The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, but at the same time makes loud clicks or buzzes for only a couple of seconds, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Most often, the cause of the breakdown is the failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor. This small but critical unit supplies voltage to the motor windings, ensuring its start and subsequent operation in normal mode.
Replacing this element yourself is quite possible if you have basic skills in working with tools and an understanding of electrical safety principles. Protection relay and starting in refrigerators Indesit usually located directly on the body compressor at the lower rear of the unit. Before starting any work, you must completely disconnect the device from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket to avoid electric shock.
In this article we will look in detail at how to diagnose the malfunction, select the correct spare part and connect the relay to the refrigerator Indesit. You will learn about the differences between models with an RTK starter and more modern options, and also receive a step-by-step algorithm of actions. A competent replacement will extend the life of your refrigerator and avoid an expensive call to the repairman.
The operating principle and types of relays in Indesit refrigerators
The starting relay in refrigerators Indesit performs the function of an automatic switch that connects the starting winding of the compressor only at the moment of startup. As soon as the motor rotor reaches the required speed, the relay opens the starting winding circuit, and the motor continues to operate on the main winding. The design also often has a built-in thermal element that turns off the compressor when overheated. a protective element, turning off the compressor when overheated.
In household appliances of this brand, two main types of devices are most often found. The first option is a relay RTK (Current Switching Relay), which operates on the principle of an electromagnet and a movable core. The second type is posistor relays, where switching occurs due to a change in the resistance of a special element when heated by current. Understanding the type of your device is critical for proper replacement.
It is important to note that relays Indesit are often combined with overcurrent protection. Thermal relay inside the case it reacts to an increase in temperature or current, opening the power circuit before it cools down bimetallic plate. If this element fails, the compressor may either not start at all or turn off after a few seconds of operation, emitting a characteristic click.
What is the difference between an RTK and a posistor?
RTK relays have a movable core and contacts that can burn out or stick. PTC relays have no moving parts, operate silently, but are sensitive to mechanical shocks and can crack if dropped.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting device
Before buying a new part, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or the wiring. Primary diagnosis is carried out visually and auditorily. If, when you turn on the refrigerator Indesit you hear a dull click, followed by the hum of the motor for 3-5 seconds, and then another click and silence, this is a sure sign of a malfunction of the starting mechanism.
For a more accurate check, you will need to remove the relay from the compressor. It is usually attached to three pins of the motor windings and secured with a bracket or plastic clip. After removing the device from the casing (if any) and disconnecting the wires, you can conduct an external inspection. There should be no cracks, signs of burning or melting of the plastic on the case.
If the appearance of the part does not raise any questions, you can test the contacts with a multimeter. In good condition, the resistance between the contacts must correspond to certain values specified in the technical documentation, or be close to zero for closed contacts. Open circuit or, conversely, a short circuit where it should not be indicates the need to replace the unit.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the contacts. Oxidation or carbon deposits on them can prevent the normal flow of current. However, if the contacts are severely burnt, cleaning will only give a temporary effect - it is better to install a new one starting unitto ensure stable operation of the compressor in the future.
Selection of compatible spare parts for replacement
Refrigerators Indesit equipped with compressors from various manufacturers, most often Danfoss (Secop), Aspera or Embraco. Therefore, a relay that is suitable for one model may not be suitable for another, even if they look identical in appearance. The key selection parameter is the compressor power, which is indicated on the nameplate attached to the motor housing.
When choosing a new part, pay attention to the markings. For compressors Indesit relays of the 600038, 600039 series or analogues from Danfoss are often used (for example, 100N0021, 100N0031). The numbers at the end of the marking often indicate the permissible engine power. Installing a relay with unsuitable characteristics may result in the motor not starting or operating with overload.
Below is a table of correspondence between relay models and their characteristics, which will help you navigate the purchase:
| Relay marking | Type | Compatible compressors | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK-X (Indesit) | Current | Donbass, Nord (old) | 1/8 - 1/5 hp |
| 600038 (Danfoss) | Posistor | Aspera, Danfoss | up to 180 |
| 600039 (Danfoss) | Posistor | Aspera, Danfoss | up to 250 |
| 100N0021 | Posistor | Secop (Danfoss) | 1/6 - 1/5 hp |
When purchasing a spare part, make sure that the number of connection pins matches your sample. Usually there are three of them: two for windings and one common. Also check the installation orientation - there is often an arrow UP or inscription on the case indicating that the relay should be positioned strictly vertically. Violation of this rule may lead to incorrect operation.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the old relay
The dismantling process begins with providing access to the compressor. The refrigerator Indesit needs to be moved away from the wall and turned over on its side or carefully placed on its back with a soft blanket or cardboard underneath so as not to damage the back wall and doors. The compressor group is located in the lower rear part of the unit.
On the compressor you will see a metal or plastic casing covering the electrical part. It is secured with latches or screws. Removing the cover, you will see a black compressor cylinder with tubes protruding from it and electrical contacts on which a relay is attached. Before removal, take a photograph of the wire connection diagram so that when installing a new part you do not mix up the contacts.
The dismantling itself is performed as follows:
- 🔌 Carefully remove the wire terminals from the relay contacts, having previously noted their location.
- 🔧 Loosen the metal bracket or a plastic clamp that presses the relay to the compressor body.
- 🤏 Take the relay by the body and with light rocking movements from side to side, pull it off the winding pins.
