The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops cooling, and only clicks or a hum is heard inside, which ends abruptly, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Most often, the reason for this behavior is the failure of starting relay a small but critical element of the compressor electrical circuit. It is this device that is responsible for starting the engine and its further safe operation, opening the starting winding after a set of revolutions.
Independent replacement of this part is quite within the capabilities of a person with minimal skills in handling tools, but requires strict adherence to safety precautions and an understanding of the principles of operation single-phase motor. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing, selecting and, most importantly, correctly installing a new relay so that your refrigerator works like new again.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the problem lies in this unit, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts, so it is important to carefully analyze the symptoms: if the engine hums for 5-10 seconds and clicks, trying to start, but does not start, this is a classic sign of a malfunction starter mechanism.
Operating principle and design of the starting relay
To correctly connect the relay, you need to understand how it works. Refrigerators Indesit most often use posistor-type devices, although in older models you can also find electromagnetic options. A posistor relay is a housing with contacts and a special ceramic element - a posistor, the resistance of which increases sharply when heated by current.
When the refrigerator is turned on, the current passes through the starting winding of the motor and the posistor, creating a magnetic field to start the rotor. The posistor quickly heats up, its resistance increases, and the starting winding circuit actually opens. The engine continues to operate on the working winding. If this process is disrupted, the compressor cannot reach operating mode.
Electromagnetic relays work differently: the coil draws in the core, closing the contacts, and as the speed increases, the current drops, the core drops under the influence of gravity and opens the circuit. It is important to understand that types of relays are not always interchangeable, and replacing one type with another without changing the circuit can lead to motor burnout.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical components of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the mains! Working under 220V voltage is deadly.
Inside the device body there can also be thermal relay (thermal protection), which protects the engine from overheating. It looks like a bimetallic plate that opens the circuit when the temperature of the compressor housing critically increases. Often, when replacing the starting relay, the thermal relay is also changed, since their service life is approximately the same.
Is it possible to install a relay of a different brand?
Yes, if the electrical characteristics and mounting dimensions match. However, it is better to look for original spare parts or complete analogs listed in the compatibility catalogs for your Indesit model.
Fault diagnosis before replacement
Before ordering a new part, you should make sure that replacement is necessary. Primary diagnosis is carried out visually and auditorily. If, when turned on, the refrigerator is silent or makes a quiet hum, and after a few seconds there is a loud click and silence, the cycle repeats. This indicates that the engine is trying to start, but starting mechanism does not perform its function.
For a more accurate check, you need to remove the old relay. Remove the rear protective cover at the bottom of the refrigerator (usually secured with latches or screws). You will see a compressor with a plastic box attached to the shank - this is our desired device. Carefully remove it, having previously photographed the position of the wires.
Check the integrity of the contacts and the body itself. If you hear the ringing of a fallen part inside (the posistor is broken or the contacts are burnt), or traces of burning and melting of the plastic are visible, replacement is inevitable. Also worth ring with a multimeter thermal relay: in a cold state it should ring (show zero or resistance close to it).
Sometimes the problem lies not in the relay itself, but in burnt contacts at the compressor terminals. Carefully inspect the three pins coming out of the motor. If they have black carbon or oxidation, sand them down with fine sandpaper before installing the new element. Poor contact can cause sparking and repeated failure of even a serviceable part.
Choosing the right spare part for Indesit
The spare parts market offers many options, but for reliable operation Indesit it is important to choose the right analogue. The main parameter is the compressor power, which is indicated on the nameplate of the motor itself (for example, 1/5 HP, 1/4 HP) or on the marking of the relay itself. Popular markings for Indesit include series R6, RANCO, PTC.
Pay attention to the number of contacts. A standard relay has three main contacts for connection to the compressor and two (or more) for connection to the refrigerator terminal block. The shape of the case may also differ: some models have an elongated shape, others have a more compact square shape.
When purchasing, be sure to compare (the appearance) of your old part with the new one. Pay special attention to the location of the holes for the compressor pins. They must match with high accuracy, otherwise you simply will not be able to put the relay on the motor or, worse, damage the contacts.
| Relay type | Characteristic features | Compatibility | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | Plastic case, no moving parts inside | Most modern Indesit | 300-600 rub. |
| Electromagnetic | Metal or heavy plastic case, the mechanism can be heard | Old Soviet-type models | 800-1200 rubles. |
| Combined | Combined with thermal protection in one block | Specific models of compressors | 900-1500 rub. |
| Universal | Often requires modification of contacts | Requires selection by power | 200-400 rubles. |
If you are not sure about the model, it is best to remove the old relay and come to the store with it or take a photo of the marking to search on the Internet. It is critically important that the nominal the current and voltage of the coil coincided with the originalotherwise the engine will either not start or will burn out.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting
The process of installing a new part requires care and attention. The main rule: each wire must fall into place. By mixing up phase and zero or the contacts of the starting and working windings, you risk causing a short circuit immediately when plugged into the outlet.
