Sudden stoppage of the refrigerator Atlant often becomes an unpleasant surprise, especially when there are perishable products. In most cases, the cause of the breakdown is the failure of the starting relay - a small but critical element of the compressor electrical circuit. Starting relay Responsible for starting the engine and protecting it from overloads, so its malfunction cannot be ignored.
Replacing this part independently is within the capabilities of a home craftsman, if you follow safety precautions and strictly follow the algorithm of actions. You do not need complex specialized equipment, just a basic set of tools and minimal knowledge about the design of electrical appliances. In this article, we will look at how to accurately diagnose the problem and correctly install a new component.
Before proceeding with disassembly, you must completely disconnect the unit Disconnect the power cord from the outlet and move the refrigerator away from the wall to provide free access to the back panel. Any manipulations with electrical components are carried out only when there is no voltage in the network.
Diagnosis of a faulty starting relay
The first sign of relay failure is a characteristic click, followed by silence or humming of the compressor that does not start. The engine may try to start, make a low-frequency hum for a few seconds, and then hear the shut-off click again. This indicates that start winding receives a signal, but the circuit does not close correctly to start the rotor.
Sometimes the refrigerator may turn on and work normally for several hours, and then stop cooling again. This "floating" behavior often indicates overheating of the contacts inside the relay or wear of the bimetallic strip. If you notice that the compressor gets very hot, but no cold is produced, the problem almost certainly lies in the starting system.
For final certainty, you can conduct a visual inspection. Remove the back cover and locate the black cylindrical or rectangular block attached to the side of the compressor. Carefully remove it and shake it near your ear. If you hear a rattling sound inside, similar to the rattling of coins, then the insides of the relay are destroyed and require immediate replacement.
⚠️ Attention: If after removing the relay you see traces of burning, melted plastic or smell a strong smell of burnt insulation, do not try to clean the contacts. This guarantees a repeat breakdown in the shortest possible time.
Choosing a suitable spare part for the Atlant model
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with compressors of our own production, as well as units from other manufacturers, so the choice of relay must be accurate. There is always a marking on the body of the old part, which is the key to finding an analogue. The most common series for these refrigerators are RKT (Starting Thermal Relay) with various digital indices.
When purchasing, pay attention to the number of contacts and type of fastening. Some models have three terminals, others have four, depending on the heat exchanger connection diagram. An incorrectly selected relay may not fit the seat or may not provide the required operating current.
Relay correspondence table for different series of compressors
For compressors of the S-K series (older models), RKT-1 is often used. More modern two-compressor Atlant models are characterized by relays RKT-2, RKT-3 or RKT-6. Universal Chinese analogues (for example, PTC-Relay) may operate unstably, since their current characteristics do not always coincide with the requirements of the Belarusian motor.
Below is a table that helps identify the required device by markings on the case:
| Marking on the case | Type compressor | Features |
|---|---|---|
| RKT-1 | Single-phase, low power | Round shape, old model |
| RKT-2 / RKT-3 | Medium power | Rectangular case, larger version |
| RKT-6 | Increased power | Used in large two-chamber models |
| PTC Relay (China) | Universal | Requires careful checking of contacts |
If you cannot find an original spare part with the same marking, it is permissible to install an analogue with identical electrical characteristics. The main thing is that the rated current and the type of contacts match. Starting device This is a consumable material, and its quality directly affects the service life of the compressor.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
To successfully carry out repair work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which can be found in any man's house. The main requirement is clean and dry hands, since moisture or dust entering electrical contacts is unacceptable. It is also important to ensure good lighting of the work area.
You will need:
- 🔧 A screwdriver with a flat or Phillips blade (depending on the screws on the compressor casing).
- 🔪 A utility knife or side cutters for stripping wires (if required).
- 🧤 Dielectric gloves for additional safety.
- 📸 Smartphone with a camera for photographing the connection diagram.
- 🧹 Dry rags for cleaning contacts from oxides.
Prepare a flat surface where you can put the removed parts in the order of their dismantling. This will help you avoid losing anything and easily put the structure back together. Make sure in advance that you have a new spare part that is completely ready for installation.
