The situation when Atlant refrigerator stops freezing, and the compressor either hums for a few seconds and goes silent, or clicks but does not start, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Most often, the cause of such a breakdown is the failure of the start-up relay, which is responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads. Replacing this part yourself is one of the most accessible procedures in repairing household appliances, which does not require complex special tools or deep knowledge of electrical engineering.
However, before you run to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem lies in the relay, and not in the compressor itself or the wiring. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to the purchase of unnecessary parts. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to accurately determine the malfunction and safely replace start-up protection device (ROM) on your refrigerator.
It is worth noting that the models Atlant are equipped with different types of compressors, and therefore relays may differ in design and electrical parameters. Replacing the wrong part can lead to repeated breakdown or even burning out of the motor. Therefore, it is extremely important to be careful when labeling and selecting analogues.
Diagnostics of a malfunction of the start-up protection relay
The first sign of a malfunction is the characteristic sound of the unit. If you hear it trying to start, making a loud beeping noise for 3-10 seconds, followed by a clicking sound and silence, this is a classic symptom. After some time, the cycle may repeat. This means that the starting winding does not receive an impulse to start, or the protection is triggered due to lack of rotation of the rotor. compressor tries to start, makes a loud beep for 3-10 seconds and then there is a clicking sound and silence, this is a classic symptom. After some time, the cycle may repeat. This means that the starting winding does not receive an impulse to start, or the protection is triggered due to the lack of rotor rotation.
Visual inspection can also provide important clues. If the relay has a plastic case, it can be carefully opened (if the design allows) or inspected for melting. Blackened contacts, a burning smell, or deformation of the plastic indicate that the part has burned out. Internal heating often leads to sticking of contacts or destruction of the bimetallic plate.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the electrical part of the refrigerator, be sure to unplug it! Even if the compressor is not working, life-threatening voltage may remain in the circuit.
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. The compressor winding resistance must be within certain limits and the relay contacts when cold (for the start relay) must either ring or open depending on the type. If the relay is a posistor, it should not have a short circuit, and its resistance in a cold state is usually several tens of ohms.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
To successfully replace the relay, you do not need a whole arsenal of professional equipment. A basic DIY kit is enough. The main thing is to provide yourself with good access to the back of the refrigerator and organize proper lighting of the work area.
You will need the following tools:
- 🔧 Screwdriver (Phillips and flat) - for removing protective covers and terminals.
- 🔪 Knife or side cutters - for stripping wires, if necessary extension.
- 📏 Multimeter (tester) - to check the continuity of the circuit and resistance.
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves - to ensure additional safety.
- 📱 Smartphone - to photograph the connection diagram before disassembling.
Preparation of the workplace also plays an important role. Move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the compressor compartment. If the floor is slippery, lay down a rug. Make sure that there is no dust or cobwebs in the compressor niche that could be accidentally touched or inhaled during operation.
Removing the old relay and checking the compressor
The dismantling process begins with removing the protective cover of the compressor compartment. It is usually secured with latches or several screws. Some models Atlant may require removing the entire back panel. Be careful not to damage the plastic clips, which become brittle over time.
After removing the protection, you will see a black cylindrical or box-shaped element placed on the compressor rod. This is our desired relay. Wires from the power cable and capacitor (if there is one) are suitable for it. First, disconnect the connector or terminals. If the wires are soldered, you will have to carefully bite them off, leaving some room for connection.
The relay itself is removed by gently shaking it. It is simply put on the three contact studs of the compressor. Important: do not apply excessive force so as not to break the ceramic insulation or the studs themselves. If the relay is stuck, you can slightly warm it up with a hairdryer, but usually it can be removed by hand.
Before installing a new part, it is worth checking the compressor itself to make sure that it is not the problem. Ring the windings through the studs (without relay). The resistance between the working and starting windings, as well as between them and the common point, should not be infinite. If the multimeter shows a break or short circuit to the housing, alas, the compressor will need to be replaced.
☑️ Removal procedure
Selection of analogue and decoding of markings
The most critical stage is the selection of the correct replacement. Relays for refrigerators Atlant can be posistor (RTK, RT) or with an inductor (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4). They are not always interchangeable. A code is stamped on the body of each part, for example RTK-13 or 17.116.00.
