How to replace the relay on an Atlant refrigerator: a complete guide

A sudden stop of the refrigerator Atlant often takes you by surprise, but this does not always mean the need to call an expensive technician or buy new equipment. In most cases, when the compressor hums, but no cold is generated, or the motor does not start at all, the problem lies in the failure of the start-up relay. This small but critically important unit is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overcurrent.

Independent relay replacement is one of the most accessible procedures in the repair of household appliances, which does not require complex special tools or deep knowledge of electrical engineering. However, in order to perform the work efficiently and safely, it is necessary to clearly understand the structure of the unit, be able to diagnose this particular malfunction and know the nuances of selecting compatible components for various series of Belarusian-made refrigerators.

In this detailed guide we will analyze the algorithm of actions from initial diagnostics to final testing of the system. You will learn how to distinguish a burnt-out relay from other breakdowns, what markings to look for on the part body and why it is important to pay attention to the position of the compressor rod when installing a new element.

Diagnostics of a faulty start relay

Before buying a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or thermostat. Symptoms may be similar, so it is important to conduct a careful visual and acoustic assessment of the condition of the unit. Typically, the malfunction manifests itself in a characteristic click, followed by silence, or in attempts to start, which last a split second.

If you observe that the motor is trying to turn on, emits a dull hum or metallic clang, and then there is a click and there is silence - this is a classic sign that starting device cannot close the winding circuit or is mechanically jammed. In some cases, the relay may “stick” in the on position, which leads to overheating of the windings and activation of the thermal protection, or, conversely, does not supply voltage to start.

⚠️ Attention: If, after several attempts to start, the compressor housing becomes hot and the engine is silent, immediately disconnect the refrigerator from the network. Continuation of such cycles can lead to an interturn short circuit and combustion of the motor windings, which will make repairs economically unfeasible.

For more accurate diagnostics, you can remove the back cover at the bottom of the refrigerator (crankcase) and inspect the relay. Often traces of melting, blackening are visible on the body, or a burning smell is felt. If the appearance of the part is not suspicious, you will need a multimeter to check the integrity of the contacts and thermoelement, but in 90% of cases with the described symptoms, replacement is the only way out.

Preparation of tools and selection of a new relay

The replacement procedure does not require a professional set of tools. You will need a minimal kit, which is found in most DIYers' drawers. The main thing in this work is accuracy and adherence to the sequence of actions so as not to damage fragile plastic elements or copper tubes.

For work you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (usually Phillips or flat, depending on the type of screws securing the protective casing).
• 🔧 Pliers or pliers (for carefully removing the terminals if they are tight).
• 🔧 Multimeter (optional, for checking contacts).
• 🔧 Flashlight (for illuminating the compressor niche).

The most important step is buying the right one. start-up protection relay. Refrigerators Atlant were equipped with different models of compressors (often produced by themselves Atlant, Danfoss or Secop), and the relays for them may differ in design. On the body of the old part there is always a marking, for example, P-1, P-3, P-4 or codes like 1003042, 1003044. It is by this code that you need to look for a replacement.

Compatibility of relays of different series

Relays of the R-1 series are often interchangeable with R-3, provided the current characteristics match, but it is better to select an exact analogue. Relays for Danfoss compressors (series 100CL) have a specific body shape and do not fit classic Atlant models without altering the fasteners.

If you cannot find an original spare part, you can use universal analogues, but you must strictly monitor the direction of installation of the rod and the current parameters. An incorrectly selected relay may not start the compressor or, worse, not turn off the starting winding in time, which will lead to overheating.

Safety precautions and dismantling the old relay

Before starting any work with the electrical components of the refrigerator Atlant it is necessary to completely de-energize the unit. Unplug the plug from the socket. Even if the relay is located at the bottom, moisture or accidental contact with other live parts can be dangerous. In addition, working with equipment connected to the network is strictly prohibited.

The dismantling process is as follows:

• ❄️ Move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing access to the back wall.
• ❄️ Remove the protective metal or plastic cover at the bottom (crankcase) by unscrewing the fixing screws or releasing the latches.
• ❄️ Find the compressor (black barrel-shaped tank) and the plastic box on its side or back - this is our relay.

Carefully remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It can be held in place by a tight fit on three pins or be additionally secured with a metal bracket-bar. If there is a bracket, it must be pryed off with a screwdriver and removed. Do not use excessive force to avoid loosening the copper tubes leading to the compressor.

⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the relay by the wires! The connection is made via detachable terminals. First, carefully remove the plastic relay case itself from the compressor pins, and only then disconnect the power wires, remembering or photographing their location.

After removing the relay, inspect the inside of the cap, which is placed on the compressor pins. There should be no soot, oxides or traces of moisture. If the compressor pins are oxidized, they can be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper, but proceed with extreme caution.

Step-by-step instructions for installing a new relay

Installation of a new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling, but requires attention to the orientation of the housing. The starting relay is a polarized device (in most modern models), that is, it works only in a certain spatial position, depending on gravity.

Installation algorithm:

• 🛠️ Take a new relay and make sure that its marking matches that required for your compressor Atlant.
• 🛠️ Connect the power wires to the corresponding relay terminals. Usually there are two or three of them (phase, neutral, ground). It is important not to mix up the contacts, although often the connectors have different shapes or colors.
• 🛠️ Place the relay on the compressor pins. It should fit tightly and with little effort.
• 🛠️ Check the position of the case: the inscription “UP” or the arrow should point straight up. If you turn the relay upside down, it will not work.

If the relay has a metal retaining bar, return it to its place by hooking it onto the compressor housing. This will prevent the part from slipping during vibration. Make sure that the wires are not loose and cannot get into moving parts or touch the hot compressor.

After installing all components, you can proceed to testing. Plug in the refrigerator. You should hear a characteristic click after a few seconds (or immediately, depending on the temperature), followed by the smooth hum of a running motor. If you hear only a single click and silence, the relay may be defective or the problem is deeper.

Relay compatibility table for different Atlant models

Model range of refrigerators Atlant extensive, and different types of starting devices were used over the years. Below is a table to help you navigate the markings. Remember that the appearance of the relay may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer of the spare part, but the electrical parameters must be the same.

When ordering spare parts in an online store, it is best to indicate not only the refrigerator model, but also the full code from the old relay. This minimizes the risk of error. Universal relays, which are sold “for all refrigerators,” often require adjustment of contacts or have worse build quality compared to the original ones Belarusian R-1/R-3.

Frequent errors and advice from experts

Even a simple replacement procedure may not go according to plan if you ignore some technical nuances. One of the most common mistakes is incorrect orientation of the relay in space. As already mentioned, there is a movable core inside that is supposed to fall under the influence of gravity. If you turn the refrigerator on its side during operation or install the relay upside down, the contact will not close.

Another mistake is ignoring the state of the contacts on the compressor itself. If the pins are blackened or oxidized, the new relay will quickly fail or become unstable. Cleaning the contacts with a fine file or sandpaper is required. It is also worth checking whether the compressor contact block itself is loose - it should sit firmly.

Sometimes users try to “reanimate” the old relay by opening the housing and cleaning the contacts with a file. Do this absolutely not worth it. The start relay is a disposable element. The restored device will work unpredictably: it will either not start the motor or will not turn off the starting winding, which is guaranteed to lead to the burning of an expensive compressor.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the relay and turning on the refrigerator, touch the body of the new part after 10-15 minutes of operation. It may be warm, but it shouldn't burn your hand or smell like melted plastic. Excessive heating indicates a compressor malfunction or improper operation of the relay.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

Is it possible to install a relay from another refrigerator model on the Atlant?

Technically possible if they match mounting dimensions, pin locations and current characteristics. However, it is better to use original relays of the R-1 or R-3 series, since they are ideally adapted for Atlant compressors. Installing an unsuitable relay can lead to overload of the windings.

Why, after replacing the relay, does the refrigerator hum but does not freeze?

This may indicate that the compressor does not develop the required pressure (wear of the piston group) or there is no refrigerant (freon) in the system due to a leak. The relay only starts the engine, but is not responsible for gas circulation. It is also possible that the motor is mechanically jammed.

How can you tell that it is the compressor that has burned out, and not the relay?

If, when you close the contacts directly (professional method) or install a known good relay, the compressor hums, but does not start, and the machine knocks out or you smell a burning smell, most likely the compressor has burned out. Also a sign is the resistance of the windings, measured with a multimeter: if it is zero or infinity, the motor is faulty.

Is it necessary to evacuate the system when replacing the relay?

No, the start relay is replaced without violating the tightness of the refrigeration circuit. You are working only with the electrical part, so you don’t need to release freon or invite a technician to evacuate the system.