Brand refrigerators Biryusa they are deservedly popular in the post-Soviet space due to their reliability and affordable cost of spare parts. However, like any complex equipment, they are subject to wear, and one of the most common causes of failure is the failure of the starting relay. It is this small but critical component that is responsible for starting the compressor, without which the entire cooling system cannot operate.
If you notice that your refrigerator has stopped freezing, and the engine either hums but does not start, or makes a clicking sound and goes silent, most likely the problem lies in the start control circuit. In this article we will analyze in detail where exactly in the structure of the Biryusa refrigerator the relay is located, how to correctly identify it and what needs to be taken into account when carrying out repair work.
Do not panic ahead of time, since in most cases replacing this element does not require calling a technician and can be done independently if you have the basic tools. Understanding the location of components inside the unit is the first step to successfully restoring the functionality of your household appliances.
The principle of operation and the role of the starting relay
The starting relay is an electromechanical device that supplies a current pulse to the starting winding of the compressor motor at the time of its start. Refrigerators Biryusa most often use posistor-type devices or induction relays, which operate automatically when voltage is applied. Without this impulse, the engine rotor will not be able to overcome the inertia and begin to rotate.
When the engine reaches the required speed, the relay opens the starting winding circuit, and the compressor continues to operate on the main winding. If this element is faulty, current does not flow to the starting winding or, conversely, does not turn off in time, which leads to overheating and activation of the thermal protective device. Thermal relay in such a situation, it breaks the circuit, preventing combustion of the motor windings, but also stopping the operation of the refrigerator.
The service life of this component is limited by the number of on and off cycles. Over time, the contacts burn out, and the posistor loses its properties, which makes replacement inevitable. It is important to understand that even if the device looks intact on the outside, its internal characteristics may have changed.
Localization of the relay in the design of the Biryusa refrigerator
In order to find the relay, you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator or remove internal shelves. In the vast majority of models Biryusa, be it old Soviet models or modern units, this unit is located in the lower part of the rear wall of the case. It is accessed from the street, that is, you will need to move the refrigerator away from the wall.
In the lower part, where the compressor is located (black metal barrel), you will see a plastic or metal casing covering the motor-compressor. The relay is mounted directly on the side or end of the compressor and is covered by this protective box. In some modifications the casing may be removable, in others it requires partial unscrewing of the fasteners.
It is worth noting that in different series of refrigerators Biryusa the layout may differ slightly. For example, in models with two compressors, relays will be located on each of the motors. If you have a No Frost model, access may be a little difficult with the ventilation system, but the principle remains the same - we are looking for the compressor at the bottom at the back.
⚠️ Attention: Before removing the protective casing, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged for at least 15 minutes to avoid electric shock and give the refrigerant time to redistribute into system.
Often beginners confuse the starting relay with a thermal protection relay, although in modern models they are often combined into one housing. The start relay usually has a more complex shape and multiple contacts, while the thermal protection looks like a simple tablet or plate. The exact location depends on the type of compressor installed.
Fault diagnosis before replacement
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or wiring. A telltale sign of a faulty starter is a clicking sound, followed by a humming sound from the motor that lasts a few seconds, followed by silence. This indicates that the engine is trying to start, but the starting impulse does not work or is insufficient.
Another check method is visual inspection. If you get to the relay and see traces of soot, melted plastic on it, or smell something burning, then the diagnosis is obvious. It is also worth checking the integrity of the wires going to the contact group, since vibration during operation of the compressor could lead to their breakage.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. A posistor relay in a cold state should show a resistance close to zero (closed), and after heating it should go to infinity (open). If the device shows constant resistance or a constant break, regardless of temperature, the element requires replacement.
Why does the relay burn out?
A frequent cause of relay failure is not its own wear, but problems with the voltage in the network or difficulty starting the compressor due to thickened oil or a mechanical wedge. Therefore, replacing the relay can be a temporary measure if the root cause of the overload has not been eliminated.
Sometimes the cause of failure is not the relay itself, but oxidation of the contacts at the junction with the compressor. Cleaning the contacts with fine sandpaper can temporarily restore functionality, but it is better not to risk it and install a new kit, since the cost of the part is low.
