A sudden stop of the compressor or a characteristic clicking sound, after which the unit is silent, often indicates problems in the electrical engine starting circuit. Owners of household appliances of the brand Biryusa are very familiar with situations when immediate diagnostics of the starter mechanism is required. Independent removal and disassembly of this unit allows you not only to identify the malfunction, but also to save significant money on calling a technician.
The dismantling process requires care and compliance with basic electrical safety rules, since the work is carried out with conductive elements. In this article, we will look in detail at how to properly remove and disassemble the relay in order to carry out a visual inspection and clean the contacts without damaging the fragile internal components. The correct approach to diagnostics will extend the life of your refrigerator.
Diagnostics of starting device faults
Before you begin physically disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the starting relay, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself. Often, users mistakenly change working parts without conducting an initial analysis of the symptoms. Start protection relay Responsible for short-term voltage supply to the starting winding of the motor and its subsequent protection from overloads.
If, when you turn on the refrigerator into the network, you hear a loud click, followed by The hum of the motor, lasting a few seconds, and then clicking and silence again, is a sure sign of a malfunction. The engine tries to start, but the starting mechanism does not fire correctly or is stuck. In some cases, the relay may simply not close the circuit, and the compressor will remain completely cold and quiet.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing or repairing the relay, the compressor hums but does not start, and after 10-15 seconds the shutdown click is heard, immediately unplug the device. Long-term operation in this mode will lead to combustion of the motor windings.
Visual inspection can also give clues: a blackened case, a burning smell or melted plastic indicate overheating of the contacts. In models Biryusa with induction relays, the coil or moving core often fails. It is important to understand that even if the part looks intact on the outside, the nichrome element inside could have burned out or the contact group has oxidized.
Preparing tools and ensuring safety
Working with electrical equipment requires strict adherence to safety precautions. The first and most important step is to completely de-energize the refrigerator. It is not enough to simply turn off the button on the case; you must unplug the power cord from the outlet. This will eliminate the risk of electric shock if you accidentally touch bare wires or compressor terminals.
To carry out high-quality disassembly, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in every home. The main tool will be a flat-head screwdriver, preferably with a thin tip, to carefully pry the plastic latches of the relay housing. You may also need pliers for removing terminals and a multimeter for subsequent continuity testing.
Ensure good lighting of the work area, since the compressor area is often located in the shadow of the case or against the wall. If the refrigerator is built-in or stands close to the wall, it will have to be moved away. Remember that the compressor may retain residual voltage, so do not touch the metal contacts with your bare hands immediately after turning it off.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Access to the compressor zone and removal of the relay
To get to the unit we are interested in, you need to remove the rear protective cover at the bottom of the refrigerator. In refrigerators Biryusa it is usually attached to several screws or fixed with plastic latches. After removing the cover, you will have a view of the compressor - a black metal tank at the bottom of the unit.
At the end of the compressor, often hidden by a small plastic casing, the desired device is located. Wires from the thermostat and the engine itself fit into it. Before removing the part, it is recommended to photograph the wiring diagram so that during assembly you do not confuse the polarity and purpose of the terminals. This is especially true for older models, where the color markings of the wires may have faded.
Removal of the relay occurs by gently rocking from side to side while simultaneously gently pulling on yourself. It sits tightly on the three pins of the compressor. If a part has become stuck due to time and temperature, do not use excessive force so as not to break the plastic fastening ears. It is better to lightly tap the relay body with the handle of a screwdriver to loosen the fit.
It is not necessary to disconnect the wires immediately if the length allows you to take the relay out for inspection. However, if complete disassembly of the housing is required, the terminals will have to be removed. Do this carefully, holding the wire at the base so as not to tear it off the contact pad inside the insulation.
Design and process of disassembling the relay housing
Most starting relays installed on refrigerators Biryusa have a composite plastic housing consisting of two halves. They can be fastened together with screws or held on with internal latches. In modern models, the option with latches is more common, which requires careful opening.
To open the case, you need to find the line where the halves meet. By inserting the thin tip of a flat-head screwdriver there, you should turn the tool to disengage the latches. Move around the perimeter, gradually unlocking the lock. Sudden movements can lead to breakage of the plastic, which becomes brittle with age.
Inside you will see the main coil (if the relay is inductive), a movable core, a contact group and, possibly, a bimetallic plate. Some designs have a spring that returns the core to its original position. All these elements must move freely and have no traces of soot or corrosion. The contact group is the most vulnerable place where sparking most often occurs.
⚠️ Attention: There may be small springs or balls inside the relay. Disassemble the case over a table or spread a cloth so as not to lose small parts that fell out during opening.
If your refrigerator is equipped with a relay of the RTP or RT type, there may be a container with freon or other refrigerant inside if the thermal relay malfunctions, but in starting devices the main risk is toxic dust from burnt contacts. Do not inhale the contents of the burnt relay and wash your hands thoroughly after work.
Types of relays in Biryusa refrigerators
Induction relays (RT, RTP series) and posistor (3.3 series) are most often used in Biryusa refrigerators. Induction ones work on the principle of an electromagnet and have a movable core. PTCs have no moving parts, and the role of a switch is performed by a thermocouple that changes the resistance when heated. Disassembling posistors is often impractical, since they are made in a cast, non-separable case.
Diagnostics of internal components and cleaning
After successful opening of the case, the stage of detailed inspection begins. First of all, check the condition of the moving core. It should move freely inside the coil under the influence of gravity (if you turn the relay over) and return with a spring. If the core is rusty or dirty, it must be cleaned and lubricated with graphite grease, but in no case with oil, which can thicken.
Pay special attention to the contacts. They should not have black carbon deposits, spark pits or oxides. For cleaning, use fine sandpaper (“zero”) or a needle file. Carefully go over the surface of the contacts, removing the oxide film, but being careful not to remove too much metal. The shape of the contacts should remain unchanged.
Check the integrity of the nichrome winding of the coil. It should not have breaks or traces of melted insulation. If the coil turns black or smells burnt, an interturn breakdown has most likely occurred and the part must be replaced. It is almost impossible to restore a burnt winding at home.
Also inspect the bimetallic plate, if there is one in the design. She is responsible for thermal protection. When heated, it should bend, breaking the circuit. Check to see if it has lost its properties due to prolonged overheating. It is better to replace the deformed plate.
Assembling the device and checking its functionality
After all cleaning procedures have been carried out and visual confirmation of the serviceability of the elements, you can begin assembly. Reassemble the case in reverse order, making sure that all internal components are in place. The body halves should fit tightly, without gaps. If screws were used, tighten them evenly.
Install the relay on the compressor. It should fit onto the pins with little effort and fit tightly. Orientation matters: the case usually has a "Top" or "Top" marking on it, or an arrow pointing upward. Incorrect installation will result in the core not falling under its own weight, and starting the motor will become impossible.
Connect the wires according to the previously made diagram or photograph. Make sure that the terminals are pushed all the way in and are not loose. Poor contact where the wires connect to the relay will cause reheating and sparking. After assembly, do not rush to close the back cover of the refrigerator.
Plug in the refrigerator and listen. There should be a clicking sound, followed by the smooth hum of the compressor running. After some time (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes), a second click should occur, turning off the starting winding, but the motor will continue to work. Touch the relay body: it may be warm, but not hot.
| Validation parameter | Normal state | Symptom of malfunction | Action |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |--- |
| Core stroke | Free, under gravity | Jamming, tight movement | Clean, lubricate the gr