Where is the relay in the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator: search, check and replacement

The refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston stopped freezing, the motor hums but does not start, or the compressor turns off a few seconds after starting? Most likely, the problem lies in start-protection relay a small but critical element of the system. This part is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overheating, and its breakdown is one of the most common malfunctions in refrigerators of this brand.

In this article you will find exact relay location diagrams for popular models Hotpoint Ariston (including series BCD, HB, HF etc.), step-by-step instructions for dismantling, as well as unique signs of a malfunction that the manufacturer indicates only in service manuals. We will also look at how to distinguish a relay failure from problems with the compressor or thermostat - this will save you time and money on diagnostics.

Why the relay fails: 5 main ones reasons

The start-up protection relay in refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston is designed for 100–150 thousand on/off cycles. However, in real conditions, the service life is often shortened due to external factors. Here are the key causes of breakdowns:

• ⚡ Power surges - even a one-time surge up to 250V can burn the relay winding, especially in models with mechanical control (for example, Hotpoint Ariston BCD 164).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor - if the refrigerator is located close to the wall or operates in a hot room, the relay operates more often, which accelerates wear contacts.
• 💧 Corrosion of contacts —moisture from condensation or leaks can oxidize the metal parts of the relay (relevant for models with the system No Frost).
• ⚙️ Mechanical wear —in relays with a bimetallic plate (for example, in series HB 1801) elasticity is lost over time, which leads to false alarms.
• 🔌 Incorrect connection - if after repair or moving the relay wires were connected with incorrect polarity, it may burn out at the first start.

Interesting fact: in refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston manufactured after 2018, relays with increased protection against power surges (marking RBM-12 or DANFOSS 103N0020are installed. However, even they do not guarantee 100% protection with frequent changes in temperature). network.

Where the relay is located in the Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator: 3 possible places

The location of the start-up relay depends on refrigerator models i compressor type. In 90% of cases, the part. is attached directly to the compressor housing, but in some series (for example, Hotpoint Ariston HF 4200it can be placed on a separate board. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of structures.

1. compressor

In most models (BCD 125, HB 1601, CBA 3200 etc.), the relay is installed on the side or top of the compressor and covered with a plastic cover. To see it:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
2. Remove the lower back panel (unscrew 2-4 screws).
3. Locate the compressor - this is a black cylindrical block with tubes.
4. The relay will be attached to it with plastic clamp or screw and connected to wires.

Please note: in models with inverter compressor (for example, Hotpoint Ariston HBM 1182) the start-up relay may be missing - its functions are performed by electronic control unit.

2. Relay on a separate board (HF series and some BCD)

In refrigerators with electronic control (display, touch buttons) the relay is sometimes placed on power module, which located:

• 📍 Behind the top cover (models HF 4200, HF 5201)
• 📍 Below, next to the compressor, but on a separate board (series BCD 200)

To find it, follow thick black wirecoming from the compressor - it leads either to the relay or to the board on which it is installed.

3. Hidden location: under the control panel

In rare cases (for example, in compact models Hotpoint Ariston Table Top), the relay may be hidden behind front panel at the top of the refrigerator. To get to it:

1. Remove the top decorative trim (usually it is held on latches).
2. Unscrew the screws securing the control panel.
3. The relay will be located next to the thermostat or display unit.

⚠️ Attention: In models with a system Total No Frost (for example, Hotpoint Ariston HBM 1852) relay can be integrated into fan board. In this case, replacement will require complete disassembly of the rear wall.

How to distinguish a relay from a thermostat?

The thermostat (thermostat) usually has capillary tube and is located closer to the evaporator or on the control panel. The relay is always located next to the compressor and has characteristic rectangular or round shape contacts for the wires. The relay body is often marked: RBM, DANFOSS, LRA or LRC (indicates the operating current).

What the relay looks like in a Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator: photo and marking

The appearance of the relay depends from manufacturer and year of manufacture refrigerator. Below are photographs and descriptions of the most common types that are installed in Hotpoint Ariston:

🔍 How to determine the type of relay in your model? Look at sticker on the back of the refrigerator - it says serial number and compressor code (for example, EMBRACO EGX 90H). Using these data, you can find the exact diagram in service manual.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove and check the relay

Before dismantling the relay, make sure that it is the problem. Here key symptomsindicating a malfunction:

• ❌ Compressor buzzes, but does not start (relay clicks are heard).
• ❌ Refrigerator turns on for 5-30 seconds and turns off.
• ❌ Relay hot to the touch (more than 60°C).
• ❌ The display shows an error E1, E2 or F5 (in models with electronic control).

If at least one of the signs matches, follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Shutdown and preparation

⚠️ Attention: Do not touch the compressor immediately after switching off - it can be heated to 80–90°C. Wait 15–20 minutes.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the outlet

Wait 15–20 minutes (compressor cools down)

Prepare a screwdriver (Phillips or flat)

Take a photo of the location of the wires

Wear dielectric gloves (optional)-->

Step 2: Removing the relay

Algorithm of actions:

1. Remove the back panel (if the relay is on the compressor) or the top cover (if the relay is on the board).
2. Carefully disconnect connector with wires from the relay. If the wires are soldered, mark their location with a marker.
3. Unscrew the screw or remove the plastic clip holding the relay.
4. Remove the relay. In some models (Hotpoint Ariston BCD 164) it can be glued - pry it off with a flat screwdriver.

Step 3: Checking the relay with a multimeter

You will need multimeter in resistance test mode (200 Ω). Follow the diagram:

1. Ring relay coil (contacts 1 and 2 on the case). The resistance should be within 15–40 Ohm.
2. Check normally open contacts (3 and 4). At room temperature, the resistance should be infinite (open).
3. If the relay positormeasure the resistance between all pairs of contacts - it should change when heating (use a hair dryer).

