Connecting the relay to the Minsk-15 refrigerator: diagram, tools and step-by-step instructions

Refrigerator Minsk-15 —a legendary model Soviet household appliances, which still serve in many homes. However, over time, even such “indestructible” units require repair, and one of the most common problems is the failure of the start-up relay. If the compressor hums but does not start, or the refrigerator turns off a few seconds after starting, this device is often the culprit.

You can connect a new relay to Minsk-15 you can do it yourself, without resorting to the services of a technician. The main thing is to understand the connection diagram, prepare the necessary tools and follow a clear algorithm. In this article we will analyze in detail the entire process: from diagnosing a malfunction to testing the operation of the refrigerator after replacement. You will learn which relays are suitable for this model, how to distinguish them by appearance, and what mistakes beginners most often make.

Important: if you have never worked with electrical appliances, it is better to entrust the repair to a specialist. Incorrect connection can lead to damage to the compressor or even fire. But if you are ready to act carefully, let's get started!

Why does the relay of the Minsk-15 refrigerator fail?

The starting protection relay is a small device that is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overloads. In Minsk-15 relays of two types were installed: RTK-1 (current and temperature relay) and RTP-1 (temperature starting relay). Over time, they wear out for several reasons:

• 🔥 Overheating. The relay is located next to the compressor, which heats up during operation. Over time, the contacts burn out and the plastic case becomes deformed.
• ⚡ Power surges. Soviet refrigerators did not have stabilizers, and sudden changes in the network could damage the relay.
• ⏳ Natural wear. Springs and bimetallic plates lose their elasticity, contacts oxidize.
• 💧 Moisture and corrosion. If the refrigerator was in a damp room, condensation could form inside the relay, leading to a short circuit.

As a rule, a faulty relay manifests itself like this:

• 🔊 The compressor hums, but does not start (the relay clicks are heard, but the motor does not turns on).
• ⏱️ The refrigerator operates for 5-10 seconds and turns off.
• 🔌 The device does not completely respond to the connection to the network (if the problem is not in the plug or cable).

Before changing the relay, make sure that it is the problem. To do this, you can temporarily connect a known working relay (for example, from another refrigerator) or test the contacts with a multimeter. If after replacement the refrigerator works, the reason has been found.

Which relays are suitable for the Minsk-15 refrigerator?

For Minsk-15 relays of several types are suitable, but it is important to choose exactly the one that was originally installed or its complete analogue. Original relays:

• 🔧 RTK-1 —the most common, suitable for most models Minsk and Atlant.
• 🔧 RTP-1 - less common, but also compatible.
• 🔧 DHR (for refrigerators with a compressor DXM-3 or DXM-5).

Modern analogues that can be used:

• 🔹 WGK-133 (China, suitable for many Soviet compressors).
• 🔹 LZ-09 or LZ-12 (universal, but you need to check current compatibility).
• 🔹 TRN-2M (Russian analogue, often used in repairs).

How to determine which relay was originally installed? compressor Minsk-15 usually indicated type: DXM-3, DXM-5 or FG-0.12. For DXM-3/5 suitable RTK-1, for FG-0.12 — RTP-1.

If you are not sure, take it RTK-1 - it is universal for most Minsk-15. The cost of a new relay is from 300 to 800 rubles, depending on the type and manufacturer. Buy only from trusted stores (for example, those specialized in spare parts for refrigerators) to avoid counterfeits.

Tools and materials for connecting the relay

To replace the relay yourself, prepare:

You may also need:

• 🔦 Flashlight - to illuminate the work area (the compressor is usually located at the bottom back).
• 📸 Phone - to photograph the connection diagram before disassembly.
• 🧤 Gloves - to protect your hands from dust and sharp metal edges.

If the relay is soldered to the compressor (in older models), you will additionally need a soldering iron and solder. However, Minsk-15 usually a detachable connection is used, so soldering is not needed.

Where to buy a relay for Minsk-15?

