The search for an answer to the question of where the relay is in the Indesit refrigerator usually begins at the moment when the compressor stops starting or makes a characteristic click, after which there is silence. The starting relay is a compact but critical electromechanical device that provides a starting impulse to the motor windings, allowing it to reach the required speed. In brand household appliances Indesit this element is most often located directly on the compressor housing, hidden behind the rear protective panel of the unit, which makes it accessible for visual inspection and replacement without complex dismantling of all equipment.
Understanding the exact location and operating principle of this unit is necessary for self-diagnosis, since it is it that takes the brunt of power surges in the network. Incorrect operation or complete failure start relay often imitates a breakdown of the compressor itself, which can mislead an inexperienced technician. In this article, we will analyze in detail the design, location and methods of checking this component in various modifications of refrigerators.
Before proceeding with disassembly, it is important to ensure safety and disconnect the device from the power supply, since work will be carried out with conductive elements. The location of the part depends on the type of cooling system and the year of manufacture of the model, however, the basic principle of fastening remains similar for most devices of this brand.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect it from the network and wait until the capacitors are completely discharged to avoid electric shock.
Design and location of the compressor unit
To find the relay in the Indesit refrigerator, you need to gain access to the lower rear part of the unit, where the motor-compressor is located. In classic models with a drip defrosting system, this unit is open or closed with a simple metal or cardboard cover, which can be easily removed by unscrewing a few screws or simply pulling it towards you. Inside you will see a black cylindrical or pear-shaped tank - this is the compressor, and on its end part, where three copper tubes and electrical contacts come out, the required part is attached.
A plastic cup is placed directly on the compressor rod, inside of which the starting device is placed. Depending on the modification Indesitthis can be a posistor system (for models with inverter or modern linear compressors) or a classic electromagnetic relay with a thermal release. Thermal relay often made in the form of a separate tablet adjacent to the main body, or integrated into a single plastic block covering contacts.
In system models No Frost access may be slightly difficult due to the presence of an additional casing or a denser arrangement of the units, but the principle remains the same: look for the entry point of the electrical cable into the compressor. It is there, on the terminals of the windings, that the starting mechanism is fixed. It is important not to confuse it with a thermal relay, which may be located inside the chamber or on the evaporator, although in the context of starting the engine we are interested in the compressor unit.
Dismantling and visual inspection of the part
The process of removing the element begins with removing the protective cover at the bottom of the refrigerator. Once you have reached the compressor, carefully inspect the plastic box on its terminals. It is fixed either with latches or a metal clamp. If a bracket is used, it must be carefully pressed out with a flat-head screwdriver. Then you should disconnect the terminal block with the wires coming from the power cord and the thermostat.
Remove the part itself from the compressor rod strictly vertically downwards, without distortions or sudden jerks, so as not to damage the ceramic insulators or winding terminals. Inside the plastic case you will find a copper coil, contacts and, possibly, a posistor element or a bimetallic plate. Visual inspection Often allows you to immediately identify the problem: blackening of the plastic, melting of contacts, the presence of soot or a characteristic burning smell indicate a breakdown.
If there are no external defects, the device should be shake next to your ear. In good condition, the posistor or internal mechanics should not make sounds. If something is loose inside, this is a sure sign of destruction of the ceramic element or the mechanical part of the contact group. It is also worth checking the condition of the wires: they should not be brittle or have cracks in the insulation.
☑️ Relay diagnostics
Types of relays in different Indesit models
Indesit refrigerators were equipped with different types of starting devices depending on the year of production and series. The most common models are marked RT (for example, RT08, RT19), which are classic electromagnetic relays. They are distinguished by the presence of a movable core and a coil that retracts the contacts when current is applied. Such devices often fail due to sticking contacts or burnout of the coil.
More modern units can be equipped with posistor relays, where the role of the switch is performed by a thermistor. When voltage is applied, it heats up and changes its resistance, opening the starting winding circuit. Such elements are considered more reliable, but are sensitive to frequent on-off cycles. There are also combined options, where the starting and thermal relay are combined in one housing, which requires replacing the entire assembly if any of the parts break down.
