A sudden stop of a two-chamber refrigerator Atlant or its inability to maintain the set temperature often indicates problems with the main component of the system - the compressor. It is this unit that is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the circuit, creating the necessary pressure for effective cooling of the chambers. If you notice that the engine is humming but does not start, or, conversely, is running non-stop without turning off, this is an alarming signal that requires immediate diagnosis. Owners of equipment are often faced with a situation where external signs of a breakdown are obvious, but it is difficult to name the exact cause without checking.
Before calling a technician or buying a new part, it is necessary to carry out an initial check to exclude simple faults, such as problems with the thermostat or start relay. Self-diagnosis of the refrigerator compressor Atlant requires compliance with safety regulations and the availability of a minimum set of tools. Electric current in combination with refrigerant under pressure they create a potentially dangerous environment, so all manipulations should be carried out only after completely disconnecting the device from the network. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help determine the state of the “heart” of your refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Carry out any work on diagnosing the electrical equipment of the refrigerator only with the plug pulled out of the socket. Residual voltage in the capacitors can be dangerous; let the equipment stand unplugged for 10-15 minutes before disassembling.
Visual inspection and initial diagnostics without tools
The first step is always a thorough visual inspection of the rear of the refrigeration unit. In two-chamber models Atlant the compressor is usually located in the lower niche, covered with a protective casing. Remove the cover by unscrewing the mounting screws and carefully examine the condition of the motor. Pay attention to the presence of oily stains, corrosion or melted areas on the wires. If you see traces of oil around the tubes or on the housing, this may indicate a violation of the tightness of the system, which is often accompanied by a freon leak and subsequent failure of the compressor.
After a visual inspection, it is necessary to evaluate the nature of the engine's operation. Plug in the refrigerator and listen to the sounds it makes. A working compressor emits a smooth, monotonous hum, which periodically subsides when the thermostat opens the circuit. If you hear a loud hum that turns into a crackling sound, or clicks after which the motor goes silent, these are signs of a serious mechanical or electrical malfunction. Start relay may click, trying to start a jammed rotor, but to no avail.
It is also important to check the temperature of the body of the operating compressor. Carefully touch the metal surface of the motor with the back of your hand (so as not to get burned) after 10-15 minutes of operation. Normal operating temperature can reach 70-90 degrees Celsius, but the body should not be hot to the point where it is impossible to touch it even for a second. Excessive heating often indicates an interturn short circuit in the windings or problems with the cooling system of the motor itself.
Checking the integrity of the windings with a multimeter
The most accurate method of electrical diagnostics is to test the continuity of the motor windings using a multimeter. To carry out this procedure, you will need to remove the start protection relay and terminal block from the compressor contacts. At the end of the motor housing there are three terminals forming a triangle. Depending on the model Atlant, they may be labeled or color-coded, but it is most reliable to identify them by resistance.
Switch the multimeter to the resistance measurement mode (Ohm) to a limit of 200 Ohms. First, check each pin for a breakdown on the case. Touch any of the three contacts with one probe and touch the paint-free area on the metal body of the compressor with the other. The device should show infinity (one in the most significant digit). If you see any resistance values, it means that the winding has been insulated onto the housing, and it is strictly prohibited to operate such a compressor strictly prohibited.
Next it is necessary to measure the resistance between pairs of contacts. Standard asynchronous refrigerator motors Atlant have three windings: starting, working and common. The resistance between the working and starting windings should be the sum of the resistances of the other pairs. Typically the values vary within the following limits:
- 🔌 Resistance between the working and common windings: from 15 to 35 Ohms.
- 🔌 Resistance between the starting and common windings: from 20 to 50 Ohms.
- 🔌 Resistance between the working and starting windings: from 30 to 80 Ohms.
If the multimeter shows zero (short circuit) or infinity (break) on any of the pairs, the compressor is considered faulty and requires replacement.
Diagnostics of the starting relay and thermal protection
Often the cause of compressor failure is not the engine itself, but its “suite” - the starting relay and thermal protection relay. These components are contained in a plastic housing that attaches to the side or bottom of the compressor. To check them, carefully remove the unit from the housing. The starting relay in refrigerators Atlant most often is of the posistor type (black cylinder with three contacts) or induction. The posistor should have a cold resistance of about 20-50 Ohms. If it shows an open or short circuit, replacing it will solve the startup problem.
Thermal relay (protection) is a bimetallic plate that opens the circuit when overheated. Check its integrity in dial mode: the device should beep, indicating a closed contact. If the circuit is open when cold, the relay is faulty. Also inspect the contacts for carbon deposits or melting. Plastic melting Around the relay indicates poor contact and constant sparking, which requires replacing not only the relay, but also the terminal block.
