Owners of Indesit equipment are often faced with the need to replace the main cooling unit when the refrigerator stops freezing or begins to work intermittently. The question of whether Whose compressor is installed in a particular model becomes critically important when searching for spare parts. Indesit, like many other large brands of household appliances, does not produce refrigeration units independently, but purchases them from specialized partner factories.
Answer to this question is not clear-cut, since the plant used equipment from different suppliers for many years of producing models. It depends on the year of manufacture of your device, the region of assembly and the specific series of the refrigerator. Understanding the origin of the assembly will help you not to overpay for a branded part and find a high-quality analogue.
In this article we will analyze the main suppliers, learn how to identify the manufacturer by marking and consider the nuances of replacement. Knowing these details will save you time and money when repair household appliances.
Main suppliers of compressors for Indesit
Historically, the main partner of Indesit (now part of the Whirlpool holding) is Italian concern Whirlpool. However, depending on production capacity and logistics, units of other well-known brands could be installed in refrigerators. Most often, motors are from factories located in Europe and Asia.
The most common option for modern and relatively recent models is a compressor Embraco (often labeled as Whirlpool or Aspera). These are reliable piston units that have proven themselves to be durable. Also in older models or budget series you can find products from the company Secop (formerly Danfoss) or Chinese analogues, such as Jiaxipera.
It is important to understand that even if Indesit is written on the refrigerator nameplate, the compressor itself will have its own marking. It is she who tells us about the real manufacturer. The table below shows the main brands that can be found inside the body of your refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Not all compressors are interchangeable. Even if the dimensions are the same, the characteristics of the refrigerant (R134a or R600a) and the type of starting relay may differ.
- 🇮🇹 Whirlpool / Embraco - the most common option for European assemblies.
- 🇩🇰 Secop (Danfoss) - typical for models in the mid-price segment of previous years.
- 🇨🇳 Jiaxipera (QD)** - often found in budget lines and models of recent years of production.
- 🇮🇹 Aspera - a brand owned by Whirlpool is often placed as an original replacement.
How to identify the manufacturer by marking
To find out exactly what whose compressor is installed in your Indesit refrigerator, you need to gain access to the back wall unit. You do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator, just move it away from the wall and remove the protective metal cover at the bottom where the motor is located.
There is always a sticker or embossed marking on the body of the black metal cylinder (or cube). Look for logos of companies such as Whirlpool, Embraco or Danfoss. Also a key parameter is the model of the compressor itself, which usually consists of letters and numbers (for example, T60HB or NL9G).
Pay attention to the type of refrigerant used. This is a critical parameter and is listed next to the model. Older Indesit models are characterized by freon R134a, and newer and energy-efficient ones - R600a. Replacing a compressor for one type of freon with a unit for another type is impossible without a complete rework of the system.
Where to look for the serial number of the compressor?
The serial number or part number is usually stamped on a metal tag glued to the top or side of the compressor housing. Sometimes it is duplicated on a white sticker next to the technical specifications. If the sticker has worn off, look for the model code starting with the letters designating the series (for example, C, T, K, H).
If you see the inscription Aspera, know that this is the same Embraco plant, but branded under the Whirlpool division. This simplifies the search, since their technical characteristics are identical. In some cases, the compressor may have the logo of Indesit itself, but this only indicates that the part was installed on the assembly line of the assembly plant.
Correspondence table between models and analogues
When searching for a spare part, confusion often arises with models. Manufacturers often change their nomenclature, and the same physical compressor may have different part numbers in catalogs. Below is a table that helps you navigate the main types of units found in Indesit equipment.
| Marking on the compressor | Probable manufacturer | Refrigerant type | Power (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| T60HB / T60Y | Embraco / Aspera | R134a | 1/5 - 1/4 hp |
| NL9G / NL10G | Secop (Danfoss) | R134a | 1/4 hp |
| QD30H / QD35H | Jiaxipera | R600a | 1/5 hp |
| FK9G / FK12G | Secop (Danfoss) | R600a | 1/4 hp |
Using this table allows you to quickly weed out unsuitable options. For example, if you have a compressor for R134a, you need to look strictly for an analogue for this gas. An attempt to charge the system R600a into a circuit designed for R134a (or vice versa) will lead to incorrect operation or failure of the new motor.
It is also worth considering the engine power. Installing a weaker compressor will result in the refrigerator not reaching the desired temperature and running non-stop. A motor that is too powerful can cause problems with the starting relay and electrics.
Features of choice: original or analogue?
The owner is always faced with a dilemma: look for an expensive original compressor with the Indesit/Whirlpool logo or purchase a proven analogue. Original spare parts are often overpriced only because of the brand, although the same Embraco may be inside.
High-quality analogues, such as Secop or Aspera, are in no way inferior to the originals in terms of reliability, and sometimes even surpass them, since they are a product of specialized factories whose main activity is the production of compressors. Chinese brands, such as Jiaxipera, are also widely used in factory assembly and are a completely working option for budget repairs.
- 💰 Price: Analogues can be 30-40% cheaper than the original.
