Connecting the start relay on a Stinol refrigerator: instructions with photos and diagrams

Refrigerators Stinol are known for their reliability, but even they are not immune from breakdowns. One of the most common malfunctions is the failure of starting relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor. If your unit stops turning on, hums loudly or clicks, but does not cool, the problem may lie in this particular unit. Replacing a relay is a task that even a beginner can handle if you strictly follow the instructions.

In this article we will look at how to properly connect the starting relay on a refrigerator Stinol (including popular models Stinol 100/101/102/103/104/107 and others). You will learn what tools you will need, how to check the functionality of the part before installation, and which hidden connection nuances are often missed even by experienced technicians. We will also look at typical errors that can lead to repeated breakdowns or even failure of the compressor.

Signs of a faulty start relay

Before proceeding with replacement, it is important to make sure that the problem is really in the relay and not in others refrigerator units. Here are the key symptoms:

• 🔴 The compressor does not start —the refrigerator does not freeze, but the light inside is on. At the same time, clicks are heard (the relay tries to operate, but to no avail).
• 🔴 The compressor hums, but does not start —the engine tries to start, but turns off after 1-2 seconds. This indicates that the relay is stuck in the “start” position.
• 🔴 The refrigerator operates jerkily —the compressor turns on for a few seconds and immediately turns off. The cycle is repeated every 5-10 minutes.
• 🔴 Constant thermal protection activation —if the relay does not turn off the starting winding in time, the compressor overheats and trips thermal relay (protective fuse).

If you observe at least one of these signs, with an 80% probability the starting relay is to blame. However, before replacing, it is worth checking other possible reasons:

• 🔌 Network voltage - low voltage (less than 190V) can block the compressor from starting. Check with a multimeter.
• ❄️ Thermostat —if it does not give a signal to turn on, the compressor will not start even with a working relay.
• 🔧 Mechanical damage to the compressor —if the motor is jammed, the relay will click, but will not start will occur.

⚠️ Attention: On models Stinol with a system No Frost (for example, Stinol NF 320) a faulty relay can lead to icing of the evaporator. If, after replacing the relay, the refrigerator continues to freeze poorly, check the operation of the fan and defrost timer.

Tools and materials for replacing the relay

To independently replace the start relay on the refrigerator Stinol you will need:

If you are not sure of the relay model suitable for your Stinol, pay attention to the markings of the old unit. Usually it is printed on the relay body in the format RTK-X-UHL4 or DANFOSS 103N0010-66. You can also focus on the compressor power:

• 🔹 For compressors up to 120 W — relay type RTK-X or DANFOSS 103N0010.
• 🔹 For compressors 120–180 W — relay RTP-1 or DANFOSS 103N0022.
• 🔹 For inverter compressors - specialized relays (for example, Emerson EDR3CX).

⚠️ Attention: On refrigerators Stinol made before 2010, relays with manual adjustment of the operating current were sometimes installed (for example, RTK-X-2). When replacing with modern analogues (for example, DANFOSS), it may be necessary to adjust the settings or modify the connection diagram.

Connection diagram for the starting relay on Stinol

Before removing the old relay, take a photo or draw a diagram of the connection. Most models Stinol use a standard circuit with three terminals:

1. Common contact (Common, C) —connects to the 220V network.
2. Working winding (Run, R) —goes to the working winding compressor.
3. Starting winding (Start, S) —connected to the starting winding of the compressor.

Typical connection diagram for Stinol 101/102/107:

220V network
|
▼
[Thermostat] —— [Relay C] —— [Compressor C]
|
[Relay R] —— [Compressor R]
|
[Relay S] —— [Compressor S]

On some models (for example, Stinol 205), the relay can be combined with start-up protection device (PZR). In this case, the circuit is complicated by adding thermal protection:

• 🔹 Terminal 1 —220V input from thermostat.
• 🔹 Terminal 2 —output to the working winding of the compressor.
• 🔹 Terminal 3 —output to the starting winding.
• 🔹 Terminal 4 —thermal protection (connected to the compressor housing).

If your relay has 4 terminals, be sure to check the resistance between the contacts 3–4 (thermal protection In normal condition it should). be 0 Ohm, in case of overheating - ∞ (break).

Step-by-step instructions for replacement relay

Now let's move on to practice. Follow this algorithm to avoid mistakes:

Step 1: Disconnecting the refrigerator and accessing the compressor

Unplug the refrigerator and carefully move it away from the wall to gain access to the back panel Stinol The compressor is located at the bottom right. Remove the protective cover by unscrewing 4–6 screws.

Step 2: Removing the old relay

The relay is attached to the compressor body using a spring clip or screws. oxidized, clean them with sandpaper.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Stinol (for example, Stinol 104) the relay can be hidden under a heat-insulating casing. Do not pull on the wires - first remove the casing!

Step 3: Checking the compressor before installing a new relay

Before installing a new relay, make sure that the problem is not in the compressor. Test the windings with a multimeter:

• 🔹 Resistance between C–R (common - working winding): 10–30 Ohm.
• 🔹 Resistance between C–S (common - starting winding): 20–40 Ohm.
• 🔹 Resistance between R–S (working - starting): the sum of the two previous values (30–70 Ohm).

