Sudden stoppage of operation of the refrigerator Indesit or the appearance of a loud hum followed by silence often indicates problems in the electrical circuit of the compressor. In most cases, the cause of the malfunction is the failure of the starting or protective relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and controlling its temperature. Replacing this part yourself is a very real task for a home craftsman, if you approach the matter carefully and in compliance with safety rules.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to accurately determine that the problem lies in starting deviceand not in the compressor itself or the wiring. Users often confuse the symptoms, but a characteristic clicking sound after which the engine does not start, or overheating of the relay housing are sure signs that it needs to be replaced. Disassembling the unit requires a minimum set of tools, but knowledge of the design of the fastening unit is critical to maintaining the integrity of the tubes.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing the relay from refrigerators Indesit, consider the differences between models with different types of compressors and tell you how to correctly install a new part. You will learn what nuances you should pay attention to when visually inspecting the contacts and why sometimes simple cleaning can extend the life of an old device, although replacement is still preferable.
The principle of operation and types of relays in Indesit refrigerators
The starting relay in the refrigerator Indesit performs the function of a switch that supplies current to starting winding of the compressor only at the moment of start. As soon as the motor rotor reaches the required speed, the relay opens the circuit and the motor continues to operate on the main winding. Modern models most often use posistor relayswhich change their resistance when heated, while in older units electromagnetic devices are found.
A protective relay, often combined with a starting one in one housing, serves as a fuse against overheating. Inside it there is a bimetallic plate that opens the contacts if the current in the circuit exceeds the norm or the engine temperature becomes critical. Understanding this mechanism helps diagnose the problem: if the relay clicks but does not turn on, the compressor piston may have jammed or the winding has burned out.
What is the difference between posistor and electromagnetic relays?
PTC relays have no moving mechanical parts and work by changing the resistance of a ceramic element when heated electric shock Electromagnetic relays use a coil and a movable core that retracts when starting and releases when the speed increases. Visually, posistors often have the shape of a black parallelepiped with three contacts, and electromagnetic ones have an oblong shape with a visible coil inside a transparent or black case.
When diagnosing, it is important to consider that compressors from different manufacturers (for example, Aspera, Secop or Embraco), installed on refrigerators Indesitmay require relays with different characteristics. An incorrectly selected part may not start the engine or, conversely, not turn off the starting winding, which will lead to rapid combustion of the motor.
Necessary tools and precautions
To safely carry out work on dismantling the relay, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in any home craftsman's drawer. The main requirement is the absence of moisture on hands and tools, since the work is carried out with electrical components. Even after disconnecting from the mains, a residual charge may remain in the capacitors, so caution will not hurt.
A basic set of tools includes a flat-head and Phillips screwdriver, needle-nose pliers and, preferably, a multimeter to check the integrity of the contacts. If the relay body is heavily contaminated with an oily coating, alcohol or a special contact cleaner may be required, but aggressive chemicals should be used with caution so as not to damage the plastic.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers of different sizes for removing the protective casing and terminals.
- 🔌 Multimeter to check the resistance of the relay windings and contacts.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional protection (optional).
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
Before starting any manipulations, you must completely disconnect the refrigerator Indesit from the power supply. Unplug the unit and move the unit away from the wall to gain access to the rear panel. Do not try to remove the relay while the compressor is hot - let it cool for 30-40 minutes to avoid burns and deformation of the plastic elements from the heat.
⚠️ Attention: Never disassemble the electrical components of the refrigerator while it is connected to the network. Even briefly touching live parts can cause serious injury or death.
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective casing
The compressor in refrigerators Indesit is usually located in the lower rear part of the case. To access it, you do not need to disassemble the entire unit - just remove the rear metal panel, which is attached to several self-tapping screws. On some models, the panel may be held in place by clips, so be careful not to break the plastic.
After removing the panel, you will see a black cylindrical or pear-shaped compressor tank with a plastic or metal cup attached to the bottom. It is in this glass (casing) that the required relay is located along with the capacitor. The casing can be secured using a spring clip, screw or plastic clips.
To remove the casing, first inspect its structure. If a screw is visible, remove it with a screwdriver. If a spring clamp is used, it must be carefully pressed out with pliers or a screwdriver, holding the casing itself with the other hand. In models with plastic latches, it is enough to lightly press on them or pry the casing with a flat tool.
☑️ Preparing to remove the relay
It is important not to use excessive force when removing the casing, since wires extend from it, which may be short. A sharp tug can lead to broken wiring or damaged contacts, which will complicate further repairs. If the casing cannot be removed, carefully inspect the fastenings again - sometimes the second screw is hidden under a sticker or a layer of dust.
Technology for disconnecting and removing the relay
After removing the protective casing, you will see a picture of the electrical connections. The relay is placed directly on the compressor terminals and fixed to the frame or holder. Before pulling the part, it is necessary to disconnect the wires going to the relay contacts and the capacitor. Be careful: the wires can be fragile from time and temperature.
First, disconnect the wires from the relay terminals. They are usually held in place by a tight fit on the contacts, but can sometimes be secured with small plastic clips. Gently pull on the wire insulation, rocking the connector from side to side. If the terminals are oxidized, you can lightly clean them with an eraser or fine sandpaper, but only after a complete shutdown.
Then you need to remove the relay itself from the compressor terminals. It sits tightly on three pins (contacts). To remove, take the relay by the body and, slightly rocking it from side to side, pull it towards you. Do not use pliers to grab the relay body itself - the plastic may crack. If the relay is not removable, you can carefully pry its base with a flat-head screwdriver, resting on the metal frame, but not on the tubes.
In some cases, a capacitor is also attached to the relay. It can be mounted on a common frame or hung on wires. If the capacitor interferes with removal, it must also be disconnected from the terminals. Remember or take a photo of which wire was connected where, since it is easy to reverse the polarity in the AC circuit, but this may not be critical for the operation of the capacitor, but it is important for the control circuit.