Is it possible to start a compressor without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the motor by applying voltage directly to the working winding and briefly to the starting winding. However, this method is dangerous and requires qualifications. Without a starting winding, the rotor will not reach the required speed, and without thermal protection, the motor will burn out if it jams. Do not use this method for long-term operation!
If, after replacing the relay and checking the wiring, the compressor still hums but does not start, or does not make any sounds when voltage is applied, the likelihood of a malfunction of the motor itself increases to 90%. In this case, further diagnostics require checking the current consumption and pressure in the system, which is impossible without special tools.
Measurement of current consumption and analysis of operation
For deeper diagnostics, it is necessary to measure the current consumed by the compressor during startup and operation. This is done using current clamps. The normal operating current for compressors Atlant with a power of 100-140 W is approximately 0.3-0.6 Amperes. At the moment of start-up, the current may briefly jump to 2-3 Amperes, but then it should drop to operating values. If the current immediately after switching on sharply increases and thermal protection is triggered, this is a sure sign of an interturn short circuit in the windings or mechanical jamming.
Compare the obtained data with the passport values, if they are preserved, or with average standards for similar models. Exceeding the rated current by more than 20% indicates that the motor is operating with overload. This can be caused not only by an internal malfunction, but also by problems in the refrigeration circuit, for example, a clogged capillary tube or an excessive amount of refrigerant. High current leads to rapid overheating and final failure of the unit.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzing, clicking, does not start | The starting relay is faulty or the compressor is stuck | Replace the relay, check the starting current |
| Silent, no reaction | Open circuit, burnt winding, no power | Ring windings, check voltage |
| Works without stopping | Freon leak, thermostat faulty | Check tightness, replace the thermostat |
| The case gets very hot | Interturn short circuit, poor ventilation | Measure the current, ensure air flow |
Mechanical faults and jamming
One of the most unpleasant problems is mechanical jamming of the compressor. This occurs when the rubbing parts inside the sealed unit (piston group) wear out or lose lubrication. As a result, the rotor cannot turn, and the engine only hums, consuming huge current. Attempts to “stir up” such a compressor by applying increased voltage or using shock methods at home rarely give long-term results. A jammed compressor cannot be repaired at homeas it requires opening the sealed casing and evacuating the system.
Sometimes jamming It can be temporary, caused by the solidification of the oil during the cold season (if the refrigerator was transported lying down) or the entry of a solid particle into the gap. In such cases, prolonged drying and warming up of the engine can help, but this does not provide guarantees. If you hear a metallic knock or grinding sound inside a running unit, this indicates destruction of the engine mount or valve group. Operating such a refrigerator Atlant is dangerous, since destruction products can clog the entire system.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor is jammed, do not try to turn it on repeatedly (repeatedly). This will lead to burnout of the stator windings and melting of the insulation, after which restoration will become impossible even in the service.
☑️ Checklist before calling a technician
When a compressor replacement is necessary
Replacing a compressor is a complex technological process, requiring special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station, a burner and a tube sealer. If the diagnostics showed a break or short circuit in the windings, an interturn short circuit or a mechanical knock, replacement is the only solution. In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant it is important to select a compressor with similar cooling capacity and type of refrigerant (usually R134a or R600a). Using an unsuitable motor will result in ineffective operation or rapid breakdown.
The replacement process includes removing the old refrigerant, cutting off the old compressor, soldering a new one, vacuuming the system to remove moisture and air, and then refilling with an accurate dose of freon. Performing this procedure on your own without experience and tools is extremely difficult and risky. An error in gas dosage or the presence of moisture in the system will lead to failure of a new, newly installed compressor.
The cost of a new compressor and the work to replace it often makes up a significant part of the price of a new one refrigerator. Therefore, before deciding to replace, weigh the economic feasibility. If the refrigerator is more than 10-12 years old, sometimes it is easier and more reliable to purchase a new model than to invest in the resuscitation of the old unit, where breakdowns of other components may follow.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to check the compressor without a multimeter?
Accurately determine the condition windings without instruments are not possible. However, the nature of the sound (loud hum, silence) and the heating of the case will indirectly indicate the malfunction. You can also try to apply voltage directly (bypassing the relay), but this is dangerous and requires caution.
Why is the Atlant refrigerator compressor hot?
Heating to 70-90 degrees is normal for a running motor. If it is so hot that it is painful to touch, or heats up unevenly (in spots), this is a sign of an interturn short circuit or problems with heat dissipation.
Which compressor is best to replace the Atlanta?
It is best to install the original compressor Atlant the same one series. It is possible to install analogues from Danfoss (Secop) or Embraco, but they must strictly correspond in power and type of refrigerant.
A click is heard and the compressor stops - what to do?
This is a classic symptom of an attempt to start. Replace the start relay first - this is the most common and cheapest cause. If replacing the relay did not help, most likely the problem is in the motor itself (jamming or short circuit).