📌 Key output: If the coil resistance is equal to 0 Ohm (short circuit) or infinity (open), the relay must be replaced.

How to replace the relay: choosing an analogue and installation

If the diagnostics confirmed a malfunction, the relay must be replaced. It is important to select complete analog according to the following parameters:

• 🔹 Relay type (mechanical, electronic, hybrid).
• 🔹 Operation current (indicated on the case, for example, LRA 25-30).
• 🔹 Number of contacts (3 or 4).
• 🔹 Manufacturer (original relays for Hotpoint Ariston produced Danfoss, Embraco, Asco).

🔍 Where to buy? Original relays can be found:

• 🛒 In service centers Hotpoint Ariston (12 month warranty).
• 🛒 On AliExpress or eBay (search by code from the case, for example, 103N0020).
• 🛒 In refrigerator spare parts stores (for example, Rembytekhnika, 220-Volt).

⚠️ Attention: Do not buy relays with markings UNIVERSAL —they are not always compatible with compressors Embraco and Secopthat are installed in Hotpoint Ariston.

Relay compatibility table for popular models

Installing a new relay

Procedure:

1. Connect the wires to the new relay in the same sequenceas on the old one (use the photo taken earlier).
2. Attach the relay to the compressor or board.
3. Make sure that the contacts do not touch the body (risk of short short circuit).
4. Connect the refrigerator to the network and check the operation.

🔧 Useful advice: If after replacing the relay the compressor does not start, check starting resistance (capacitor In models Hotpoint Ariston it often fails in parallel with the relay.

Common mistakes when replacing relays and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdown. Here TOP-5 misses and how to prevent them:

• 🔌 Wrong polarity - if you mix up the wires L (phase) and N (zero), the relay will burn out at the first turned on. Solution: Take a photo of the connection diagram before dismantling.
• 🔥 Ignoring the cause of the breakdown —if the relay burns out due to a power surge, the new one will fail in a week. Solution: Install voltage stabilizer or a phase control relay.
• ❄️ Operation at low temperatures - if replacement occurs in unheated room (below +10°C), the oil in the compressor thickens and the motor does not start. Solution: Move the refrigerator to a warm place for 2-3 hours before turning it on.
• 🛠️ Use of non-original spare parts —cheap relays without thermal protection may not operate if overheated. Solution: Buy marked parts OEM or from authorized dealers.
• 🔊 Ignoring post-diagnosis — if after replacing the relay the refrigerator works, but the compressor gets very hot, the problem may be in the interturn short circuit windings. Solution: Check the current consumption of the compressor (should be 1–1.5 A).

📢 Important: In refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston s inverter compressor (series HBM, HF after 2020), replacement of the relay may require reflashing the control unit. In this case, it is better to contact the service.

When to call a technician: 3 cases when you should not repair it yourself

Despite the apparent simplicity, some breakdowns require professional intervention Contact the service center if:

1. The relay burns out again within a month - this indicates problems with the compressor or electrical wiring refrigerator.
2. The compressor does not start even after replacing the relay and capacitor - perhaps the piston group is jammed or the winding is burned out.
3. The display shows an error E5, F3 or F7 —these codes indicate a malfunction control boardthat cannot be repaired without special equipment.

💰 Cost of repairs in the service:

• Replacement of the relay - 1500–2500 rubles (with spare part).
• Diagnostics of the compressor - 1000–1500 rubles.
• Replacement of the control board - 3000–6000 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Hotpoint Ariston is under warranty, do not open the case yourself —this will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center (the list can be found on the website Hotpoint Ariston).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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

In most cases - no. The relay is a non-separable part with a sealed housing. The exception is mechanical relays with bimetallic plate (for example, RBM-10), where sometimes you can clean the contacts with sandpaper. However, such repairs give a temporary effect. (1–3 months).

How to check if the relay is working without removing it?

Turn on the refrigerator and listen:

• If relay clicks, but the compressor does not start - it is faulty.
• If the relay is does not click at all the problem may be in thermostat or control board.
• If the relay clicks and immediately turns off may be triggered thermal protection due to overheating compressor.

What to do if, after replacing the relay, the refrigerator works, but does not freeze?

There may be several reasons:

1. Freon leak —check Is the evaporator covered with frost? If not, it needs refilling.
2. Thermostat malfunction —measure the resistance of the sensor (should change when turning the knob).
3. Clogged capillary tube —cleaning is required or replacement.

For accurate diagnosis you need manometric manifold i leak detector - without these tools it is impossible to determine the cause.

Which relay is better - original or universal?

Original relays (for example, Danfoss or Embraco) have several advantages:

• 🔹 Exact match operation current i thermal characteristics compressor.
• 🔹 Reliable protection from voltage surges.
• 🔹 Warranty 12–24 months.

Universal relays (for example, StartCap) are cheaper, but may:

• ❌ Not trigger at low temperatures (below +5°C).
• ❌ Overheat during long operation compressor.

💡 Conclusion: For refrigerators Hotpoint Ariston it is better to choose original parts, especially if the model was released after 2015.

Can a refrigerator work without a relay?

Technically - yesbut highly not recommended. Without a relay:

• The compressor will overheat and quickly fail.
• The risk of short circuit and fire increases by 5-10 times.
• The refrigerator may turn on and turn off immediately due to the lack of starting current.

If the relay is burnt out and a new one is not at hand, you can temporarily connect the compressor via starting capacitor (with a capacity of 100–150 uF), but no more than 1–2 days.