The most reliable options are stores of spare parts for refrigerators (for example, Rembyttekhnika, Kholod-Service) or online sites like Avito, where they sell used parts from Soviet refrigerators. New relays can be found on AliExpress, but be careful with Chinese analogues - they are not. always correspond to the declared characteristics.

Step-by-step instructions: how to connect a relay to a refrigerator

Now we move on to the process itself. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Turning off the refrigerator and preparing

⚡ Unplug the refrigerator i remove the plug from the socket. Let the compressor cool down (if it was recently running) - this will take 10-15 minutes.

Move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the back panel. Remove the protective cover of the compressor (it is secured with 2-4 screws) - under it you will see the relay itself. a small box attached to the compressor.

Step 2: Removing the old relay

Carefully disconnect the terminals from the relay. Usually there are three of them:

• 🔌 Common wire (comes from the plug).
• 🔌 Starting wire (from the compressor starting winding).
• 🔌 Working wire (from the working windings).

Remember or take a photo which terminal is connected where! If the wires are mixed up, the compressor may burn out.

Unscrew the screws that secure the relay to the compressor (usually 1-2 screws). Remove the old relay.

Step 3: Installing a new relay

Attach the new relay to the compressor and screw it in place of the old one. Make sure it fits snugly - the vibration of the compressor should not move it.

Connect the terminals in the same order in which they were connected to the old relay. If in doubt, check the photo or diagram (see next section).

Step 4: Checking the connection

Before turning on the refrigerator, check:

All terminals are securely fastened|Relay is securely screwed to the compressor|No exposed wires|Refrigerator disconnected from the network during installation-->

If everything is in order, connect the refrigerator to the network. It should start without any extraneous sounds (let's say a slight hum of the compressor). If the relay clicks again, but the compressor does not start, there may be a problem in the compressor itself or in the windings.

Scheme for connecting the relay to the Minsk-15 compressor

In refrigerators Minsk-15 a standard circuit for connecting the relay to the compressor is used. Here's what it looks like:

The compressor has three outputs:

1. Common (C) - connects to the network via a plug.
2. Working winding (R) - goes to the working terminal relay.
3. Starting winding (S) - goes to the starting terminal of the relay.

On the relay RTK-1 terminals usually are marked:

• 1 — common wire (from the network).
• 2 — working winding.
• 3 — starting winding.

If there is no marking, focus on location:

— Central terminal — common wire.

— Extreme terminals - working and starting (they can be swapped if the compressor does not start).

Attention! On compressors DXM-5 the working and starting windings can be mixed up compared to DXM-3. If after connecting the relay clicks, but the motor does not start, swap the wires of the working and starting windings.

Below is a table of terminal correspondence for different types of compressors:

If you If you are not sure about the type of compressor, look at the markings on its housing. It is usually printed on a metal tag.

Common mistakes when connecting a relay

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a relay. Here are the most common of them:

• ❌ The winding wires are mixed up. If you swap the working and starting windings, the compressor will not start or will not work correctly.
• ❌ Weak relay fastening. If the relay is loose, vibration of the compressor may break the contact.
• ❌ Use of an incompatible relay. For example, RTK-1 instead of RTP-1 or vice versa.
• ❌ Poor contact insulation. Exposed wires can cause a short circuit.
• ❌ Connection without checking the compressor. If the problem is in the compressor, replacing the relay will not help.

How to avoid mistakes?

• ✅ Take photographs connection diagram before disassembly.
• ✅ Check with a multimeter resistance compressor windings (between C-R and C-S there should be 10–30 Ohms, between R-S is the sum of these values).
• ✅ Do not use force when connecting the terminals - they should fit in easily.

What should you do if, after replacing the relay, the compressor hums but does not start?

This may mean:

1. Seized compressor (needs repair or replacement).

2. Malfunction of the starting winding (check with a multimeter).

3. Incorrectly connected windings (swap the working and starting terminals).

If the compressor does not start even after checking, contact a specialist.

