A sudden stop in the operation of the refrigerator or characteristic clicks coming from the engine compartment often indicate problems with starting the engine. For owners of Belarusian brand equipment Atlant one of the most common causes of such symptoms is the failure of the start relay. This small but critical element is responsible for supplying voltage to the compressor windings at the moment of start. If the relay is stuck or burnt out, the motor cannot start, which leads to defrosting of food and spoilage of supplies.
Independent replacement of this part is a very real task for a home craftsman, which does not require complex professional equipment. However, in order to carry out the procedure competently and safely, it is necessary to clearly understand the structure of the unit and follow electrical safety rules. Incorrect installation new element or ignoring the reasons for the burnout of the old one can lead to repeated breakdown or, in the worst case, to failure of the compressor itself. In this material we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling, diagnosing and installing relays on Atlant refrigerators.
Before starting disassembly, it is important to make sure that the problem lies precisely in the trigger mechanism, and not in the lack of voltage in the network or a malfunction of the thermostat. Often users confuse the symptoms, which leads to the purchase of unnecessary spare parts. A careful visual inspection and simple check can save time and money. Next, we will look at an action algorithm that will allow you to fix the problem yourself.
Diagnostics of a faulty start relay
The first step in any repair is accurate identification of the problem. If your refrigerator Atlant hums but won't start, or turns on for a couple of seconds and immediately clicks when it turns off, these are classic signs of a faulty starter unit. It is also worth paying attention to the temperature of the compressor housing: if it is hot, but the cold circuit is not cooling, it means that the motor is trying to work, but cannot start. In some cases, the relay may “stick” in the on position, which leads to constant humming and overheating of the windings.
For the initial check, it is not necessary to immediately disassemble the unit. Listen to the sounds made by the refrigerator. Rhythmic clicking sounds every few minutes indicate that the thermal relay is tripping due to overcurrent because the motor is not starting. If there is absolute silence, perhaps the relay does not close the circuit at all.
⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the relay, you see that the contacts inside are melted, and the body itself has traces of burning or soot, this is a sure sign that the part requires replacement. Operating a refrigerator with a damaged relay is dangerous - it can lead to a fire.
There are several types of relays installed on equipment Atlant, and the diagnostic method depends on their type. The most common are posistor models (RTK) or induction models (RTP). The posistor ones work to heat a special element that changes the resistance, while the induction ones use an electromagnetic coil. Understanding the principle of operation will help you quickly determine the nature of the breakdown when opening the case.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Repairing electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety precautions. Before removing the relay from the refrigerator compressor Atlant, it is necessary to completely de-energize the device. Unplug the power cord from the outlet - this is a mandatory condition, ignoring which can lead to electric shock. Even if it seems to you that you are just “looking”, residual voltage or accidental contact with contacts under load is unacceptable.
To carry out the work, you will need a minimum set of tools that most men have in their homes. The main tool will be a flat-head screwdriver, which is necessary to remove the protective cover and disconnect the terminals. You may also need a multimeter (tester) to check the integrity of the contacts and winding resistance if you decide to conduct in-depth diagnostics. It would be a good idea to use pliers to carefully remove clamps or terminals if they are too tight.
Prepare your work area: it should be well lit so that you can see small parts and wire markings. Free up access to the back wall of the refrigerator in advance by moving it away from the wall. Remember that the compressor may retain residual heat after operation, so allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before starting. This will protect your fingers from burns and allow you to work with plastic elements more comfortably.
☑️ Preparation for repair
Access to the compressor and removal of the protective cover
The compressor in refrigerators Atlant located at the lower rear of the body. You don't need to disassemble the entire refrigerator to get to it. Simply remove the rear metal panel that covers the engine compartment. Usually it is attached to several screws around the perimeter. Use the appropriate size screwdriver to remove them. In some modern models, the panel can be held on by latches, which simplifies the process, but requires care not to break the plastic.
After removing the panel, you will see a black cylindrical or pear-shaped object - this is the compressor. A plastic box is attached to its end, to which the wires fit. This is our desired starting relay. Copper tubes of the refrigeration circuit may pass around the compressor. Be extremely careful: do not crumple or bend the copper tubes under any circumstances, as this may break the tightness of the system and lead to a leak of freon, which will require expensive repairs from a specialist.
Before remove the part itself and inspect its external condition. The model marking is usually stamped on the relay body, for example RTK-1, RTK-2 or RTP-0. Write down this information or take a photo of the part so you can purchase the exact same replacement. Also pay attention to the connection diagram, which is often depicted directly on the case or inside the cover. This will help you not to mix up the wires during assembly.
What to do if the panel cannot be removed?
If the back panel does not give in, do not use excessive force. Check that all screws are removed. Sometimes the panel can stick to the body due to vibration or rust. In this case, gently tap the edges of the panel with the handle of a screwdriver or lightly heat the fastening areas with a hairdryer (be careful with plastic!). If the panel is held on by hidden latches, try to carefully pry it with a flat object in the area of the fastenings.
Technology for removing the relay from the compressor
The process of removing the relay itself is quite simple, but requires some skill. The part is placed directly on the contact group of the compressor (plug) and fixed in a metal frame or plastic holder. Depending on the refrigerator model Atlant, the fastening may differ. In older models, the relay is simply inserted into the connector and secured with a cover; in new models, an additional metal bracket or spring clip may be used.
