Sudden stoppage of the compressor or a characteristic click followed by silence often indicates a malfunction in the engine starting circuit. Refrigerators Atlant, despite their reliability, over time require replacement of consumable elements of the electrical circuit. One of the key components that ensures the start of the motor is the starting relay, which supplies the necessary impulse to accelerate the rotor.
Independent replacement of this element is quite possible if you have basic skills in working with tools and following electrical safety rules. Understanding the operating principle of the device will help you avoid mistakes when diagnosing and installing a new part. In this article, we will analyze in detail the process of identifying a breakdown, choosing a suitable analogue and the installation procedure.
Ignoring the symptoms of a malfunction can lead to more serious consequences, including burning of the compressor windings. Starting relay is an inexpensive part, the replacement of which is much cheaper than repairing or replacing the unit itself. Therefore, timely response to changes in the operation of equipment is critical to extend its service life.
Signs of a faulty starting device
The first and most obvious symptom of a faulty starting mechanism is the failure of the compressor to start when the power is turned on. You can hear the refrigerator trying to start, there is a loud click, but the motor does not start, and after a few seconds there is another click - this is the thermal protection relay. The cycle can be repeated at certain intervals until the unit is de-energized.
Another sign is overheating of the rear of the refrigerator in the compressor area. If, when you touch the motor, you feel that it is excessively hot, although the refrigerator is not cooling, this may indicate that the starting winding is constantly energized, although it should only work briefly. This situation occurs due to sticking of the contacts inside the relay.
It is also worth paying attention to the following manifestations:
- 🔊 Motor humming without switching to operating mode, lasting 5-10 seconds.
- 🔥 The machine operates in the electrical panel of the apartment when trying to turn on the refrigerator.
- 🧊 Lack of cold in the chambers with the lighting and fan running (if any).
- 🔌 Blackening of the contacts on the terminals during visual inspection after removing the casing.
⚠️ Attention: If after clicking and humming the compressor still starts, but operates with a strong hum or vibration, do not delay diagnostics. Prolonged operation in this mode destroys the bearings and can lead to jamming of the piston group.
It is important to distinguish a relay malfunction from problems with the compressor itself. If after replacing the relay the situation does not change, there may be an interturn short circuit in the motor windings or mechanical jamming. In such cases, more complex professional diagnostics are required using an ohmmeter and checking the resistance of the windings.
Diagnostics and selection of a suitable part
Before going to the store for spare parts, it is necessary to dismantle the old relay and carry out a visual and instrumental inspection. For refrigerators Atlant relays of the RTK, R-1, R-600 series or imported analogues from Danfoss and Indesit are most often used. Each modification has its own design features and electrical characteristics.
When inspecting the removed device, pay attention to the condition of the internal contact group. If the contacts are burnt, oxidized, or the movable rod is stuck in the lower position, the part must be replaced. Also check the integrity of the inductor - it should not have breaks. For an accurate check, you can use a multimeter in continuity mode.
Criteria for selecting a new component:
- 🔢 Rated current: must match the power of your compressor (indicated on the marking).
- 📐 Overall dimensions: the device must fit into a standard plastic casing.
- 🔌 Contact location: the connection diagram must match the original.
- 🏷️ Refrigeration type agent: some relays are designed specifically for R134a or R600a.
When selecting an analogue, it is important to take into account the orientation of the compressor. Relays for horizontal and vertical shaft positions may differ in the design of the moving contact. Using an unsuitable part will result in the mechanism not opening the starting winding circuit, which will cause it to burn out.
Required tools and safety measures
Working with electrical equipment requires strict adherence to safety precautions. The first and most important rule is to completely de-energize the device. It is not enough to simply turn off the refrigerator with a button or regulator - you must remove the plug from the socket. Any manipulations inside a live electrical circuit are prohibited.
To carry out the work, you will need a minimum set of tools, which most craftsmen have in their homes. Pay special attention to insulating your hands and tools to avoid accidental short circuit or electric shock due to residual charge (although the relay does not have it, there is a risk when working with capacitors in other components).
List of required equipment:
- 🔧 Screwdrivers: flat and cross (for removing the casing and terminals).
- 🗑️ Pliers or pliers (for fixing the terminals).
- 🧹 Dry rags (for cleaning contacts from dust and oxides).
- 📸 Smartphone (for photographing the connection diagram before dismantling).
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemical solvents or water to clean contacts. This may damage the wire insulation or the plastic housing of the relay. Use only dry cleaning methods or special contact sprays.
Ensure the work area is well lit. The compressor compartment is often located in a dark area, and small parts such as terminal retainers or markings on wires may be overlooked. In poor light, there is a high probability of damaging the fragile plastic fastening elements.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the relay
The replacement process begins with access to the compressor. In refrigerators Atlant it is usually located in the lower rear part of the unit. Remove the back metal cover by unscrewing the mounting screws. You will see a view of the motor-compressor, covered with a protective plastic casing.
