Replacing the relay in a Beko refrigerator: step-by-step analysis with photos and advice

The refrigerator Beko has stopped freezing, the compressor does not start, and you can hear clicks or buzzing inside? With an 80% probability, the problem lies in a faulty relay - starting or thermal. This part is responsible for the correct start of the engine and protection against overheating, and replacing it often solves the problem without expensive repairs. In most models Beko (from CNA 335 K20 XN to GNE 114120 X) the procedure takes no more than an hour if you know the nuances.

This article contains an analysis of all stages: from diagnosing a breakdown to testing a new relay. We took into account the features of modern refrigerators Beko with a system No Frost and drip defrosting, and also added a relay compatibility table for popular models. If you have never held a multimeter in your hands, don’t worry: we explained how to do without it. The main rule: take your time and follow the instructions in order.

Signs of a faulty relay: how to understand that it is time to change

The relay in the refrigerator Beko does not fail immediately. The first “bells” are often ignored, attributed to voltage surges or temporary failures. Pay attention to these symptoms:

• 🔊 Clicks without starting the compressor: rhythmic clicks are heard (every 5-10 seconds), but the motor does not hum or vibrate.
• ❄️ Lack of cold with the backlight working: the light inside is on, and the temperature in the chambers is rising.
• ⚡ The compressor starts and immediately turns off: the motor hums for 1-2 seconds, then the protection is activated.
• 🔥 Overheating of the case in the area of the compressor: if you touch the back wall, abnormal heat is felt.
• 🕒 Cyclic shutdowns: the refrigerator works for 5-15 minutes, then “goes into protection” for an hour or more.

If you notice at least 2-3 signs from the list, the probability of a relay failure is 90%. But before replacing be sure to check the voltage in the outlet (should be 220–230 V). Power surges often simulate a relay failure, especially in rural areas or old houses.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Beko with inverter compressors (series ProSmart) the relay is integrated into the control board. Replacing it requires soldering and skills in working with electronics - it is better to contact the service.

What relays are used in Beko refrigerators: types and differences

In refrigerators Beko two types of relays are installed:

1. Starting relay (Start Relay) - starts the compressor, supplying current to the starting winding. In 95% of cases it fails due to overheating or mechanical wear.
2. Thermal relay (Overload Protector) - protects the motor from overloads. Located inside the starting relay or next to it in the form of a separate tablet.

Externally, the relays are:

• 🟢 Closed type (plastic case with a lid) - for models Beko before 2018 (CS 340020, CNA 300 K20).
• 🔴 Open type (contacts are visible without disassembling) - for new refrigerators (GNE 124120 X, RCNA 400 K20).
• 🟡 Combined (relay + capacitor in one block) - for premium series Beko ProSmart Inverter.

Upon purchase relay, pay attention to rated current (indicated on the body of the old relay). For most refrigerators Beko this is 5–10 A. If you install a relay with a lower current, it will operate falsely; with a higher one, it will not protect the compressor from overheating.

Preparing for replacement: tools and safety measures

To replace the relay in the refrigerator Beko you will need:

• ⚒️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) - to remove the back cover.
• 🔧 Pliers - to carefully remove the terminals.
• 📏 Multimeter (optional) - to check the resistance of the compressor windings.
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves - protection against electric shock (voltage in the capacitor can remain up to 24 hours!).
• 📸 Smartphone —to photograph the connection diagram before disconnecting the wires.

Before starting work:

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the mains and unplug the plug from the socket.
2. Wait 30 minutes - for this time the capacitors will discharge.
3. Move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the compressor.
4. Prepare the work area: put a rag so as not to lose small parts (springs, screws).

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Beko is installed capacitor (cylindrical part next to the relay), do not touch its terminals with bare hands even after turning off the power, the residual charge can reach 300 V!

☑️ Preparation for replacement relay

Disconnect the refrigerator from the networkTake a photo of the wire connectionWear dielectric glovesPrepare a replacement (check the article number)Give access to compressor

Completed: 0 / 5

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove and install a new relay

The process of replacing the relay is the same for most models Beko, but there are nuances depending on the type of fastening. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

Step 1: Removing the back cover

Remove the lower rear panel of the refrigerator (held on by 4-6 screws). In models with No Frost (Beko GNE 114120 X, you may need to remove the top cover - it blocks access to the compressor. Carefully set it aside, do not pull on the fan wires.

Step 2: Disconnecting the Relay

The relay is attached to the compressor using:

• 🔩 Rivets — in older models (Beko CSA 24000You will have to drill them with a drill (3-4 mm drill).
• 🔧 Screws —in new refrigerators (Beko CNA 335 K20 XN). Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver.
• 🧲 Latch —in combination relays. Pry them off with a flat blade. a screwdriver.

After removing the fastening, carefully pull the relay towards you, holding the wires. Do not pull the terminals - they are fragile!

Step 3: Replacing the relay

Compare the new relay with old: the location of the terminals must match. Connect the wires in the same sequence (refer to the photo taken earlier). (power).

• Wire color: V Beko The standard commonly used is:
  • 🔴 Red - phase (nutrition).
  • 🔵 Blue - zero.
  • 🟢 Green/yellow - grounding.
  • 🟤 Brown - starting winding.
• Polarity: if the relay has marks “+" and "−", do not confuse them.

After connecting, secure the relay to the compressor (use old mounts or new ones from the kit). Make sure that the part fits tightly to the motor housing - this is important for heat dissipation.

Step 4: Checking operation

Plug in the refrigerator. Signs of a successful replacement:

• 🔊 The compressor started without clicks and runs smoothly.
• ❄️ After 10-15 minutes, cooling began (check the condenser grill with your hand - it should heat up).
• 📉 The display (if any) shows a drop temperature.