You can determine the type of your device by the markings on the housing. Numbers and letters stamped on the plastic indicate the manufacturer (for example Indesit, Whirlpool, Danfoss) and technical specifications. Compatibility of parts is critical: installing the wrong relay can result in the compressor not starting or operating in emergency mode, quickly overheating.
| Relay type | Characteristic features | Frequent faults | Models refrigerators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic | Presence of a coil and moving rod, clicking during operation | Sticking contacts, broken coil | Indesit C 130, C 138, old series |
| Posistor | No moving parts, ceramic element | Destruction of the posistor, loss of properties | Indesit NBS 18, DF 418, No Frost |
| Combined | Combined housing with thermal release | Thermal protection triggered, breakdown | Indesit ER 18, EF 18 |
| Inverter | Complex electronic control board (rare) | Failure of power switches | Modern series Full No Frost |
Can I use a relay from another brand?
Theoretically, if the mounting dimensions, operating current and connection diagram are the same, then a relay from Whirlpool or Ariston can fit Indesit, since these brands use similar compressors. However, it is better to look for an original analogue or a full cross-part number.
Diagnosing faults with a multimeter
If a visual inspection does not produce results, you need to ring the device using a multimeter. To do this, switch the device to resistance measurement mode (Ohm). First, check the integrity of the coil: the probes are applied to the corresponding contacts. If the device shows one or infinity, the circuit is broken and the part is faulty. The normal coil resistance is usually several tens of ohms.
Then the thermal release is checked (if it is built-in). The resistance should be close to zero (0.1–0.5 Ohm). A significant deviation or break indicates that thermal protection it has burned out and requires replacement. In posistor relays, the resistance of the cold element should be in the range of 10–50 Ohms, and when heated it should increase sharply, which is difficult to check at home, so they often proceed from the exclusion of other causes.
It is also important to check the contacts for oxidation. Even if the circuit is ringing, carbon deposits on the contacts can create high contact resistance, causing the compressor to not receive enough current to start. Cleaning contacts in modern plastic cases is often impossible, so a complete replacement of the assembly is recommended.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor hums, but does not start, and the current in the circuit increases sharply, the compressor itself may be jammed or an interturn short circuit has formed in the motor windings.
The replacement process and installation of a new component
Replacing a relay in an Indesit refrigerator is a procedure that does not require special tools, except perhaps pliers and a screwdriver. After purchasing a new element, identical in markings and appearance to the one removed, you can begin installation. First, a thermal tablet is placed on the compressor terminals (if it is separate), then the main relay body is installed. It is important to pay attention to the orientation: there is often a marking UP or arrow on the body indicating that this side should face up.
Once the part is put on the rod, it is necessary to secure it with a bracket or latches so that the vibration of the compressor does not break the contact. Then the terminal block with wires is connected. Make sure that the wires do not touch the hot compressor tubes and are at a sufficient distance from moving parts. Contact quality is the key to the long service life of the new relay, so the block must fit tightly.
Before installing the back cover, it is recommended to conduct a test run. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. There should be a click, followed by the steady hum of the compressor running. If you hear frequent clicks without starting the engine, immediately turn off the device - it means the problem is deeper or the wrong part has been selected.
Frequent errors and operating tips
One of the common mistakes is trying to clean the contacts of an old relay with sandpaper. In modern devices with silver or special alloys, this only worsens the situation, removing the protective layer and accelerating burnout. In addition, mechanical cleaning does not guarantee restoration of the exact gap between the contacts, which is critical for the moment of sparking.
Another mistake is ignoring the causes of burnout. If the relay is burned out, simply replacing it may not be enough. Often the cause is unstable voltage in the network or poor contact in the outlet. Therefore, after replacement, it is recommended to check the voltage in the network and, if necessary, install a stabilizer to protect the new trigger mechanism and expensive compressor.
Also, you should not leave the refrigerator plugged in if it does not cool, but only clicks. Each such attempt to start is a thermal load on the motor windings, which can lead to final failure of the motor. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to turn to professionals, since the price of a compressor significantly exceeds the cost of calling a technician.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, some technicians use the method of direct short-term connection of windings to check the compressor, but it is absolutely impossible to operate a refrigerator without a relay. This will lead to the combustion of the motor windings within a few minutes, since the starting winding will not be turned off after the start.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
Most often this indicates problems with the compressor itself (increased resistance of the starting winding, mechanical jamming) or constant voltage surges in the electrical network. Also, the reason may be incorrect installation of the relay (in the wrong position).
Where to buy an original relay for Indesit?
It is better to look for original spare parts in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator. Markets often sell universal Chinese analogues that can work, but their service life is often lower than the original components.
Does the room temperature affect the operation of the relay?
Yes, if the room temperature is too low (below +10°C), the oil in the compressor thickens, which increases the load on the starting winding. The relay may not cope with starting, which leads to its overheating and tripping of the protection. In such cases, it is necessary to install the refrigerator in a warmer place.