Starting the compressor of the Atlant refrigerator: a guide

The situation when the refrigerator Atlant stops cooling often confuses the owner, especially if the unit is full of products that can spoil. The first suspicion is the failure of the motor-compressor, which is the “heart” of the refrigeration unit. However, before calling a technician or buying new equipment, it is worth conducting basic diagnostics to understand whether the problem really lies in the engine or whether auxiliary components have failed.

Starting the compressor directly is a procedure that requires an understanding of the principles of operation of electric motors and strict adherence to safety precautions. Attention: incorrect connection can lead to short circuit or electric shock. In this article, we will analyze the algorithm of actions for checking and starting the compressor, and also point out the typical mistakes that inexperienced repairmen make when working with Belarusian equipment.

If you observe that the refrigerator turns on, but after a few seconds there is a click and it turns off again, this is a classic symptom of a malfunction of the start-up relay or the motor itself. In some cases, the compressor may simply “seize” after a long period of inactivity or a power surge. Understanding how the starting system works will help you make an informed decision about the advisability of repairing or replacing the unit.

Diagnostics of faults before starting

Before taking active steps to connect power directly, it is necessary to exclude external factors and breakdowns of adjacent components. Often equipment owners Atlant mistakenly blame the motor when the problem lies in the thermostat or wiring. An initial visual and instrumental check will save time and avoid unnecessary manipulations with high-voltage components.

First of all, you should check the integrity of the supply cable and the presence of voltage in the outlet. If everything is in order with the electrical system in the house, you need to listen to the operation of the unit. A dull hum that turns into a click often indicates that starting relay the rotor cannot start, or the winding has broken. The absence of any sounds may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat, which simply does not send a command to turn on.

⚠️ Attention: If the compressor housing is heated to a high temperature and the engine does not start, this may indicate an interturn short circuit. Further attempts to start without replacing the windings or motor will lead to burning of the wiring.

For more accurate diagnostics, use a multimeter. Ring the motor windings: the resistance between the common contact and the working one, as well as between the common and the starting contact, must be within certain limits (usually from 10 to 30 Ohms for different models Atlant). If the device shows infinity (break) or zero (short circuit), then it is useless to start such a motor - it needs to be replaced.

Necessary tools and safety measures

Working with the electrical equipment of a refrigerator implies having a basic set of tools and following strict electrical safety rules. You will be dealing with 220 Volts, so negligence is unacceptable here. Before starting any work, the unit must be completely de-energized.

To carry out the startup and diagnostic procedure, you will need the following set:

• 🔧 Multimeter or tester for checking circuits and voltage.
• 🔌 Wires with crocodile clips for temporary connection.
• 🛠️ Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) for removing the casing and terminals.
• 🧤 Dielectric gloves to protect hands.

It is important to ensure good lighting of the work area, since the back of the refrigerator Atlant is often located in a darkened corner. Also prepare a dry rag to clean the contacts from dust and oxides, which can distort the instrument readings.

It is strictly forbidden to carry out work with wet hands or standing on a wet floor. If you use an extension cord for connection, make sure that its wire cross-section can withstand the current consumed by the compressor (usually at least 1.5 mm²). Incorrect selection of the cross-section can lead to heating of the cable and a fire.

Connection diagram and design of the starting relay

To understand how to start the motor, you need to understand how it is connected in normal mode. Refrigerators Atlant most often use compressors with a posistor-type or induction starting relay. There is usually a diagram on the relay body, but it may be erased or incomprehensible to a beginner.

The standard connection diagram includes three main contacts coming out of the compressor:

• ⚡ Working winding (R) —the main wire through which current flows during operation.
• 🚀 Starting winding (S) — gives an impulse to start the rotor.
• 🔄 Common contact (C) —connection point where phase or zero is supplied.

The starting relay performs the function of an automatic switch: at the moment of start it supplies current to the starting winding, and when the engine picks up speed, it opens the circuit. If the relay is stuck or burned out, the engine hums but does not turn over. To force a start, craftsmen often use a button or a circuit with a capacitor to simulate the operation of a relay.

