The situation when the refrigerator Indesit stops freezing, but at the same time makes a buzzing or clicking sound, often indicates to failure of the starting mechanism. The owner of the equipment is faced with the question: where is the relay for the Indesit refrigerator and is it possible to replace it yourself? This unit is a critical element of the electrical circuit that allows the compressor to start. If it burns out, the motor will not be able to gain the required speed, and cold will not appear in the chambers.
Searching for this part does not require disassembling the entire unit, since it is located in close proximity to the engine. However, access to it is often blocked by a protective cover, which must be carefully removed. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to diagnose and replace the element, and also explain why self-repair can be an effective solution if you have basic skills.
The principle of operation and the role of the starting device
Starting relay in brand refrigerators Indesit performs the function of a switch that supplies current to the starting winding of the compressor only in moment of launch. As soon as the motor rotor reaches the desired speed, the device opens the circuit and the motor continues to operate on the main winding. Without this component, starting a single-phase asynchronous motor would be impossible, since it does not have an initial torque.
Modern models most often use posistor-type devices, although in older units you can find induction options with a heavy core. The posistor protection relay also performs the function of a fuse: if the current in the circuit exceeds the norm (for example, when the piston group is jammed), it breaks the contact, preventing the combustion of the motor windings. That is why when replacing it is important to take into account not only the seat, but also the electrical characteristics.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to start (the compressor) without an installed relay or with a faulty element can lead to an interturn short circuit of the windings and complete failure of the motor.
Understanding the operating principle helps diagnose the problem. If you hear that the refrigerator is humming for 3-5 seconds, then there is a click and the hum stops - this is a classic symptom of a malfunction of the starting mechanism or the compressor itself. Thermal relay at this moment it is triggered by overheating, opening the circuit until the next cycle of the attempt to start.
The exact location of the unit in the unit
To find where the relay is located in the refrigerator Indesit, you need to go to the back wall of the unit. In most models, such as Indesit NBS 18, Indesit DF 520 or older series Stinol, access to the technical area is open. You don't need to move the refrigerator far, just turn its back towards you.
At the bottom of the rear panel, right on the compressor casing (black metal barrel), there is a plastic box or open area. It is there that the node we are interested in is fixed. It fits directly onto the three contact pins coming out of the motor housing. Access to it may be limited:
- 🔹 By a metal casing, screwed with screws or secured with latches.
- 🔹 By a plastic cover, which can be removed by simply pressing the latches.
- 🔹 In some models, access is completely open and the part is visible immediately.
Before starting any search and dismantling work, it is necessary de-energize the refrigerator. Unplug the plug from the socket. This safety requirement is mandatory since you will be working with live parts. Even if the protection device has worked, voltage may remain in the circuit.
Location features in different models
In some built-in Indesit models, access to the back wall may be difficult. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the lower decorative plinth at the front or remove the fiberboard back panel if it is not removable. Always check the instructions for your specific model.
Diagnostics: signs of malfunction
Before buying a new part, you should make sure that this is the problem. Users often look for where the Indesit refrigerator relay is when they hear strange sounds. The main sign of a breakdown is the cyclic operation of the motor: it tries to start, hums, then clicks and goes silent. The cycle may repeat every few minutes.
Visual inspection of the removed part can provide an accurate answer. If there are traces of burning on the body, melting of the plastic, or the smell of burnt insulation is felt, then starting device definitely requires replacement. Also, a sign of a faulty posistor is the absence of a characteristic ringing sound when shaken (although for induction relays, the presence of sound, on the contrary, indicates a breakdown of the movable core).
For more accurate diagnostics, you can use a multimeter. It is necessary ring the contacts to check for a break or short circuit. The resistance between the contacts must correspond to the value specified in the technical documentation. If the device shows infinity where there should be a circuit, or zero where there should not be one, the part is faulty.
Do-it-yourself replacement instructions
Replacing the start relay in refrigerators Indesit is a procedure that can be performed at home. The main rule: act carefully and do not use excessive force, so as not to damage the compressor tubes or electrical wires. The process does not require specialized tools, just a flat screwdriver and pliers.
First remove the protective casing. If it is held on by screws, remove them. If there are latches, carefully bend them with a screwdriver. Before removing the part itself, Take a photo of the connection diagram. Although it is difficult to mix up the wires (they have different colors and locations), a photograph will help to avoid errors during assembly.
Remove the old device from the contact pins of the compressor. It may be a tight fit, so rock it slightly from side to side. Disconnect the wires going to the terminals. Install the new element, observing the orientation: on the body there is usually a mark UP (top) or an arrow pointing up. Place the device on the pins all the way and connect the wires according to the photo taken earlier.
☑️ Algorithm for replacing the relay
Compatibility table and markings
When purchasing a new spare part, it is important to know that relays for Indesit can be interchangeable with parts for other brands, such as Ariston, Stinol, Candy or Atlant. However, the key parameter is the type of compressor and its power. An incorrectly selected device may not start the motor or burn out after several cycles.
Below is a table with the main types of relays found in equipment of this brand. Pay attention to the markings on the body of the part.
| Relay type | Marking (example) | Compatible compressors | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor | RT, R600, 100N | Atlant, Indesit (modern) | Silent, no moving parts |
| Induction | PMP, RKT | Old models Indesit, Stinol | Has a movable core, makes a ringing |
| Combined | PTC + Thermal | Universal | Combines start and thermal protection |
When ordering spare parts in an online store or service center, it is mandatory name model of your refrigerator and, if possible, the type of compressor installed. This will allow you to choose exactly the option that will ensure stable operation of the equipment. Universal relays exist, but they require more complex settings and checking currents.
Frequent replacement mistakes and tips
One of the common mistakes is ignoring the condition of the compressor itself. If replacing the relay did not help and the refrigerator continues to click and does not start, perhaps the problem lies deeper - a break in the motor windings or a mechanical jam. In this case, further startup attempts may be useless.
Also, users often forget to check the integrity of the wires going to the relay. Melted insulation or oxidized terminals can create high contact resistance, which leads to heating and repeated failure of even a new part. Contact group must be clean and fit tightly.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use relays from other models refrigerators "at random". The difference in the response current can lead to the protection not working in an emergency situation, and the compressor will burn out.
After installing the new part and turning on the refrigerator to the network, listen to the operation of the unit. The launch should be smooth, without strong jerks or loud clicks. The motor should run smoothly. If everything went well, install the protective cover in place and move the refrigerator to the wall, maintaining a gap for ventilation.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
You can start a compressor for a short time without a starting relay by manually applying voltage to the starting winding, but this is extremely dangerous and is not intended for continuous operation. Without thermal protection, the compressor may burn out at the first overload. Operating a refrigerator without a relay is prohibited.
Why did the new relay immediately burn out?
This may indicate a short circuit in the compressor windings or that a device with incorrect current characteristics was selected. Also, the reason may be unstable voltage in the network or poor contact in the terminal block.
Where to buy an original relay for Indesit?
It is better to purchase original spare parts from authorized service centers or specialized stores of spare parts for household appliances. When purchasing, pay attention to the presence of the brand logo and high-quality packaging. Universal Chinese analogues may work less stably.