Sudden silence compressor or a characteristic hum without starting the engine are sure signs that there is a failure in the refrigerant circulation system. Most often, refrigerator owners Biryusa face the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the electric motor and protecting against overloads. Independent replacement of this element is possible, but requires strict adherence to safety precautions and an understanding of the electrical circuit.
Before proceeding with disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor windings or thermostat. Starting device is a consumable material that, over time, loses its properties due to heat and electrical wear. If you hear clicks, but the motor does not start, or it only runs for a few seconds before turning off, then the diagnostics will most likely indicate the need for replacement.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling the old element and installing a new one, paying special attention to the correct positioning of the contacts. Incorrect connection can lead to a short circuit or permanent breakdown of an expensive compressor. It is important to act consistently and carefully study the markings of parts.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting relay
The first step in any repair is to accurately determine the cause of the breakdown. If your refrigerator Biryusa stops freezing, and the compressor is either silent or makes intermittent sounds, you need to check the power circuit. The starting relay RTK or R-3 (depending on the model) takes on the function of supplying high voltage to the starting winding at the time of start. If the core or bimetallic plate fails, this impulse is not formed.
Visual inspection can tell a lot to an experienced craftsman. If traces of burning, melted plastic or black deposits on the contacts are visible inside the relay housing, then the part definitely requires replacement. It is also worth checking the condition of the windings of the compressor itself by testing them with a multimeter to exclude an interturn short circuit, which could cause the relay to break down.
⚠️ Attention: Before any intervention in the electrical circuit of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the network. Residual voltage in capacitors can be dangerous, and working under voltage is strictly prohibited.
Users often confuse the symptoms of a relay malfunction with a malfunction of the thermostat. To differentiate the problem, you can close the thermostat contacts for a short time. If the compressor tries to start, but immediately stalls or clicks, then the problem is in the starting mechanism. Otherwise, when the motor is completely silent, the chain may be broken in another place.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully replace the relay, you do not need complex professional tools, but having a basic DIY kit is a must. The main requirement is clean hands and a dry work area. Any moisture inside the electrical unit is unacceptable, as this can cause corrosion of the contacts or breakdown of the insulation.
You will need the following tools and materials:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) to remove the casing.
- 🔌 Pliers or pliers for careful removal terminals.
- 🧹 A soft brush or dry rag to clean the contacts from dust.
- 📱 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
Pay special attention to the selection of a new relay. Refrigerator models Biryusa were equipped with different types of compressors (most often Atlant or Don), therefore the relays may differ in design and current characteristics. On the body of the old part there is always a marking, for example, “120 Ohm” or “1/4 HP”, which needs to be checked with the parameters of the new spare part.
The process of dismantling the old relay
Access to the starting relay for refrigerators Turk usually located in the lower rear part of the unit, where it is fixed compressor You will need to remove the protective cover, which may be secured with latches or screws. Be careful, the plastic becomes brittle over time and can crack if not handled carefully.
After removing the casing, you will see a black cylindrical or rectangular block placed on three pins coming out of the compressor. This is a start-up protection device. To remove it, you need to carefully disconnect the connected wires. Modern models use detachable terminals; in older models, the wires can be soldered, which complicates the task and requires a soldering iron.
The relay block itself is simply pulled down from the contact pins of the compressor. Sometimes it is secured with a metal bracket or plastic holder. If the relay has become “stuck” from time to time, do not pull it sharply - it is better to slightly loosen it from side to side so as not to damage the compressor terminals, the repair of which will cost much more.
☑️ Procedure for dismantling the relay
Connection diagram and model compatibility
Correct connection is the key to long-term operation of the refrigerator. A relay usually has three main contacts: common, starting and working. Mixing them up will result in the motor either not starting or humming while in short circuit mode of one of the windings.
Below is a table of correspondence between popular relay models that are often used in refrigerators Biryusa, and their compatibility with types of compressors:
| Relay model | Compressor type | Power (HP) | Installation features |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK-1X | Atlant, Don | 1/4 - 1/3 | Vertical installation |
| P-3 | Atlant (old) | 1/5 - 1/4 | Requires precise positioning |
| PTC-1 | Universal | Up to 1/3 | Solid-state, no moving parts |
| 62002 | Atlant, Biryusa | 1/4 | Compact case |
If you are installing a universal solid-state relay (PTC), make sure its current rating matches current of your compressor. Current characteristics is the most important parameter. If you install a relay with a lower current, it will constantly turn off the motor. If it is large, the overload protection will not work, which is dangerous for the windings.