☑️ Checking readiness for repair
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the old relay
The process of removing a faulty device begins with access to the compressor compartment. Remove the rear metal panel of the refrigerator by unscrewing the fixing bolts. You will see a view of the black “pot” of the compressor, to the bottom or side of which a plastic casing is attached.
Carefully remove the plastic protective casing. Inside you will see the wires going to the relay and the terminal block itself. At this stage, it is extremely important to photograph the location of the wires. Connection diagram may differ depending on the year of manufacture of the model, and relying on memory is risky here.
Next follow the following algorithm:
- 📸 Take a clear photo of the wire connection to the relay contacts.
- ✂️ If the wires are fixed with plastic clamps, carefully cut them off, trying not to damage the insulation of the wires themselves.
- 🔌 Disconnect the wire terminals from the relay contacts. They can be removed by hand or require easy prying with a screwdriver.
- 🖐️ Take the relay with both hands and rocking movements (left and right) remove it from the compressor pins.
Be careful not to apply excessive force to the wires so as not to break them at the base. If the terminals are stuck or oxidized, you can slightly warm them with a hairdryer or use a spray WD-40 to facilitate removal, but only if they are completely dry before installing a new element.
⚠️ Attention: Never pull the relay by the wires! You need to remove it while holding the plastic case so as not to damage the internal wiring or contacts of the compressor.
Installation of a new starting relay and assembly
Installation of a new part is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Carefully compare the new spare part with the old one: the location of the contacts and holes must match exactly. If you are using a universal relay, make sure that the marking Start and Run (or S i R) corresponds to your circuit.
Place the relay tightly onto the three pins of the compressor. It should sit with a characteristic click and hold confidently. After that, connect the wires according to the photo taken earlier. Make sure that each terminal is fully seated and the contact is reliable.
Secure the wires with plastic ties or clips, if they were provided for in the design. The wires must not touch hot parts of the compressor or have tension. After checking all connections, you can install the protective cover and screw the back panel of the refrigerator into place.
The final stage is testing. Plug in the refrigerator. You should hear the compressor start confidently without a long hum. After 10-15 minutes of operation, check whether the new relay is overheating (slight heat is acceptable, but not heat). If the refrigerator begins to get cold, the repair has been completed successfully.
Typical errors and precautions
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring the thermal state of the compressor. If you have just turned off a refrigerator that was humming for a long time and did not start, you should not put a load on the hot engine. Let it cool for at least 30-40 minutes before installing a new relay.
Also, technicians often forget to check the condition of the compressor itself. If after replacing the relay the situation has not changed (a hum is heard, but there is no start), perhaps the problem is deeper: the piston group is jammed or the winding is burned out. In this case, further attempts to start may completely finish off the unit.
- 🚫 Do not use a relay from another type of compressor “at random.”
- 🚫 Do not leave the wires dangling inside the casing - vibration can cause a short circuit.
- 🚫 Do not turn on the refrigerator if not sure about the correct phasing connection (although for single-phase motors this is less critical, but important for the starting winding).
Remember that electrical safety is priority number one. All work is carried out exclusively on a de-energized device. If you feel unsure of your abilities or see a complex electronic control board instead of a simple mechanical relay, it is better to turn to professionals.
Is it possible to install a relay from another brand, for example, from Indesit?
Theoretically, it is possible if the current characteristics and contact patterns match. However, relays Atlant are designed specifically for the characteristics of their compressors. The use of analogues from other brands can lead to frequent false shutdowns or, conversely, to untimely activation of the protection, which is dangerous for the engine.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
Most often this happens for two reasons: either the relay is selected with a lower operating current than required, or (what’s worse) the compressor itself has increased current consumption due to wear. In the second case, the relay works as a fuse, protecting the network, but burns out itself. Compressor diagnostics are required.
Do I need to solder the wires when replacing?
In 95% of cases, soldering is not required. The design of the relay Atlant involves the use of detachable terminals (chips) that are simply put on the contacts. Soldering is only needed if the wires have been torn off by the roots or the terminals have melted.