- 🛡️ Warranty: For branded analogues (Secop, Embraco) the guarantee is often higher than for “no-name” originals.
- 🔧 Availability: Finding an analogue on sale is usually easier and faster.
However, there is a nuance with the starting relay. Original Indesit compressors may have a specific form of relay mounting. When installing an analogue, it may be necessary to replace the relay itself so that it fits tightly onto the contacts. This is a small additional expense, but you need to know about it in advance.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, be sure to check the height of the compressor and the distance between the mounting legs. A difference of even 5 mm may not allow the unit to be installed in a niche.
Instructions for replacing the compressor with your own hands
Replacing the compressor in an Indesit refrigerator is a complex technical process that requires special equipment and skills. It's not just a matter of "unscrewing and screwing" like with a filter or a light bulb. The process involves working with copper tubes, soldering and refilling with freon.
To perform the work you will need: a torch (gas or oxy-acetylene), solder, nitrogen for purging, a vacuum pump and a pressure gauge station. Without these tools, perform a quality replacement impossible. In addition, working with refrigerants requires compliance with safety precautions.
☑️ Preparation for replacing the compressor
First you need to bleed off the remnants of the old freon (if there is any) and carefully saw off the copper tubes. The compressor is then unscrewed from the frame. The new unit is installed in place, the tubes are sealed. A critically important step is purging the system with nitrogen to remove moisture and oxides formed during soldering.
After assembling the circuit, the system is evacuated for 15-20 minutes. This removes air and moisture. Only after this is gas refilled strictly according to the weight indicated on the technical sticker of the refrigerator. Overfilling or underfilling will lead to breakdown.
If you do not have the skills to solder copper and work with refrigeration equipment, we strongly advise you to turn to professionals. Independent attempts often end in repeated repairs or damage to the new compressor due to a violation of the technology.
Frequent problems and fault diagnosis
Before making a decision to replace, you should make sure that the problem lies in the compressor. Often users mistakenly blame the motor when in fact the starting relay is faulty or the capillary is clogged. An Indesit refrigerator may hum, but not cool for various reasons.
One of the signs of a compressor malfunction is that it turns on, hums for 2-3 seconds and turns off with a click. This may indicate turn-to-turn short circuit windings or jamming of the piston group. Also, the motor can run continuously without turning off, but not create the required pressure in the system.
Check the starting relay. This is a small box that fits over the compressor contacts. If it burns out, the compressor will not start, although it itself may be fine. Replacing the relay is inexpensive and can be done without soldering.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the windings with a multimeter. The resistance between the contacts must be in a certain range (usually from 10 to 30 Ohms for the working winding). If the device shows infinity (break) or zero (short circuit), then the compressor requires replacement.
Repair cost and feasibility
The financial issue is always acute. The cost of a new compressor for Indesit varies depending on the manufacturer and power. Budget Chinese models can be found at a lower price, while original European units will cost much more.
However, the part itself is only part of the cost. The services of a specialist for vacuuming and refilling with freon, as well as a home visit, can amount to up to 70% of the total check amount. In old refrigerators (over 10-12 years old), replacing the compressor may not be economically feasible.
If the refrigerator body is swollen, there are signs of severe corrosion, or the thermal insulation layer is damaged, repairs are pointless. In such cases, it is easier to consider purchasing new equipment that will be more energy efficient and quiet.
⚠️ Attention: Prices for components and service center services may change. Always check the current cost with official dealers or trusted spare parts stores before starting work.
However, if the Indesit refrigerator is in good external condition and you just need to replace the “heart” of the unit, using a high-quality analogue (for example, Secop or Embraco) will extend the life of the equipment for another 5-7 years.
Is it possible to supply compressor from another refrigerator, for example, from Atlant or Stinol?
Theoretically, it is possible if the dimensions, power, type of refrigerant and pipe diameter are the same. Compressors from Atlant often fit the seats, but may differ in height. Compressors Stinol (which are often Danfoss analogues) can also be compatible. The main thing is the technical compliance of the characteristics, and not the donor brand.
Why does the new compressor get hotter than the old one?
Modern compressors, especially inverter or highly efficient piston compressors, may have a higher housing temperature in operating mode. This is normal if the temperature does not exceed 80-90 degrees and the heat dissipation system (condenser at the back) is clean. If only the motor housing heats up and it turns off via a thermal relay, perhaps the wrong power has been selected or there are problems with ventilation.
How long should the compressor operate after replacement?
After proper refueling and evacuation, the first start may last longer than usual (up to 40-60 minutes of continuous operation) until the system reaches normal operation. In the future, the operating cycle should be approximately 10-15 minutes of work and 15-20 minutes of rest, depending on the load of the refrigerator and the room temperature.
Is it necessary to change the filter drier when replacing the compressor?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement. The filter drier definitely must be replaced whenever the refrigerator circuit is opened. The old filter is already saturated with moisture and oil breakdown products, and its reuse will lead to rapid clogging of the capillary tube and failure of the new compressor.