A sudden stop in the operation of refrigeration equipment often takes you by surprise, especially when food in the chamber begins to defrost. Equipment owners Indesit often face a situation where the compressor hums, but no cold is produced, or the unit is silent, although the light in the chamber is on. One of the most common causes of such failures is the failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the engine.
Replacing this element on your own may seem like a difficult task for a person who does not have a special technical education. However, with basic knowledge of electrical circuits and following precautions, it is quite possible to complete the procedure for connecting a new relay. The main thing is to clearly understand the structure of the unit and correctly identify the contacts so as not to damage the more expensive parts of the refrigerator.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing the malfunction, selecting the appropriate spare part and step-by-step connecting the relay to the compressor of refrigerators Indesit various series. You will learn how to avoid typical mistakes that beginners often make when repairing household appliances for the first time.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
Before you start disassembling the unit and purchasing new spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the starting relay. Often the symptoms of a compressor and relay malfunction are similar, but the methods for eliminating them are radically different. The first sign that start relay has failed is a characteristic click when you try to start the motor, followed by a hum and subsequent shutdown.
If the refrigerator Indesit turns on, it works for a few seconds, and then there is a loud click and the device goes silent, this is a classic symptom of the thermal release tripping due to the impossibility of starting the rotor. In this case, the relay cannot create the necessary impulse to start, and the engine overheats. Sometimes you can hear a quiet hum, which lasts until the protection is turned off.
For a more accurate diagnosis, a visual inspection and testing of the contacts with a multimeter will be required. Remove the back cover of the refrigerator at the bottom where the compressor is located. Carefully remove the plastic casing from the relay and thermal fuse. If traces of melting, soot, or a burning smell are visible on the relay body, replacement is definitely necessary.
Checking with a multimeter can reveal an open circuit or stuck contacts. In normal condition, the resistance of the windings should be within normal limits, and the contacts should open and close freely when the relay is turned over (for models with a ball). If the device shows infinite resistance or a short circuit, the element is faulty.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any diagnostic and repair work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. Working with live electrical wiring is deadly and can lead to electric shock.
Choosing a suitable relay for the Indesit model
The market for spare parts for household appliances offers many relay options, but for refrigerators Indesit it is critical to choose a device with the correct parameters. Using an unsuitable analogue can lead to rapid failure of the compressor or even fire of the wiring. The main reference point is the marking on the body of the old relay and the model of the refrigerator itself.
Relays are divided into induction (with a coil and a movable core) and posistor (with a ceramic element). In modern models Indesit most often there are posistor options, which are considered more reliable and durable. Induction relays, in turn, are sensitive to the position of the housing and require strict orientation during installation.
When choosing, pay attention to the number of contacts and their location. The standard relay for single-compressor models has three main contacts, but there are options with additional contacts for alarm or fan control. It is also important to match the rated power of the motor and the starting current.
Compatibility table of popular series
The Indesit C, CR, ER series often use PTC type relays. NB, DF series may require specific models with a thermal fuse included. Always check the part number on the case.
Below is a table to help you navigate the types of relays used in different lines of refrigerators:
| Relay type | Application in Indesit | Features installation | Average service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PTC) | Most modern models | Does not depend on position | 5-7 years |
| Induction | Old models (before 2010) | Strictly vertical (arrow up) | 3-5 years |
| Combined | Models with No. Frost | Requires precise fit on contacts | 4-6 years |
Preparation of tools and workplace
High-quality repairs are impossible without proper preparation. To replace the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools that most home craftsmen can find. The main thing is to ensure good access to the compressor and sufficient lighting of the work area, since the parts are located at the bottom of the case and are often covered with protective covers.
You will need a flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for removing panels, pliers or side cutters for working with wires, and a multimeter for checking the circuit. It would be a good idea to prepare electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing to insulate the connections if you need to extend the wires or replace the terminals.
☑️ Ready for repair
Organize your workspace so that the refrigerator can be safely tilted or placed on its side. Please remember that the unit should not be placed on the front door or on the back wall with protruding condenser elements. The optimal position is on the side opposite the side where the compressor is located, or strictly vertically with maximum deviation.
Ensure ventilation in the room if you have to work with a soldering iron to replace terminals. Also keep a container on hand to collect possible residual oil or condensate that may leak when moving equipment.
Removing the old relay and starting device
The process of removing a faulty relay requires care, since plastic elements become brittle over time, and the contacts can oxidize. First, remove the protective cover, which is usually secured with latches or screws. In some models Indesit it can be attached to the compressor itself using a metal bracket.
