Sudden failure a two-chamber refrigerator Biryusa is always a nuisance, threatening food spoilage and discomfort. Often the cause of a breakdown, when the compressor hums but does not start or turns off after a few seconds, is the failure of the start relay. This small but critical element is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the moment of start. If you notice characteristic clicks or lack of cold, it is likely that you will need relay replacement.
Fortunately, the design of refrigerators of this brand, produced in Krasnoyarsk, is quite simple and repairable. Replacing a starter protection device does not require complex professional equipment or deep knowledge of electronics. All you need is basic tools, some free time and accuracy. In this article, we will look in detail at how to diagnose a malfunction, select the correct part and install it in place.
Before taking active steps, make sure that the unit is completely disconnected from the power supply. This is the first and most important safety rule for any type of repair of household appliances. Working with live electrical components is strictly prohibited and can lead to electric shock or damage to the refrigerator electronics.
Diagnosing a faulty start relay
The first sign that starting relay has failed is the characteristic behavior of the compressor. The engine tries to start, there is a loud click, followed by a buzzing sound that lasts a few seconds, and then the shut-off click again. The cycle can be repeated until the thermal protection trips or you unplug the device from the outlet. In normal condition, the relay should operate once upon startup and remain on.
However, such symptoms may indicate other problems, for example, an interturn short circuit in the compressor windings or jamming of the piston group. To rule out these options, it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection and a simple check. Remove the back cover at the bottom of the refrigerator where the motor-compressor is located. Carefully remove the plastic casing from the relay itself and inspect it for melting, blackening or a burning smell.
⚠️ Attention: If the relay body shows signs of severe overheating, plastic melting or leakage of contents, further operation of the refrigerator without replacing the part is impossible and there is a fire hazard.
An additional verification method is to assess the condition of the contacts. Oxidation or burning of the contacts inside the relay housing leads to poor current flow, which causes startup failures. If the external signs are not obvious, you can gently shake the removed relay near your ear: if a rattling sound is heard inside, it means that the induction coil or contacts are damaged, and the part must be replaced.
Necessary tools and preparation
To successfully complete the repair, you will need a minimum set of tools, which is usually found in the house of any home craftsman. The main tool will be a flathead and Phillips screwdriver for removing protective panels and dismantling clamps. You may also need pliers or pliers for working with wires and clamps.
A critically important step is selecting a new part. Relays for refrigerators Biryusa may differ depending on the compressor model (for example, Donbass, Atlant or Secop). On the body of the old relay there is always a marking, for example, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RTK-X or foreign analogs of type PTC. It is necessary to purchase an analogue with identical characteristics.
- 🛠️ Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips) for dismantling panels.
- 🔧 Pliers or side cutters for working with wires.
- 🧹 A soft brush or dry rag to clean the contacts from dust.
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
Do not forget to prepare a container for folding the removed screws so as not to lose them during work. It is also highly advisable to take a photograph of the wire layout on the old relay before disconnecting it. This will help to avoid mistakes when connecting a new part, since the color marking of the wires may differ from one manufacturer to another.
Removing the old start relay
The process of removing the faulty part begins with access to the compressor. In two-chamber refrigerators Biryusa the motor is usually located in a niche in the lower rear part of the case. Remove the back metal or cardboard panel by unscrewing the mounting screws. You will have a view of the compressor, condenser grille and pipelines.
Find the start relay: it is attached to the side of the compressor and is often covered with a plastic or metal casing. Carefully remove the cover. The relay itself is put on three contacts of the compressor and is fixed either with spring clips or simply with a tight fit. Be careful not to damage the cooling system's copper pipes, which may be fragile.
Disconnect the electrical wires going to the relay. They can be attached using female-male connectors or screw terminals. If connectors are used, they simply need to be pulled together, holding the wire at the base. If the wires are soldered (which is less common in modern models), they will have to be carefully soldered with a soldering iron, but in most cases Biryusa uses a terminal connection.
