The situation when the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing, and the compressor is either silent or makes a characteristic click and hums for just a couple of seconds, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Most often, the cause of such a breakdown is the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Replacing this unit yourself is one of the most common and accessible procedures in household repairs, which does not require deep knowledge of electrical engineering.
However, before proceeding disassembling the unit, you need to make sure of the diagnosis, since the symptoms may be similar to a malfunction of the compressor or thermostat itself. In this article, we will look in detail at how to correctly diagnose the problem, select a compatible part, and install a new relay so that your refrigerator will work normally again. It is important to follow safety precautions and the sequence of actions.
The starting relay of the Atlant refrigerator is an electromechanical switch that supplies current to the starting winding of the compressor only at the moment of startup, after which it turns it off. If this mechanism sticks or burns out, the motor cannot start. Ignoring the problem can lead to overheating of the windings and expensive repairs or replacement of the entire compressor, so you need to act quickly and competently.
Diagnostics malfunctions and signs of breakdown
The first sign that starting relay has failed is abnormal behavior of the compressor. The refrigerator may turn on, a motor beep is heard, lasting 3-5 seconds, after which a loud click is heard and the unit goes silent. After some time, the cycle repeats. This triggers thermal protection, since the engine cannot start due to the lack of impulse to the starting winding.
Sometimes you can hear a rattling or crackling sound in the back of the refrigerator. If you gently shake the removed relay near your ear and hear a sound like a metal object is dangling inside, it means that the contacts inside have collapsed or melted. A visual inspection also indicates a malfunction: the presence of soot, traces of burning or melted plastic on the part body.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed and the compressor continues to hum and click, the motor-compressor itself may have jammed or the capacitor has failed. In this case, further operation is dangerous.
For accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. Ring the relay contacts: in normal condition, the resistance between certain terminals should be close to zero, and between others there should be no resistance (depending on the type of relay). If the device shows an open where there should be a circuit, or a short circuit, the part requires replacement.
Choosing a suitable relay for the Atlant model
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with various types of compressors (often these are models of the series SKO or FG), and a strictly defined relay is suitable for each type. There are no universal parts, so before purchasing you need to remove the old device and study the markings on its body. Usually this is a combination of numbers and letters, for example, RTK-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 or more modern options like 100-0282.
It is important to pay attention to the number of contacts and their location. A relay may have 2, 3 or more terminals. The type of fastening also matters: some models fit directly onto the compressor contacts, others require connection via wires. When purchasing an analogue, make sure that the rated current and voltage match the original.
Below is a table of correspondence between popular relay models for various series of compressors installed in refrigerators Atlant:
| Compressor type | Original relay | Analog | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKO-100 (NB 100) | RTK-1 (R-1) | R-1 | The most common, 3 contact |
| SKO-140 (NB 140) | RTK-2 (R-2) | R-2 | For more powerful motors |
| SKO-200 (NB 200) | RTK-3 (R-3) | R-3 | Two-compressor models |
| Inverter models | Specific | Original | Requires precise selection by code |
If you are not sure of the choice, it is better to take the old relay with you to the store or photograph the markings and contact diagram. An error in selection will lead to the fact that the part simply will not fit into place or will not ensure proper starting of the engine.
Preparation for work and safety measures
Replacing a relay is a procedure that requires working with electricity, so compliance with safety measures is a priority. The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet. It is not enough to simply turn off the device with a button or temperature regulator.
For work you will need a minimum set of tools: flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, pliers, possibly a knife for stripping wires (if modification of contacts is required) and a multimeter for testing. Also prepare a container for draining water if there is ice left on the evaporator, and a rag for wiping.
- 🔌 De-energizing: Make sure that the plug is unplugged from the socket and no one will accidentally turn on the device during operation.
- 🧤 Hand protection: Wear gloves as metal parts of the compressor may have sharp edges, and dust accumulates over time, greasy and sticky.
- 💧 Dry: Make sure the floor and your hands are dry. Moisture and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall to allow easy access to the back wall. Usually the compressor is located in the lower niche, closed with a metal or plastic cover. Remove the cover fastening (usually 4 screws or latches) and set it aside.
Removing the old start relay
After removing the protective cover, you will see a black cylindrical or cubic compressor. A box fits on the side of it - this is the start-up relay. It can be covered with an additional plastic casing, which must be carefully removed by prying it with a screwdriver.
The relay is placed directly on the three contacts coming out of the compressor housing. To remove it, you need to firmly grasp the relay body and pull it down with a rocking motion from side to side. Do not use excessive jerking force to avoid damaging the motor contacts.
On the back of the relay there is a terminal block where the wires from the mains and the thermostat fit. Before completely removing the relay, you must disconnect these wires. Remember or take a photo of the connection diagram: which wire went to which contact. Usually the wires are fixed with terminals that need to be pressed out with pliers or a screwdriver.