When removing an old relay, pay attention to its position: it should be installed strictly vertically, as indicated by the arrow on the body. Incorrect installation will lead to the fact that the contacts will not open after start, and the winding will burn out.

Step-by-step instructions for direct starting

If the diagnostics showed that the windings are intact, and the relay is faulty or missing, you can try to start the compressor directly. This method is often used to test the functionality of a motor before purchasing a new relay or to temporarily salvage products. Be prepared for the fact that at the moment of power supply a spark may jump.

The starting process is as follows:

1. Remove the protective casing from the compressor and disconnect the standard starting relay.
2. Determine the winding contacts using a diagram on the case or a multimeter (resistance between working and common winding should be smaller than between the starting and common windings).
3. Connect the wire with a plug to the common contact and the working winding.
4. To start, briefly close the starting winding circuit (you can use a button or gently touch the contact with the wire).

After a successful start, the engine should run smoothly, without strong vibration and extraneous knocks. If the motor starts, but immediately stops after opening the starting circuit, then the problem is in the mechanical part or insufficient torque.

Do not leave the refrigerator running in this way unattended. The standard relay also performs a protective function, turning off the motor when it overheats. When connected directly, there is no protection, and if the piston group jams, the engine will burn out in a matter of minutes.

Table of typical parameters of Atlant compressors

When diagnosing, it is important to know the technical characteristics of your engine. Models Atlant are equipped with compressors from different manufacturers, but the main parameters are usually similar. Below are approximate values for popular modifications.

Please note that resistance values may vary slightly depending on engine temperature. A cold motor will show less resistance, a hot one - more. A spread of 2-3 Ohms is considered normal.

If your measurements differ radically from the tabulated data, this is a sure sign of an internal malfunction. For example, too low a resistance indicates a turn short circuit, and too high a resistance indicates poor contact or oxidation inside the housing.

Frequent errors and possible risks

Independent repair of refrigeration equipment involves a number of risks that you need to be aware of. One of the most common mistakes is trying to start an engine with faulty mechanics. If the piston group is jammed, an electric start will only worsen the situation by melting the terminals and insulation.

⚠️ Attention: Never try to start the compressor in a system where the tightness of the circuit is broken. Working “dry” without refrigerant and oil will lead to instant overheating and failure of rubbing parts.

Another mistake is ignoring the condition of the oil. If, when opening the system, you see that the oil is black, viscous or has a burning smell, it is better not to start such a compressor even for a short time. Oil breakdown products can clog the capillary tube, which will require expensive flushing of the entire system.

Also, you should not use wires with a cross-section that is too thin for starting. The compressor starting current is several times higher than the operating current, and a thin wire can simply burn out, causing a short circuit at the contact point.

Replacement of the compressor: when repair is impractical

There are cases when starting the compressor is impossible or not economically justified. If the engine is burned out (turn-to-turn short circuit) or has mechanical damage to the cylinders, it cannot be repaired at home. A complete replacement of the unit is required.

Signs indicating the need for replacement:

• 🔥 The compressor heats up to a temperature at which it is impossible to hold your hand and knocks out the circuit breaker.
• 🔨 During operation, a metallic knock or clanging sound is heard, indicating destruction of the internal mechanisms.
• 💨 When depressurizing, smoke comes out of the compressor tube or the smell of burning wiring is felt.

Replacing a compressor on refrigerators Atlant requires special tools: a pipe cutter, a burner and a vacuum pump for charging freon. Without this equipment, it will not be possible to carry out a quality replacement, since the system must be absolutely sealed and dry.

The cost of a new compressor and the work on its installation often constitutes a significant part of the price of a new refrigerator. Therefore, if your unit is more than 10-12 years old, sometimes it is more profitable to purchase new equipment than to revive the old one.

Questions and answers (FAQ)