If the relay is held on a metal bracket, it must be carefully bent or removed. To do this, use a flat-head screwdriver, prying the bracket at the place where it is attached. Be careful not to jerk the plastic ears of the holder. After removing the fixing element, take the relay by the body (not by the wires!) and pull it towards you with a rocking motion from side to side. It should come off the contact pins of the compressor.
Several wires are suitable for the relay, which are connected to it through terminal blocks. Before you completely move the part to the side, you need to disconnect the wires. Usually it is enough to simply remove the terminals by hand or using pliers if they are very tight. Remember or take a photowhich wire was connected where. Although it is difficult to confuse them due to the different shapes of the connectors, it is better to be safe. In some circuits, the wires may be twisted and insulated - then they need to be carefully unwound, preserving the insulation.
| Relay model | Type | Compatibility | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTK-1 | Posistor | Atlant, Minsk | One contact group, for single-phase |
| RTK-2 | Posistor | Atlant, Biryusa | Two contact groups, universal |
| RTP-0 | Induction | Old models | With a sensitive ball element |
| 17.900.46.00 | Posistor | Modern Atlant | Compact, protected from moisture |
Visual inspection and performance check
After the relay is removed, the diagnostic stage begins. First of all, shake the part near the ear. If a ringing or knocking sound is heard inside, it means that the posistor element or mechanical part is damaged. This relay definitely needs to be replaced. Next, inspect the internal contacts: they should be clean, free of carbon deposits, oxides and traces of plastic melting. The presence of black spots indicates that the relay was operating in overload mode or sparked.
If you have a multimeter, switch it to the continuity or resistance measurement mode. For posistor relays, the resistance between the contacts must be in a certain range (usually tens of ohms). If the device shows infinity (open) or zero (short circuit), the part is faulty. For induction relays, it is important to check the mobility of the core - it must move freely inside the coil and not be blocked by dirt or oxides.
Often the cause of failure is not only natural wear, but also external factors. For example, moisture ingress, power surges or vibration. If you find that not only the relay has burned out, but also the wiring leading to it has melted, you will need to replace a section of the wire. You cannot simply put a new part on damaged wiring - this will lead to re-combustion.
Installing a new relay and assembling the system
The process of installing a new part is performed in the reverse order. First, connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the new relay. Make sure connections are tight and secure. If the terminals are old and loose, you can carefully tighten them with pliers, but without fanaticism, so as not to bite the wire. Check that the insulation of the wires is not damaged and does not fall into the contact area.
Then put the relay on the contact group of the compressor. It should fit tightly, with little effort. Make sure that the pins are fully seated in the sockets and that the relay is not loose. If the model requires fastening with a bracket or frame, return them to their place. The clamp should fix the relay securely, but not deform its body. Check the orientation of the part: there is often an arrow or inscription on the housing UPthat should face up, or the relay has an asymmetrical shape, preventing incorrect installation.
After installing the relay, return the protective cover of the compressor compartment and secure the panel. Now you can plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds after turning on, listen to the operation of the motor. It should start with a characteristic hum, which after a while will become smooth and quiet. If there are no clicks and the compressor operates stably, then the repair was successful.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor starts clicking again and does not start, immediately turn off the device. This may mean that the problem is deeper (the compressor or thermostat itself is faulty), and further attempts to start it can finish off the engine.
Common mistakes and recommendations from specialists
When making repairs on their own, beginners often make typical mistakes that can negate all efforts. One of the most common is installing a relay of the wrong model. They may be similar in appearance, but differ in current characteristics or type of contacts. Using a relay designed for a lower current will lead to its rapid burnout, and using a higher current will mean that it will not open the circuit, which is dangerous for the windings.
Another mistake is ignoring the wiring condition. If you install a new relay on old, blackened wires, the risk of re-breakage increases many times over. Oxidized contacts create additional resistance, causing heating. Experts recommend stripping the ends of the wires to a shine before connecting to new terminals.
It is also worth mentioning the cleanliness in the engine compartment. Dust, fluff and animal hair that accumulate over years of operation impair the cooling of the compressor and relay, causing them to overheat. Be sure to vacuum the compartment before installing a new part. This simple procedure will extend the life not only of the new relay, but also of the entire refrigerator Atlant.
Is it possible to repair an old relay rather than buy a new one?
Theoretically, you can try to revive some types of relays (especially induction ones): clean the contacts, remove carbon deposits, lubricate the moving parts. However, posistor elements cannot be repaired - if the ceramic disk is destroyed, only replacement will help. Considering the low cost of new relays, repairing old ones is often impractical and less reliable.
Why does the relay burn out immediately after replacement?
This can happen for several reasons: the relay model is incorrectly selected (wrong current characteristics), the compressor itself is faulty (interturn short circuit, piston group wedge) or electrical problems network (constant power surges). In such cases, diagnostics of the compressor with a multimeter is required.
How to determine which relay is needed for my Atlant?
The surest way is to look at the markings on the body of the old relay. If it is erased, find the model of your refrigerator (indicated on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall) and select a relay according to the compatibility table in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website.
Is it dangerous to change the relay yourself?
If you follow electrical safety rules (mandatory disconnection from the network!), the procedure is safe. The main danger is electric shock if you turn on the device during operation, or damage to copper tubes, which will lead to freon leakage. Act carefully and without unnecessary force.