A sudden stop of the compressor is always stressful for the refrigerator owner, especially if food supplies are stored inside. Most often, the reason for the silence of the motor is the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. In refrigerators Atlant this unit is a consumable item, and its replacement is one of the most common procedures when independently repairing household appliances.
The process of installing a new element requires not only accuracy, but also a clear understanding of the electrical circuit, since an error in the connection can lead to burnout of the windings compressor. Despite its apparent simplicity, the procedure has its own technical nuances, which cannot be ignored. Start-up protection relay is not just a switch, but a complex electromechanical device that responds to current and temperature.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for a successful replacement, Let's look at the differences between relay models and answer frequently asked questions. You will learn how to safely dismantle the old unit, check the integrity of the windings and install a working part. Correct completion of all stages guarantees long and stable operation of your refrigeration unit.
Fault diagnosis and signs of relay failure
Before you start disassembling and searching for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the starting device, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. Symptoms of a malfunction usually manifest themselves in characteristic sounds or their complete absence when the device is connected to the network. If you hear a click, followed by the hum of the motor, and after a few seconds there is a second click and silence sets in, this is a classic sign that starting winding is not receiving the impulse to start.
Another common scenario is the complete lack of response of the refrigerator when connected to the mains. The light inside the chamber may be on, indicating the presence of voltage, but the compressor is silent. In such cases, the relay is often to blame, the contacts of which have oxidized or burned out completely. However, it is worth considering that similar symptoms may indicate an interturn short circuit in the motor or a wiring fault.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor hums but does not start, immediately disconnect the device from the network. Continuing to operate in this mode will lead to overheating and final failure of the expensive engine.
For initial diagnostics, you can carefully remove the casing and shake the relay near your ear. If you hear a rattling sound inside, similar to the rattling of coins, then the mechanical part or contacts are damaged. Also, a visual inspection may reveal traces of burning, melting of plastic or blackening of the leads, which clearly indicates the need for replacement.
- 🔊 A characteristic clicking and buzzing sound without starting the engine.
- 🔥 A burning smell or visible traces of soot on the relay body.
- ❌ Complete absence of sound from the compressor when the lamp is on.
- 🔌 Triggering of the circuit breaker in the control panel when trying to start.
Preparation of tools and safety measures
Working with electrical appliances under voltage of 220 volts requires strict adherence to safety regulations. The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. It is not enough to simply turn it off with a button or a regulator - you must remove the plug from the socket. Any manipulations inside the electrical circuit should be carried out only when there is a guaranteed absence of current.
To carry out the work, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in any home. The main tool will be a flathead and Phillips screwdriver for removing protective covers and terminal blocks. You may also need a multimeter (tester) to check the integrity of the windings and the relay itself, although experienced craftsmen often make do with visual inspection and the method of elimination.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the wires. If the insulation on the cables leading to the compressor is cracked or melted, they will need to be replaced or thoroughly insulated before installing a new relay. The use of low-quality electrical tape or twists without soldering is unacceptable in conditions of vibration and temperature changes.
☑️ Check before starting work
Remember that the refrigerant in the system is under pressure, so it is strictly forbidden to cut through or resolder the copper tubes coming from the compressor if you do not have the skills and equipment for refilling refrigerators. Our task is to replace only the electrical part without violating the tightness of the circuit.
Removing the old start-up relay
The process of removing the faulty element begins with access to the compressor, which is located in the lower rear part of the refrigerator Atlant. Some models may require you to remove the back metal panel secured with screws, while others may allow access. The compressor is a black metal “barrel”, to the bottom of which a plastic casing is attached.
Carefully remove the plastic box by snapping the latches or unscrewing the screws. A picture will open in front of you with suitable wires and the relay itself, mounted on the compressor rod. Before pulling the relay, it is highly recommended to take a photo of the wiring diagram or sketch the location of the wires. Color marking may differ in different modifications, and memory is an unreliable assistant here.
The relay is removed by gently rocking from side to side. It sits tightly on the three contacts of the compressor, so you should not use excessive force to avoid breaking the ceramic insulator or damaging the terminals. After removing the main unit, disconnect the terminal block with power wires. To do this, you may need to carefully pry the latches with a screwdriver.
| Contact type | Wire color (standard) | Purpose | Location on the relay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase (L) | Brown / Red | Start winding power supply | Upper contact |
| Zero (N) | Blue / Black | General wire | Side contact |
| Ground | Yellow-green | Case ground | Separate screw |
| Thermal relay | White / Orange | Overheat protection | Bottom part |
When dismantling, pay attention to the condition of the contacts on the compressor itself. If they are oxidized, they can be carefully sanded down with fine sandpaper, but be very careful not to bend the pins. Any deformation of the compressor leads can lead to poor contact and sparking in the future.
