Sudden extinguishing of light inside the refrigerator compartment Ariston is a situation not critical for the safety of products, but creates significant discomfort when using the unit. Darkness makes it difficult to assess the freshness of the contents, quickly find the right shelf, and notice spilled liquid. Often the cause is a burnt-out incandescent lamp or failure of the LED module, which is a normal situation for any equipment after a certain period of operation.
Replacing a light source is one of the simplest and most accessible procedures that can be performed independently without calling a specialist. DIY Repair in this case, it does not require deep knowledge of electrical engineering or specialized expensive tools. A basic set of home appliances, compliance with safety measures and careful attention to the design details of your refrigerator are enough.
In this article we will look in detail at how to properly remove the old element, what type of base is used in different models Ariston, and also consider typical mistakes that can lead to breakage of the lampshade or damage to the wiring. The right approach will extend the life of the new lamp and avoid troubles in the future.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. A refrigerator is an electrical appliance that operates on a 220 Volt network, therefore electrical safety is priority number one. Even if it seems to you that replacing a light bulb is a trivial procedure, ignoring the rules can lead to an electric shock or short circuit.
To complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools. In most cases, just a screwdriver will be enough, but sometimes additional tools may be needed, especially if the lampshade is secured with hidden screws or latches that sit tightly in the grooves.
- 🔧 A screwdriver with a flat or Phillips blade (depending on the type of fixture of the lampshade).
- 🧤 Dry rubber gloves (for protection hands from cold and fat).
- 🔦 Flashlight or smartphone light (to see the insides of the camera after turning off the light).
- 🧼 Clean rags (for wiping the lampshade from dust and condensation).
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to turn off the refrigerator from the electrical network! Unplug the cord from the outlet. Even if you change the lamp when the light is off, the risk of electric shock if you accidentally touch the socket contacts remains high.
It is also worth preparing a new light bulb in advance. If you haven't purchased a replacement yet, find out your refrigerator's base type (discussed below). Using an unsuitable light source can lead to overheating of the cartridge or mechanical damage to the thread.
☑️ Check before starting work
Design features and types of Ariston lamps
Refrigerators Ariston, like equipment from other brands, can be equipped with different types of lighting depending on the year of manufacture, model and price segment of the device. Understanding exactly what type you have installed will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing consumables.
The most common option in classic models is standard incandescent lamp with an E14 base. This is a miniature version of the usual "pear", often called a "minion". It is easy to install, cheap, but has a shorter service life and heats up more.
In more modern models, especially in lines with a system No Frost and electronic control, light-emitting diode (LED) modules are increasingly being used. They can be made in the form of a separate light bulb with a base or be a built-in board. LEDs consume less energy, do not heat up and last much longer, but replacing them may cost more.
| Light source type | Type of base / Design | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamp incandescent | E14 (threaded) | Low price, availability | Heats up, short service life |
| Halogen lamp | G4 (pinned) | Bright light, compactness | Sensitivity to grease on glass |
| LED module | Built-in / Board | Efficiency, durability | High cost replacement |
Is it possible to install a more powerful lamp?
It is not recommended to install a lamp with a power higher than that specified in the instructions (usually 15 W). Exceeding the power will lead to overheating of the plastic lampshade, its deformation and possible damage to the socket contacts due to high temperature.
Dismantling the lampshade and removing the old lamp
The process of removing the protective lampshade may vary depending on the specific model of your refrigerator. Ariston. In some cases, the light diffuser is attached with screws, in others it is held on by plastic latches. You need to act carefully so as not to break the fragile plastic, which becomes even more brittle in the cold.
If you see recesses for screws on the surface of the lampshade, use an appropriate screwdriver. Unscrew them slowly, holding the diffuser itself with your other hand so that it does not fall on shelves or products. If there are no screws, then the system is used snap-fit (latches).
To remove the lampshade using the latches, you need to find the connection point with the camera body. Usually this is the top or side edge. Carefully pry the edge with a flat screwdriver wrapped in a cloth (to avoid leaving scratches), or simply press the special tab with your finger, if the design provides one. An audible click means the latch has opened.
