The situation when the refrigerator stops freezing and the compressor is silent often confronts the home technician with the need for urgent diagnostics. Equipment owners Atlant face this no less often than users of other brands, and the first logical step is to check the performance of the engine itself. Connecting the motor directly to a 220 volt network is a classic method of eliminating malfunctions, allowing you to understand whether the unit itself is alive or the problem lies in the thermostat and relay.
It is important to immediately realize that this procedure is associated with a high risk of electric shock and requires strict adherence to safety rules. Electric current the network is not forgiving, so carry out all manipulations only with the power cord disconnected, wearing dielectric gloves on your hands. We will look at a detailed algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and the nuances of working with various types of starting devices typical for Belarusian equipment.
Before starting disassembly, make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged from the outlet for at least 15–20 minutes. This time is necessary for the capacitors to discharge and, which is critically important, for the freon pressure in the system to equalize. If you try to start the compressor immediately after stopping, it may not turn over due to high pressure in the discharge line, which will lead to a humming sound and thermal protection.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
High-quality diagnostics is impossible without proper preparation. You will need not only a basic set of tools, but also specific instruments for measuring electrical parameters. The main tool will be multimeterwhich will allow you to check the integrity of the windings and the absence of breakdown on the housing. Without this device, a “blind” test can lead to false conclusions about an engine malfunction.
It is also necessary to prepare insulating materials, since the contacts will be live. Use cambrics or quality electrical tape to insulate connections. For ease of working with the starting relay wires, a set of screwdrivers and pliers with insulated handles will be useful.
☑️ Diagnostic tools
Pay special attention to lighting the work area. The back of the refrigerator Atlant is often dusty and dark, which makes it difficult to see the contact markings on the relay. Wipe the dust with a dry cloth to prevent conductive particles from entering the electrical circuit during operation.
Dismantling and initial inspection of the starting relay
The compressor in refrigerators Atlant is located in the lower rear part of the case and is covered with a metal or plastic casing. Remove the housing's fastenings, usually bolts or latches, and set it aside. You will see a view of a black cylindrical or pear-shaped motor housing with a plastic box attached to the side - this is the starting relay.
Carefully remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It can be held on by spring brackets or simply sit tightly on three pins. Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the fragile plastic, especially if the equipment has been in use for a long time and the material may have dried out.
⚠️ Attention: There may be condensation or oil at the bottom of the compressor casing or inside the start relay. Avoid contact with electrical contacts and eyes. If liquid is detected, thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a dry cloth before starting measurements.
After removing the relay, inspect its external condition. The presence of melting, blackening of the plastic or a characteristic burning smell indicates that the device has failed. In such cases, starting directly is often the only way to check whether the motor itself is capable of rotating without the participation of burnt-out electronics.
Connection diagram and search for winding contacts
For successful starting, it is necessary to correctly identify the contacts. Where the relay is installed, you will see three pins forming a triangle. Depending on the compressor model Atlant (SKO series, SKN or imported analogues), the arrangement of the windings may vary, but the principle is the same.
Use a multimeter in continuity mode or measuring resistance (Ohm). You need to find pairs of contacts that have resistance between them. These are working i starting windings. The third contact, which does not call directly with any of the first two (but calls through them), is common.
Table of winding resistances
The resistance of the working winding is usually 10–20 Ohms, the starting - 20–40 Ohm. If the device shows one (infinity) or zero, the winding is broken or shorted, respectively.
You can determine which contact is which by the resistance:
- 🔌 Between the common and working contacts, the resistance will be the smallest.
- 🔌 Between the common and starting contacts, the resistance will be higher (about 1.5–2 times).
- 🔌 The sum of these two resistances will give the resistance between the working and starting contacts.
It is important not to confuse the contacts, since applying voltage to the wrong winding can lead to instantaneous combustion of the motor or its humming without rotation of the shaft. Visually, the relay itself often has markings: R (Run - working), S (Start - starting) and C (Common - general).
