Owners of Hotpoint Ariston household appliances are often faced with a situation where the unit stops cooling, although the compressor continues to hum or, conversely, is silent. In most cases, the root of the problem lies in a small but critical element - the start relay. Understanding where the relay is located in a Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator is the first and most important step to troubleshooting the problem yourself.
Finding this part does not require deep engineering knowledge, but it does require attentiveness and compliance with safety rules. The location of the element may vary slightly depending on the model and year of manufacture, but the general principle of the layout of the Italian brand remains unchanged. Start relay always located in close proximity to the compressor, hidden in the lower rear part of the case.
Before starting active actions, it is necessary to de-energize the equipment. This is a basic requirement for electrical safety, ignoring which can lead to electric shock or failure of the electronics. Work with the electrical components of the refrigerator is allowed only after completely disconnecting the device from the 220V network. After this, you can begin to study the design and search for the necessary unit.
Location of the compressor compartment and access to the relay
To find the relay, you need to access the lower rear of the refrigerator. In Hotpoint Ariston models, the compressor is traditionally located in a niche covered with a metal or plastic cover. This panel protects internal mechanisms from dust, moisture and accidental damage, and also serves as sound insulation.
Removing the protective panel is the first stage of diagnosis. It is usually secured with screws or plastic latches. Older models may have hex head screws that will require the appropriate tool. In more modern series, the manufacturer seeks to minimize the number of fasteners using a clip system.
After dismantling the cover, you will see a compressor - a black metal cylinder from which copper tubes extend. It is on the side or upper end of this cylinder, at the point where the electrical contacts exit, that the desired device is located. It is a compact unit, often black or gray.
- 🔍 Visually inspect the back wall for cracks or signs of corrosion.
- 🔧 Prepare a Phillips screwdriver and possibly pliers for removing the clamps.
- 💡 Provide good lighting for the work area, as the space may be shaded.
It is important not to use excessive force when removing the panel to avoid damaging the plastic clips, which become brittle over time. If the panel does not come off easily, check that all screws are removed. Sometimes one hidden screw may be located under a decorative sticker or in a recess.
Identification of the Hotpoint Ariston start relay
Having found the compressor, you will see a small plastic case placed on three metal pins. This is starting relay. Hotpoint Ariston refrigerators most often use PT (posistor) or induction relays, depending on the type of motor installed. Externally, they may look like a black cube or an oblong cylinder.
The body of the part is usually marked with technical characteristics: voltage, frequency and type of compatible compressors. For example, markings may indicate compatibility with LRA or RLT motors. This data is critically important when selecting a replacement, since installing an unsuitable relay can lead to burning out the motor windings.
Wires from the thermostat or electronic control module are suitable for the relay. They transmit the start signal. The block itself is mounted on a bracket or simply put on the compressor contacts, secured by a tight fit and sometimes a metal clamp. Thermal protection relay often integrated into the same assembly or adjacent to it, serving as a fuse against overheating.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to force the relay off the compressor contacts. First, you must carefully remove the retaining bracket or clamp, if present.
To accurately identify the model of your part, it is best to photograph the markings before removal. This will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing a new component at a parts store. The variety of modifications is great, and external similarity does not always guarantee functional compatibility.
Symptoms of a faulty starting device
Understand that the problem lies precisely in relay, based on the characteristic features of the refrigerator. The most obvious symptom is a characteristic clicking sound that repeats at certain intervals. The compressor tries to start, hums for a few seconds, then a click is heard and the motor goes silent.
Another sign may be a complete lack of reaction from the refrigerator when plugged in, although the light inside is on. In this case, the circuit is broken and no current flows to the motor windings. Sometimes the relay can “stick” in the on state, which leads to continuous operation of the compressor without shutdowns, even if the temperature in the chamber has already been reached.
Overheating of the compressor housing can also indicate problems in the starting circuit. If the motor operates jerkily or with excessive noise, this is often a consequence of incorrect phasing or resistance of the starting winding, which is the responsibility of the relay. Diagnostics must be comprehensive.
- 🔊 A characteristic clicking sound every 3-5 minutes of operation.
- 🌡️ The compressor is hot to the touch, but no cold is generated.
- 🚫 The refrigerator hums, but does not start, knocking out automatic machines.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious consequences, such as a compressor wedge or burnt out windings. Replacing a relay is an inexpensive repair that allows you to extend the life of the main unit for many years.
