When the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing or starts making strange clicking sounds and then goes silent, the owner’s first thought is often to call a repairman. However, in many cases the problem lies in a small but critical part - the starter relay. Understanding exactly what this part looks like and where it is located can save you a significant amount of money and time waiting for service.
In this article we will analyze in detail the appearance of the relay for various models of refrigerators of the Belarusian brand, learn how to distinguish serviceable devices from burnt ones and understand why a visual inspection is only the first stage of deep diagnostics. Start relay is the “heart” of the compressor, responsible for starting it and protecting it from overloads.
Before proceeding with dismantling, it is important to realize that working with electrical equipment requires caution. Any manipulations inside the refrigeration chamber must be carried out only with the device disconnected from the network. This is a basic safety rule and, if ignored, may result in electric shock.
⚠️ Warning: Be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet before removing the back panel or coming into contact with any electrical components. Residual current in capacitors can be dangerous, even if the device is turned off with the button.
Location and access to the compressor assembly
To see the relay, you must gain access to the compressor compartment. In most refrigerator models Atlant, especially the classic KShD series and more modern two-chamber versions, the compressor is located in the lower rear part of the housing. It looks like a black metal “tank” to which copper tubes fit.
The relay is always mounted directly on the side of the compressor, in the area where the electrical contacts exit. You can get to it by moving the refrigerator away from the wall and removing the back metal cover that covers the motor-compressor group. In some models, the cover may be plastic or absent altogether if the unit is an open type.
At the side end of the compressor you will see a small box or plastic casing to which a bundle of wires fits. It is inside this casing or under it that the desired device is hidden. In older models, it may be covered with an additional metal cup, which must be carefully removed.
Removal often requires a minimum set of tools. Usually a flathead screwdriver is enough to pry the fasteners and pliers. It is important to act carefully so as not to damage fragile plastic elements or squeeze copper tubes, the removal of which could compromise the tightness of the system.
The appearance of a working start relay
The appearance of the relay directly depends on the type of compressor installed in your refrigerator Atlant. Manufacturers use two main types of devices: posistor (for inverter and some linear compressors) and induction (for classic models). Understanding their differences is necessary for correct replacement.
The induction relay, which is most often found in classic models, is a black plastic case of a rectangular or slightly rounded shape. Technical characteristics are often stamped on the case, such as voltage 220-240 V and frequency 50 Hz. The size of such a device is comparable to a matchbox or slightly smaller.
A posistor relay, often used in conjunction with a thermal protection relay, looks like a small white or light gray plastic cap, inside of which there is a ceramic element - a posistor. It can be enclosed in a common housing with a thermal relay, forming a single unit, or be a separate element.
On a working device, you will not see any traces of burning, melting or corrosion. The contacts inside must be clean, and the plastic case must be intact, without cracks. If you see marking RT (for example, RTK-1, R-3), this indicates the type of relay and its compatibility with certain series of compressors.
- 🔹 Black plastic rectangular case with three contacts for connection.
- 🔹 The presence of a movable core (in induction models), which should move freely inside the coil.
- 🔹 Clean, non-oxidized terminals for connecting wires without traces of black soot.
- 🔹 Absence of the characteristic smell of burnt plastic upon visual inspection.
Signs of a malfunction: what a burnt relay looks like
It is not always possible to determine a malfunction visually, but in most cases a burnt relay shows itself with characteristic signs. If your refrigerator Atlant buzzes for 5-10 seconds, then a click is heard and it goes silent, most likely the problem lies here.
When externally examining a burnt device, you can notice blackening of the plastic, especially in the lower part of the case where the contacts are located. Plastic can be deformed from high temperatures, and in extreme cases, completely melted. This is a clear sign that a short circuit current or long-term overload passed through the device.
If you carefully open the case (which can be done for diagnostic purposes), inside the induction relay you will see a blackened coil winding. The movable core may be jammed or covered with a layer of carbon deposits, preventing its normal movement. In posistor relays, the ceramic element often cracks or crumbles.
⚠️ Attention: If you find that the relay is completely melted or blackened, simply replacing the part may not solve the problem. This often happens when the windings of the compressor itself are shorted between turns.
