A compressor failure or refrigerator failure to turn on is often associated with the failure of small but critical components of the electrical circuit. One of these elements is a starting and thermal relay, which ensures the engine starts and protects it from overloads. Owners of equipment Atlant are often faced with the need to visually check this unit in order to understand whether the part requires replacement or the problem lies deeper.
The appearance of the relay can differ significantly depending on the model of the refrigerator, the year of its manufacture and the type of compressor installed. Understanding exactly what a serviceable and faulty element looks like allows you to carry out initial diagnostics without calling a technician. In this article we will analyze in detail the design features, color markings and characteristic signs of damage to relays installed in Belarusian-made refrigeration equipment.
Modern models and classic Soviet units can be equipped with completely different types of starters. Knowing their visual differences will help you choose the right spare part in case of repair. Visual identification component is the first and most important step before starting any restoration work.
Design features of the starting relay
Starting relay in refrigerators Atlant is a compact device, usually enclosed in a plastic case in black, white or gray. Inside this housing there is an electromagnetic coil and a movable core that closes the contacts when the engine starts. Externally, the device often resembles a small parallelepiped or cylinder with protruding contacts for connection to a compressor.
The relay housing is not sealed in the full sense of the word, but fits tightly to the internal mechanisms, protecting them from dust and moisture. On the top or side you can often find markings with technical characteristics, such as operating current and type of refrigerant. Plastic casing may have a ribbed structure for better heat dissipation, although the main cooling function is performed by natural convection of air in the compressor niche.
⚠️ Attention: The relay housing can be soldered or assembled with latches. Forcibly opening a solid case without a special tool often leads to destruction of the plastic fasteners, which makes further operation impossible.
It is important to note that the shape of the case directly depends on the component manufacturer. The plant Atlant uses products from various suppliers, including Danfoss, Secop its own developments. Therefore, the appearance of the part can vary from a smooth black cylinder to an angular white block with visible fastening screws.
Visual differences of thermal protections
Thermal relay, or thermorelay, is often structurally combined with the starting one in one block, but in some models it may look like a separate element. When considered individually, the thermal protector is often a small pellet or cylinder that fits directly onto the compressor housing or is inserted into the start relay. Externally, it is a small element with two contacts and a bimetallic plate inside.
You can visually determine overheating of the thermal protection by a change in the color of the plastic or the appearance of a burning smell. Bimetal plate Inside the device, when critically heated, it bends, breaking the circuit, and returns to its original state only after cooling. If traces of melting are visible on the case, this is a sure sign that the relay was operating in emergency mode.
- 🔥 Case color: A color change from black or white to yellow or brown indicates prolonged overheating.
- 🔌 Contact condition: Blackening or oxidation of the contact pads indicates sparking and poor contact.
- 🧊 Plastic integrity: Cracks or chips can lead to moisture ingress and short circuit.
Separately It is worth mentioning models with combined relays of the RT type, where the thermal and starting functions are combined. In such cases, the device looks like a single unit that fits onto the three contacts of the compressor. It is almost impossible to disassemble it into its component parts without damage, so in the event of a malfunction, the entire assembly is replaced.
Markings and designations on the body
On the body of any relay Atlant there is always a marking that contains key information about the parameters of the device. Numbers and letters, permanently inked or embossed into plastic, help identify the model. For example, the abbreviation RT indicates the starting relay, and the numbers following it indicate the rated current or series.
You can often find designations with arrows indicating the correct installation position. This is a critically important point, since incorrect orientation of the relay (for example, upside down) will lead to its incorrect operation or rapid failure. Direction of gravity affects the movement of the core inside the electromagnetic coil.
The operating current ranges may also be indicated on the housing, for example, 1.3 - 1.6 A. This means that the relay is designed for compressors with a starting current within these limits. Using a part with an inappropriate range may result in the engine either not starting or operating with overload.
Relay types depending on the refrigerator model
Refrigerators Atlant of different years of manufacture were equipped with different types of starting devices. In older models released in the 90s and early 2000s, relays with a posistor were most often found. They have a simpler design and, as a rule, have a white or light gray body color. When heated, the posistor inside such a relay changes its resistance, opening the starting winding.