If the compressor does not start or the protection is triggered, check:

• The correctness of the wire connections.
• The resistance of the compressor windings (should be 10-40 Ohms between the terminals).
• Voltage in socket (perhaps the problem is not in the relay, but in the network).

What to do if the new relay does not work?

If after replacing the relay the compressor does not start, the reasons may be the following:

1. The compressor is faulty —check the resistance of the windings with a multimeter (between the terminals there should be 10–40 Ohms, and between the case and any terminal - infinity).

2. Condenser breakdown - if it is swollen or liquid has leaked, replacement is required.

3. Connection error - double-check the circuit using the photo.

4. Control unit —in models with electronic control (Beko ProSmart), the board may burn out.

How to check a relay without a multimeter: 3 ways

Not everyone has a tester at home, but you can diagnose the relay using other methods. Here are working methods for refrigerators Beko:

Method 1: Replacement with a known good one

If it is possible to take the relay from another refrigerator (for example, from neighbors or at a service station), temporarily install it. If the compressor starts, your relay is faulty. This method is more accurate than any test.

Method 2: Testing with a light bulb

You will need:

• A 220 V light bulb (for example, from a table lamp).
• Two wires with stripped ends.
• Plug for connecting to the socket.

Connect the light bulb in series with the relay (diagram: socket → light bulb → relay → compressor). If the light comes on when turned on, but the compressor does not start, the relay is faulty.

Method 3: Visual inspection

Signs of physical wear of the relay:

• 🔥 Darkening or melting housing - indicates overheating.
• 💨 Smell of burning —the insulation or contacts were burning.
• 🔊 Rattling when shaking —internal parts have broken off.
• 💧 Traces of corrosion on the terminals—oxidation contacts.

⚠️ Attention: If the relay is externally intact, but the compressor does not start, the problem may be in starting capacitor. B Beko it often fails in parallel with the relay. You can check it by shorting the terminals with a screwdriver with an insulated handle - if a spark appears, the capacitor is working.

Frequent errors when replacing a relay and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns. Here's what you cannot do when replacing a relay in a refrigerator Beko:

• 🔌 Use a relay from another model -even if it looks similar. For example, a relay from Indesit is not suitable for Beko CNA 335 K20 XN due to the different rated current.
• 🔧 Tighten the screws with force —the relay body is plastic and may crack. It is enough to press the part tightly to the compressor.
• 🔄 Swap the wires - if you confuse phase and zero, the relay will burn out the first time you turn it on.
• 🧲 Ignore the capacitor - in 30% of cases it fails together with relay. Check it before assembly.
• ⚡ Turn on the refrigerator without the back cover - this interferes with air circulation and can lead to overheating of the new relay.

Another common mistake is incorrect diagnosis. For example, if the compressor hums but does not start, not only the relay may be to blame, but also:

• Stuck motor (you need to check whether the compressor shaft rotates manually).
• Freon leak (in this case the relay will click every 2–3 minutes).
• Thermostat malfunction (in mechanical models Beko).

Cost of replacing the relay: purchase of parts and work master

The price of replacing a relay in a refrigerator Beko depends on the type of part and region. Below are the current prices for 2026:

Part/Service	Cost (rub.)	Notes
Original relay Beko (article 2156000100)	800–1 500	The price depends on the model No Frost more expensive by 20–30%.
Analog (RL3-1, 3TS-15K)	400–900	Cheaper than the original, but the service life may be shorter.
Capacitor (if replacement is required)	300–600	The cost depends on the capacity (10–25 uF).
Work of a master (on-site + replacement)	1 500–3 000	Includes diagnostics. In the regions it is 20–40% cheaper.
Kit (relay + capacitor + work)	2 500–4 500	It is more profitable to buy a set if you are not sure diagnosis.

Where to buy spare parts:

• 🛒 Official service centers Beko - warranty on parts, but prices are higher than the market.
• 🌍 Online stores (for example, 220-volt.ru, All-Zapchasti) - wide range analogs.
• 🏗️ Electronics stores - you can find universal relays (RLS-8, 3TS-15K).
• 🔄 Used markets - only if the seller gives a guarantee. The risk of running into a faulty part.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing relay, check whether it is suitable for inverter ones. compressors (if your refrigerator is Beko marked InverterOrdinary relays are incompatible with such motors!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to replace the relay in a Beko refrigerator without unplugging it?

No! This is deadly. The capacitor can store a charge of up to 300 V even after unplugging the plug. Always unplug the cord and wait. 30 minutes before starting work.

How to distinguish a starting relay from a thermal one?

A starting relay is a housing with terminals for connecting wires. A thermal relay is a small tablet (often black), soldered into the starting relay or attached separately to the compressor. Beko they are combined into one block.

How long does the relay last in a Beko refrigerator?

The average service life is 5–7 years. The resource is affected by:

• The frequency of the compressor switching on (depends on the temperature in the room).
• The quality of the electrical network (voltage surges shorten the service life).
• Dust (dust on the capacitor leads to overheating).

In refrigerators with No Frost the relay wears out faster due to the increased load.

What will happen if you do not change the faulty relay?

Ignoring the problem will lead to:

• Burning of the compressor windings (repair will cost 8-15 thousand rubles).
• Freon leakage due to overheating system.
• Fire risk (in rare cases, the relay melts and ignites).

If the refrigerator is under warranty, a faulty relay may cause a refusal of service.

Is it possible to repair the relay or only replacement?

Repair is possible only for open type relays (for example, ASCO R-11). Craftsmen solder burnt contacts or replace the bimetallic plate. However, such repairs are unreliable - the part will last 1-3 months. Closed relays (for example, DANFOSS) are not repairable.