After removing the cover, you will see a starting relay placed on three contacts of the compressor, and a thermal protection relay covering the motor housing. Carefully inspect the way the wires are attached. They can be connected via female-male connectors or soldered directly. In the first case, it is enough to simply disconnect the chips, in the second, you will need to cut the wires.
Carefully remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It may fit tightly, so rock it slightly from side to side, avoiding sudden jerks, so as not to damage the copper pipes of the refrigeration circuit. Remember or photograph the connection diagram, especially if there are more than two wires.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the relay, do not apply excessive force to the compressor tubes. Copper is very soft and easily deformed, which can lead to depressurization of the system and leakage of freon.
If the wires are soldered, use a soldering iron or side cutters. If using side cutters, leave a small amount of wire left on the old relay so that you can later strip the ends and connect them to the new device. Be sure to mark the wires if their colors are the same or have faded over time.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting a new relay
Installation of a new start relay is performed in the reverse order of dismantling, but requires special attention to the orientation of the part. For posistor relays, the installation direction is usually not critical, but induction models must be installed strictly in the direction of the arrow pointing upward. This ensures proper operation of the mechanical switch.
If the new relay has a different type of connector, you will have to resolder the wires or use adapter terminals. Strip the ends of the wires from approximately 5-7 mm of insulation. Twist the wires and carefully insert them into the terminals of the new relay, pressing them tightly with pliers. The connection must be secure to prevent sparking and heating.
Place the relay onto the compressor contacts. It should go in with light force and fit snugly. Make sure the contacts are completely seated in the relay sockets. Then connect the power wires according to the diagram: usually the phase and neutral wires are connected to the corresponding terminals of the relay, and the ground (if any) is fixed on the housing.
Fix the thermal protection relay on the compressor housing. It must fit snugly against the metal surface of the motor to correctly read the temperature. Install all clamps and brackets in their places.
Checking operation and test run
After assembling the entire structure, do not rush to immediately close access to the compressor. It is better to carry out the initial launch in the open state in order to control the process visually and audibly. Plug in the refrigerator and carefully monitor the moment it starts.
The engine should start with a characteristic sound, without prolonged buzzing or clicking. If the startup was successful, the compressor will begin to vibrate evenly and emit a quiet monotonous hum. After 5-10 minutes of operation, check the temperature of the relay housing: it should not heat up above 40-50 degrees.
If the motor hums and clicks again, immediately turn off the power. This means that either the relay is selected incorrectly, or the problem lies deeper - in the compressor itself or in the motor windings. Repeated attempts to start may permanently damage the motor.
If everything went well, let the refrigerator run for about an hour in open mode. Make sure that cold begins to appear in the chambers, and condensation or frost forms on the back wall inside the refrigerator (depending on the defrosting system).
Typical errors and safety measures
When repairing refrigerators independently Indesit masters often make a number of typical mistakes that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the condition of the wiring. If the wires are old and cracked, they must be replaced, otherwise a short circuit may occur.
Another mistake is using a relay with the wrong operating current. Installing a more powerful relay “just in case” may lead to the fact that it will not turn off the starting winding in time, which will cause overheating and engine combustion. Always follow the technical documentation.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator turned on unattended immediately after repairs in a closed state. If sparking or smoke occurs, you should be able to immediately turn off the power to the device.
It is also important to remember humidity. All connections must be carefully insulated, since condensation often accumulates in the compressor niche. If water gets on the live contacts, it can lead to breakdown of the housing and electric shock when touching the metal part of the refrigerator.
If you are not confident in your abilities or find that the problem is not in the relay, it is better to contact a professional. Repair of refrigeration equipment requires not only electrical knowledge, but also an understanding of the principles of operation of the refrigeration cycle.
Is it possible to use a relay from another manufacturer?
The use of analogues is possible if the electrical characteristics (current, voltage, type) and geometric dimensions of the seat match. However, original spare parts Indesit guarantee full compatibility and durability.
Why did the new relay burn out after a week?
The reasons may be unstable network voltage, a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn-to-turn short circuit) or incorrect selection of the type of relay. Poor contact in the connecting terminals is also possible.
Is it necessary to evacuate the system when replacing the relay?
No, replacing the start relay is done from the electrical side and does not require opening the refrigeration circuit. The freon remains inside the system, so the services of a refilling technician are not required.
How to distinguish an induction relay from a posistor relay?
An induction relay is heavier, the knocking sound of the ball inside is heard when shaken, and it only works in a certain position. The posistor is lighter, has no moving parts and does not depend on orientation in space.