Sudden stoppage of the refrigerator Beko or the appearance of a loud hum often indicates a failure of the compressor start relay. This small but critical element is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings at the moment of starting. If you are faced with the fact that the motor hums but does not start, or the unit operates jerkily with periodic clicks, most likely the problem lies in this unit.
Independently replacing the relay is a task that is accessible even to a master with minimal experience, if you follow safety precautions and strictly follow the algorithm of actions. However, before proceeding with disassembly, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the malfunction so as not to change serviceable parts. In this article we will look in detail at how to correctly remove the relaycheck its functionality and install a new element on the refrigerator Beko.
It is important to understand that any work with electrical equipment requires completely disconnecting the device from the network. Failure to do so may result in electric shock or damage to the control electronics. Let's look at the main signs indicating the need for intervention in the compressor starting system.
Diagnostics of a faulty starting relay
Before disassembling the unit, you should make sure that the problem lies in the relay. Users often confuse a starter failure with a malfunction of the compressor or thermostat itself. The main symptom is a characteristic sound: the refrigerator hums for a few seconds, then a loud click is heard and the motor stops. After some time, the cycle repeats.
It is also worth paying attention to the temperature of the compressor. If it heats up to very high temperatures, and the refrigerator itself does not freeze, this may indicate that starting relay it does not open the starting winding circuit or does not close the working one. In some models Beko with electronic control, failures can simulate other errors, but mechanical clicks are a sure sign of a problem in the starting circuit.
⚠️ Attention: If after clicking the relay knocks out the circuit breakers in the apartment or there is a burning smell, immediately stop trying to turn on and unplug the device from the outlet. This may indicate an interturn short circuit in the compressor windings.
For an initial check, you can gently shake the removed relay (more on this below). If a ringing sound is heard inside, as if from broken glass, it means that the internal contact group or posistor is damaged. In good condition, the part should not make sounds when shaken.
Required tools and safety measures
For successful repairs, you will need a minimum set of tools. The main requirement is that they must be serviceable and safe. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is completely defrosted (if access from below is required) and disconnected from the power supply at least 15-20 minutes before starting work so that the capacitors are discharged.
You will need the following tools:
- 🛠️ Screwdriver (Phillips or flat-head, depending on the back wall fasteners).
- 🔧 Pliers or pliers for removing clamps.
- 🔌 Multimeter (tester) for checking the integrity of contacts.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional protection.
Pay special attention to the condition of the wires. If the insulation on the wires leading to the compressor is melted or cracked, they will need to be replaced or thoroughly insulated before installing a new relay. Using damaged wires can lead to re-burnout of the part.
☑️ Check before starting work
Procedure for accessing the compressor and dismantling
Access to the start relay on refrigerators Beko usually through the lower part of the rear wall of the case. In some models, you may need to remove the entire back panel, in others, you just need to unscrew a small cover in the motor area.
The removal process is as follows:
- Move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing easy access from the rear.
- Unscrew the mounting screws holding the compressor protective cover.
- Carefully inspect the assembly: the relay is placed directly on the compressor rod and is covered with a plastic casing.
- Carefully remove the plastic casing, if present. It can be secured with latches or screws.
The relay itself is fixed to three contacts of the compressor and is often additionally secured with a metal bracket or plastic retainer. To remove it, you must first disconnect the wire terminals. Remember or take a photo of the connection diagram, since mixed up contacts can damage the new element.
When removing a part, proceed without sudden jerks. Plastic becomes brittle over time and may burst. If the relay is tight, rock it slightly from side to side while pulling it up. Make sure that you have not damaged the refrigeration circuit tubes that fit the compressor.
Checking and contact diagram
After removing the part, it is necessary to carry out a visual and instrumental inspection. Inside the case there is a coil, posistor or contacts that burn out over time. Carbon deposits on the contacts are a normal wear process, but if they are completely charred, the part requires replacement.
Checking with a multimeter is carried out in continuity mode:
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the coil: the resistance should be within normal limits (usually several tens of Ohms).
- ⚡ Check the contacts: in a cold state the circuit may be open, but when voltage is applied (imitation), it must close.
