A sudden stop of the compressor or a characteristic click, after which the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing, often indicates a failure of the start-up relay. This small but critical element is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Understanding where the relay is in the Atlant refrigerator is the first step to troubleshooting the problem yourself without calling a technician.
The location of this unit depends on the model of your unit and the type of compressor installed. In most cases, the relay is hidden from the user’s eyes, as it is mounted directly on the side wall of the motor. To gain access to it, you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator, just remove the back panel at the bottom of the case.
Further diagnostics and replacement require care, since there are fragile parts and live contacts inside the mechanism. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm for searching, removing and testing the functionality of the starting device for various series of household appliances Atlant.
Symptoms of a faulty starting relay
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the starting device. A characteristic sign of a breakdown is the cyclic operation of the motor: it tries to start, a loud click is heard, and after a few seconds the compressor goes silent again. At this moment, the thermal protection may be triggered, and the motor housing heats up noticeably.
Sometimes the refrigerator Atlant hums, but does not start at all, or starts only after a long period of inactivity. If at the same time the light is on in the chamber and there are no errors associated with the temperature sensors on the control panel, then the probability of failure starting winding or the relay itself is extremely high.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see melted wires in the compressor area, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Operating equipment with damaged electrical wiring can lead to a short circuit.
It is also important to note that similar symptoms can occur when there is an interturn short circuit in the compressor itself. However, before sinning on an expensive motor, you should check the relay, since it is a consumable item and fails more often. A visual inspection of the contacts and the inside of the case often gives a definite answer.
The location of the relay depending on the compressor model
The answer to the question of where the relay is in the Atlant refrigerator directly depends on what engine is installed in your model. The company Atlant used different types of compressors, and their starting device design is different. In older models, engines of the SKO or FGseries were most often found, in newer ones - modern sealed units.
In the classic version The relay is mounted on three contact pins extending from the side cover of the compressor. It is a black or gray plastic box to which the wires from the power cable fit. In some models, the relay can be combined with a capacitor, forming a single unit.
If you have a two-compressor refrigerator, then there are relays on each of the engines. The principle of their location is identical, but the sizes and markings may differ. For compressors Danfoss (which were also installed on some models), the mounting design may be different, but the search logic remains the same - the side of the motor.
Features of relays for inverter compressors
In modern Atlant models, inverter compressors can be used, where there is no traditional starting relay. Its functions are performed by an electronic control unit (inverter), located separately from the motor. If you have just such a model, searching for the classic “black box” on the compressor will not yield results.
Instructions: how to get to the start relay
To carry out work on finding and replacing the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools: a screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head), pliers and, preferably, a multimeter for testing. Before starting any actions, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the electrical outlet.
The process of removing the protective casing and accessing the relay is as follows:
- 🔌 Unplug the power cord from the outlet and move the refrigerator away from the wall to provide free access to the back wall.
- 🔧 Locate the lower part of the back panels; in models Atlant there is usually a compressor closed with a metal or plastic casing.
- 🛠️ Carefully unscrew the screws securing the casing, or remove the latches, if the design allows this to be done without tools.
- 👀 Inspect the side surface of the compressor: you will see a plastic block into which the wires go - this is the relay you are looking for.
☑️ Checklist before removing the relay
After removing the casing, access to the technical area opens. Be careful: there may be a copper refrigerant pipe near the compressor, which can be easily damaged by careless movement. Also, do not allow moisture to get on the electrical contacts.
The process of dismantling and checking the part
To remove the relay, you must first disconnect the terminal block with wires. It usually sits tightly on the contacts, so a slight rocking from side to side may be required. Do not pull sharply so as not to break the wires at the base.
The relay block itself is held on three pins of the compressor. It must be carefully removed down or to the side, depending on the design. On older models, you may need to remove the metal retaining bracket. After removal, the relay can be disassembled by bending the plastic latches of the case.
During a visual inspection, pay attention to the following signs of malfunction:
- 🔥 The presence of soot, melting or blackening on the contacts and internal elements.
- 💨 The smell of burning or burnt plastic, emanating from the relay body.
- 🔨 Mechanical damage to the inductor or bimetallic plate.
- 🔩 Looseness of the core, which should move freely inside the coil.
If there is no external damage, a test with a multimeter will be required. The resistance between the contacts must be normal (usually several ohms), and an open circuit indicates a burnt out winding. The thermal protection is also checked: in a cold state it should ring, and when heated, it should open the circuit.
Compatibility table and relay marking
When purchasing a new part, it is critical to choose an analogue that matches the power of your compressor. Using an unsuitable relay will lead to rapid failure of either the new part or the engine itself. The marking is usually applied to the side or top edge of the case.
Below is a table of correspondence between popular relay models for compressors, often used in refrigerators Atlant:
| Relay marking | Compressor type | Power (W) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK-1 | SKO-100, SKO-140 | up to 150 | Vertical mounting, old model |
| RTK-2 | SKO-200 and analogues | up to 200 | Horizontal arrangement of contacts |
| LS-07 | Danish compressors | up to 130 | Universal, requires adaptation of wires |
| 100 NKR | Atlant, SKOP | up to 180 | Combined with a capacitor, modern type |
If you cannot find an exact analogue by marking, you can use universal starting relays. They have a flexible connection system and are suitable for a wide range of engines. However, when installing them, you must strictly follow the connection diagram, which is printed on the case or included in the kit.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics of compressors may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. Before