Choosing a compatible relay model for Atlant
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with compressors from various manufacturers, including motors of our own production, as well as units Secop (Danfoss) or Aspera. Therefore, there is no universal relay suitable for all models. It is critical to choose a device that matches the engine power and the type of starting circuit.
There is always a marking on the body of the old relay that contains information about compatibility. Look for series designations such as PT, R-1, R-2 or R-3, as well as codes indicating the power in Watts or Horse Power (HP). For example, marking 17-118 or 17-129 is often found on Atlant models with one compressor.
What do the numbers on the relay mean?
The numbers in the marking, such as 17-118, indicate the series and modification of the relay. The first two digits (17) often indicate the manufacturer's size or series, and the subsequent ones (118, 129) indicate a specific modification, depending on the compressor power and the type of refrigerant. Matching the series is critical for the correct operation of the protection.
If it is not possible to find an exact analogue, it is possible to install universal starting relays. They are equipped with a set of adapters and are suitable for a wide range of engines. However, the use of original components is always preferable, since their characteristics are ideally matched to the parameters of the compressor Atlant.
- 🔍 Check the markings on the body of the old device before purchasing.
- ⚡ Make sure that the power of the new relay matches or exceeds the power of the old one.
- 🏭 Give preference to original spare parts or proven analogues.
- 📏 Pay attention to the orientation - the relay must be installed in the correct position.
When purchasing a universal kit, carefully read the instructions to select the correct colored wire or adapter for your type of compressor. An error in selection may result in the engine operating unstably or the protection not working at the right time.
Connection diagram and installation of a new relay
Installation of a new start-protective device is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. First, make sure that the new relay matches the shape and contact arrangement of the old model. If you are using a universal model, you may need to install additional adapters on the compressor terminals that come with the kit.
The most important point is the correct orientation of the relay in space. There is usually an arrow on the body of the device indicating the direction “UP” (up) or “Top”. This means that the relay must be installed in a strictly vertical position so that the thermal element and mechanical contacts work correctly under the influence of gravity.
Installation procedure:1. Place the terminal block with wires onto the relay contacts.
2. Carefully push the relay onto the compressor rod until it stops.
3. Check the reliability of fixation (there should be no play).
4. Make sure that the wires do not touch hot parts of the compressor.
After mechanical installation, the electrical connections must be checked. Make sure that all wires are tightly seated in the terminals and are not loose. Vibration from a running compressor can loosen a poor connection over time, leading to sparking and heating. If necessary, tighten the terminals with pliers, but without fanaticism, so as not to split the plastic.
Don't forget about grounding. If the design provides a separate terminal for the ground wire (usually yellow-green), it should be securely screwed to the compressor housing or the metal frame of the refrigerator. This is a critical safety element.
Testing operation and possible problems
After installing all protective covers and panels, you can begin testing. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you can hear a characteristic click - this is the contacts of the starting relay closing. If this is followed by a steady hum of the running engine and after a while the evaporator begins to cool, then the replacement was successful.
However, if the compressor hums for 3-5 seconds and the shutdown click is heard again, the problem may not be in the relay. In this case, it is worth checking the capacitor (if it is in the circuit) or the condition of the motor windings. Also, the cause may be low voltage in the network or a mechanical compressor wedge.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave a running refrigerator unattended in the first 30-40 minutes after repair. Periodically check the temperature of the relay housing and compressor - they should not heat up excessively.
During operation, pay attention to the cyclic operation. Normal mode involves operating the compressor for a certain time and then resting. If the motor runs without stopping or turns on too often, this is a signal of possible problems with the thermostat or freon leakage, and not with the relay.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install a relay from another manufacturer, for example, from Indesit or Bosch?
Yes, it is possible, but only if the electrical characteristics and geometric dimensions match. The main thing is the correspondence between the compressor power and the type of starting circuit (induction or posistor). You can’t just take any relay “as long as it fits the contacts” - this risks burning the motor.
Why did the relay burn out and will it happen again?
Most often, the relay fails due to natural wear of the contacts or power surges in the network. The reason may also be the aging of the compressor itself, when it begins to consume more starting current. If the refrigerator is new, power quality may be to blame; if it’s old, the unit is worn out.
Do I need to wait some time before restarting after replacement?
Yes, after any compressor shutdown (especially an emergency one), it is recommended to wait 10-15 minutes before restarting. This is necessary to equalize the pressure in the system and cool the thermal protection elements so that they can work correctly during the next cycle.
What to do if the contacts on the compressor are oxidized?
Light oxidation can be removed with an eraser or fine sandpaper (“zero”). If the pins are blackened or melted, they must be stripped to bare metal. In critical cases, when the pins are damaged, you need to call a technician to replace the adapter block or the compressor itself.
Does the position of the refrigerator affect the operation of the relay?
Yes, it does. Start-up relays often operate on the gravitational principle (especially induction). If the refrigerator is not level or was tilted during transportation, the relay may not work or, conversely, may not turn off. Always install the equipment strictly horizontally.