Disassembling the start relay refrigerator: instructions with photos and advice from experts

The starting relay is a small but critical component of the refrigerator, which is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overloads. If the refrigerator suddenly stops turning on, hums but does not freeze, or the compressor turns off a few seconds after starting, with an 80% probability the problem lies in this device. You can disassemble the relay yourself in 15–20 minutes, but only if you strictly adhere to safety precautions and understand the principle of its operation.

In this article we will look in detail at how to properly remove, disassemble and diagnose the starting relay for refrigerators of popular brands: Atlant, Indesit, Stinol, Samsung and LG. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes during disassembly, and what to do if the relay cannot be repaired. And for those who have never worked with electrical components, we will provide a safety checklist - ignoring it can lead to electric shock or failure of the compressor.

What is a starting relay and when it needs to be disassembled

A starting relay (also called start protection relay) is an electromechanical or electronic device that performs two key functions:

• 🔌 Start the compressor - supplies a short-term current to the starting winding to “move” the rotor from dead center.
• ⚡ Overheat protection — turns off the power if the current in the windings exceeds the permissible values (for example, when the compressor is jammed).

The relay must be disassembled in the following cases:

• 🔧 The refrigerator does not turn on, but the light inside is on (there is power, but the compressor does not start).
• 🔊 The compressor hums for 2-5 seconds and turns off - this is a sign of protection activation due to a malfunction of the relay or windings.
• 💥 Visible damage to the relay housing: melting, cracks, traces of burning contacts.
• 🔄 The refrigerator turns on, but after a few minutes it turns off and does not start again (a defect in the bimetallic plate is possible).

Before you start disassembling, make sure that the problem is in the relay, and not in the thermostat, compressor or wiring To do this, you can temporarily install a known good relay (for example, from another refrigerator of the same model) or check the current one with a multimeter.

Tools and materials for disassembly

To dismantle and disassemble the starting relay you will need:

Additionally, they may be useful:

• 📸 Smartphone —to photograph the location of the wires before disconnecting.
• 🧲 Magnet —to hold small parts (screws, springs).
• 🧴 Alcohol or contact cleaner —to remove oxidation from the terminals.

Preparation for disassembly: safety precautions

Working with the start relay requires precautions, since you are dealing with elements under high voltage (220V). Even after disconnecting the refrigerator from the network, the capacitors in the relay circuit can retain a charge for up to 10-15 minutes.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the outlet and remove the plug|Wait 15 minutes for the capacitors to discharge|Work in rubber gloves (preferably dielectric)|Do not touch bare contacts with both hands at the same time|Use a tool with insulated handles-->

Pay special attention to the following points:

• 🔌 Do not disassemble the relay if the refrigerator is connected to the network - even a short touch of live parts can lead to electric shock.
• 💧 Avoid working in wet conditions —moisture on the contacts increases the risk of a short circuit.
• 👓 Wear safety glasses —when disassembling an old relay, small particles or springs may fly away.

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped electronic start relay (for example, in models Samsung or LG with inverter compressors), do not try to disassemble it without specialized equipment. Such relays contain microcircuits that are sensitive to static electricity and are repaired only in service centers.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the relay from the compressor

The process of removing the relay is the same for most refrigerators, but it may vary slightly depending on the compressor model (Danfoss, Embraco, Secop). Follow this algorithm:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains and move it away from the wall to gain access to the back panel. Remove the protective cover of the compressor (usually secured with 2-4 screws).

2. Take a photo of the location of the wires at the relay terminals. This will help avoid errors during reassembly. Usually the wires are connected like this:

   • 🔴 Red/orange - phase (220V power supply).
   • 🔵 Blue/black - zero or common wire.
   • 🟢 Green/yellow - grounding (if any).
   • 🟤 Brown/white - compressor starting winding.

Remove the terminals from the relay contacts, carefully pulling them with pliers. Do not pull the wires - you can damage the insulation.

Unscrew the screws securing the relay to the compressor (usually 1-2 Phillips-head screws). If the screws are stuck, use WD-40 or an equivalent.

Remove the relayby pulling it towards you. Be careful - there may be springs or moving contacts inside.

On some models (for example, Atlant or Stinol) the relay is secured not with screws, but with a latch. In this case, just press the latch and move the relay to the side.

What to do if the relay mounting screws are torn off?

If the screw heads are “licked”, try:

1. Use a screwdriver with a smaller torx attachment (TORX) - it can catch on the remaining edges.

2. Place a rubber band (for example, from a bicycle tube) between the screwdriver and the screw for better grip.

3. As a last resort, drill out the screws with a drill with a thin drill (1.5–2 mm) and replace them with new ones.

Disassembling the relay housing: types of designs and nuances

Start relays come in three main types, and they are disassembled in different ways:

1. Tablet (RTK-X, RTP-1) —the most common relay for refrigerators Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol. The case is round, consists of two halves, fastened with latches.

   To disassemble:

   1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the groove between the halves of the case.
   2. Carefully turn the screwdriver, releasing the latches (usually 3-4 of them).
   3. Remove the top cover - you will see inside coil, core and bimetallic plate.

2. Rectangular (DANFOSS, Embraco) - used in refrigerators Indesit, Ariston, Whirlpool. The body is fastened with screws or rivets.

   If there are screws, just unscrew them. If there are rivets, you will have to drill them out (drill diameter 3–4 mm) and after repair, replace them with M3 screws.

3. Electronic (inverter models) - completely sealed and cannot be disassembled at home. If a malfunction requires replacement.

