A sudden stop in the operation of refrigeration equipment often takes you by surprise, especially when perishable food remains inside. In most cases, the cause of the malfunction is the failure of the starting protection mechanism located directly on the motor-compressor. For equipment owners Ariston it is important to understand that replacing this part is a procedure that is accessible even to a non-professional with basic tools and care.
The starting relay is a small plastic block that is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. When this element burns out, the compressor either hums but does not start, or makes a clicking sound and immediately goes silent. Understanding how to remove the relay from the compressor of an Ariston refrigeratorwill allow you to quickly diagnose the problem and, possibly, restore the operation of the unit in a matter of minutes.
However, before proceeding with disassembly, you need to make sure that the work is safe. Electric current poses a serious danger, so ignoring electrical safety rules is unacceptable. In this material we will analyze in detail the entire dismantling process, point out the specific design features of refrigerators Ariston and tell you how to correctly identify the faulty part.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step before any intervention in the design of the unit should be an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of a faulty start relay are often confused with a faulty compressor or thermostat itself. If you hear a distinctive click, followed by a humming sound from the motor that lasts a few seconds, and then silence, this is a sure sign that the trigger is not doing its job. The engine tries to start, but without the help of the relay the windings do not switch, and the thermal protection is triggered.
A visual inspection can also tell a lot to an experienced technician. If you remove the casing and see blackened plastic, melted contacts, or feel a burning smell emanating from the plastic body of the part, there can be no doubt. Start relay in such cases requires immediate replacement. Sometimes the problem lies not in the relay itself, but in the oxidation of the contacts on the connector, which can be solved by simple cleaning, but most often the part has to be changed entirely.
⚠️ Attention: If after removing the relay you see that the contacts on the compressor itself (three pins) are melted or blackened, further operation of equipment without restoring the contact group can lead to a short circuit or fire.
Another testing method is the so-called “rattle test”. If you gently shake the removed relay near your ear and hear a rattling sound, this means that the internal contact group is damaged or the movable core is loose. A working device should be solid and not make unnecessary sounds when shaken. This is a simple but effective way to initially assess the condition of an element.
Necessary tools and safety measures
To successfully perform dismantling, you do not need complex professional tools. A set that is found in most home craftsmen's drawers is sufficient. The main thing is to ensure easy access to the back of the refrigerator and good lighting of the work area. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by unplugging the plug from the socket.
The list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🔧 Flat-head screwdriver (blade width 3-5 mm) for prying the latches.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (PH2) to remove the protective cover of the compressor.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves to protect hands from possible residual charge or sharp edges.
- 🔦 A powerful flashlight for inspecting the lower part of the unit.
- 📸 Smartphone with a camera to photograph the wiring diagram in front disassembly.
It is also important to prepare the workplace. The refrigerator Ariston needs to be moved away from the wall to a distance sufficient for comfortable access to the rear panel. If the floor is slippery, place thick cardboard or a rubber mat under the legs of the unit to avoid damage when moving. Safety When working with electrical appliances, always comes first, so make sure the floor is dry.
☑️ Preparation for repairs
Some refrigerator models may have additional protective covers covering the compressor compartment. In such cases, you will need to remove the back metal or plastic panel that is secured with screws. It is better to put all fasteners in a magnetic tray or container so as not to lose them during operation. Small parts are easily lost in the carpet pile or floor crevices.
Access to the compressor compartment
The compressor in refrigerators Ariston is usually located in the lower rear part of the case. Depending on the model, access to it can be open (the unit stands on legs and the motor is immediately visible) or closed with a decorative panel. If your refrigerator has a back wall made of thin metal or fiberboard, it will need to be removed. The mounting screws can be located around the perimeter of the panel.
After removing the panel, you will see a black “tank” - this is the compressor. A plastic case is attached to its end or side, to which electrical wires fit. It is this unit that we have to dismantle. Pay attention to the condition of the tubes: they should not be deformed. Copper tubes are fragile, and their damage will lead to freon leakage, which will require professional repairs with soldering and refilling.
In some older models Ariston the compressor may be closed with a metal casing, which is held on by clamps or screws. It must be removed carefully so as not to bend the metal or damage the insulation of the wires. Dust often accumulates inside the casing, which it is advisable to remove with a vacuum cleaner before starting work so that it does not get inside the mechanism when removing parts.
If you find that the compressor is very hot (temperature above 60-70 degrees), let it cool completely before starting work. Hot metal can cause burns and also change the properties of some plastic elements if touched inaccurately. The cooling time is usually 30-40 minutes after disconnecting from the network.
The process of removing the starting relay
The process of removing the relay itself requires care and careful movements. The starting device is mounted directly on the terminals of the compressor windings and, as a rule, is fixed with a metal bracket or plastic latches. On refrigerators Ariston the most common design is where the relay covers the motor terminals and is fixed with a spring clip.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- 🖐️ Find the fixing bracket: it covers the relay body and presses it to the end of the compressor.
- 🖐️ Gently bend or slide the bracket: use a flat-head screwdriver to release the clamp, being careful not to apply excessive force.
- 🖐️ Remove the relay: grab the plastic housing and gently rock it from side to side to pull it away from the contacts.