⚠️ Warning: Plastic in the freezer or refrigerator compartment becomes brittle. Do not use excessive force when dismantling. If the shade does not come off easily, check for hidden screws under the decorative plugs.
After removing the protection, you will have access to the base. Unscrew the incandescent lamp counterclockwise, just like a regular household light bulb. If it is a halogen lamp with pins, you need to gently pull it towards you, slightly rocking it from side to side. Be careful: if the glass bulb breaks, it will be more difficult to remove the base from the socket.
Installation of a new light source and assembly
Installation of a new element is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. If you use incandescent lamp, simply screw it into the cartridge until it stops, but without fanaticism - the plastic of the thread can be damaged by excessive force. For halogen lamps, it is important to maintain cleanliness: do not touch the glass bulb with your bare hands.
Fingerprints of grease on the surface of a halogen lamp burn when heated, creating local overheating of the glass, which leads to rapid failure of the product. If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it with an alcohol wipe before installation.
After installing the lamp, return the lampshade to its place. If it is held on by latches, press until it clicks. Make sure that the edges fit tightly to the body and there are no gaps through which warm air or moisture could get inside the chamber.
Now you can turn on the refrigerator. Check the lighting operation: the light should come on when the door is opened and go out when it is closed (or when the sensor button is pressed, if it is located separately). If the light does not light up, check the tightness of the base.
Typical malfunctions and methods for eliminating them
Sometimes it happens that replacing a light bulb does not solve the problem of lack of light. In this case, the reason lies deeper than just a burnt-out filament. It is necessary to carry out additional diagnostics of the lighting system.
One of the common problems is sticking or oxidation of contacts switch buttons, which reacts to the opening of the door. Over time, the mechanism wears out and the light stops turning on, even if everything is in order with the lamp. You can check this by closing the contacts of the button manually or ringing it with a multimeter.
The wiring running from the button to the socket may also be damaged. In refrigerators Ariston the wires often pass through the door hinges or are hidden in the walls of the chamber. Kinking or chafing of the insulation leads to an open circuit. A visual inspection may not yield results; you will need to “test” the circuit with a tester.
- 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the cartridge (clean carefully with a knife or sandpaper when the power is off).
- 🔘 Malfunction of the door sensor (requires replacing the button).
- 🔌 Open circuit wires in the door corrugation (requires wiring restoration).
- 🔌 Problem with the control board (in modern models with electronics).
If you find that the second or third lamp is burning out in a short period of time, you should think about the stability of the voltage in the network or problems with the cartridge itself, which can create a short circuit.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to put an LED lamp in an Ariston refrigerator instead of a regular one?
Yes, you can, but with reservations. If you have a regular E14 incandescent lamp, you can screw in an LED analogue with the same base. The main thing is to make sure that the LED lamp is designed to work in low temperature conditions (refrigeration LED lamps) and is of a suitable size so as not to rest against the lampshade.
Why does the light in the refrigerator blink after replacement?
Flashing may indicate poor contact of the base in the socket, a malfunction of the new lamp itself (defective) or problems with the voltage in the network. Also, in models with LED lighting, blinking often indicates a malfunction of the power driver or the LED matrix itself.
Where can I find the markings of a suitable light bulb?
Information about the type and power of the lamp is usually placed on a sticker with the technical characteristics of the refrigerator (located inside the chamber or on the back wall) or directly on the old lampshade/socket. The data is also in the user manual (section “Technical Specifications” or “Replacing Lamps”).
What to do if the light bulb inside the refrigerator breaks?
Immediately turn off the device. Remove any products that may have come into contact with the glass. Vacuum the camera thoroughly and wipe with a damp cloth. If fragments get into hard-to-reach places (for example, into a drainage hole), use tweezers. Do not turn on the refrigerator until you are sure that all shards have been removed.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing it?
Complete defrosting is not necessary if you act quickly. However, if there is a lot of ice or condensation in the chamber, it is better to let the refrigerator stand turned off for 15-20 minutes so that the plastic becomes less brittle and the risk of a short circuit from moisture is reduced. It is better to work with gloves so as not to burn yourself on the ice or freeze your fingers.