How to check the functionality of the relay and compressor?

Before changing the relay, make sure that it is the problem. Here's how to do it:

Checking the relay

Remove the relay and inspect it:

• 🔍 There should be no cracks, melts or traces of burning on the body.
• 🔍 The contacts must be clean, without oxidation.
• 🔍 The spring inside the relay should move freely (shake it - if you hear a knock, it may be broken).

For an accurate check, use a multimeter:

1. Set the resistance test mode (200 Ohms).
2. Connect the probes to terminals 1 i 2 (common and working winding). The resistance should be 10–30 Ohm.
3. Connect the probes to 1 i 3 (common and starting winding). The resistance should be 15–40 Ohm.
4. If the resistance is equal to 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (open), the relay is faulty.

Check compressor

If the relay is working properly, but the refrigerator does not work, check the compressor:

1. Disconnect the relay and test the compressor windings:
   • C-R: 10–30 Ohm.
   • C-S: 15–40 Ohm.
   • R-S: sum C-R and C-S (for example, 25 + 35 = 60 Ohms).

If the resistance between C and the compressor housing is not equal ∞, there is a breakdown in the housing - the compressor is faulty.

If the compressor does not ring or shows a short circuit, it will have to be repaired or replaced.

What to do if replacing the relay did not help?

If after replacing the relay the refrigerator still does not work, the reasons may be the following:

• 🔧 The compressor is faulty (jamming, broken windings, breakdown on the body).
• 🔌 Power supply problems (faulty socket, damaged cable).
• 🌡️ Failed thermostat (the refrigerator does not turn on at all or works without stopping).
• ⚡ Problems with the starting capacitor (if it is in the circuit).

How to diagnose:

1. Check the power: connect another device (for example, a lamp) to the outlet. If it does not work, the problem is in the socket or wiring.
2. Ring the compressor (instructions in the previous section).
3. Check the thermostat:
   • Remove the terminals from the thermostat and close them together (without a thermostat).
   • If the refrigerator starts, the thermostat is faulty.

Inspect the condenser (if any): it should not be swollen or with electrolyte leaks.

If you If you cannot determine the cause yourself, it is better to contact a specialist. Repairing a compressor or thermostat requires special skills and equipment.

⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is jammed, do not try to “unjam” it by hitting or jerking the cord. This can lead to broken windings or damage to valves. In this case, it is cheaper and more reliable to buy a new compressor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a relay to Minsk-15

Can I use a relay from another refrigerator (for example, Atlant or Biryusa)?

Yes, if the relay is compatible in current and compressor type. For example, RTK-1 is suitable for most Soviet refrigerators (Minsk, Atlant, Orsk). The main thing is that the rated current of the relay corresponds to the compressor current (usually 1–1.5 A for Minsk-15).

How to determine which relay was installed initially if the marking is erased?

Focus on the type of compressor:

• For DXM-3 i DXM-5 — RTK-1.
• For FG-0.12 — RTP-1.

You can also measure the resistance of the compressor windings and select the relay according to the parameters.

What will happen if you connect the relay incorrectly?

If you mix up the working and starting windings, the compressor will not start, but the relay will click if you connect a relay with inappropriate parameters (for example, to a smaller one. current), it will quickly burn out. In the worst case, an incorrect connection can damage the compressor.

Is it necessary to solder the wires when replacing the relay?

No, in Minsk-15 detachable terminals are usually used. You only need to solder if the wires are broken or the terminals are damaged. soldering iron with a power of up to 40 W and rosin for tinning.

Where can I find the connection diagram for a specific model?

The diagram is usually printed on a sticker on the back of the refrigerator or on the compressor cover. You can also find it in the operating instructions (if preserved) or. on thematic forums (for example, “Mastergorod” or “Do it yourself”).

If your question is not covered in the article, study the technical documentation Minsk-15 or contact the service center. Repair of Soviet refrigerators is a popular topic, and information can be found even from old manuals.