What is the difference between an induction and posistor relay?
Induction relays (with a coil and a core) mechanically open the circuit after starting. PTC resistors use the property of the crystal to increase resistance when heated. PTC relays are more reliable, quieter and have no moving parts, but they require time (1-2 minutes) to cool down before restarting.
Installing and fixing a new element
The process of installing a new relay is a mirror image of dismantling, but requires greater precision. Insert the contacts of the new device onto the compressor pins until they stop. You should feel confident contact. If the relay is marked "UP" or an arrow, it should point straight up, since there is a movable core inside that should move freely under the influence of gravity.
Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Usually they have color markings or letter designations: L (Line/Phase), N (Neutral/Zero), R (Run/Working winding), S (Start/Start winding). Crimp the terminals securely with pliers to ensure tight contact and prevent sparking.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the wires do not touch the compressor housing or the metal walls of the casing. The vibration of a working unit can over time grind the insulation, which will lead to a voltage breakdown on the refrigerator body.
After connecting all the wires, carefully install the protective casing. It should fit tightly, without gaps, so that dust and moisture do not get inside. Check whether the wires are pinched by the cover, as this may break contact or damage the insulation.
First start-up and operation check
After assembly, do not rush to load products. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. The startup should go smoothly: a characteristic hum, one or two clicks (protection or relay tripping), and then the smooth sound of a running motor. If you hear a loud crack or the buzzing suddenly stops, immediately turn off the device.
Check the heating of the relay housing after 10-15 minutes of operation. It may be warm, but not hot. If the part becomes so hot that it cannot be touched, it means that the wrong resistance has been selected or there is a problem with the compressor. It is also worth checking whether the refrigerator goes into cooling mode.
In the first hours of operation, it is recommended to periodically check the temperature in the chambers. If the refrigerator has become cold and the freezer begins to become covered with frost (or work if the system is No Frost), the repair can be considered complete. Stable operation throughout the day is the final test of the quality of the work performed.
Common mistakes during self-repair
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the orientation of the relay. As mentioned earlier, many models require a strictly vertical position. Installation upside down or sideways will result in the core not lowering under its own weight and not opening the starting circuit, which will cause the winding to burn out.
Another mistake is trying to clean the contacts of the old relay with sandpaper. In modern devices, the contacts are coated with a special alloy (often containing silver). Mechanical cleaning removes this layer, and after a short time the contacts burn out again, but with worse connection quality. Repairing a relay is a temporary measure; replacement is always more effective.
Also, beginners often forget to check the condition of the capacitor, which is often paired with the relay. If the capacitor is swollen or has lost capacity, the new relay may not work correctly or quickly fail. A comprehensive replacement of the “relay + capacitor” combination is often more economically justified.
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand, for example, from Indesit or Atlant?
Yes, it is often possible. Many compressors (especially Atlant) are installed on refrigerators of different brands. The main thing is the matching of the pin mounting sizes and current characteristics. If the relay from Indesit matches the connector and power, it can be safely used on Biryusa.
Why did the new relay burn out after a week?
There may be several reasons: the power (amperage) was incorrectly selected, poor contact in the terminals (caused sparking and heating), or, worst of all, the compressor itself is faulty (interturn closure, piston group wedge). It is also possible that the relay was installed in the wrong position.
Do I need to wait after turning it on if the refrigerator has just been defrosted?
Yes, definitely. If liquid refrigerant (oil) remains in the system, the compressor will have difficulty turning the pistons (water hammer). Let the refrigerator stand turned off for at least 2-4 hours after defrosting before the first start, so that the oil flows into the crankcase.
How to understand that the problem is not in the relay, but in the thermostat?
If you close the thermostat contacts, and the compressor does not even try to start (no buzzing or clicking), then electricity does not reach motor. In this case, the relay has nothing to do with it - the circuit is broken higher in the diagram. You need to check the thermostat, defrost button or wiring.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself if the refrigerator is under warranty?
If the warranty period is still valid, any independent intervention, including removing seals and opening the compressor casing, will void the warranty. In this case, it is strongly recommended to contact an authorized service center, even if the damage seems minor.