Algorithm for direct connection to a 220V network
The most critical stage is supplying voltage. To do this you will need a piece of cable with a plug. The connection diagram is simple: one wire from the plug (phase) is connected to the common contact, the second wire (zero) is connected to the working contact. The starting contact is not yet involved in this circuit, since we are checking the ability of the motor to operate in normal mode.
However, if you simply turn on the power, the compressor may hum, but not start, since it lacks a starting impulse. To create this impulse, it is necessary to briefly close the starting contact with the worker. Doing this with your hands is dangerous, so use a button or an insulated screwdriver with caution.
Sequence of actions when starting:
- Connect the wires to the general and working contacts.
- Plug the plug into the socket (holding the insulation).
- Shortly (for 1-2 seconds) close the starting contact with the working or common (depending on the relay circuit, S and R are often closed).
- The compressor should start with a characteristic hum.
If the motor starts and runs smoothly, without making knocks, it means the mechanical part and windings are OK. The problem was most likely the start relay or thermostat. If there is a loud hum, clicking noise and the motor does not rotate, immediately turn off the power. This is a sign of jamming of the piston group or interturn short circuit.
Diagnostics of faults based on symptoms
The behavior of the compressor when directly connected provides comprehensive information about its condition. By analyzing the reaction of the motor, you can accurately determine the nature of the breakdown. Do not ignore even the slightest deviations in operation, as they may indicate an imminent failure of the equipment.
Let's consider the main symptoms in the table below:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| The motor hums, but does not start | The mechanism is jammed or low voltage | An attempt to start through a starting capacitor or replacing the compressor |
| Thermal relay is triggered | Overheating of the windings or short circuit | Checking the resistance of the windings, replacing the motor |
| The compressor works, but does not cool | Freon leak or capillary blockage | Call a technician to find the leak and refill |
| Strong vibration and knocking | Destruction of the compressor suspension | Replacement shock absorbers or the entire unit |
The situation when the compressor starts, runs for a couple of minutes, and then turns off deserves special attention. This may indicate overheating due to lack of cooling (if the shroud is removed and there is no airflow) or problems with the refrigerant circulation system. In the latter case, the discharge pressure increases, and it becomes difficult for the motor to turn the pistons.
Using a starting capacitor for resuscitation
In cases where the standard starting pulse is not enough (for example, with prolonged downtime of equipment), the compressor Atlant may require a more powerful starting push. This is where the starting capacitor comes to the rescue. This device accumulates a charge and releases it with a powerful impulse, helping the rotor to break away.
The capacitor must be connected in parallel with the starting winding. The capacitance of the capacitor is selected experimentally or according to the motor's data sheet, usually in the range from 4 to 10 μF for household refrigerators. Using a capacitor that is too powerful can burn out the starting winding.
⚠️ Attention: Capacitors retain a charge even after the power is turned off. Before touching the contacts, be sure to discharge them by shorting the terminals with an insulated screwdriver, otherwise a painful electric shock is possible.
This method often allows you to “revive” compressors that were considered dead. If, after connecting the capacitor, the shaft moves and the engine enters operating mode, there is a high probability that the equipment will last for some time. However, this is a temporary measure, and it is still worth planning to purchase a new compressor.
Safety and final recommendations
Working with live electrical appliances always carries risks. Never leave a compressor plugged in unattended, especially if it is only attached to wires. Vibration can lead to a short circuit or the fall of a heavy unit.
If you plan to further repair the refrigerator yourself, be sure to restore the standard connection diagram after diagnostics. Direct operation, without start relay and thermal protection, is only permissible for short-term testing. Long-term operation in this mode is guaranteed to lead to engine combustion.
Remember that modern refrigerators Atlant with inverter compressors It is strictly forbidden to connect directly. The described instructions are only for classic linear motors with starting relays. The inverter requires complex control electronics, and a direct 220V supply will kill it instantly.
Compressor service life
The average service life of the Atlant compressor is 10-12 years. After this period, the likelihood of mechanical wear of the piston group increases sharply.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to leave the refrigerator operating directly without a relay?
No, it is not possible. The starting relay is necessary to disconnect the starting winding after start, and thermal protection saves the motor from overheating. Working without them will lead to the windings burning out within a few minutes or hours.