A sudden stop of the compressor is always a signal of a serious a problem that, if ignored, can lead to food spoilage and costly repairs to the entire cooling system. Most often in refrigerators Biryusa the starting relay fails, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Replacing this component on your own is quite possible for a person with minimal technical skills, if you strictly follow safety precautions and sequence of actions.
Before you start disassembling the unit, you need to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the electrical part of the starting mechanism, and not in the motor itself. Starting relay is a small plastic block, often black or gray, that is attached to the side of the compressor. Its main task is to briefly apply high voltage to the starting winding of the engine in order to start the rotor, and then turn off this winding, leaving it working. If this mechanism “sticks” or burns out, the compressor either hums, but does not start, or makes clicks.
The success of the operation directly depends on the correct selection of spare parts, since for different series Biryusa various modifications of starting devices are used. In this article we will look at how to accurately diagnose a breakdown, choose a compatible analogue and safely install a new element. It is important to understand that working with electrical appliances under voltage requires increased caution.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the starting relay
The first sign of failure of the starting relay is the characteristic sound of the refrigerator. Instead of the usual smooth hum of a running motor, you may hear loud clicks repeated at certain intervals, or a short hum followed by attenuation. This means that starting winding receives an impulse, the engine tries to start, but the relay cannot maintain contact or break the circuit in time, and the thermal protection is triggered.
For an accurate check, it is necessary to visually inspect the part. Often traces of burning, melting of plastic, or even cracks are visible on the relay body. If the device looks intact on the outside, you can “ring” it with a multimeter. In normal condition, the contacts should “ring” in a certain sequence, and when the relay is turned over (for models with a posistor or ball mechanism), a clear, ringing click of movement of the internal core should be heard.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical components of the refrigerator, be sure to unplug the power cord from the outlet. Residual charge in capacitors can be dangerous, and the risk of electric shock when the device is turned on is fatal.
If you find that the relay makes a rattling sound when shaken, this is a sure sign that the internal contact group is damaged. In such cases, restoration is impossible; only complete relay replacementis required. Attempts to clean the contacts or glue the housing usually lead to repeated failure after a few days and can damage the compressor itself due to incorrect starting currents.
Selection of a compatible relay model
Refrigerators Biryusa have been equipped with different types of compressors over the decades, so there is no universal relay for all models. The most common types of devices are RTP, RTK or their modern foreign analogues. It is critical to select a device with similar electrical characteristics, especially in terms of cut-off current and type of contacts.
On the body of an old relay there is always a marking, for example, RTP-1 or RTK-1-3. The numbers at the end indicate the rated current. If you cannot find an original spare part, you can use universal analogues, but you must strictly ensure that the compressor power matches. An incorrectly selected device may not start the motor or, conversely, not turn off the starting winding, which will lead to its combustion.
To simplify the search, below is a table of the correspondence of popular relay models and their compatibility with the series refrigerators:
| Relay marking | Contact type | Compatibility (Biryusa) | Compressor power |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTP-1 | Posistor | Models before 2005 | up to 150 W |
| RTK-1-3 | Induction | Old models 1980-90s | up to 250 W |
| PTC (China) | Posistor | Modern models | universal |
| 1252650 | Posistor | Biryusa-6, 8, 10 | up to 180 W |
When purchasing, pay attention to the number of contact pins. There may be two or three. If the new relay has three contacts, and the old one has two, the extra one simply remains free, but most often they are interchangeable only within the same series. Posistor relays They are considered more reliable and modern, since they do not have moving mechanical parts that can stick.
Is it possible to supply higher power relay?
Theoretically it is possible, but this will lead to the fact that the thermal protection will not work in time during an overload, and you risk burning the compressor windings. It is better to look for an exact analogue in terms of current.
Necessary tools and preparation
To perform the replacement, you do not need a complex professional tool, a basic home craftsman’s kit is enough. The main thing is to provide yourself with convenient access to the back of the refrigerator, where the compressor is located. The work area should be well lit so that you can distinguish the colors of the wires and the state of the contacts.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing latches and clamps).
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (if you need to remove the protective casing).
- 🔧 Pliers or pliers (for carefully removing the terminals).
- 🔧 Multimeter (for checking the continuity of the circuit).
- 🔧 Insulating tape or heat shrink (for insulating connections).
