An unexpected stop of the refrigerator Beko often takes you by surprise, especially when there are perishable foods inside. In most cases, the cause of the breakdown is the failure of the starting relay, which is responsible for starting the compressor. Replacing this element is one of the most common procedures in repairing household appliances, accessible even to a home craftsman with a basic set of tools.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand that you are dealing with electric current and refrigerant. Incorrect connection can lead to burnout of the motor-compressor or even a short circuit in the network. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of diagnostics, dismantling the old element and installing a new relay so that your We will look at typical scenarios typical for equipment of this brand, and point out the nuances that beginners often miss. Careful study of the material will help you avoid costly mistakes. beko refrigerator will work stably again
We will look at typical scenarios typical for this brand’s equipment and point out the nuances that beginners often miss. Careful study of the material will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
The first step should always be an accurate diagnosis. Do not rush to buy a new part until you are sure that the problem is in the relay. Often the symptoms of a compressor failure and a starter failure are similar: the refrigerator hums but does not start, or makes clicking noises and immediately goes silent. If you hear a characteristic metallic clickfollowed by a hum that lasts 2-3 seconds, and then silence, this is a sure sign that the motor is trying to start, but the relay does not open the starting winding or does not supply voltage.
Visual inspection can also tell a lot an experienced master. Remove the rear protective panel and get to the compressor. If the relay body shows traces of burning, melted plastic, or smells of burnt insulation, replacement is inevitable. It is also worth checking the contacts for the presence of oxides that may interfere with normal current.
⚠️ Attention: If after clicking the compressor buzzes for more than 10 seconds and does not start, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Long-term operation in this mode (“humming”) leads to overheating of the windings and guaranteed failure of the motor.
For a more accurate check, you can use a multimeter in the dialing mode. The resistance of the coil inside the relay should be close to zero (or a few ohms, depending on the model). If the device shows an open or infinite resistance, the part is faulty. However, even if the electrical parameters are normal, mechanical wear of the contacts may prevent the compressor from starting under load.
Necessary tools and safety measures
High-quality repairs are impossible without preparing the workplace and having suitable tools. To replace the relay on the refrigerator Beko you will need a minimum set, which is available from most home craftsmen. The main thing is to ensure safety and not damage adjacent components during dismantling.
The list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (phillips and flat) for removing panels and clamps.
- 🔧 Pliers or wire cutters for working with wires and clamps.
- 🔌 Multimeter for checking circuit integrity and voltage.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for protection against accidental electric shock.
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
The most important rule is a complete blackout of the unit. Simply turning off the button is not enough - you need to unplug the cord from the outlet. Also make sure that the area around the compressor is dry and that you are not standing in a puddle of water. If the floor is wet, lay down a rubber mat or a dry wooden board.
When working with wires, try not to jerk them sharply. Old wiring can be dry and brittle. If the insulation is cracked, it must be repaired using electrical tape or heat shrink tubing before connecting the new relay. Ignoring this point may lead to a short circuit.
Removing the old start relay
The process of removing a faulty part requires care. In refrigerators Beko the relay is usually located on the side of the compressor and covered with a plastic casing. First, remove the rear metal grill (if there is one) and unscrew the fastening screws.
Next follow the algorithm:
- Remove the plastic protective box covering the place where the wires are connected to the compressor.
- Find the start relay - this is a small box placed directly on three compressor contact.
- Carefully disconnect the connectors with wires. They may be tight, so use a flathead screwdriver to lightly pry the clips, but do not pull on the wires themselves.
- Remove the relay from the compressor contacts. It can be secured with a metal bracket or simply sit tightly on the terminals.
When removing, pay attention to the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself. If they are blackened or oxidized, they must be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper or a file. Moisture or dirt entering the contact group is unacceptable.
If the relay is supported on a metal frame, it must be saved and moved to a new part. In some models, the frame is part of the structure and cannot be removed. Carefully inspect the removed element: sometimes you can see traces of soot inside or even a broken ceramic insert, which confirms the need for replacement.