Important: Do not pull the relay by the wires! This can lead to internal wiring breaking or contacts being pulled out of the relay body itself. You only need to hold it by the plastic block. If the relay does not come off, check to see if you forgot to remove the additional retaining frame or screw. Sometimes on older models there is an additional fastener that needs to be unscrewed first.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the relay, be extremely careful with the copper tubes going to the compressor. They are filled with refrigerant under pressure, and bending or puncturing them will lead to instant depressurization of the system.
After the relay is removed, inspect the seat on the compressor. The three pins should be straight and clean. If there are oxides on them, they can be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper or an eraser. However, act very delicately so as not to loosen the leads welded into the motor housing. Damage to compressor leads is a critical failure, often leading to replacement of the entire unit.
Identification and marking of parts
The removed relay must be correctly identified in order to find a replacement. The body of the plastic block is always marked with information about the manufacturer, relay type and electrical characteristics. For refrigerators Ariston relays of brands such as Indesit (since the factories belong to the same group), Zanussi, Electrolux or universal models from Danfoss (now Secop) and Start.
Main parameters needed rewrite:
- ⚡ Rated current: usually indicated by a number (for example, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 2.2) and indicates the power of the compressor.
- ⚡ Relay type: RKT (starting), RTP (start-up protection) or electronic.
- ⚡ Orientation: "down" or "up" position (important for the correct operation of the contact group).
The table below shows the common types of relays found in refrigerators Ariston, and their features:
| Relay type | Marking | Features | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTP-1 | 1.2 A, 1.4 A | Start-proof, tablet | Low-power compressors |
| RKT-2 | 2.2 A, 2.5 A | Starting (separately) | Requires a separate thermal relay |
| Danfoss 101L001 | Universal | Compact, reliable | Replacement for many models |
| Start-1 | 1.3 A - 2.0 A | Start-proof | Budget analogue |
If you cannot find an exact analogue by article number, focus primarily on the current strength and geometric dimensions. Current strength the new relay should be equal to or slightly exceed the rating of the old one. Installing a relay with a lower current will lead to its rapid burnout, and with a much higher one - to the absence of compressor protection in case of overload.
Can a universal relay be used?
Yes, there are universal starting relays (for example, PTC relays with a range currents), which are suitable for most household compressors. They often have several pairs of contacts for connection and are suitable for replacing failed original parts if the seat and operating current match.
Installing a new relay and checking operation
After purchasing a suitable spare part, you can begin installation. The installation process is the reverse of dismantling, but requires special precision when placing the relay on the compressor contacts. Make sure that the relay is oriented correctly: usually on the case there is a marking “UP” (top) or “DOWN” (bottom), which should correspond to the actual position in space.
Place the relay tightly onto the three terminals of the compressor until it clicks or stops. Make sure that the contacts are fully seated in the sockets and are not loose. Then return the retaining bracket or frame to its place, ensuring that the part is securely attached to the motor housing. After this, connect the electrical connectors according to the photograph you took earlier or the color marking of the wires.
Before moving the refrigerator into place, conduct an initial test. Plug in the unit and listen. The compressor should start the first time, without prolonged buzzing or clicking. After 5-10 minutes of operation, check whether the newly installed relay is overheating (it may be warm, but not hot). Also pay attention to the appearance of cold in the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: If, after installing a new relay, the compressor hums but does not start, or immediately knocks out the machine in the panel, immediately turn off the device. This may indicate an interturn short circuit in the compressor windings, and further attempts to start may completely kill the motor.
If everything went well, secure the protective panel of the compressor compartment (if it was removed) and carefully move the refrigerator against the wall. Maintain a gap between the rear wall of the unit and the wall of the room for normal air circulation. A correctly installed relay will serve for years, ensuring stable operation of your refrigerator Ariston.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a burnt one be repaired? relay, or just change?
Theoretically, some types of relays (especially old ones with a collapsible housing) can be tried to disassemble and clean the contacts. However, in practice this is a temporary measure. Inside the relay there is a bimetallic plate and a spring, which lose their properties over time. In addition, plastic becomes brittle over time. Replacement using a new part is the only reliable solution, since the cost of the relay is low, and the risk of repeated failure is high.
Why does the new relay burn out after a few days?
If the new relay fails building quickly, there may be several reasons. The first is that the rated current is incorrectly selected (too low). The second is that the compressor itself is faulty: if it “pulls” an increased current due to wear or jamming, the relay will be constantly overloaded. The third reason is problems with the voltage in the network or poor contact in the connector, causing sparking and heating.
Is a relay from another brand, for example, from Indesit, suitable for Ariston?
Yes, technology Ariston i Indesit was produced at the same factories for a long time and has a unified design. If the geometric dimensions, the number of contacts (usually 3) and the current strength are the same, then a relay from Indesit, Stinol or NORD is quite suitable. The main thing is to check the amperage markings.
How to understand that the problem is not in the relay, but in the compressor?
If, when turned on, the refrigerator makes one loud click, hums for 5-10 seconds, then clicks again and goes silent, and a new, working relay does not help start the motor, most likely the problem is in the compressor. This may be a wedge of the piston group or an interturn short circuit of the windings. It is also worth checking the capacitor (if it is in the circuit), but in modern models Ariston it is often missing.
Is it necessary to evacuate the system when replacing the relay?
No, replacing the start relay occurs in the external electrical circuit and does not affect the sealed freon circulation circuit. You do not open or disconnect the tubes, so evacuation and refrigerant charging are not required. All work is carried out only on the electrical part.