When the refrigerator suddenly stops working in the house, the first sign is often silence or, conversely, an unusual hum without the compressor starting. For owners of brand equipment Okawho value reliability and simplicity of design, an independent search for the cause of a breakdown can be a decisive factor in saving products. Start relay is a small but critical unit that is responsible for starting the compressor engine. This is what craftsmen and home craftsmen most often look for when making diagnostics.
The location of this element in refrigerators Oka is standardized, but access to it may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. In this article, we will analyze in detail where to look for the relay, how to understand that it has failed, and what steps need to be taken to replace it so that your refrigerator will work again.
The design of the compressor compartment of the Oka refrigerator
To find starting relay, you need to clearly understand How does the compressor unit work? In refrigerators Oka, as in most classic models, the compressor is located in the lower rear part of the housing. It is a black metal "pot" that is the heart of the cooling system. The relay is attached directly to the side of this compressor, covering the contacts of the starting winding.
It is important to understand that the relay is not a separate part hanging on the wires, but a compact unit placed on the pins of the compressor. Inside the plastic case there are contacts and a trigger mechanism (often a posistor in modern models or an electromagnetic starter in older models). Thermal protection, which monitors the temperature of the motor, is also often built into this unit or located directly next to it, on the same case.
In some modifications refrigerators Oka access to the compressor may be limited by a plastic cover or metal grill. This is for safety and dust protection. Before trying to reach the relay, make sure that you see the compressor itself and the tubes and wires suitable for it. The exact location of the relay is always tied to the exit of the three contact pins from the compressor housing.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with electrical components, including the relay, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with 220V voltage without proper training is deadly.
Visual search: where exactly to look for the relay
The search starts from the back wall of the refrigerator. You need to approach the unit from behind and go down to the base part. In refrigerators Oka the compressor is usually mounted on a frame or special shock absorbers. The relay is placed on one of the side terminals of the compressor, most often on the left or right side (if you look at the compressor from the back), where the bundle of wires comes out.
Externally, it is a plastic box of black, white or gray color, about the size of a matchbox or a little larger. A wiring harness extends from it, which goes deep into the body or runs along the tubes. If you see a black "pot" of the compressor, the relay will be attached to its side, often additionally secured by a metal bracket or strip that presses the entire assembly to the motor housing.
Sometimes the relay can be hidden behind insulating material or a protective casing, especially in models with a system No Frost or improved sound insulation. In such cases, it is necessary to carefully bend or remove the insulation to gain access to the junction of the relay and the compressor. Do not use excessive force so as not to damage fragile plastic elements or copper tubes.
Signs of a faulty start relay
Before removing the part, you need to make sure that the problem lies there. Fault symptoms relays in refrigerators Oka are quite typical and often do not require complex diagnostic equipment. If you hear the refrigerator trying to turn on, there is a click, but the compressor does not start, and after a few seconds there is a second click and silence - this is a classic sign.
Another clear sign is the compressor heating up when the engine is not running. If you touch the “pot” of the compressor (be careful, it may be hot!), and it is hot, and the unit itself is silent or hums, but does not pump freon, it means that the starting winding does not receive an impulse to start. Also, a malfunction may be indicated by a burning smell or melted plastic in the relay area.
- 🔊 Frequent clicks: Periodic clicks every 10-20 seconds indicate that the thermal protection is triggered due to the inability to start the engine.
- 🔥 Overheating: The compressor becomes very hot in a short time of operation, although the refrigerator the inside remains warm.
- 🚫 Lack of cold: In the chambers, the temperature rises, food begins to spoil, despite the light working (or trying to work) in the refrigerator.
- 💥 Knocking out plugs: In rare cases, a short circuit inside the relay can cause it to trip circuit breakers in the electrical panel.
It is worth noting that similar symptoms can be observed with an interturn short circuit in the compressor itself or with a freon leak. Therefore, visual inspection of the relay after removal is a mandatory step. If traces of burning, melting or destruction of the starting element (posistor) are visible inside the plastic case, then replacement is necessary.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start an asynchronous compressor motor by applying voltage directly to the starting winding through a capacitor or button. However, it is strictly not recommended to do this at home. Without thermal protection and the correct algorithm for turning on the starting winding, the compressor will burn out in a few minutes, and the risk of electric shock or fire is extremely high.
Instructions for dismantling and replacing the relay
The replacement process start relay in the refrigerator Oka technically simple, but requires accuracy. The main rule is to act consistently and take your time. First, make sure the power cord is unplugged. Then move the refrigerator away from the wall to provide free access to the rear panel.