More modern models are equipped with electromagnetic relays that operate instantly when voltage is applied. They often have a black body and more complex internal mechanics. The differences concern not only the principle of operation, but also the method of attachment to the compressor and connection of wires.
| Relay type | Appearance | Principle of operation | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (RTP) | White/gray plastic, often cylindrical | Crystal heating and opening | Old Atlant models |
| Electromagnetic (RT) | Black rectangular body | Motion of the core in the coil | Classic models |
| Combined | Complex shape, multiple contacts | Combination of start and protection | Powerful compressors |
When replacing, it is important to select an analogue that best matches the original in terms of dimensions and electrical parameters. Universal relays exist, but their installation may require modification of the contact group or changes in the connection diagram.
Symptoms of malfunction and external defects
You can determine a relay malfunction not only by the absence of cold, but also by characteristic external signs. If you hear a loud clicking sound when you try to turn on your refrigerator, followed by a humming noise and then shutting down, this often indicates sticking contacts or a broken relay mechanism. In some cases, you can hear a rattling sound, which indicates the destruction of internal components.
Visual inspection may reveal traces of soot around the contact group. This is the result of a spark jumping at the moment of closing or opening the circuit. Soot and soot increase the contact resistance, which leads to additional heating and eventual breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burnt plastic or see smoke, coming from the bottom of the refrigerator, immediately unplug the appliance. Operation with a faulty relay may cause the compressor to burn out.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the wires going to the relay. Melted insulation or blackened terminals indicate overcurrent. In such cases, replacing the relay alone may not solve the problem if the cause lies in a malfunction of the engine itself or the wiring.
Removal process for inspection
In order to examine the relay in detail and diagnose it, it is necessary to gain access to the compressor compartment. It is usually located at the bottom rear of the refrigerator and is covered with a metal or plastic panel. To remove the panel, you may need a Phillips screwdriver or a wrench, depending on the type of fastener.
After removing the cover, you will see a compressor with the unit we are interested in attached to the bottom or side of it. Before removing the relay, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Safety When working with electrical appliances, priority number one.
Removing the relay usually does not require complex tools. In most models Atlant it is held on by latches or simply pressed tightly onto the compressor contacts. By gently pulling the device down or to the side (depending on the design), you can disconnect it. It is important not to use excessive force so as not to damage the suitable wires.
Comparison with analogues of other brands
Refrigerator relays Atlant have much in common with analogues installed on equipment Indesit, Beko or Stinol. However, there are also nuances. For example, the seats on compressors Secop (previously Danfoss), which are often used in Atlantakh, may differ from the seats on compressors Embraco or LG.
Visually, analogues may differ in the shape of the terminal block. On some models, the contacts are arranged in a triangle, on others - in a row. The length of the protruding pins may also vary, which affects the tightness of the relay to the compressor.
When looking for a replacement, it is important to pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the series of the compressor. Compatibility is determined primarily by the electrical parameters and mounting geometry, and not by the logo on the refrigerator body.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to repair a relay yourself if it looks intact?
External integrity does not guarantee the serviceability of internal contacts or a posistor. An attempt to disassemble and clean the contacts is possible, but requires high qualifications. Most often, it is cheaper and more reliable to buy a new relay, since the service life of the restored device will be unpredictable.
Why does the relay heat up during operation?
Slight heating of the relay body is a normal phenomenon, especially for posistor models that operate by changing the temperature. However, if the body is hot to the point where it is impossible to touch it with your hand, this is a sign of a malfunction or overload of the compressor.
How often do you need to change the relay in the Atlant refrigerator?
The relay is not a consumable item with a certain service life. Under normal operating conditions (stable mains voltage, no compressor overheating), it can serve for decades. Replacement is required only when signs of malfunction appear.
Is a universal relay suitable for an Atlant refrigerator?
Universal relays with a set of adapters may be suitable, but their use is not always desirable. They may not accurately match the current characteristics of a particular compressor, which will shorten motor life. It is better to look for the original or a complete analogue in the catalog.