Carefully remove the plastic casing. It can be secured with latches or screws. Under the casing you will see the compressor itself, to the end of which a starting relay and a thermal fuse are attached. Often they are combined into one block or connected by short wires.
Algorithm for replacement:
- Take a photo of the current wire connection.
- Loosen the clamp or remove the fixing bracket holding the relay on the compressor housing.
- Disconnect the power terminals (usually there are three of them: phase, neutral, ground).
- Remove the old relay from the compressor contact group.
- Install a new relay, making sure that the marking
UPor the arrow points up. - Connect the terminals according to the photo taken.
- Fix the device with a bracket and install the casing in place.
☑️ Monitoring the installation of the relay
Pay special attention to the orientation of the part during installation. On the body of almost all relays there is a marking in the form of an arrow or inscription UP, TOP. This indicates that the part must be in a strictly vertical position. Violation of this requirement will lead to incorrect operation of the gravitational contact switching mechanism.
Connection diagram and technical nuances
Understanding the electrical diagram will help you connect the wires correctly if their markings are erased or you doubt the correctness of the actions. Most models Atlant use an asynchronous motor with a starting winding. Three pins forming a triangle are suitable for the contact group of the compressor.
The upper pin (in a vertical position) is usually a common phase wire. The two bottom ones are responsible for the starting and working windings. The starting relay connects the starting winding to the network only at the moment of starting. The thermal relay is connected in series with the working winding and breaks the circuit when overloaded.
Contact correspondence table for the standard circuit:
| Contact on the compressor | Function | Connection in the relay |
|---|---|---|
| Upper (C) | Common | Phase network wire |
| Bottom left (S) | Start winding (Start) | Starting relay contact |
| Bottom right (R) | Working winding (Run) | Through a thermal relay |
What happens if you mix up contacts S and R?
If you apply voltage to the starting winding as to the working winding, the engine will not start, will hum strongly and quickly overheat. If the working winding is connected through a starting relay, it will not be able to break the circuit correctly, which will lead to the winding burning out.
Therefore, you need to rely not on the color of the insulation, but on the position of the contacts relative to the compressor body and the markings on the relay itself. In some modern models, there may be relays with a capacitor, the connection diagram of which has its own characteristics.
Checking functionality after installation
After installing the new relay and assembling the protective casing, you can begin testing. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds, you will hear a characteristic click of the relay, followed by the engine starting. The hum should be smooth, without extraneous vibrations or clanging.
Pay attention to the operation of the thermal relay. In normal mode, it should not open the circuit. If after 5-10 minutes of operation the compressor turns off again with a click, although the chambers are still warm, it is possible that a relay with incorrect current characteristics has been selected or the problem lies deeper.
Control parameters for a successful replacement:
- ✅ Stable startup on the first try without a long hum.
- ✅ No sparking in the area of the terminal box.
- ✅ Normal heating of the relay housing during operation.
- ✅ Temperature set in the refrigerator compartment for 1-2 hours.
It is recommended to periodically check the temperature on the compressor housing and the relay itself in the first hours after repair. Excessive heating (when the hand cannot tolerate more than 5 seconds) indicates problems. If all parameters are normal, the refrigerator is ready for normal operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to clean the contacts of the old relay instead of replacing it?
Theoretically, this is possible if the contacts are simply oxidized, but in practice this measure gives a temporary effect. Mechanical wear of moving parts and changes in the properties of the bimetallic plate will not go away. It is more reliable and safer to install a new part, the cost of which is low.
Why does the new relay immediately burn out or knock out plugs?
This indicates that the problem is not in the relay, but in the compressor itself. Most likely, an interturn short circuit has occurred in the motor windings or the piston group has become jammed. The relay in this case performs its protective function by opening the circuit when the current exceeds. Motor diagnostics are required.
What is the difference between the RTK and R-600 relays?
RTK relays (old model) have a more massive body and are often used in older models. R-600 and its analogues are more modern, compact devices. They can be interchangeable provided that the current characteristics and mounting dimensions match, but it is better to select an exact analogue from the catalog.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing the relay?
Full defrosting is not required, since access to the compressor is from the back, and not inside the chambers. However, if the refrigerator was operating in emergency mode and the ice freezing was high, it is worth letting it stand turned off for a couple of hours before starting work for safety and convenience.
How long does the starting relay last?
The average service life of a high-quality relay is 5-10 years, but it greatly depends on the number of on/off cycles and the stability of the voltage in the network. Frequent power surges and unstable operation of the thermostat can shorten this period.