Table of relay types for Atlant refrigerators
The model range of refrigerators Atlant is extensive, and different components were used in different years of production. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a spare part when purchasing, you need to focus not only on the appearance, but also on the markings.
Below is a table that helps to identify the type of relay by external features and markings. This will help you understand which part is installed in your unit.
PZR-1, PZR-2
| Relay type | Appearance | Characteristic markings | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction | Black plastic case, coil inside | RTK-1, R-3, R-4 | Single compressor models, old series |
| Posistor | White/gray cap, ceramic element | Two-compressor models, No Frost | |
| Combined | Block with thermal relay | 13.600.01, 13.600.15 | Modern models Atlant XM-40xx |
It is important to note that markings may differ depending on the component manufacturer (for example, Danfoss, Secop or original Belarusian ones). However, the principle of operation and the external connector, as a rule, remain similar for compatible models.
Diagnostics: checking the relay at home
Visual inspection is often necessary not enough, since internal damage may be hidden. There is a simple and reliable way to check the performance of an induction relay without having special equipment. This method is based on checking the mobility of the core.
Take the relay in your hand and gently shake it near your ear. If a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, this may mean that the moving core has become loose from its mounting or the coil has collapsed. In good condition, there should be no heavy metal parts inside; they are secured.
For a more accurate check of the induction relay, you need to turn it over. The operating position of the relay is strictly vertical, as it is on the compressor. If you turn it 180 degrees (upside down) and apply power (which is dangerous to do at home without skills), the contacts should not close. In the operating position, gravity lowers the core, opening the circuit after starting.
The posistor relay is more difficult to check. It works by heating: when cold, it passes current, starting the compressor, and then heats up and opens the circuit. You can check it with a multimeter: when cold, the resistance should be low (tens of Ohms), and when heated (if you carefully warm it with a hairdryer), it should go to infinity.
☑️ Relay diagnostics
Replacement process and important nuances
Replacing a relay on a refrigerator Atlant is a procedure accessible to a person with minimal technical skills. The main thing here is sequence of actions and accuracy. First you need to remove the old part by disconnecting the wires. In some models, the wires are simply inserted into the terminals, in others they can be soldered or clamped with screws.
When installing a new relay, make sure that it “sits” on the compressor contacts tightly and all the way. Even a millimeter underfill can lead to poor contact, sparking and rapid failure of the new part. Follow the marks: Start (start), Run (operation) and Common (general).
After installation, reassemble the structure in the reverse order. Do not rush to close the back cover immediately. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. The compressor should start with a characteristic hum, after 3-5 seconds the click of the relay should turn off the starting winding, and the unit will go into smooth operating mode.
If after replacement the situation has not changed (the refrigerator hums and clicks, but does not start), the problem may be deeper. Perhaps the compressor itself has jammed or a breakdown of the windings has occurred. In this case, further repairs require professional intervention and special equipment.
What happens if you install a relay of the wrong type?
Using a relay with the wrong operating current will either lead to instantaneous burnout of the starting winding (if the current is too high), or to the inability to start the compressor (if the current is low).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair a burnt-out relay yourself?
Theoretically, an induction relay can be disassembled, the contacts and moving heart can be cleaned with fine sandpaper. However, this is a temporary measure. The plastic loses its properties over time, and the spring stretches. It is more reliable and safer to buy a new part, which is inexpensive.
Why does the relay often burn out?
A common reason is unstable voltage in the network or frequent surges. The relay may also burn out if the compressor is overloaded (for example, due to contamination of the condenser at the back of the refrigerator or a freon leak). Always check the operating conditions.
Where to buy a relay for Atlant?
Original spare parts and high-quality analogues can be found in specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, on radio markets, or ordered in online stores, indicating the exact model of your refrigerator.
Does the type affect refrigerant on the choice of relay?
The type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a) does not have a direct effect on the choice of relay. The relay is selected solely according to the power and type of compressor. However, refrigerators powered by R600a (isobutane) often use compressors with a different type of relay mounting, so shape compatibility is important.