Sudden Stopping the operation of refrigeration equipment often takes you by surprise, especially when there are perishable products in the chambers. If you notice that compressor it hums, but does not start, or you hear a characteristic click followed by silence, then with a high degree of probability the problem lies in the start-up relay. This small but critical element is responsible for supplying voltage to the motor windings and protecting it from overheating. Equipment owners Atlant often face the need to replace this part, since it is one of the most vulnerable components of the system.
Independent repair in this case is quite possible and does not require specialized expensive equipment. All you need is a basic set of tools, a multimeter to test the circuit and, of course, a new working relay. In this article we will analyze in detail how to correctly diagnose a breakdown, select a compatible part and make a replacement, based on the technical features of Belarusian refrigerators. It is important to understand that ignoring the symptoms of a malfunction can lead to more serious consequences, even failure of the compressor itself.
Before taking active steps, you need to make sure that the problem really lies in the electrical part of the start-up, and not in a lack of power or power surges in the network. If the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing, but the light inside is on, this is the first sign that the motor is not receiving the necessary impulse to start. Video instructions, which users often look for, are useful for visualizing the process, but a text manual with a detailed description of the nuances will help avoid typical beginner mistakes.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step in any repair is an accurate diagnosis. Do not rush to buy a new part until you are sure that the old one is truly inoperative. In refrigerators Atlant with compressors of the series CKH or CO the relay often fails due to overheating or mechanical damage to the contacts. The initial inspection can be carried out visually: if traces of burning, melting are visible on the body, or the smell of burnt plastic is felt, then the diagnosis is obvious.
A more accurate testing method involves the use of a multimeter. You need to check the contacts for breaks or short circuits. In operating condition, the resistance of certain pairs of contacts should be close to zero, while in other configurations it should approach infinity. If the device shows a lack of conductivity where it should be, or, on the contrary, detects a short circuit, starting relay subject to immediate replacement.
⚠️ Attention: Before carrying out any measurements and work inside the electrical circuit of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is deadly!
It is also worth paying attention to the behavior of the compressor when trying to start. If you hear a beep that lasts 1-2 seconds, followed by a clicking sound and silence, this is a classic symptom of stuck contacts or a faulty thermocouple inside the relay. Some models Atlant use a combined relay, where the starting and protective functions are combined in one housing, which simplifies diagnostics, but requires care when selecting an analogue.
Necessary tools and preparation for work
You do not need to successfully replace the relay a whole arsenal of a professional locksmith. It is enough to have on hand a screwdriver with a flat and Phillips blade, pliers and, preferably, side cutters. It is also highly recommended to have a multimeter (tester) on hand for a final check of the circuit after installing a new part. Without this device, you will act blindly, which is not always effective when repairing complex household appliances.
An important stage of preparation is to provide access to the compressor. In refrigerators Atlant the compressor group is usually located in the lower rear part of the unit. You will need to remove the protective cover, which may be secured with latches or screws. Inspect the space around the motor: sometimes access is difficult due to condenser tubes or insulating materials that need to be carefully removed.
☑️ Preparing to replace the relay
Do not forget to prepare a container to collect possible moisture or oil, although there should not be any when replacing the relay. The workplace should be well lit, since the terminal blocks and contacts are small in size, and it is important not to mix up the wires when connecting. If you have a model with two compressors, make sure that you are diagnosing exactly the unit that is not working, and not the neighboring one.
The process of removing the old relay
Removing the old relay is a process that requires accuracy, but not high physical strength. Once you remove the back panel you will see a black cylindrical or rectangular compressor. On its side (less often on top) there is a plastic box - this is the required relay. It fits directly onto the three pins coming out of the compressor housing. Fastening is carried out due to a tight fit and is sometimes fixed with a metal bracket or a plastic clip.
If the relay is fixed with a bracket, it must be carefully bent with pliers. Be careful not to damage the copper tubing leading to the compressor as it is thin-walled and easily deformed. After removing the retainer, the relay is simply pulled down from the pins. Sometimes it can “stick” due to high temperature, and then a slight rocking from side to side will be required.
At this stage, it is important to remember or photograph the position of the wires. In older models Atlant the wires can be simply twisted and insulated, in new ones they can be connected via a terminal block. If the wires go directly to the relay, they will have to be cut off with side cutters, leaving enough length to connect to the new part. Do not pull the wires sharply so as not to damage the internal winding of the compressor.
What to do if the relay cannot be removed?
If the relay sits tightly on the shaft and cannot be removed by hand, do not use excessive force. Try to carefully pry the housing with a flat-head screwdriver at the junction with the compressor, acting as a lever. You can also slightly heat the plastic case with a hairdryer (without overheating!) to make the plastic more elastic. The main thing is not to break the ceramic insulation of the compressor pins.
