Faced with a situation where the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing or the compressor operates with periodic clicks, many owners immediately begin to look for information about the starter. It is this small part that is responsible for starting the engine, and its failure is one of the most common causes of breakdown of household appliances. Understanding what the relay looks like on an Indesit refrigerator will help you carry out initial diagnostics yourself and, perhaps, avoid calling a technician.
Visually, this is a compact device, often black, attached directly to the side of the compressor. It may be hidden by a plastic casing or metal cover, so you won’t be able to see it without disassembling it. In this article, we will analyze in detail the appearance of the part, its location in different models and the signs by which a malfunction can be identified.
Independent inspection requires compliance with safety precautions, since work is carried out with electric current and complex refrigeration equipment. Disconnect the device from the network before starting any work, in order to eliminate the risk of electric shock. We will consider an algorithm of actions that will allow you to accurately identify the part and make a decision about replacing it.
Appearance and design features
Start-protective relay on refrigerators Indesit is a plastic case, most often black or dark gray colors. The shape of the housing may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the equipment and the type of compressor installed. In most cases, this is a rectangular or slightly rounded barrel with several contacts for connecting wires and pins for connecting to the compressor.
Inside the case there is a complex mechanical and electrical filling. There are contacts that open the circuit in case of overload, and a starting coil or posistor, which provides short-term connection to the starting winding of the motor. Visual integrity the housing is the first sign that you need to pay attention to. If the plastic is melted, blackened or cracked, the part definitely requires replacement, even if the insides look normal.
What's inside the relay housing?
Inside there is a copper coil, a movable core, contacts made of silver or their alloy, and a bimetallic strip, responsive to heat. In modern models, instead of mechanics, there may be a ceramic posistor.
The size of the device usually does not exceed the dimensions of a matchbox or a little larger. The side or top surface is often marked with the manufacturer's markings, model number, and specifications such as voltage and amperage. This data is critical when selecting an analogue for replacement.
Location of the part in various models
To find the relay, you need to know where it is installed. On refrigerators Indesit with a classic layout, access to the compressor and attachments is through the rear wall of the unit. You will need to remove the lower metal or plastic panel that covers the engine compartment. It is usually secured with screws or plastic latches.
After removing the panel, you will see a black round compressor tank. The relay is always placed directly on one of the compressor terminals (usually there are three, they are arranged in a triangle). However, the path to it may be blocked by:
- 🔌 A grounding cable or a wiring harness going to the thermostat.
- 🛡️ A metal protective casing covering the compressor contacts.
- 💨 A No Frost system fan, which can partially block access.
In some models with a system No Frost or technology Push&Go, the starting device can be placed in a separate control unit or have extended wires, but the classic scheme involves installation directly on the motor. If you see a box hanging on the wires next to the compressor, most likely this is the element you are looking for.
Types of relays used in Indesit equipment
The manufacturer Indesit over many years of production used various types of compressors (from Danfoss to Aspera i Embraco), which is why there are different relays in refrigerators. Understanding the type of device will help you diagnose correctly.
Electromagnetic devices are the most common. They work by passing current through a coil, which draws in a core and closes the contacts. A characteristic sign of their operation is a loud click when starting. There are also posistor (thermal) relays, where the role of a switch is played by a ceramic element that changes the resistance when heated. They operate quieter and are considered more reliable.
Below is a table that helps differentiate the main types of devices by external characteristics:
| Relay type | External characteristics | Characteristic sound | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetic | Heavier, the coil is visible inside | Loud click | Medium (contacts burn) |
| Posistor | Lighter, ceramic inside | Quiet click or no sound | Low (destruction of the posistor) |
| Combined | Complicated shape, many contacts | Series of clicks | High (design complexity) |
Signs of a faulty starting device
You can determine that the problem lies in the relay by a number of indirect signs. The refrigerator does not turn on or turns on for a few seconds and immediately stalls - this is a classic symptom. The compressor may hum, trying to start, but without a successful start.
Another clear sign is the frequent cyclic turning on and off of the motor with a characteristic click. This indicates that the thermal protection is tripping because the engine cannot start. If the compressor itself is hot and the chamber is warm, the likelihood of a relay or capacitor malfunction is very high.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the engine compartment area, immediately stop trying to turn it on. This may indicate a short circuit inside the relay or a breakdown of the compressor windings.
Sometimes the relay does not fail completely, but “burns out”. In this case, the refrigerator may work unstably: it freezes well, then stops. Such “floating” faults are more difficult to diagnose without tools, but visual inspection of the contacts often gives the answer.
Instructions for dismantling and testing
To carry out the work, you will need a minimum set of tools: a screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head), pliers and, preferably, a multimeter. Before starting work, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply for at least 15-20 minutes so that the capacitors discharge and the compressor cools down.
The process of removing the relay is as follows:
- 🔧 Remove the rear protective panel of the refrigerator by unscrewing the fastening screws.
- 🔌 Carefully disconnect the connector with the wires going to the relay. Do not pull sharply so as not to damage the wiring.
- 📦 Remove the relay from the compressor pins. It may fit tightly, so rock it slightly from side to side.
- 👀 Inspect the inside: if you see soot, melted plastic or smell burning, the part is faulty.
☑️ Checking the relay with a multimeter
If there are no visual defects, you can ring the device with a multimeter. Under normal conditions, the resistance between certain contacts should be zero or close to it. For posistor relays, the resistance at room temperature is about 20-50 Ohms. If the multimeter shows infinity or a short circuit where it should not be, the relay needs to be changed.
Replacement and selection of analogues
When purchasing a new one, the most detailed parameter is the brand and model of the compressor, and not just the refrigerator itself. There is always a sticker or nameplate on the compressor body indicating the model (for example, Aspera NJ9220 or Danfoss TL4G). Using this marking, it is easiest to find an exact analogue of the relay.
Universal relays exist, but they require careful installation and checking compatibility in terms of current and trigger type (RSIR, RSCR). Installing an unsuitable relay can lead to repeated failure or even burning of the motor windings. Therefore, if you are not sure about compatibility, it is better to look for the original part number.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications of compressors and relays may vary depending on the batch and year of production. Always check the markings on the old part with the new one before installation. Do not rely only on external similarity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair a relay and not change it?
Theoretically, if the problem is only burnt contacts, they can be cleaned. However, in modern plastic cases it is almost impossible to do this accurately, and the reliability of such repairs will be low. Experts recommend a complete replacement of the device.
How much does a new relay cost for Indesit?
The cost depends on the type of relay and manufacturer. Conventional start relays are inexpensive, while combination devices with thermal protection can be many times more expensive. The price varies widely depending on the region and supplier.
Why does a new relay burn out after a short time?
A common reason is a malfunction of the compressor itself (an interturn short circuit) or low voltage in the network. The problem may also be in the capacitor that is paired with the relay. If the root cause is not eliminated, the new relay will also fail.
Is it dangerous to turn on the refrigerator without a relay?
It is strictly forbidden to turn on the compressor directly without a starting device. This will lead to instant burnout of the motor starting winding, since it is not designed for long-term operation under voltage. The relay must be in good working order.