A sudden stop in the operation of refrigeration equipment often takes you by surprise, especially when there are perishable goods inside products. If you notice that the compressor hums but does not start, or, conversely, clicks and immediately goes silent, most likely the problem lies in the engine starting system.
In most models of the Belarusian brand Atlant the culprit of such symptoms is a failed start-protection relay. This small device is responsible for supplying an impulse to the stator winding and protecting the motor from overloads, so its serviceability is critical for the entire cooling cycle.
To perform dismantling, you do not need complex industrial equipment, just a basic set of home craftsman and compliance with electrical safety rules. We will analyze in detail the process of diagnosing, removing and checking the component so that you can independently fix the malfunction and return the equipment to working order.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting relay
Before starting disassembly, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or the wiring. A characteristic sign of a malfunction is a cyclic repetition of the process: the motor begins to hum, a loud click is heard, after which silence sets in, and after a while the cycle repeats.
Another symptom may be a complete failure of the compressor to respond to being plugged in, although the light in the chamber is on. In some cases, the relay can “stick”, causing the motor to run continuously without shutting down when the set temperature is reached, which leads to excessive freezing of the evaporator.
For an initial check, you can gently touch the relay housing during operation (being careful not to get a burn or electric shock). If the device overheats greatly or the smell of burning plastic emanates from it, this is a sure sign of an internal short circuit or burnt out contacts.
⚠️ Attention: If, after a characteristic click and an attempt to start, the compressor is silent, and the relay emits a burning smell, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Continuing operation in this mode can lead to complete combustion of the motor windings.
Sometimes a visual inspection reveals obvious defects, such as blackening of contacts or melting of plastic, which makes further diagnostics unnecessary - the part requires mandatory replacement.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Work with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety precautions, since careless handling of wiring can lead to electric shock. Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the power cord is completely removed from the outlet and there is no voltage in the network.
To successfully dismantle the relay on models Atlant you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, as well as pliers for working with terminals.
- 🔧 Screwdrivers of different sizes for removing protective covers and terminals.
- 🔌 Multimeter or tester for checking the integrity of the circuit and resistance.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional hand protection.
- 📸 Smartphone for photographing the connection diagram before disassembling.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the wires: if the insulation on them is cracked or damaged, before installing a new relay it is necessary to restore the protective layer or replace the damaged one area.
Access to the compressor and removal of the casing
The start relay on refrigerators Atlant is located in the lower rear part of the case, directly next to the compressor. To get to this unit, you need to move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing free access to the rear panel.
The process of removing the protective casing is usually not difficult, since it is secured with latches or several screws. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and remove the metal or plastic cover, revealing access to the motor-compressor.
Visually inspect the area around the compressor for moisture, oily stains or signs of rodent activity that could damage the wiring. On a dry and clean compressor, the relay is immediately visible - it is a black or white plastic box placed on the motor rod.
Sometimes access may be difficult due to the tight fit of the refrigerator to the wall or the presence of additional decorative panels that will also need to be dismantled. On bottom freezer models, access may be limited by the bottom design.
⚠️ Caution: Do not use excessive force when removing the cover. The plastic on old refrigerators becomes brittle and can easily crack if handled carelessly.
☑️ Preparing to remove the relay
Algorithm for removing the starting relay
Removing the relay itself is a key step that requires care, since fasteners can be covered with oxides or contaminated with dust. On most models Atlant the device is fixed on the compressor shaft using a special bracket or spring clamp.
First you need to disconnect the block with wires that fits the relay. It can fit quite tightly, so you should slightly rock it from side to side, holding the relay body with your other hand so as not to damage the terminals.
Next, if the design includes a metal bracket, it must be carefully loosened or bent with pliers. In some modifications, the relay is simply pressed tightly onto the rod and is held in place by friction and weight, then it needs to be removed by gently rocking it down.
After releasing the fixing elements, the relay is easily removed from the compressor rod. It is important not to pull sharply so as not to damage the fragile contacts inside the device itself or on the motor terminals.
What to do if the relay cannot be removed?
If the relay is “stuck” or stuck on the rod, do not use force. Try to carefully warm the connection area with a hairdryer or treat it with penetrating lubricant, avoiding liquid getting on the electrical contacts.
Types of relays and their markings
Refrigerators Atlant use different types of starting devices, and when replacing it is important to choose an analogue with identical characteristics. The most common are posistor relays, which operate by changing the resistance of the heating element.
The device marking is usually applied to its body and contains information about the manufacturer, type and electrical parameters. Knowledge of these parameters is necessary for the correct selection of spare parts in the store.
| Relay type | Principle of operation | Characteristic features | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (RTK) | Heating of the ceramic element | One input, two outputs, click when cooling | Modern Atlant models |
| Induction | Electromagnetic opening | The presence of a movable core, a more complex design | Old Soviet models |
| Combined | Combination of starting and thermal protection | Larger size, presence of a bimetallic plate | Powerful compressors |
| Solid-state | Electronic switching | No mechanical moving parts | Inverter systems (rarely) |
When purchasing a new part, be sure to compare the appearance of the connectors and their location, since even if they match, the geometric shape may differ.
Some relay models are universal and are suitable for compressors from different manufacturers, including Atlant, Biryusa i Indesit, but it is better to be guided by the original catalog number.
Checking the removed device and replacing
After removing the relay, it must be checked to finally confirm the diagnosis. The easiest way is a visual inspection: there should be no melting, blackening or burning smell inside, and the contacts should be clean.
More accurate diagnostics can be carried out using a multimeter switched to resistance measurement mode. The posistor should “ring” in a cold state, and when heated, its resistance should increase to infinity.
If the test shows a malfunction, a replacement is made. The new relay is installed in the reverse order: first it is put on the compressor rod until it stops, then it is fixed with a bracket and the electrical block is connected.
Make sure that the relay sits tightly and does not loosen, since vibration during compressor operation can disrupt the contact. After assembly, you can turn on the refrigerator to the network and listen to the engine start.
Is it possible to repair the old relay, or is only replacement necessary?
In most cases, repair of the starting relay the relay is impractical, since there are complex elements inside, the degradation of which is irreversible. An attempt to clean the contacts or glue the case will only give a short-term effect, after which the breakdown will occur again. It is recommended to use a new part.
Why does a new relay burn out a short time after installation?
This may indicate a more serious problem, for example, an interturn short circuit in the compressor windings or a malfunction in the electrical network (voltage surges). Also, the reason may be the incorrect selection of the type of relay for a given engine power.
Where can I find the relay marking if it is erased?
If the marking on the case is not readable, you can focus on the model of the compressor itself (indicated on the nameplate) and find a compatibility table on the Internet. You can also contact a specialist who will select an analogue based on electrical parameters and geometry.
Is it safe to turn on the refrigerator without an installed relay?
Absolutely not. Turning on the compressor without a starting relay will cause the engine to hum but not start, which will cause rapid overheating of the windings and guaranteed failure of the compressor.