Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to find out which one is installed in their unit, especially when they hear extraneous noise or notice that the chamber has stopped freezing. For brand equipment compressor installed in their unit, especially when they hear extraneous noise or notice that the chamber has stopped freezing. For brand equipment Indesit this issue is especially acute, since the manufacturer has changed many component suppliers over many years of production. Understanding which engine operates inside your refrigerator is critical for the correct repair and selection of spare parts.
The Italian concern that owns the brand has never produced compressors on its own, relying entirely on specialized industry giants. Over the years, in housings Indesit one could find both reliable European-assembled piston units and more budget-friendly options. Knowing the engine model helps not only in repairs, but also in assessing energy consumption and noise of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail which brands and types of engines were found in different series of refrigerators, how to identify them by markings and what to do if the unit fails. We will also touch on the topic of compatibility, since it is not always possible to find a direct analogue.
Main suppliers of compressors for Indesit
The history of supplying components for Indesit counts several decades, and during this time the brand has collaborated with the world's leading manufacturers. Most often in old and medium models there were units from the Danish company Danfoss (later the division was sold and renamed to Secop). These compressors were considered the standard of reliability and were installed in premium and mid-segment equipment.
Over time, trying to optimize costs, the manufacturer began to more actively use the brand's products Aspera (previously owned Embraco). These engines have also proven themselves to be sufficient durable, although they differ in the design of the mounting and starting fittings from their Danish counterparts. In some budget lines there could be other brands, but these two giants occupied a dominant position.
It is important to understand that the choice of supplier depended not only on the price, but also on the year of manufacture and the specific models refrigerator. Sometimes the same series, released in different months, could have completely different engines. Therefore, you cannot rely only on the name of the refrigerator series when purchasing spare parts - a visual check of the nameplate is always required.
How to determine the model of the installed compressor
The surest way to find out which engine is installed in your Indesit is a visual inspection. The compressor is located at the lower rear of the unit, hidden by a metal casing. To access it, you need to disconnect the refrigerator from the network, remove the back cover and, possibly, dismantle the casing itself if the markings are not readable through the holes.
A metal plate is glued to the body of each engine or a seal with technical information is applied. You are interested in the field Model or Model No. It is this code that will allow you to identify the manufacturer and characteristics. Often the voltage (220-240V) and the type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a).
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try to determine the type by external signs are indicated. Compressors Secop/Danfoss often have a characteristic shape and arrangement of tubes, as well as specific starting protection. Motors Aspera may differ in body shape and color (often black, but there are also gray ones).
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the back of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Working with live electrical components is life-threatening!
For accurate identification, it is also useful to know the volume. refrigeration chamber, since the power of the compressor directly depends on thermal insulation and the volume of the cooled space. A weak engine simply cannot cope with a large volume, and a too powerful one will work in a short cycle, which is harmful to the system.
Technical characteristics and types of refrigerants
When replacing or diagnosing a compressor, it is critical to take into account the type of compressor used. In older models, freon was widely used, which replaced the prohibited one. Modern models, especially after 2010-2012, are increasingly being converted to isobutane refrigerant. In older models Indesit freon was widely used R134a, which replaced the prohibited R12. Modern models, especially after 2010-2012, are increasingly being converted to isobutane R600a.
The difference between these refrigerants is colossal. R600a is an explosive gas, which requires special safety measures during repairs and special compressors with increased tightness and spark-proof starting fittings. It is absolutely impossible to replace a compressor designed for R600awith an analogue for R134a (and vice versa) without reworking the entire system and replacing the filter-drier.
It is also worth paying attention to the engine power, which usually varies. from 1/6 to 1/4 horsepower (HP) for household models. Insufficient power will cause the refrigerator to operate continuouslywithout gaining temperature, which will quickly damage it.
The table below provides a comparison of the main parameters for different types of refrigerants, often found in Indesit technology:
| Parameter | R134a | R600a (Isobutane) | Old R12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safe | Explosive | Safe (but harmful to ozone) |
| System pressure | High | Low | Average |
| Oil type | Polyester (POE) | Mineral (MO) or POE | Mineral |
| Years of manufacture Indesit | ~1995 – 2012 | ~2010 – present | Until 1995 |
Frequent malfunctions and signs of wear
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its malfunction usually manifests itself clearly. The most common symptom is that the unit hums, but does not start, or starts for a few seconds and clicks, then goes silent. This often indicates a problem with the starting relay or a jammed piston. group.
Another sign is constant operation of the engine without shutting down. If the refrigerator Indesit works without interruptions, and the temperature inside does not drop below +10°C, this may indicate a loss of the performance compressor. required pressure for freon circulation.
- 🔥 Overheating: The compressor casing becomes dangerously hot (more than 80-90°C), which can trigger the thermal relay.
- 🔇 Complete silence: The refrigerator is silent, the light is on, but the engine does not make any sounds - there may be a winding break or a thermostat malfunction.
- 🔌 Knocking out plugs: When you try to start the compressor, a short circuit occurs and the circuit breaker in the panel is triggered.
Sometimes the problem lies not in the motor itself, but in a freon leak. In this case, refrigeration unit tries to compensate for the lack of refrigerant by working longer, which ultimately leads to overheating and breakdown of an initially serviceable engine.
Compressor replacement process: what you need to know
Replacing a compressor in a refrigerator Indesit is a complex technical procedure that requires special equipment. You will need a torch, pipe cutter, flange, vacuum pump and gauge station. Simply “re-soldering” the pipes and adding freon by eye will not work - the system will fail.
The first step is always removing the old refrigerant and dismantling the faulty unit. At the same time, it is important not to damage capillary tube the filter-drier, which must be changed whenever the circuit is opened. The new compressor must be strictly of the same power and, preferably, the same manufacturer.
☑️ Checklist for replacing the compressor
After installing the new engine and soldering the connections, the system must be vacuumed for 15-20 minutes. This will remove moisture and air, which are the main enemies refrigeration circuit. Residual moisture will turn into an ice plug in the capillary, and the refrigerator will stop freezing.
⚠️ Attention: The amount of refrigerant charged must be strictly according to the weight indicated on the refrigerator nameplate (usually 60-140 grams). Excess or lack of freon will lead to incorrect operation.