- 🔊 Shake the part: the absence of extraneous sounds indicates the integrity of the internal elements.
The connection diagram on refrigerators Beko is standardized, but the markings may differ. Typically the designations C (Common), S (Start) and R (Run) are used. It is important to connect the wires strictly in accordance with these markings.
| Designation on the relay | Contact function | Wire color (approximate) | Position on the compressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| C (Common) | General contact | Black / White | Top or left |
| S (Start) | Start winding | Red / Blue | Right |
| R (Run) | Working winding | Green / Yellow | Bottom |
| Grounding | Case protection | Green with stripe | On the motor body |
Why is it important to observe polarity?
Although alternating current does not have strict polarity, incorrect connection to the starting and operating windings will lead to the compressor humming, but not starting, or starting in the opposite direction (which is dangerous for the piston groups).
Installation of a new relay and assembly
When purchasing a new part, make sure that it fully matches the model of your compressor. Relays from different manufacturers may have similar dimensions, but differ in current characteristics. Installing an unsuitable element will lead to its rapid combustion or damage to the motor windings.
Installation process:
- Place the new relay onto the compressor rod until it stops. It should fit tightly and not wobble.
- Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals according to the diagram or photograph made earlier.
- Secure the wires with plastic clamps or a metal bracket so that they do not touch the hot parts of the compressor.
- Install the protective plastic casing and secure it.
After assembly, do not rush to close the back panel. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. Startup should be smooth, without loud clicks or buzzing. If the motor runs smoothly, you can fix the back cover.
Typical errors when replacing
Even experienced craftsmen can make mistakes that ruin all the work. One of the most common is ignoring the condition of the wiring. If the wires are melted, the new part will also fail due to poor contact or short circuit.
Another common mistake is trying to repair the relay by stripping the contacts. Modern starters Beko use complex alloys and posistors that cannot be properly restored at home. Such “savings” often lead to repeated breakdowns after a few days.
⚠️ Attention: Never use a relay from a different type of compressor (for example, from a refrigerator of a different brand or with a different volume). The current characteristics may not match, which will lead to burnout of the motor windings.
It is also important not to confuse the top and bottom during installation. The relay is designed to operate in a certain position relative to the gravity vector. If you install it upside down, the contact opening mechanism may not work correctly.
Checking performance after repair
The final stage is testing. After turning on the refrigerator, the compressor should start within a few seconds. If you hear a clicking sound but do not start, turn off the device immediately. This means that the problem is not in the relay, or the new relay is defective/inappropriate.
Pay attention to the operating cycle. The refrigerator should reach temperature and turn off using a timer or thermostat. If it works non-stop, the temperature sensor may have been damaged due to careless disassembly, or the problem lies in a freon leak rather than in the electrics.
During the first day of operation, periodically check the temperature of the relay housing. It may get a little warm, but it shouldn't be so hot that you can't touch it. Overheating indicates poor contact or incorrect selection of the part.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the compressor by applying voltage directly to the working and starting windings using a button or manually, but this is extremely dangerous and is not intended for long-term operation. Without a relay, the compressor will not be able to switch to operating mode on its own and will burn out after a few minutes. Operating a refrigerator without a working relay is prohibited.
Why did the new relay burn out after a week?
There may be several reasons: voltage surges in the network, a malfunction of the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jammed piston) or incorrect selection of the relay model for the current. Also often the cause is poor contact in the terminals, causing sparking and heating.
Where can you find the relay markings on a Beko refrigerator?
The markings are usually applied to the plastic body of the relay itself or to the metal cover of the compressor. Look for codes like PTC, R600a (type of refrigerant, important for compatibility) and numerical current values (for example, 1/4 HP or 2.5A). This data is necessary to purchase an analogue.
Do I need to change the thermal fuse together with the relay?
In most relay designs on refrigerators Beko the thermal fuse (thermal protection) is a separate element that is placed on top of the relay or compressor housing. If the relay burned out due to overload, the thermal fuse could also have failed. It is recommended to check its integrity with a multimeter and, if necessary, replace it.