- 👀 Inspect the pins on the compressor - they should be smooth and clean, without oxides.
If the relay is very tight, do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the ceramic insulators inside the compressor. You can slightly warm the relay body with a hairdryer (without overheating!) to make the plastic more elastic. After removing the old element, clean the installation site from dust and dirt.
☑️ Preparing to replace the relay
Connection diagram and installation of a new one element
Installation of a new relay on the refrigerator Indesit is done in the reverse order of removal. The main rule is to maintain the correct orientation of the device. The body of a new relay will always have a marking on it indicating the up position (usually an up arrow). If you install the relay upside down, gravity will not allow the mechanism or posistor to work correctly, and the compressor will not start.
Place the relay onto the three pins of the compressor. They should fit tightly and all the way. Make sure that the contacts fit into their sockets without distortion. After this, secure the retaining bracket or clamp. Now you need to connect the wires. Here, a photo taken earlier or a diagram printed on the relay itself will help you (often denoted as L - line, S or P - starting winding, R - working winding).
Typical The connection diagram for most models Indesit looks like this:
- ⚡ The phase wire (usually black or brown) is connected to the contact leading to the thermal protection and then to the windings.
- 🔄 The wire from the thermostat goes to the input of the thermal relay.
- 🔌 Grounding (if there is a separate wire to the compressor body) must be securely fastened.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect wires at random. Incorrect switching can lead to a short circuit, burnout of the compressor windings, or failure of the new relay immediately after switching on.
After connecting all the wires, check the reliability of the contacts again. They should not dangle, but you should not over-tighten them, so as not to damage the insulation. Place the protective cover in place and secure it.
First start-up and performance check
After installing a new relay The refrigerator Indesit is ready for a test run. Plug the plug into the outlet. In the first seconds, you can hear the characteristic click of the relay, followed by the smooth hum of the operating compressor. If the motor starts and runs without any extraneous noise, vibration or hum, then the replacement was successful.
Pay attention to the operating time before the first shutdown. Normally, the refrigerator should reach temperature and turn off after 15-40 minutes (depending on load and ambient temperature). If the compressor runs continuously for more than an hour, there may be not enough refrigerant in the system or there are problems with the thermostat, but these are other malfunctions.
If you again hear a series of clicks and the motor does not start:
- 🛑 Urgently turn off the refrigerator from the network.
- 🔍 Check that the relay is installed correctly (arrow orientation).
- 📏 Make sure the compressor pins are not oxidized and have good contact.
- 🧊 Allow the compressor to cool for 30-40 minutes before trying again.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor It hums, but does not start, and at the same time you can hear a burning smell, perhaps the motor itself is jammed. In this case, operation is dangerous - diagnostics of the compressor by a specialist is required.
If everything went well, push the refrigerator into place, leaving a gap for ventilation at the back. It will take several hours to completely restore the temperature in the chambers. Do not load food into an empty refrigerator immediately, let it return to mode.
Why does the refrigerator hum louder after replacement?
The new relay may differ slightly in geometry or tightness of the casing. Make sure the compressor protective cover is in place and does not vibrate. Sometimes it is enough to place a piece of rubber under the casing.
Common mistakes and precautions
When independently repairing equipment Indesit amateur craftsmen often make typical mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring safety rules. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is unacceptable; always check that there is no current with a multimeter before touching the contacts.
Another mistake is using unsuitable analogues. Some people try to install relays from other brands without checking the characteristics, which leads to rapid failure of an expensive compressor. It is also not recommended to use relays removed from other equipment, even if they fit in size - the service life of such parts may be exhausted.
Observe the following precautions:
- 🧤 Work in a dry room and with dry shoes.
- 🔌 Do not turn on the refrigerator until you are sure that everything the wires are insulated and secured.
- 🌡️ Allow the compressor to cool before turning it on again after unsuccessful startup attempts.
⚠️ Attention: Technical specifications and connection diagrams may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture of the model. Indesit. Always check the technical documentation or the markings on the nameplate of a specific device before purchasing spare parts.
Competent diagnostics and careful replacement of the relay will allow your refrigerator Indesit to serve for many years to come. If after replacement the problem persists, perhaps the reason lies deeper - in the interturn short circuit of the windings or mechanical jamming of the piston group, which requires professional intervention.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start a compressor without a starting relay using a button or an external circuit to supply a pulse to the starting one winding, but this is extremely dangerous and is not recommended. Without protection, the compressor can burn out in a few minutes if it is overloaded or jammed. This is an emergency measure only for diagnostics, but not for operation.
Why does the new relay click, but the refrigerator does not freeze?
If the relay clicks, it means it is trying to start the motor. If the compressor hums but does not start, it may be jammed or the starting winding is faulty. If there is no buzzing at all, the problem may be a lack of power to the relay itself, a malfunction of the thermostat, or an open circuit inside the compressor.
How often do you need to change the relay on an Indesit refrigerator?
The starting relay is a resource part, but with a stable voltage in the network it lasts for years, often the entire lifespan of the compressor. Frequent replacements (once a year or more often) indicate voltage surges in the electrical network or problems with the compressor itself, which creates an increased load on the starting system.
Does room humidity affect the operation of the relay?
High humidity can lead to oxidation of the contacts inside the relay and on the pins of the compressor, which impairs conductivity and causes sparking. In addition, condensation inside the relay housing (if it is not sealed) can cause a short circuit. It is recommended to install refrigerators away from sources of steam and water.