Before starting work, be sure to defrost the refrigerator if there is ice in the chamber, and move the unit away from the wall. Remove the rear metal cover covering the compressor compartment. It is usually secured with four screws or latches. After removing the cover, you will see a black “tank” - this is the compressor, and on the side or top of it there is a small plastic box - the same relay that we will change.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the wires. Copper conductors in old refrigerators can be brittle, and a broken wire near the compressor housing itself will require soldering, which will significantly complicate repairs.
The process of dismantling the old relay
Removing a faulty relay is a step that requires care, since it is important to remember or record the order in which the wires are connected. In modern models, wires are often inserted into connectors; in older models, they can be pushed onto the pins with force. Before pulling, carefully inspect the fasteners.
Procedure for dismantling:
- 📸 Take a close-up photo of connecting the wires. This will be your main cheat sheet during assembly.
- 🔌 Carefully remove the wires from the relay contacts. If they fit tightly, you can slightly rock the connector from side to side, helping with pliers, but do not pull on the wire itself.
- 🔩 Remove the retaining bracket or bar that presses the relay to the compressor housing. It can be metal or plastic.
- 📦 Remove the plastic relay housing itself. It is simply pulled over the three pins of the compressor. Pull it straight down or to the side, depending on the design.
After removing the relay, it is recommended to blow out the installation site with compressed air or gently wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust and oily deposits. Check the pins on the compressor housing - they should be clean, free of oxides and carbon deposits. If they have black traces of burning, they must be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper or a file, being careful not to damage the insulation of the wires suitable inside the motor.
☑️ Check before installation
Installation of a new relay and connection
Installation of a new starting relay is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The key point here is the correct orientation of the device. The relay body usually has an arrow or inscription UP (top), which indicates how it should be positioned relative to the ground. If the relay is reversed, the mechanism (especially in induction models) will not work correctly due to gravity.
Place the relay housing onto the compressor pins. It should fit tightly, without distortion. Make sure the pins are fully seated. After this, install a fixing bracket or strip that will provide a secure fit and protection from vibrations. The vibration of a working compressor is very strong, and a poorly secured relay can simply fly off or lose contact.
Now the most crucial moment is connecting the wires. Using the photo you took as a guide, place the terminals on the corresponding contacts. Usually the wires are color-coded:
- 🔴 Red or brown - phase (L).
- 🔵 Blue - zero (N).
- 🟢 Yellow-green - grounding (if any).
In some Color schemes may differ, so you need to focus on the diagram, which is often drawn on the inside of the relay cover or in the instructions for the refrigerator Biryusa. If in doubt, it is better to double-check the diagram for the compressor model on the Internet. After connecting, make sure that the wires are not stretched and do not touch the hot parts of the compressor.
Checking operation and starting
After installing all components, do not rush to close the back cover. The initial launch must be carried out under visual control. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds you can hear a hum, which after 1-3 seconds should turn into a smooth hum of a running engine. This means that the starting relay worked correctly, energized the starting winding and turned it off.
If the compressor starts, check the heating of the relay housing. After 10-15 minutes of operation, it may warm up slightly, but should not be so hot that it is impossible to touch. Also listen to the sounds: there should be no crackling, buzzing or periodic clicking sounds. A smooth, quiet hum is a sign of proper operation.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, clicks are heard again and the motor does not start, immediately turn off the refrigerator from the network. Repeated starting attempts may (burn out) the compressor windings. In this case, the problem may not be in the relay, but in the motor itself or the wiring.
If everything went well, let the refrigerator run for 15-20 minutes with the back cover open to ensure stable operation. Then turn off the power, replace the back metal cover and secure it with screws. Now you can load products and operate Biryusa in normal mode.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the relay burn out? What could be the reason?
There may be several reasons: natural wear of contacts, power surges, problems with the compressor itself (difficult starting due to thickened oil or wear of the mechanical part), or simply a defective part. Also, the relay often lights up if the refrigerator is turned off and on frequently and quickly.
Is it possible to temporarily start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the motor by applying voltage directly to the starting winding, but doing this is strictly not recommended without special knowledge. This is life-threatening and can completely kill the compressor. A relay is a cheap part; you cannot save on it or try to “deceive” the system.
How long does a new relay last?
A high-quality starting relay with a stable voltage in the network lasts from 5 to 10 years or more. The service life depends on the number of on-off cycles of the refrigerator and operating conditions (room temperature, dustiness).
What to do if the new relay does not fit the connector?
If the connectors are different, but the electrical parameters are the same, you can carefully resolder the wires from the old relay to the new one or use adapter terminals. The main thing is to maintain the correct connection diagram and reliably isolate the connections.