Owners of refrigeration equipment Atlant often encounter a situation where the compressor stops starting or operates with periodic clicks. In 90% of cases, the cause of this behavior is the failure of the start-up protection device, which in everyday life is simply called a relay. Understanding where the relay is located in the refrigerator Atlantis the first step to self-repair or competent diagnostics before calling a technician.
The location of this unit is standardized for most brand models, but access to it may vary depending on the design of the back wall and the type compressor. Start relay is a small plastic block that is attached directly to the side or bottom of the compressor motor. Its main function is to supply a starting pulse to the motor winding and protect the unit from current overloads. If you hear a click, followed by a hum, and then silence, the problem almost certainly lies in this unit.
Before proceeding with disassembly, you must completely de-energize the device. Working with electrical components requires following basic safety rules. In this article we will look in detail at how to find the relay, how to remove it, check for serviceability and replace it with a new element, and also look at the compatibility table and error codes.
Design and location of the starting relay
In order to understand where to look for the relay, you need to imagine the general design of the refrigeration unit. The compressor in Atlant models (both single-compressor and double-compressor) is located in the lower rear part of the housing. It is a black metal “tank” with copper tubes. It is on its terminals (contact group) that the required element is fixed.
The start-up protection device is usually covered with a plastic casing, which acts as protection from dust and moisture. Depending on the series of the refrigerator, this casing may be removable or be part of the overall mounting structure. Inside the casing there is the relay itself, which is put on three pins of the compressor contact group. Structurally, it consists of a starting winding, a bimetallic plate and contacts.
It is important to note that in modern models Atlant with inverter With compressors, a classic starting relay may be absent, since its functions are performed by an electronic control unit. However, in the vast majority of household models (series 40, 42, 450, 500, 600) a mechanical or electromagnetic start-up protection device is used. If your refrigerator was manufactured after 2015 and is equipped with an inverter, diagnostics require a different approach.
Instructions for accessing and removing the relay
The process of searching and removing the relay does not require a complex tool, but requires accuracy. The main task is not to damage copper tubes and electrical wires. Follow the step-by-step procedure to get to the unit safely.
First, move the refrigerator away from the wall, allowing access to the rear. Make sure the power cord is unplugged. If there is a metal panel covering the compressor on the rear wall, it must be removed by unscrewing the mounting screws. In some models Atlant the panel may be missing, and the compressor is immediately visible.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling the relay
Find the black cylindrical compressor. On its side (less often on top) you will see a plastic box to which the wires fit. This is where the relay is located. To remove it, you need to carefully press out the fixing tabs or loosen the clamp, if present. The relay block is then pulled downwards, being removed from the contact pins of the compressor. You may first need to disconnect the power terminals going to the relay itself.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use excessive force when removing the relay. If it cannot be removed by hand, the contacts may have oxidized or the insulation has become stuck. Gently rocking from side to side will help remove the part, but a jerk can break the ceramic base of the compressor contact group, which will lead to expensive repairs.
Diagnostics and signs of malfunction
How to determine that the problem is in the relay, and not in the compressor or thermostat itself? There are a number of characteristic signs that indicate a malfunction of the starter protection device. Diagnostics begins with a visual inspection and listening to the operation of the unit.
If, when you turn on the refrigerator into the network, you hear a characteristic click, followed by the hum of the motor for 3-5 seconds, and then there is a second click and silence - this is a classic symptom of “sticking” contacts or failure of the starting winding. The compressor tries to start, the current increases, the thermal relay trips and breaks the circuit. After a while, the cycle repeats.
The second sign is the absence of cold in the chambers with the light working and a working fan (if there is one). The compressor may not start at all, or it may only start from an external starting device (which is a sign of a complete failure of the internal relay). Also, a malfunction may be indicated by a burning smell or melted plastic in the contact area of the relay with the compressor.
For accurate diagnostics, the relay can be removed and shaken next to the ear. If you hear a knock inside (like breaking glass or ceramic), it means the trigger coil or contacts are damaged. This relay can only be replaced. You can also “ring” the contacts with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode, but for this you need to know the circuit of a specific device.