⚠️ Attention: Do not pull on the wires themselves, so as not to break them at the base. Hold onto the insulation or plastic ends of the terminals. If the wires are oxidized, it is better to clean them before installing a new part.
After disconnecting the wires, the old relay can be put aside. It is recommended to immediately inspect the contacts on the compressor itself. If they are blackened or oxidized, carefully sand them with fine sandpaper or a file to a shine to ensure good contact with the new part.
☑️ Check before installation
Installing a new relay: step-by-step algorithm
The process of installing a new part is reverse dismantling, but requires attention to the orientation of the housing. The new relay usually has a marking UP (top) or an arrow indicating the top position. This is critically important, since there is a movable core inside that must move under the influence of gravity.
If you install the relay upside down, the mechanism will not work and the compressor will not start, or the winding will burn out. First, connect the wires to the relay terminals according to the diagram or photograph you made earlier. Make sure the terminals are tight and not loose.
Then place the relay on the compressor pins. It should go in with a little effort, but without distortion. Make sure all three pins fit into their sockets. After this, secure the fixing bracket or bar, if it is provided for in the design of your model Atlant.
Check the reliability of the wires. They must not touch hot parts of the compressor or sharp edges of the housing. If necessary, use insulating tape or plastic clamps to secure the wiring harness.
What to do if the relay does not fit?
Sometimes new relays have a slightly modified seat geometry. In this case, you cannot hammer the part by force. Check to see if the plastic casing or bracket is in the way. If the relay contacts are a little wider, you can very carefully and minimally move the holes in the relay itself with pliers, but it is better to find an analogue of the exact shape.
Checking the functionality of the system
After installing all components, you can begin testing. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you should hear the engine start confidently without prolonged beeps and clicks. The compressor should start working smoothly, with a characteristic monotonous hum.
Touch (carefully) the relay body. It should not spark or heat up excessively during the first minute of operation. If you hear a crackling sound, immediately turn off the appliance - it means that the contacts are not tight or the relay does not match the type of compressor.
Let the refrigerator operate for 15-20 minutes. During this time, check whether the evaporator inside the chamber begins to get colder (usually the first frost or cold appears in the freezer). Also check the temperature of the relay housing - slight heat is acceptable, but strong heating indicates an overload.
- ✅ Successful start: The motor runs smoothly, there are no clicks.
- ❌ Repeat click: The relay does not fit or the compressor is faulty.
- 🔥 Heating: Poor contact or overcurrent.
If everything went well, reinstall the compressor protective casing and the back cover of the refrigerator. Tighten all screws to ensure proper air circulation around the motor and protection from dust.
Typical errors and troubleshooting
Even with correct installation, nuances may arise. One of the common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the wires. If the insulation of the wires going to the relay is cracked or melted, they must be replaced. Using electrical tape on hot areas near the compressor is a temporary solution; it is better to replace the section of wire.
Another problem is incorrect orientation of the relay. As mentioned, the position UP should be on top. In some models Atlant the compressor is installed at an angle, and you need to orient yourself precisely by the mark on the relay body, and not along the floor horizon.
⚠️ Attention: If the new relay burns out within a few days, this is a sure sign of a malfunction of the compressor itself (interturn short circuit). Installing a new relay in this case will only temporarily solve the problem, but in the end the motor will burn out completely.
It is also worth checking the thermostat. If it does not give a signal to turn on, the relay may click, trying to start the motor, but the command does not arrive. Make sure that the thermostat is in good working order and correctly configured.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install a relay from another manufacturer, for example, Denmark or China?
Yes, it is possible if the electrical characteristics (current, voltage) and geometric dimensions of the seat match. However, original relays Atlant or proven analogues (for example, Indesit, Beko with suitable parameters) are preferable. Chinese analogues without a brand often have low quality contacts.
Why does the relay heat up during operation?
Slight heating to 40-50 degrees is normal, since current passes through it. If the relay is hot that it is impossible to hold your hand, it means that a relay has been selected with a lower rated current than required, or there is poor contact in the terminals, causing resistance.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the relay?
Full defrosting is not necessary if you work quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice in the freezer compartment, it is better to defrost the unit in advance so that water does not flow onto the electrical parts when tilting the refrigerator while accessing the back wall.
How long does the starting relay last?
The average service life of a high-quality relay is 5-7 years. However, if there are frequent power surges in the network or unstable operation of the compressor, it may fail earlier. Regularly checking the voltage in the network will prolong the life of the part.
What to do if the relay has 4 contacts, and the compressor has 3?
The fourth contact is often a spare one or is used to connect a capacitor in two-phase circuits. If your circuit does not include a capacitor, the fourth pin remains free. The main thing is to correctly connect the main three (general, starting, working).