box on the motor terminals, you have found the right node.
Algorithm for dismantling and checking the serviceability of the part
After you have reached the unit, you need to remove it for visual inspection and diagnostics. Dismantling in refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston usually does not require complex tools. Most often, a flathead screwdriver and pliers are sufficient. The main rule is not to pull the wires sharply, so as not to damage the insulation or terminals.
The removal process is as follows. First you need to disconnect the wire connectors that go to the relay. They can fit snugly, so they can be gently rocked from side to side. The relay is then simply pulled off the compressor contact pins. It is held in place by a tight fit and is sometimes secured with a staple. If the relay cannot be removed by hand, you can slightly pry it with a flat screwdriver, but be careful not to split the plastic case.
The diagnostic stage follows. Visual inspection often provides 50% of the information about the condition of the part. Shake the relay near your ear: if you hear ringing or rolling parts inside, it means the posistor or mechanical part is damaged. Also pay attention to the color of the plastic: blackening, melting or a burning smell indicate a short circuit.
☑️ Relay diagnostics
For an accurate check, use a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. For a posistor relay, the resistance between the contacts should be within normal limits (usually several tens of Ohms), and when heated with a hair dryer, it should increase. At the electromagnetic one, the integrity of the coil is checked. If the device shows one (open) or zero (short circuit), the part must be replaced.
Compatibility and relay characteristics table
When selecting a new spare part for Hotpoint Ariston it is important to take into account not only the appearance, but also the technical parameters. There are no universal solutions, although some masters use adapters. Below is a table to help you navigate the markings that are often found in this technology.
| Relay type | Marking (example) | Application in Ariston | Characteristic features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | PTC 12-30, R600a | Models after 2005 | Plastic case, no moving parts |
| Electromagnetic | RT, RTP, RTK | Old models (before 2000s) | Metal or heavy plastic, a click is heard |
| Combined | Overload + PTC | Mid range | Combined with thermal protection in one block |
| Universal | Series 122, 123 | For replacement in the absence of the original | Requires selection according to compressor power |
Pay attention to the compressor power indicated on the nameplate (sticker) of the motor. It must correspond to the range for which the relay is designed. Using a relay that is too weak will cause it to burn out quickly, and a relay that is too powerful may not start the motor or turn off the starting winding in time.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a relay without a thermal protective device (tablet), if your model is designed to have one. This can lead to combustion of the compressor windings when overloaded.
If you cannot find the exact original, installing a universal analogue is permissible, but only if its current and voltage parameters match the requirements of yours. Hotpoint Ariston. Consultation with the seller of spare parts using a photo of the compressor nameplate will not be superfluous.
The process of installing a new relay and assembling the system
Replacing the part does not require soldering or complex equipment. The new element is simply put on the contact group of the compressor. However, there is an important nuance here: orientation. The relay has a strictly defined “up-down” position, which is often indicated by an arrow UP or TOP on the body. If you install the part upside down, the mechanism will not work correctly and the compressor will not start.
Installation sequence:
- 🧹 Clean the compressor contacts from oxides and dust, if necessary.
- 🔌 Place the new relay on the three pins of the compressor until stop.
- 🔩 If there was a fixing bracket or bar, return it to its place.
- 🔌 Connect the power wires to the relay terminals (observing the color markings or the photos taken earlier).
After installing all the components, do not rush to close the casing. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. A characteristic click of the relay should be heard, followed by the engine starting. If the compressor hums, but does not start, and after a few seconds it clicks again, the relay may be defective or incorrectly selected. If everything went well, you can install the protective cover in place.
Typical mistakes during self-repair
DIY Repair of refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston often involves risks associated with inattention. One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the thermal relay. Many people change only the starting part, leaving the old protection “pill”, which may have a broken response threshold. This leads to the new element burning out after a week of operation.
Another common problem is poor contact in the terminals. When installing a new relay, the wires may not fully fit into the sockets or may become oxidized. This creates additional resistance, heating and, as a result, repeated breakdown. Always check the tightness of the terminals.
Also, users often confuse the symptoms of a relay failure with a malfunction of the compressor itself. If, after replacing the relay, the motor hums but does not start (and the hum lasts more than 5-7 seconds before the protection clicks), the compressor itself may be jammed. In this case, replacing the relay will not help; more complex repairs or replacement of the unit will be required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive solvents to clean the contacts, which can damage the plastic housing of the relay or the insulation of the wires. Regular alcohol or contact cleaner is best.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to start an Ariston refrigerator without a relay?
Technically, you can start a compressor without a relay by applying voltage directly to the starting winding, but doing this is strongly not recommended for continuous operation. The compressor will quickly overheat and burn out, since the starting winding is not designed for long-term operation. This is a temporary diagnostic measure.
Why does the relay heat up during operation?
Slight heating of the relay body is normal, especially for posistor models, since the principle of their operation is based on temperature changes. However, if the case becomes too hot (it is impossible to hold your hand), turns black or smells of melted insulation, then there is a problem with the contacts or the wrong resistance has been selected.
Where to buy an original relay for Hotpoint Ariston?
It is better to look for original spare parts in specialized household appliance stores or from authorized dealers, using the model number of the refrigerator. Universal relays from well-known brands (Danfoss, Embraco) are also suitable if their parameters match the requirements of your compressor.
How long does it take to replace a relay?
For an experienced technician, the process takes 15-20 minutes. For a beginner who disassembles the refrigerator for the first time, carefully removes the covers and checks the contacts, this may take about 40-60 minutes. The main thing is to take your time and follow safety precautions.
What to do if the new relay clicks, but the compressor is silent?
This is a sign that there is a starting impulse, but the motor cannot turn over. Possible reasons: compressor jamming (interturn short circuit or mechanical wear), lack of refrigerant in the system or critically low voltage in the network. Diagnostics by a specialist is required.