Installation of a new start-up protection device
Installation of a new relay is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. The key here is the correct orientation of the part. On the body of each relay there is a marking UP or an arrow pointing to the top. This is fundamentally important: if you install the relay upside down, the mechanism will not work and the compressor will either not start or burn out. In refrigerators Atlant, the relay is most often installed with the arrow pointing upward.
If you have bitten off the wires, they must be connected to a new relay. To do this, strip the ends of the wires by 5-7 mm and twist them with the contacts of the new device, or use terminal blocks if they are included. Be sure to insulate the twisted areas with heat shrink or high-quality electrical tape. Poor contact results in sparking, heating and potential fire, so you cannot skimp on insulation.
After connecting the wires, push the relay onto the compressor pins until it stops. It should fit tightly, without backlash. If secured with a bracket, return it to its place and secure it. Make sure that the wires do not touch the hot parts of the compressor or sharp edges of the case, as vibration during operation can wear out the insulation.
Relay compatibility table for different Atlant models
Choosing the right spare part is half the repair success. Refrigerators Atlant were equipped with various types of compressors and, accordingly, relays. Below is a table that will help you navigate compatibility. However, remember that the manufacturer may make changes to the design, so a visual comparison with the old part is always a priority.
| Refrigerator model | Compressor type | Relay type (marking) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MKhM 1700 | CKH-N 6.5 GH | R-3 (RT-K, RT-X) | Combined, vertical installation |
| Atlant MKhM 2808 | CO 12 LAK | PTC-Relay (115900) | Posistor type, requires precise orientation |
| Atlant MHM 4008 | CS 81 CLZ | R-1 (RTP) | Separate starting and protective (sometimes assembled) |
| Atlant MHM 6021 | NMT 110 LR | 117330 (Danfoss) | Universal, suitable for many analogues |
Please note that the markings on the relay body may differ from the markings on the packaging. For example, relays Danfoss were often installed at the factory Atlant, and their counterparts from other manufacturers (for example, Indesit or Zanussi) may have different numberings, but identical electrical characteristics. The main thing is the coincidence of the current strength and the type of connection (3 contacts).
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors and relays used may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the refrigerator. Always check the appearance and markings of the removed part with the new one before installation.
Checking performance after replacement
After all manipulations are completed, the moment of truth comes. Don't rush to close the back panel completely. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. After a few seconds (or immediately, depending on the cycle), you should hear the confident sound of the compressor starting. The motor should run smoothly, without humming, jerking or vibration, which is characteristic of improper operation.
Check the heating of the new relay during operation. In the first 10-15 minutes it may warm up slightly - this is normal, as current is passing through it. However, if the relay becomes so hot that it cannot be touched or sparks appear, turn off the device immediately. This indicates an incorrect selection of the part or a defect.
Leave the refrigerator running idle for 1-2 hours. During this time, it should gain temperature and turn off when it reaches the specified parameters. If the cycle was successful, the compressor stopped, and after a while it started again on its own, it means Replacing the relay it was successful. Now you can remove the tools, secure the lid and load the products.
In rare cases, it may be necessary to adjust the thermostat if the refrigerator starts to freeze too much or too little, but usually replacing the relay does not change the settings. If the problem is not solved, and the compressor hums and clicks again, perhaps the fault lies deeper - in the compressor itself (an interturn short circuit) or in the thermostat.
Why does the refrigerator work, but does not freeze after replacing the relay?
If the compressor works (you can hear a hum), but there is no cold, the problem is not relay Most likely, there is a freon leak or a clogged capillary line. The relay only starts the motor, but is not responsible for the circulation of the refrigerant.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than buy a new one?
Theoretically, if the problem is stuck contacts, they can be cleaned. However, the relay housing is often soldered or glued, and it is difficult to open it without damage. In addition, there is a bimetallic plate inside, which loses its properties over time. The repair is temporary and the risk of repeated breakdown or damage to the compressor is too great. The cost of a new relay is low, so replacement is preferable to repair.
Is a relay from another brand, for example, Indesit, suitable?
Yes, they often do. Many refrigerator manufacturers use compressors from the same factories (for example Danfoss, Secop, Aspera). If the electrical parameters (rated current, connection type) match, the relay from Indesit, Beko or Liebherr can be installed in Atlant. The main thing is the correspondence of the markings and the shape of the seat.
How often do you need to change the relay in the refrigerator?
The relay does not have a specific service life and is replaced only after a breakdown. On average, with a stable voltage in the network, it lasts 5-10 years or more. Frequent voltage fluctuations and overheating of the compressor (for example, due to contamination of the condenser at the back) shorten the life of this element.
What does the marking 115900 on the relay mean?
This is the article number of the production relay Danfoss/Secopwhich was widely used in refrigerators Atlant medium and new series. The number 115900 indicates specific current characteristics. If you see this marking, look for an analogue with the same number or its direct substitute (for example, 117330 in some cases it may be suitable, but it is better to check using the table).