Power of the Indesit refrigerator compressor: how to find out and replace

When the temperature in the refrigerator Indesit stops being maintained, the first thing the owners suspect is a freon leak or a thermostat failure. However, often the root of the problem lies in the very heart of the unit - compressor. It is this unit that is responsible for the circulation of the refrigerant, and its technical characteristics directly affect the efficiency of the entire cooling system.

The issue of power here is not accidental: the correct selection of this parameter determines whether the new motor can start in the existing electrical network and whether its performance is sufficient for the declared volume of the chambers. Many models Indesit are equipped with engines from different manufacturers, which creates confusion when searching for spare parts.

In this article we will look in detail at how to determine the required power, what is the difference between motors Aspera, Secop and Embracoinstalled in different series, and why a simple one-to-one replacement can do not work without taking into account the starting currents.

The power value for the operation of the refrigeration circuit

The power of the compressor is not just a number in watts indicated on the nameplate. This is an integral indicator that determines the system’s ability to compress gaseous freon and push it through the narrow tubes of the condenser and evaporator. Refrigerators Indesit are characterized by the use of piston engines, where power directly correlates with the volume of the cylinders and the speed of rotation of the shaft.

Insufficient performance the motor will lead to the unit working without interruption, trying to reach the set temperature. As a result, you will end up with defrosted food and an increased electricity bill. On the other hand, installing an analogue that is too powerful without replacing the remaining elements of the circuit (condenser, capillary tube) can cause water hammer or overheating of the oil.

It is important to understand the difference between electrical power consumption and cooling capacity. The first is measured in Watts (W) and shows how much energy the motor “eats” from the outlet. The second is often stated in kcal/h or BTU/h and tells how much heat it can remove. When selecting spare parts Indesit focus primarily on electrical parameters and starting torque.

⚠️ Attention: Never focus only on the dimensions of the old compressor. Engines of the same size from different years of manufacture can have radically different starting characteristics, which is critical for electronic control units.

Main types of compressors using Indesit technology

The Italian brand Indesit (now part of the Whirlpool group) has used a wide range of compressors from third-party manufacturers for decades. Depending on the year of manufacture and country of assembly, your refrigerator may have a motor Aspera (previously Embraco Europe), Secop (former Danfoss) or LG.

The most common models are the series NL i GS from the manufacturer Aspera. They are distinguished by high reliability and a characteristic appearance - often black with a round or oval “can”. data-i="76">(SC, TL series). They can often be recognized by the specific sound of operation and the rectangular shape of the body. There are also versions with inverter motors, but they require a completely different approach to diagnostics and repair.

More modern or larger models Indesit could be equipped with compressors Secop (SC, TL series). They can often be recognized by their specific operating sound and the rectangular shape of the body. There were also versions with inverter motors, but they require a completely different approach to diagnostics and repair.

• 🔹 Aspera (Embraco): the most widespread group, easy to maintain, high maintainability.
• 🔹 Secop (Danfoss): often found in two-compressor models, they differ. low noise level.
• 🔹 LG: less common, but found in models assembled at joint ventures, they have their own mounting features.

How to find out the power and model of your unit

There are several ways to determine the exact power of the compressor without opening the unit. The most reliable is a visual inspection of the nameplate on the motor itself. However, if the refrigerator is built-in or is located close to the wall, you will have to look for indirect signs.

The first method is to study the sticker inside the refrigerator compartment or on the back wall of the case. The full model number of the refrigerator is indicated there (for example, Indesit DF 520). Knowing this marking, you can find a technical data sheet (manual) on the Internet, which specifies the type of compressor installed.

The second method is to measure the current consumed with a multimeter during operation, but this only gives an approximate understanding of the load. The third, most accurate method for the master is to dismantle the casing and read the markings on the “belly” of the compressor. The information you are looking for is often. encrypted in an alphanumeric code.

Please note that the power may vary depending on the boiling temperature. Manufacturers indicate the parameters for standard testing conditions. For the household user, the most important thing is the correspondence of the starting relay and power consumption.

Correspondence table of models and characteristics

For the convenience of selecting spare parts, we have compiled a summary table of popular compressor models, which most often found in refrigerators Indesit. These parameters will help you choose an analogue if the original is out of production.

When choosing an analogue, a slight excess of power is allowed (by 5-10%), but it is strictly not recommended to install motors of lower power. This will lead to constant overload of the windings and rapid failure.

⚠️ Attention: The power indicated in the tables is the nominal power consumption at the time of start-up. (starting current) can be 3-5 times higher. Make sure that your wiring and socket can withstand such a load.

Signs of a decrease. power and malfunction

How to understand that the compressor has lost its power or is completely out of order? There are a number of symptoms that cannot be ignored. If the refrigerator Indesit hums, but does not cool, or cools very weakly, working around the clock - this is the first bell.

A situation is often observed when the motor starts and makes several characteristic clicks. (attempt to start) and stalls. This may indicate an interturn short circuit of the windings or jamming of the piston group. In this case, the current consumed by the engine increases sharply, the thermal protection is triggered, and the cycle repeats.

Another sign is overheating of the compressor housing. If the “can” heats up to the point where it is impossible to touch it with your hand within a couple of seconds, it means The efficiency has dropped and the motor is idling or overloaded. It is also worth checking the condenser (grid at the back): if it is cold when the motor is running, the compressor does not create the required pressure.

• 🔸 Continuous operation: the unit does not turn off, trying to reach -18°C in the freezer.
• 🔸 Lack of cooling: the motor is running, but the temperature in the chambers is room temperature.
• 🔸 Loud knocking: mechanical wear of bearings or valves, leading to loss of compression.

Diagnostics you should start by measuring the resistance of the windings. To do this, you need to remove the starting relay and check the circuits between the contacts with a multimeter. The normal resistance of the working winding is usually 10-30 Ohms, the starting winding is 30-60 Ohms. If the device shows an open circuit (infinity) or a short circuit (close to zero), the motor is faulty.

Replacement process and nuances installation

Replacing the compressor in the refrigerator Indesit is a task for a trained master, requiring special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and a burner. Simply “screwing on” a new motor is not enough; the system must be properly charged with refrigerant.

The process begins with removing the old unit. The copper tubes are cut, the old compressor is dismantled. It is advisable to immediately install a new filter drier on the suction pipe of the new motor (indicated as Suction or simply a wider tube). This is a critical step to protect the system from moisture.

Soldering connections should be done quickly so as not to overheat the insides of the motor. Use a damp cloth to cool the housing while operating the burner. After assembling the circuit, the system must be evacuated for 15-20 minutes to remove air and moisture.

⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the compressor if its pipes are open or the system is not sealed. Getting air and moisture inside will lead to the formation of acid, which will destroy the windings and clog the capillary tube.

After vacuuming, refill with freon R134a (for most modern models Indesit). The amount of refrigerant is strictly regulated and indicated on the nameplate (usually from 60 to 140 grams). Overfilling is just as dangerous as underfilling.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)