When disassembling, pay attention to:

• 🧲 Position of the spring and core —they must not be lost or deformed.
• 🔥 Traces of burning on the contacts - they need to be cleaned with sandpaper (600-800 grit).
• 📏 Integrity of the bimetallic plate - if it is deformed, the relay must be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: In a “tablet” type relay there may be sealed flask with gas (for temperature compensation) inside. Do not try to open it - this will lead to loss of functionality of the relay.

Fault diagnosis: how to check the relay with a multimeter

After disassembling the relay, you need to check its functionality. To do this, you will need a multimeter in continuity or resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm range). Follow these instructions:

1. Checking the coil circuit:

   • Connect the multimeter probes to the coil terminals (usually two contacts on the relay board).
   • The resistance should be within 10–50 Ohm. If the device shows 0 (short circuit) or 1 (open) - the coil is faulty.

2. Checking contacts:

   • Set the multimeter to mode continuity.
   • Check the circuits between the relay terminals one by one (the resistance should be close to 0 Ohm).
   • If in some section the circuit does not make connections, there is a break.

4. Checking the bimetallic plates:

   • Heat the plate with a lighter (be careful not to overheat!).
   • A working plate should bend and open the contacts. If this does not happen, it needs to be replaced.

Typical faults and their symptoms:

Repair or replacement: what to do with a faulty relay

If diagnostics reveal a malfunction, you have two options:

1. Repair (possible only for mechanical button-type relays):

   • 🔧 Cleaning the contacts —remove carbon deposits with sandpaper or a file. After treatment, wipe the contacts with alcohol.
   • 🧴 Lubricating moving parts —use silicone grease for the core and spring (do not use oils on hydrocarbon basis!).
   • 🔄 Replacing the bimetallic plate —if it is deformed, you can install a similar one from the donor relay.

After repair, be sure to check the relay with a multimeter again.

Replacement (recommended for electronic relays or in case of serious damage):

• 🛒 Buy a relay with the same characteristics (the model number is usually indicated on the case).
• 🔄 Connect the wires in the same order as on the old relay (use the photos taken earlier).
• 🔧 Attach the new relay to the compressor and check the operation of the refrigerator.

The cost of the new relay depends on the model:

• 💰 For Atlant/Stinol (RTK-X) - 500–800 rubles.
• 💰 For Indesit/Ariston (DANFOSS) - 900–1500 rubles.
• 💰 For Samsung/LG (electronic) - 1500–3000 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing the relay with non-original, make sure that it is compatible in the following parameters: compressor type (piston/inverter), power (indicated in watts on the compressor nameplate), refrigerant type (R134a, R600a, etc.) A mismatch of at least one parameter will lead to rapid failure. relay failure.

Assembly and performance check

After repairing or replacing the relay, reassemble everything in reverse order:

1. Install the relay on the compressor and secure it with screws (or snap it in place).
2. Connect the terminals with wires, checking the photo.
3. Install the compressor protective cover.
4. Connect the refrigerator to the network and check the operation.

Signs of correct assembly:

• ✅ The compressor starts without any extraneous noise.
• ✅ The relay makes a single click when turned on.
• ✅ The refrigerator gains temperature and turns off after 10-20 minutes (operation cycle).

If after assembly the refrigerator:

• 🔴 Does not turn on —check the wire connection or thermostat circuit.
• 🔴 It works, but does not freeze —possible leakage freon or compressor malfunction.
• 🔴 It turns off after 1-2 seconds —the relay is faulty or does not match the parameters.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about starting relays

Is it possible to disassemble the electronic relay of a Samsung refrigerator?

No, electronic relays (for example, in models Samsung RL-38 or LG GA-B489) are completely sealed and cannot be disassembled at home. Their repair requires specialized equipment for soldering SMD components and diagnosing microcircuits. If there is a malfunction, such a relay can only be replaced.

How to check a relay without a multimeter?

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can use the following method:

1. Remove the relay from the compressor.
2. Connect it to a 220V network through an incandescent light bulb (power 40–60 W) in series.
3. If the relay is working properly, the light will light up for 1-2 seconds (the time the starting circuit operates), and then go out. If the light does not light up or is constantly on, the relay is faulty.

Attention: this method is dangerous - there is a risk of electric shock. Use it only if you are confident in your skills in working with it. electricity.

What will happen if you connect the relay from another refrigerator?

If the relay does not match the parameters (power, type of compressor), the following consequences are possible:

• The compressor will not start (if the relay is designed for lower power).
• The relay will operate too often, which will lead to its overheating and failure building.
• In the worst case, a short circuit and damage to the compressor windings.

It is permissible to install a relay with a large reserve power (for example, instead of 120 W, put it at 150 W), but not vice versa.

Why does a new relay burn out quickly?

If a new relay fails within a week or a month, the reasons may be the following:

• 🔥 Interturn short circuit in compressor - increased current leads to overheating of the relay.
• ⚡ Power surges in the network —install a stabilizer.
• 💨 Poor ventilation of the compressor —clean the condenser from dust.
• 🔌 Poor quality relay —buy parts only from trusted suppliers.

To diagnose the compressor, measure the current in the operating circuit (must correspond to the passport data). If the current exceeds the norm by more than 20%, the compressor is faulty.

Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?

Technically yes, but only for short-term testing of the compressor. To do this:

1. Disconnect the relay from the compressor.
2. Apply 220V voltage directly to the working winding of the compressor (usually these are terminals C i S on the compressor).
3. Briefly (for 1-2 seconds!) connect the starting winding (C i R) - the compressor should start.

Warning: such a start is dangerous - without a relay The compressor may burn out due to overload. Use this method only for diagnostics and do not leave the refrigerator operating for more than 5 minutes.