Connection diagram and installation of a new relay
Installing a new element is a critical stage where a mistake is costly. Starting relays for refrigerators Beko can be inductive or posistor. It is important that the new part matches the markings of the old one. Typically, the terminal designations are marked on the case: S (Start - starting winding), R (Run - working winding) and C (Common - common).
The connection process looks like this:
- 🔌 Align the holes of the new relay with the compressor contacts. It should be put on tightly and with little effort.
- 🔌 Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals, referring to the photo or color marking you took earlier.
- 🔌 Make sure that the connectors snap into place until you hear a characteristic click.
- 🔌 Check if the relay is loose. on the terminals - play is unacceptable.
The table below shows the typical color marking of wires for Beko refrigerator relays (note that colors may vary in different years of manufacture):
| Contact on the relay | Function | Typical color wires | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
C (Common) |
Common input | Red or Brown | Connected to phase |
R (Run) |
Working winding | Blue or White | Main operation of the motor |
S (Start) |
Starting winding | Black or Yellow | Only for starting |
| Grounding | Protection | Yellow-green | On the compressor housing |
⚠️ Attention: Never connect the wires by twisting without using factory terminals or reliable soldering. Poor contact will lead to heating, sparking and possible fire.
☑️ Checking the installation of the relay
Testing and first start of the compressor
After installing all the elements in place, you can proceed to testing. Don't rush to close the back panel right away. The first launch must take place under visual control. Plug in the refrigerator and listen.
A normal startup looks like this: a relay click is heard, then the hum of the compressor, which after 3-5 seconds turns into a smooth, confident hum. If you hear a series of rapid clicks or the buzzing stops immediately, the problem is not resolved. The compressor itself may be faulty or the wrong relay has been selected.
Check the heating of the compressor housing. In the first 15-20 minutes of operation, it may warm up slightly, but should not become hot. Also check that the cooling system (pipes at the back) is starting to get warm and the freezer is starting to get cold. If the compressor works, but there is no cold, there may be a freon leak, and replacing the relay will not help.
What to do if the compressor hums, but does not start?
If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed, the compressor itself may have jammed or one of the windings has burned out. In rare cases, the “wedging” method by applying increased voltage helps, but this is a job for professionals with the risk of finally finishing off the unit.
Typical mistakes when replacing a relay
Even following the instructions, beginners often make mistakes that nullify all efforts. One of the most common is ignoring the relay type. Induction and posistor devices are not always interchangeable, although they may physically fit in the seats. Using the wrong part will lead to rapid failure of either the relay or the motor windings.
Another common mistake is poor contact in the connectors. If the wire is not inserted completely or is oxidized, the resistance at the contact point increases, causing heating. Over time, the plastic melts and a short circuit occurs. Always clean the contacts and check the connection tightness.
It is also worth mentioning the saving error. Buying a cheap analogue of an unknown brand instead of the original or a high-quality substitute (for example, Danfoss or Indesit) often leads to repeated breakdowns after a month. The relay experiences high current loads, and the quality of materials is critical here.
Critically important: When installing the relay, make sure that it is oriented exactly in the same position as the old one (usually with the marking down or up). A violation of the spatial position can disrupt the operation of the internal switching mechanism, and the relay will not be able to open the starting winding.Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, if the problem is only burnt ones contacts, they can be cleaned. However, in modern sealed relays this cannot be done without destroying the housing. In addition, the service life of the mechanism after opening will be minimal. Experts recommend only a complete replacement.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable relay for my Beko?
The markings are applied to the side or top edge of the relay itself. Look for codes like R600, 18-130 or manufacturer's articles. Also, the spare part number can be found in the technical documentation of the refrigerator or on the manufacturer’s website for the unit model.
Why did the new relay burn out after a week?
There may be several reasons: a malfunction of the compressor itself (an interturn short circuit), voltage surges in the network, or a defective new part. It is also possible that the relay was selected incorrectly (wrong starting current or type).
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
If you follow electrical safety rules (de-energize the device, dry hands, insulated tools), the risk is minimal. The main danger is 220V electric shock when the refrigerator is turned on at retail or damage to the compressor tubes due to careless handling.