If the readings are different from the norm, the compressor is faulty and replacing the relay will not help.

Step 4: Installing a new relay

Connect the wires to the new relay in accordance with the diagram. Pay attention to the polarity: on some relays. DANFOSS terminals S and R can be swapped. After connecting, fix the relay on the compressor.

Step 5: Checking operation

Plug in the refrigerator If the compressor starts and works without. extraneous sounds, the replacement was successful. If the relay clicks again, but the motor does not start, check:

• 🔹 Correct connection of the terminals.
• 🔹 Mains voltage (should be 220V ±10%).
• 🔹 State of the starting capacitor (if it is in the circuit).

Typical errors when connecting. relay

Even experienced technicians sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here are the most common ones:

1. Confused. terminals S and R - if you connect the starting winding instead of the working winding, the compressor will not start or will work in the opposite direction (on models with reversible motors).
2. Ignoring thermal protection —if you do not connect the terminal 4 (on a relay with protection), the compressor will overheat and burn out.
3. Poor terminal contact —oxidized or weakly pinched wires lead to sparking and burning of contacts.
4. Incompatible relay —for example, installing RTK-X instead of RTP-1 may trigger the protection due to incorrect current characteristics.
5. Lack of grounding —on metal relay cases this is fraught with breakdown on the refrigerator body.

Another common problem is wrong choice of relay. by power. For example, if you install a relay on the compressor 140 W put a relay for 90 W, it will overheat and turn off. To avoid this, check the table:

What to do if the new relay burns out immediately?

If the installed relay burned out when turned on for the first time, the reason may be:

1. Short circuit in the compressor windings.

2. Incorrect phasing (on three-phase models).

3. Voltage surge in the network.

Check the compressor with a multimeter and make sure that the voltage in the socket is stable (use a stabilizer).

How to check a relay without a multimeter

If you don’t have a multimeter at hand, you can check the relay “by ear” and “by eye”:

1. External inspection:
   • 🔍 Check the relay body for cracks, melts or burnt contacts.
   • 🔍 Shake the relay - if something rattles inside, this is a sign of mechanical damage.
2. Checking operation:
   • 🔊 Connect the relay to the compressor and turn on the refrigerator. A working relay makes a clear click when activated. If the click is weak or absent, the relay is faulty.
   • 🔊 If the relay clicks, but the compressor does not start, the problem may be in the motor windings.

Checking the heating:

• 🔥 After 5-10 minutes of operation, touch the relay body. If it is hot (more than 60°C), this is a sign of overload.

You can also use lamp-load (power 100–150 W):

1. Connect the lamp instead of the compressor to the terminals C–R.
2. Apply voltage for a short time. A working relay should close the circuit and the lamp will light up.
3. If the lamp does not light or blinks, the relay is faulty.

Frequently asked questions about connecting a relay to Stinol

Is it possible to replace the RTK-X relay with a DANFOSS without modifications?
Yes, but you need to consider two points:
1. The relay DANFOSS may have a different one pinout of the terminals. Always check the diagram on the case.
2. On some models Stinol (for example, Stinol 107) DANFOSS may require connecting an additional capacitor if it was not in the old circuit.

If after replacement the compressor operates unstable (jerky), return the old relay and check compatibility.

Why does the new relay get hot?

Heating up of the relay is normal, but if the case becomes hot (more 60–70°C), this indicates:

• 🔹 Insufficient current reserve (the relay is weaker than it needs to be compressor).
• 🔹 Poor contact in the terminals (oxidation, weak tightening).
• 🔹 Compressor jamming (motor consumes increased current).

Check the resistance of the compressor windings and compare with the passport data.

How to determine which relay is suitable for my Stinol model?

There are three ways:

1. According to the marking of the old relay - take a photo inscriptions on the case and select a similar one.
2. According to the refrigerator model - for Stinol 101/102 usually used RTK-X-1, for Stinol 205 — RTP-1.
3. By compressor power —see compatibility table in the section above.

If you are not sure, take the old relay to the store - the seller will help you choose replacement.

Do you need to solder the wires when replacing the relay?

No, it is not necessary to solder the wires. The relay terminals are designed for mechanical connection, however, if the wires are oxidized or broken, you can:

• 🔹 Clean them and crimp them with new ones. terminals.
• 🔹 Connect through a female-male connector.
• 🔹 As a last resort, carefully solder and insulate with heat shrink.

Avoid twisting - they oxidize over time!

Can a faulty relay damage a compressor?

Yes, if the relay does not turn off the starting winding, the compressor operates in overload mode, which leads to:

• 🔹 Overheating windings and interturn short circuit.
• 🔹 Shaft jamming due to lack of lubrication (during prolonged operation in emergency mode).
• 🔹 Thermal protection triggered and complete stop of the refrigerator.

Therefore, at the first signs of a malfunction of the relay (clicks without starting, jerking), it must be replaced as soon as possible.