If the compressor is closed with a lid, remove it by unscrewing the mounting screws or releasing the latches. Locate the relay on the side of the compressor. Often it is fixed with a metal bracket, which presses the relay to the motor housing. This bracket must be carefully pressed or unscrewed. After this, the relay can be removed from the compressor pins.
☑️ Algorithm for replacing the relay
The most important point is to remember or photograph how the wires are connected. In different models of refrigerators Oka the color marking of the wires may differ. Disconnect the terminals from the old relay. Usually there are two or three of them, they are simply removed by hand. If the terminals are oxidized, they can be carefully cleaned with fine sandpaper.
Install the new relay by sliding it onto the compressor pins in the same orientation as the old one (usually the “UP” marking or arrow should face up). Connect the wires according to the diagram or photograph you made earlier. Secure the relay with a bracket. Reassemble everything in reverse order and turn on the refrigerator. If after a few seconds you hear the characteristic sound of the engine running and heat appears on the sides of the radiator, the replacement was successful.
| Relay type | Principle of operation | External characteristics | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posistor (PT) | Heating of the element and breaking the circuit | Plastic case, ceramic element inside | Modern Oka models |
| Electromagnetic | Retraction of the core by current | Metal or heavy plastic case | Old Oka models |
| With thermal protection | Bimetallic plate | Often combined with a relay or a separate "tablet" | Universal |
| Universal | Combined mechanism | Suitable for many types of compressors | Requires selection by power |
Selection of compatible spare parts for Oka models
Refrigerators Oka were produced for a long time, and different types of compressors and, accordingly, different relays could be used in different years of production. The most common relays are the RT series (starting, thermal) and their modifications. When purchasing a new part, it is important to pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the technical characteristics.
The key parameter is the power of the compressor for which the relay is designed. If you install a relay designed for less power, it will burn out. If it is too high, the compressor may not start or may be overloaded. There is always a marking on the body of the old relay, for example, RTK-1-3 or R-3. These numbers and letters should be used when searching for an analogue in the store.
It is also worth considering the type of refrigerant, although for the relay itself this is less critical than for the compressor. Modern relays are often universal and suitable for refrigerants R134a i R600a, but it is better to double-check this in the documentation for the specific refrigerator model Oka. If you are not sure about the choice, consult with the seller, naming the exact model of your unit.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors and the types of relays used may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the markings on the body of the old part with the passport data of the new one before installation.
Checking performance after replacement
After you have installed the new relay and assembled all the back-panel components, the moment of truth comes. Plug in the refrigerator. In the first seconds you can hear a quiet hum, which after 3-5 seconds should turn into the smooth sound of a working compressor. If there is a loud click and the motor goes silent, it means that the problem has not been resolved or the relay has been selected incorrectly.
Pay attention to the behavior of the indicators (if any) and the temperature in the chambers. After 30-40 minutes of operation, the walls inside the refrigerator should begin to cool, and the condenser grill at the back should begin to heat up. This indicates that the refrigerant circulation cycle has started correctly.
If the refrigerator is working, do not rush to immediately load it with food. Let it run idle for 2-3 hours to ensure stable operation and the absence of cyclic shutdowns. Stable operation no extraneous sounds and overheating of the compressor are the main criteria for successful repairs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to repair an old relay if it is burnt out?
In most cases, repairing the relay is impractical. Inside there is a fusible element or posistor, which is destroyed when burned out. Attempts to restore contacts or replace internal parts using a makeshift method lead to unstable operation and the risk of fire. It is easier and safer to buy a new relay, which is inexpensive.
Why does a new relay burn out after a few days?
There may be several reasons: the relay power is incorrectly selected, the compressor itself is faulty (turn-to-turn short circuit), problems with the voltage in the network or poor contact in the terminals. Also, the cause may be a freon leak, which causes the compressor to work without stopping and overheats.
Where to buy a relay for an Oka refrigerator?
Spare parts can be found in specialized household appliance stores, on radio markets, or ordered online using the article number of the old relay. Make sure that the seller provides a guarantee for the product, since defects occur even from well-known manufacturers.
Does it need to evacuate the system when replacing the relay?
No, replacing the relay does not require breaking the tightness of the freon circuit. You are only working with the electrical part. Evacuation and refrigerant refilling are only needed if you have damaged the tubes or the compressor itself requires replacement.