☑️ Removing the relay
Installation and connection of a new relay
Installation of a new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Take a new one starting relay and make sure that its markings match the requirements of your compressor. Orient the part correctly: the body usually has an indication of "UP" (top) or an arrow that should point up. Incorrect orientation will result in the mechanism not working or burning out instantly.
Place the relay onto the contact group of the compressor. It should fit tightly, without backlash. If a retaining bracket or frame is used, install it in place. Then connect the wires to the appropriate terminals, referring to the photo or diagram you took earlier. Make sure that the contacts are inserted all the way and are not loose.
After connecting all electrical connections, return the relay protective cover to its place and secure the back panel of the refrigerator. Only after complete assembly of all protective elements can the unit be connected to the network. The first start may be accompanied by a louder sound than usual, but after a few seconds the operation should stabilize.
⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the refrigerator with the electrical part open or without the relay cover installed. This can lead to a short circuit if the wires are accidentally touched or moisture gets in.
Relay compatibility table for compressors
When selecting spare parts, it is important to consider not only the brand of the refrigerator, but also the type of installed motor. Refrigerators Biryusa of different years of manufacture could use different compressors. Below is a reference table to help you navigate the markings.
| Relay marking | Compressor type | Power (W) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK-1 / RTK-2 | Donbass, Atlant | up to 200 | Induction, with thermal protection |
| R-1 / R-2 | Donbass (powerful) | up to 300 | For two-chamber models |
| PTC (China/Europe) | Secop, Danfoss | 1/8 - 1/4 HP | Posistor, requires precise selection |
| 3-103-001 | Biryusa (new) | up to 250 | Combined start-up protection |
What is a posistor in a relay?
A posistor is a semiconductor element that changes its resistance when heated. Unlike old induction relays with moving contacts, posistor (PTC) relays do not have moving parts, which makes them more durable, but sensitive to the cooling time before switching on again.
Checking operation and typical errors
After replacing the relay and turning on the refrigerator, listen to the operation of the motor. The compressor should start smoothly, without buzzing or clicking, and run evenly. After 10-15 minutes of operation, check the temperature of the evaporator in the freezer - it should begin to cool. If the refrigerator Biryusa has a two-chamber, cold will gradually appear in the refrigerator compartment.
One of the common mistakes is incorrect selection of relay power. If you install a part designed for less power, it will overheat and quickly fail, possibly along with the compressor. If the relay power is too high, it may not open the starting winding in time, which will lead to overload of the motor.
It is also worth checking the condition of the capacitor, if there is one in the circuit. In some circuits, the starting capacitor helps the engine gain speed. If it is swollen or has lost capacity, even a new relay will not provide a stable start. A visually faulty condenser often has swollen sides.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair the old one? relay, and not change it?
Theoretically, you can try to disassemble induction relays (such as RTK), clean the contacts from carbon deposits and put them back together. However, practice shows that such repairs provide only a temporary effect. The metal of the contacts has already degraded and the problem will return in a short time. Considering the low cost of a new part, replacement is a more rational solution.
Why does a new relay burn out immediately after installation?
Most likely, the problem is not in the relay, but in the compressor itself. If there is an interturn short circuit in the motor windings, starting currents can be abnormally high, which leads to instantaneous burnout of the starting element. Also, the cause may be jamming of the motor piston group.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable relay for my Biryusa?
The markings are applied to the side face of the relay itself. To see it, you need to remove the back cover of the refrigerator and the plastic cap from the device attached to the compressor. Look for inscriptions like R-1, RTK-X, 3-103, etc. Using this code, the easiest way is to find an analogue in a spare parts store.
How long does it take for the relay to cool down before turning it on again?
If the relay is a posistor (PTC) relay, it needs time to cool down (usually from 3 to 10 minutes) to restore its properties. Induction relays are ready to work almost immediately, but the thermal release inside the compressor also needs time to cool down after trying to start.