First, put the new relay on the three pins of the compressor. It should fit tightly, with little effort, but without distortion. Make sure that the markings on the relay (usually letters C, S, R or numbers 1, 2, 3) match the diagram on your refrigerator. Most often, the top contact is the general one, the left one is the starting one, the right one is the working one, but it is better to double-check by the colors of the wires.
☑️ Installation checklist
Connection of wires to the terminal block is carried out according to the color marking. Typically, a white or brown wire goes to one pin, and a blue or black wire to the other. If the wire colors differ from the standard ones, refer to the diagram that you photographed during dismantling. Tighten the terminal screws firmly to ensure good contact.
After connecting all the wires, carefully lay them out so that they do not touch the hot parts of the compressor or moving parts (if there is a fan). Secure the plastic relay cover, if provided by the design, and reinstall the protective rear panel of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow wires to get into the gap between the refrigerator body and the rear wall when installing the unit in place. This can result in pinched insulation and a fire.
If your relay has a separate ground terminal (usually marked with a ground symbol or the color yellow-green), be sure to connect the appropriate wire. This will ensure safe operation of the device in the event of a breakdown of the insulation on the housing.
Typical installation errors
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the state of thermal protection. When changing the start relay, amateur craftsmen often forget to check or replace the thermal fuse. If it is "tired", a new start may not take place again, and you will waste time.
Another common mistake is poor contact in the terminal block. If the screws are loosely tightened, heating will begin to occur at the connection point, the plastic will melt, and after a while the refrigerator will stand up again. Always check that the wires are securely fastened after installation.
There is also an error of incorrect relay orientation. Some models are sensitive to position in space (for example, the "UP" arrow should point up). If you place such a relay upside down, gravity will interfere with the operation of the internal mechanisms, and starting will become impossible.
You should not use electrical tape where the standard terminals should be. Twisting and tape insulation in the refrigerator is a ticking time bomb due to vibrations and temperature changes. Use only standard connectors and pads.
Checking performance after installation
After completing all installation work, the most exciting moment comes - the first start-up. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you can hear the characteristic click of the relay, and then the smooth hum of the operating compressor. This is a good sign.
Pay attention to the current consumption if you have the opportunity to measure it (for example, through a smart socket with a wattmeter). When starting, the current jumps briefly, but then should stabilize at the operating value (usually 0.5–1.0 Amperes for household models). If the current remains high and the refrigerator does not cool, there may be a deeper problem.
Let the refrigerator run for at least 30-40 minutes without loading food. Check the heating of the compressor housing: it should be warm or hot (this is normal), but not hot. Also check the temperature of the condenser (grids at the back or on the sides) - it should gradually increase.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor hums but does not start, or immediately knocks out the circuit breakers in the panel - immediately turn off the device. The motor itself is probably faulty or there is a short in the wiring.
Make sure that the interval between turning off and turning on again is at least 5-10 minutes. The compressor needs time to equalize the pressure in the system and cool down. Frequent switching on can damage the newly installed relay.
What to do if the refrigerator is working, but is not freezing?
If the motor runs smoothly, but there is no cold, there may be a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube. This requires calling a technician with refueling equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Technically, you can start the engine by applying voltage directly to the working winding and briefly to the starting winding, but this is strictly not recommended. Without a relay, the compressor will not turn off the starting winding, which will lead to its rapid combustion and failure of the entire motor. This is an emergency method for diagnostics only.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
There may be several reasons: the relay power is incorrectly selected (designed for a lower current), poor contact in the terminals causes heating, or the compressor itself is “heavy” (worn out, requires a large starting torque). It is also possible that there are power surges in the network.
Where can I find a wiring diagram for my Indesit model?
The electrical wiring diagram is often placed on a sticker located on the back wall of the refrigerator, next to the compressor. If the sticker is erased, the diagram can be found in the technical data sheet of the product or on specialized forums for repairing household appliances, indicating the exact model of the compressor.
What is the difference between the Indesit relay and the Atlant or Biryusa?
The operating principle is the same, but the mounting dimensions, contact locations and current characteristics may differ. If physically a relay from another brand fits the pins and has the same power (HP), it can be used as a replacement, but it is better to look for an original or a universal analogue with adapters.