Compatibility and relay characteristics table
When searching for a spare part, it is important to focus not only on the brand of the refrigerator, but also on the parameters of the engine itself. Below is background information on the types of relays often found in Hotpoint Ariston equipment.
| Relay type | Marking | Compatible compressors | Characteristic feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | PTC / RLT | Aspera, Danfoss | Black plastic cube |
| Induction | LRA / CSR | Old Ariston, Tecumseh | Metal case |
| Combined | RT / K | Universal | With combined thermal |
| Electronic | Inverter | No Frost inverters | Board with microcircuit |
The data in the table is for reference only. For an accurate selection, it is necessary to check the article number with the original spare part. In modern inverter models, instead of a classic mechanical relay, an electronic control unit can be used, which requires professional diagnostics.
If you find that your relay is of the posistor type, checking it is quite simple. A posistor is a ceramic element that changes its resistance when heated. In a cold state, it conducts current, starting the engine, and when heated, it breaks the circuit of the starting winding.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the motor by applying voltage directly to the starting winding, but doing this is strictly prohibited in domestic conditions. This will lead to instantaneous combustion of the windings or a fire, since the starting phase will not be turned off.
The process of dismantling and replacing the part
Replacing the relay in the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator is a procedure that can be performed at home with a minimum set of tools. The main thing is to act consistently and carefully. First, remove the terminal block from the compressor contacts, if there is one, and disconnect the wires.
Then remove the retaining clamp or bracket holding the relay housing. After this, the block can be carefully pulled off the three pins of the compressor. Do not wiggle it from side to side too much to avoid damaging the motor terminals. Place the old relay aside.
The new relay is installed in the reverse order. It is important to ensure a tight fit on the contacts and reliable connection of the wires. If the terminals are oxidized, they should be cleaned with fine-grained sandpaper or treated with contact spray.
☑️ Relay replacement algorithm
After assembly, do not rush to close back panel. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to it start. The motor should run smoothly, without buzzing or clicking. If the startup was successful, you can fix the protective cover in place.
Diagnostics and performance check
Before throwing away the removed relay, it makes sense to check it to make sure of the cause of the breakdown. For posistor relays, just shake them near your ear. If a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, it means that the ceramic element is damaged and the part requires replacement.
You can also use a multimeter to measure resistance. The contacts corresponding to the starting winding must have a certain resistance (usually from 10 to 50 Ohms). If the device shows infinity or zero, the relay is faulty. Thermal relay checked for ringing of the circuit - in a cold state it should ring.
Visual inspection is also informative. Melted plastic, traces of burning or soot inside the case indicate a short circuit or overload. In such cases, replacement is required, even if the device seems to be working.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the refrigerator does not start again or the plugs are knocked out, the problem may be in the compressor itself. Further diagnostics require special equipment.
A common mistake is installing a relay with inappropriate parameters. For example, a relay for a powerful compressor on a weak motor may not open the starting circuit in time, which will lead to overheating. Always use original spare parts or high-quality analogues.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace the relay in a Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator yourself?
Yes, if you have basic skills in working with tools and an understanding of electrical safety principles. The process of replacing a mechanical relay is not complicated and does not require soldering; it is enough to remove the old part and install a new one.
How much does a starting relay for a refrigerator of this brand cost?
The cost of the original Hotpoint Ariston relay varies from 1,500 to 3,500 rubles depending on the model. High-quality analogues from third-party manufacturers (for example, Danfoss or Indesit) can cost less, around 800-1500 rubles.
Why does a new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This may indicate a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or problems with the voltage in the network. Also, the reason may be an incorrectly selected relay model that does not correspond to the engine power.
How often do you need to change the relay in the refrigerator?
The starting relay is a resource part that does not have a strict replacement period. Under normal operating conditions, it lasts as long as a compressor (10-15 years). Replacement is required only when signs of malfunction appear.
Where can I find the relay marking if it is erased?
If the marking on the body is not readable, you can try to find it by the compressor catalog number (indicated on the sticker on the motor itself) or by the refrigerator model in the manufacturer's service manuals.
Do-it-yourself household appliance repair is not only saving money, but also a useful experience. Knowing where the relay is located in the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator and how to replace it, you can quickly return the unit to operation. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact professional technicians who will conduct a full diagnosis of the system.
Remember that regular maintenance, cleaning the condenser from dust and ensuring normal ventilation of the rear wall of the refrigerator significantly reduces the load on the starting equipment. Taking care of equipment extends its service life and keeps food fresh.