Instructions for dismantling and installing a new relay
The replacement process does not require complex special tools, but requires care. The main rule is not to use excessive force, since the plastic relay housings and compressor terminals are quite fragile. Before starting work, prepare a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as pliers.
☑️ Algorithm for replacing the relay
First remove the protective cover by unscrewing the screws or loosening the latches. You will see a compressor with contacts sticking out. The relay is simply slipped onto these contacts and secured with a bracket or plastic clip. Carefully remove the retaining bracket and pull the relay down. It is important to remember or photograph the orientation of the device, since an inverted relay will not work.
The new device is installed in the reverse order. Make sure it is seated all the way and locked. If your refrigerator model requires a separate thermal relay, check its condition. After installation, assemble the protective casing and only then plug the device into the network.
| Relay type | Characteristic features | Compatibility | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (RT). shutdown | Smooth start, no clicks at start | Most Biryusa models | Low |
| Induction (RTP) | Loud clicking sound on startup and shutdown | Old Biryusa models | Medium |
| Combined | Combines start-up and protection functions | Modern units | Low |
| Electronic | Silent operation, high accuracy | Rare modifications | High |
After turning on, listen to the operation of the motor. If it started up smoothly and after a while the chamber began to get colder, then the procedure was successful. If the clicks are repeated, perhaps the problem is deeper and concerns the compressor itself.
Common mistakes during self-repair
One of the most common mistakes is buying a relay “by eye”. Although many models are universal, there are nuances with the length of the rod, the location of the contacts and the current characteristics. Installing the wrong relay can result in the compressor operating with overload or not starting at all.
The second mistake is ignoring the compressor condition. If the motor has mechanical wear or an inter-turn short circuit, the new relay will burn out after a few minutes or even seconds of operation. Always check the resistance of the compressor windings before installing a new starting device.
The third error is poor contact. When installed, a relay that is not fully inserted will spark, which will lead to burning of the compressor contacts. Make sure that the latch snaps into place and that the wires are not stretched or pinched by the case.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to start the refrigerator by bypassing the relay or closing the contacts directly. This is guaranteed to lead to combustion of the compressor windings and a fire hazard.
Also, you should not use relays from other types of equipment, for example, from air conditioners or industrial installations, even if they are suitable in size. Their current characteristics and response times are different.
Selection of spare part and compatibility
When choosing a new relay for Turkies it is best to focus on the markings on the old device. The most common series are RT, RTP, RZA. The numbers in the marking usually indicate the permissible current of the compressor, so it is important to choose an analogue with similar parameters.
If you cannot find an original spare part, you can use universal analogues, which are often sold in spare parts stores for household appliances. They are equipped with a set of adapters that allow you to connect the relay to different types of compressors. However, original parts are always preferable in terms of quality.
Pay attention to the country of origin. Russian and Chinese relays may differ in operating life. For refrigerators operating in difficult conditions (for example, in the kitchen with voltage surges), it is better to choose higher quality brands.
The price of a starting relay is usually low, so there is no point in saving and buying used or refurbished devices. The risk of a new compressor failing due to a cheap spare part is too great.
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, if the relay is inductive, it can be disassembled, clean the contacts from carbon deposits and put back together. However, posistor relays cannot be repaired, since there is a ceramic element inside that changes properties when heated. Considering the low cost of a new part, repairing an old one is usually impractical.
Why does a new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This is a sure sign of a malfunction of the compressor itself. Most likely, an interturn short circuit has occurred in the motor windings, and it consumes a current significantly exceeding the rated current. In this case, replacement of the compressor or the entire refrigerator is required.
Where to buy an original relay for Biryusa?
Original spare parts can be found in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, on official service websites or in large online electronics stores. When ordering online, be sure to check the article number and appearance in the photo.
How long does it take to replace a relay?
For an experienced technician, this process takes 10-15 minutes. A beginner who is faced with this task for the first time may take about 30-40 minutes, including diagnostics and searching for tools.
Does room temperature affect the operation of the relay?
Yes, at very low temperatures (below +10°C) the viscosity of the oil in the compressor increases, which makes starting difficult. The relay may not be able to start and the engine will hum. In such conditions, it is recommended not to operate the refrigerator.