A sudden stop of refrigeration equipment Atlant often becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially when food in the chamber begins to defrost. In most cases, the cause of the breakdown is the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor engine and protecting against overloads. Replacing this unit on your own is a very real task for a home craftsman who has a minimum set of tools and basic knowledge of electricity.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the process is safe. Disconnecting the device from the power supply is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory safety requirement. Working with live electrical components is strictly prohibited and can lead to serious injury or electric shock.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for correct diagnosis and installation of a new element. You will learn how to distinguish a relay malfunction from a breakdown of the compressor itself, what tools you will need and what to look for when choosing a spare part. A competent approach will extend the life of your refrigerator Atlant without calling an expensive repairman.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first sign that starting relay has failed is the characteristic behavior of the compressor. The engine may try to start, make a clicking noise, but immediately stop, after which the cycle repeats after a certain period of time. Sometimes a hum is heard, but the shaft does not rotate, which indicates the impossibility of creating a starting torque.
For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to visually inspect the part. Remove the rear cover of the refrigeration unit and locate the black cylindrical or rectangular block on the compressor. Carefully disconnect the connector and remove the relay. If you hear a ringing or knocking sound inside when shaking, this is a sure sign that the internal contacts or coil are damaged.
It is also worth checking the condition of the contacts for oxidation or carbon deposits. Black deposits on the terminals indicate poor contact, which could lead to overheating and subsequent failure of the unit. If no visual defects are detected, a continuity test with a multimeter will be required.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the engine hums, but does not start, and gets very hot, immediately turn off the device. This may indicate an interturn short circuit in the compressor windings or jamming, which requires professional intervention.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully carry out repair work, you will need a minimum set of tools that most home craftsmen will have. The main tool will be a screwdriver needed to remove the protective cover of the compressor compartment. Depending on the model Atlant, Phillips or flat-head screwdrivers of different sizes may be required.
To check the electrical circuit, a multimeter will be an indispensable assistant. With its help, you can check the integrity of the windings and the condition of the contacts of the relay itself. If you don’t have a multimeter, you can use a simple light bulb with a socket, but this is a less informative diagnostic method.
Do not forget to prepare a clean rag for wiping the contacts and, possibly, contact spray to improve the connection. The work area should be well lit, as the compressor area is often dark and cramped. Provide free access to the rear wall of the refrigerator by moving it away from the wall.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Removing the old relay and cleaning the contacts
The process of removing the faulty part begins with dismantling the compressor protective casing. It is usually secured with latches or screws. Be careful not to damage the plastic parts, as they can become brittle from time and temperature changes. After removing the casing, you will see the compressor itself and the relay attached to its side.
The relay is secured either with latches or with a metal bracket. Carefully bend the clips or remove the bracket. You cannot pull the wires - hold the relay body firmly and rock it from side to side, removing it from the contact group of the compressor. At this stage, it is important to remember or photograph the position of the contacts, although it is difficult to confuse them due to the different shapes of the sockets.
After removing the part, inspect the contact group on the compressor itself. If there are traces of oxidation, carefully clean them with fine sandpaper or use a special spray. Clean contact is the key to stable operation of the entire system. It is better not to reinstall an old relay, even if it is working properly, if there are doubts about its service life.
Connection diagram and contact marking
Correct connection of the relay to the refrigerator compressor Atlant is impossible without understanding the operating diagram of the device. The start relay has several contacts, each of which performs its own function. Typically, the body of the part is marked with a marking indicating the purpose of the terminals: R (start), S (operation) and C (general).
Inside the housing there is a coil and contacts that close when voltage is applied, starting the engine. After starting and gaining speed, the current drops and the contacts open. If you reverse the polarity or place the relay upside down (for some models), the system will not work.
Pay special attention to the model of your compressor, as the type of relay used depends on this. For example, for models SK 100 CY or NL 10 FT different modifications of starters can be used. An incorrectly selected part may not be suitable in terms of fastening geometry or electrical parameters.
| Compressor model | Relay type | Power (W) | Compatibility (series) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | |
| SK-100 CY | Launcher | 1/5 HP | Minsk, Atlant (old) |
| NL 10 FT | Start-up protection | 1/4 HP | Atlant, Stinol |
| HMK 100 CY | Thermal | 120-140 | Atlant, Indesit |
| R6 | Combined | 1/6 hp | Atlant (new) |
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture. Always check the markings on the nameplate of your device with the parameters of the purchased relay.
Installing a new relay: step-by-step instructions
Installing a new element is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, make sure that the purchased part fully matches the original in appearance and markings. Insert the relay onto the contact group of the compressor until there is a characteristic click or a tight fit. Make sure it sits level and does not wobble.
Then connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Usually the wires are color-coded, but you shouldn’t rely on color alone—it’s better to rely on a diagram or previously taken photos. The red wire often goes to the starting winding, and the white or black wire to the working winding. Secure the connectors securely to prevent sparking.
After connecting the electrical part, reinstall the protective bracket or latches of the relay housing. Replace the compressor guard and secure it. Only after complete assembly of all mechanical parts can you begin testing.
What to do if the new relay does not fit in size?
If the purchased relay has a different geometry, but fits the electrical parameters, you can carefully bend the metal contacts or use an adapter block if it is included. However, it is better to find an exact analogue by catalog number.
First start-up and performance check
After installation is complete, plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds you may hear a clicking and humming sound from the compressor. If the engine starts smoothly, without strong vibration or humming, and after a while cold appears in the refrigerator, then the replacement was successful.
Pay attention to the operation of the thermostat. The refrigerator should reach the desired temperature and turn off. If the compressor runs continuously without turning off, it is possible that the problem was not only in the relay, or the tightness of the system is broken. Also check the temperature of the relay housing - it should not become hot.
During the first 24 hours, it is recommended to periodically check the operation of the unit. The absence of extraneous noise and stable temperature maintenance indicate complete restoration of functionality. If the symptoms recur, a more in-depth diagnosis with professional equipment will be required.
Common mistakes during self-repair
One of the common mistakes is ignoring cleaning contacts. Installing a new relay on the oxidized terminals of the compressor will lead to rapid failure of the new part. Resistance at the point of poor contact causes heat, which melts the plastic and disrupts the operation of the electrical circuit.
Also, technicians often forget to check the thermal protection, which can be built into the relay or come separately. If the thermal relay is faulty, it will constantly open the circuit, simulating a breakdown of the trigger mechanism. It is important to check the entire protection chain, and not just the starter.
Another mistake is using a relay with inappropriate parameters. Installing a part from a less powerful compressor on a powerful unit will lead to instant burnout of the contacts. Always focus on the markings and compatibility tables.
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand, for example, from Stinol or Indesit?
Yes, relays are often interchangeable between brands if the compressor power and mounting geometry are the same. However, it is better to look for original spare parts or high-quality analogues specifically designed for Atlant.
Why does the relay burn out repeatedly?
Frequent combustion of the relay may indicate problems with the compressor itself (difficult starting, jamming) or power surges in the network. In such cases, installation of a stabilizer or repair of the compressor is required.
How long does the starting relay last?
The average service life of a high-quality relay is 5-7 years, but with frequent voltage fluctuations or severe operating conditions, it can be reduced to 2-3 years.