After removing the part, inspect the inside of the relay. If it is a posistor, there should be no black burnt or melted plastic inside. The presence of a burning smell or visible signs of a short circuit indicates that the part requires mandatory replacement. Mechanical damage to the housing is also a sign of a malfunction.
Diagnostics and parts compatibility table
Before buying a new relay, you should make sure that it is faulty and choose the correct analogue. The markings on the relay body contain key information about the type of device, operating current and compatibility with compressors of a certain power. For refrigerators Indesit series relays R6, RT, CSR and their modifications are often used.
The serviceability check can be carried out using a multimeter in resistance measurement mode. For a working posistor relay, the resistance between the main contacts should be low (several Ohms), and between the contacts of the starting winding - high or infinite (in a cold state). If the multimeter shows zero or infinity where they should not be, the relay is faulty.
Below is a table that helps you navigate the main types of relays used in technology Indesitand their characteristics:
| Relay type | Marking (example) | Operating current | Application features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | R6, RT, 1800-1100 | 0.27 - 0.45 A | For low and medium power compressors, quiet operation |
| Electromagnetic | RM, RZ | 1.0 - 2.5 A | For powerful motors, a characteristic click at start |
| Combined | PTC + Protective | Universal | Combines start and protection functions, monoblock |
| With capacitor | Depends on the model | Different | Requires precise selection of capacitor capacitance |
When selecting an analogue, pay attention not only to the markings, but also to the location of the contacts. The shape of the case may differ, but the connection diagram must be exactly the same. If you are not sure about the choice, it is better to take the old relay with you to the store or find its exact number in the spare parts catalog for your refrigerator model.
⚠️ Attention: The relay characteristics (operating current) must correspond to the power of the compressor. Installing a relay with a lower current will lead to its rapid combustion, and with a higher current it will lead to the impossibility of starting or burning out the motor windings.
Installing a new relay and assembling the unit
The process of installing a new relay is carried out in the reverse order. First, make sure that the new device fits freely onto the compressor terminals. The pins should fit into the relay sockets tightly, but without excessive force. If the holes are too narrow, they can be carefully widened with a thin drill or awl, but this must be done very carefully.
Push the relay onto the compressor contacts until it stops. Make sure it sits level and not askew. Then connect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Refer to previously taken photographs or color markings. Usually the wires are fixed simply by a tight fit, but if in doubt, you can lightly crimp the terminals with pliers without damaging the insulation.
If the design includes a capacitor, secure it to a frame or in a special holder so that it does not dangle or vibrate when the compressor is running. Vibration can lead to broken wires or damage to the capacitor itself. Make sure that the wires do not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp metal edges.
Once all components are connected, reinstall the protective cover. Secure it with a screw or latches. Check that the cover is tight and covers all electrical parts. Only after this can you begin installing the rear panel of the refrigerator.
What to do if the new relay does not fit in the seats?
Sometimes manufacturers change the design, and the new relay may not match the mounting holes with the frame of the old one. In this case, you can use universal fasteners or carefully adapt the seat without compromising the integrity of the tubes. The main thing is to ensure rigid fixation so that vibration does not destroy the contacts.
Frequent errors during disassembly and operation
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the contacts. Even a new relay will not work if the terminals on the wires are oxidized or burnt. Before installation, always clean the contacts to a metallic shine. Also, users often forget to check the integrity of the wires, which can be frayed or bitten by rodents.
Another mistake is installing a relay “at random”, without checking the type. Visually, relays may be similar, but have different response time characteristics. This can cause the starting winding to be turned on for too long, which will cause it to overheat and breakdown. Always check the markings.
Don’t forget about cleanliness. When disassembling, dust, wool and fluff often accumulate in the back of the refrigerator, which impair heat transfer. While you have disassembled the unit, it makes sense to carefully vacuum the condenser grille and the compressor itself (only with a dry cloth or soft brush) to improve the efficiency of the refrigerator Indesit.
If after replacing the relay the refrigerator started working, but after a while it stopped starting again, the problem may be deeper. The compressor itself may be faulty (interturn short circuit) or the thermostat. In such cases, simply replacing the relay gives only a temporary effect, and more serious diagnostics are required.
Is it possible to repair a burnt-out relay rather than changing it?
Theoretically, if only a posistor has burned out, it can be replaced by choosing a similar one in resistance. However, the relay housing is often soldered or glued, and the seal is difficult to restore. In addition, the cost of a new relay is low, and the risk of repeated breakdown or fire during makeshift repairs is high. Therefore, replacing with a new device is the only correct solution.
Why does the new relay burn out immediately after installation?
This may indicate a malfunction of the compressor itself (jamming, breakdown of the windings) or problems with the voltage in the network. The reason may also be incorrect selection of relay (wrong operating current). Before reinstallation, be sure to check the resistance of the motor windings.
How often do you need to change the relay in an Indesit refrigerator?
The relay is a resource part, but it does not have a strict service life. Under normal operating conditions (stable voltage, good ventilation) it can last 10 years or more. Frequent power surges or overheating of the compressor due to dust shorten its life.
Is it dangerous to operate a refrigerator with a faulty relay?
Yes, it is dangerous. A faulty relay may not turn off the starting winding, which will lead to overheating and fire of the wiring or the compressor itself. In addition, constant attempts to start can damage other elements of the electrical circuit of the refrigerator.
Where to find the relay markings if they are erased?
If the markings on the relay itself are not readable, look for information on the compressor sticker (usually the type of relay required or operating current is indicated there). You can also use spare parts catalogs for the refrigerator model or contact specialists who will select an analogue based on the appearance and parameters of the compressor.