Posistor relays operate by heating the element, which changes the resistance and turns off the starting winding. Coil relays use the electromagnetic principle. Installing the wrong type will result in the compressor either not starting or the starting winding burning out.
Below is a table of the correspondence of popular markings for Atlant refrigerators:
| Relay type | Marking | Application | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | RTK-13, RTK-12 | SKN, SKNB compressors | Works with capacitor |
| Electromagnetic | P-1, P-2, P-3 | C series compressors | Requires precise orientation |
| Combined | 17.116.00 | Modern models | Combines launch and protection |
| Foreign analogue | PTC-13, PTC-12 | RTK analogues | Chinese and Turkish copies |
Upon purchase pay attention not only to the number, but also to the appearance of the contacts and mounting holes. Sometimes manufacturers make changes to the design, and the old relay may not fit into place without modification.
Is it possible to use a relay from another brand?
In most cases, it is possible if the electrical parameters (operation current, voltage) and geometric dimensions match. However, for Atlant compressors it is better to look for original components or specialized analogues, since the starting characteristics of different motors are different.
Instructions for installing a new relay
Installation of a new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Push the relay onto the compressor studs until it stops. It should fit tightly and not wobble. Pay attention to the orientation: there is often an arrow UP or UPon the case, which should point straight up. This is important for the correct operation of thermal protection.
Next it is necessary to restore the electrical circuit. If you bite off the wires, connect them using twists and insulate them with heat shrink or good quality electrical tape. It is best to use a terminal block or solder the connection for reliability. Vibration of the compressor can loosen a poor connection over time.
Connect the power wires and the capacitor (if provided by the circuit). Make sure that the wires do not touch the hot compressor tubes and are not pinched by the housing. Lay out the wiring harness carefully, securing it with a zip tie if necessary.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the wires do not touch moving parts or hot surfaces. The wire insulation may melt on the heated compressor tube, resulting in a short circuit.
After connecting all the wires, reinstall the compressor compartment protective cover. Secure it with screws or snap it in place. Make sure all vents are open and nothing is blocking air circulation around the motor.
First start-up and operation check
After assembly, you can plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, be prepared to hear the characteristic click and rumble of startup. If the compressor starts working smoothly, without buzzing or repeated clicks, then the replacement was successful. Let the refrigerator run idle for 15-20 minutes, monitoring the heating of the relay housing (it may become slightly warm, but should not smoke).
Check whether the evaporator inside the chamber begins to get colder. If after half an hour of work light frost or a noticeable drop in temperature appears inside, the repair can be considered complete. Load the products in normal mode.
If the situation repeats (clicking, buzzing, stopping), immediately turn off the device. This may mean that the wrong relay is selected, the connection diagram is incorrect, or, worse, the compressor itself is faulty (turn-to-turn short circuit). In this case, further self-diagnosis can be dangerous.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the relay, the compressor hums for more than 10 seconds and does not start, immediately unplug the refrigerator from the outlet. Prolonged humming without rotation of the rotor burns out the motor windings in a matter of minutes.
Regularly check the operation of the refrigerator in the first day after repair. The absence of extraneous noise and stable temperature maintenance are the main indicators of the health of your equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to clean the contacts of an old relay and use it again?
Theoretically, it is possible if only the contacts are burnt, and the posistor or coil is intact. However, practice shows that such relays do not work for long. The characteristics of a posistor change over time, and cleaning will not restore its properties. It is better to replace the part with a new one to avoid repeated repairs in a month.
Why did the relay burn out? What is the reason?
There are several main reasons: power surges in the network, frequent switching on/off of the refrigerator (do not let it stand for 5-10 minutes before restarting), compressor wear (difficult starting) or simply the natural life of the part. Also, the cause may be poor contact in the connector, causing sparking and heating.
Where to buy an original relay for Atlant?
Original spare parts can be found in authorized Atlant service centers, specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances, or on large marketplaces, checking seller ratings. Beware of too cheap Chinese analogues without markings.
Do you need to change the capacitor along with the relay?
It is not necessary to change the capacitor along with the relay if it is working properly. However, if the relay burns out due to a power surge, there is a risk that the capacitor is also damaged. Check its capacity with a multimeter. If there is swelling or leakage of electrolyte, replacement is required.