Relay compatibility table for different Atlant series
Choosing the right spare part is a critical stage of repair. A relay from one model may not fit another due to differences in compressor power and type of mounting. Below is a table that helps you navigate the markings that are most often found in refrigerators Atlant.
| Atlant refrigerator series | Compressor type | Relay marking (example) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MKhM 1700, 1800 | Single-phase, old model | RT-K, R-3 | Induction starting device, requires precise selection current |
| Atlant 40, 42, 450 series | Single-phase (Danfoss/Secop) | 102N0011, 102N0021 | The most common type, compatible with Danfoss analogues |
| Atlant 500, 600 series | Single-phase (Atlant) | RT-21, RT-24 | Often assembled with a thermal relay, 3-pin fastening |
| Atlant No Frost (two-compressor) | Single-phase | P-4, P-6 | The shape of the housing may differ, matching power is important |
When purchasing a new part, be sure to compare the appearance of the old relay with the new one. The number of contacts (2 or 3), their location and markings must match. Critical important pay attention to the maximum operating current indicated on the case (for example, 1.2A, 1.4A). Installing a relay with a lower current will lead to constant shutdowns, and with a higher current, it will burn out the compressor windings.
If you do not find the exact marking, you can use universal starting relay kits, which are sold in spare parts stores. They are supplied with a set of adapters and are suitable for most single-phase compressors. However, original spare parts Atlant or Danfoss (now Secop) are always preferable in terms of reliability and service life.
Replacing the relay and checking the operation of the system
The replacement process is quite simple if the sequence of actions is followed. After you have purchased a new part and removed the old one, you need to install a new relay on the contact group of the compressor. It should be put on tightly, with light force, ensuring good contact.
Then connect the power wires to the appropriate terminals. Typically, the phase wire goes to one contact, and the zero to the other (or through a thermal relay). If you took a photo before disassembly, use it as a guide. Otherwise, check the diagram on the body of the new relay or in the instructions for the refrigerator.
What happens if you mix up the contacts?
In most cases, if the connection is incorrect, the compressor simply will not start and will hum. However, in some circuits it is possible to short circuit or apply voltage to the wrong winding, which will lead to immediate failure of the new relay or damage to the motor windings. Always double-check the circuit before connecting it to the network.
After assembly, do not rush to close access to the compressor. Plug in the refrigerator and listen. There should be one clear click and the compressor should start running smoothly, without humming or vibration. After 10-15 minutes, the lower part of the condenser (grid at the back) should begin to heat up, which indicates the start of refrigerant circulation.
⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the relay, the compressor starts clicking again and turns off after a few seconds, immediately unplug the refrigerator. This means that the problem is not in the relay, but in the compressor itself (interturn short circuit, jamming) or in the heat removal system. Further switching on can completely “kill” the motor.
Common mistakes during self-repair
Independent repair of equipment is always a risk, especially if you have no experience. Many users make typical mistakes that complicate subsequent professional repairs or make them impossible. Knowing these mistakes will help you avoid unnecessary costs.
One of the most common mistakes is an attempt to “revive” an old relay by stripping the contacts or tapping. The start relay is a disposable item. It contains materials that degrade over time. Mechanical cleaning is effective only for a few hours or days, after which the breakdown recurs, often with more serious consequences for the compressor.
Another mistake is ignoring the thermal regime. If the refrigerator is installed close to a wall or in a niche without ventilation, the compressor overheats. The thermal relay in this case works as a fuse, constantly turning off the motor. The user changes the relay, but after a week the situation repeats. Overheating is the main enemy of the longevity of the refrigerator Atlant.
Also a common mistake occurs when choosing an analogue. Buying a cheap Chinese relay without markings may result in it not matching the starting currents of your compressor. At best, the refrigerator will operate unstably, at worst, the motor winding will burn out, the cost of replacing which is comparable to buying a new refrigerator.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to start the Atlant refrigerator without a relay?
Technically, you can start the compressor by applying voltage directly to the working and starting windings using a button or a capacitor, but this is strictly forbidden to do at home. This is life-threatening and is guaranteed to burn out the compressor, since there will be no overload protection. The relay is an essential element of the system.
How much does it cost to replace a relay in a service center?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part (from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the model) and the cost of the technician’s work (usually from 1000 rubles). Self-replacement allows you to save on work, but requires tools and skills.
Why does the relay burn out constantly?
Frequent combustion of the relay indicates a hidden problem: a malfunction of the compressor itself (turn short circuit), voltage surges in the network or problems with the thermostat, forcing the motor to work without stopping. A comprehensive examination of the electrical circuit is necessary.
Where to buy an original relay for Atlant?
Original spare parts are best purchased at authorized service centers of the brand Atlant or in large specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. Avoid markets and dubious online sites where there is a high probability of buying counterfeit goods.
Do you need to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the relay?
Complete defrosting is not necessary, since the relay is located in the lower part, separate from the evaporator. However, if there is a lot of ice in the chamber or there is a risk of water getting on the electrical contacts due to careless operation, it is better to defrost the unit and move it to a dry place.