Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where they need to replace or diagnose a motor-compressor, and the first question that arises is compatibility. Danfoss compressors (now Secop) have been the standard of reliability in the refrigeration industry for many years, occupying a significant market share. These units can be found in a wide variety of models of refrigeration equipment, from budget solutions to premium two-chamber giants.
Understanding where exactly this unit is used helps not only during repairs, but also when choosing new equipment, since many buyers are looking for equipment with proven components. Hermetic compressors These brands are renowned for their energy efficiency and low noise levels, making them a popular choice for manufacturers around the world. In this article we will analyze in detail the list of brands, labeling features and nuances that every owner needs to know.
Geography of use: main partner brands
Historically, the Danish company Danfoss (which sold its Compressor Business division to a German company Secop) supplied its units to a huge number of factories. Most often Danfoss compressors found in refrigerators of European manufacturers. This is explained by long-standing production ties and the high quality standards that these brands set for components.
However, it is a mistake to believe that these motors are only used in expensive equipment. Over the years, deliveries were also made to factories that assemble equipment in Russia and the CIS countries. Therefore, the presence of a nameplate with a logo Danfoss or Secop is possible even on models that are positioned as affordable. It is important to take into account the year of manufacture of the refrigerator: in older models (before 2010-2015), the likelihood of encountering an original Danish unit is much higher.
Below is a list of the main manufacturers whose equipment was most often equipped with these components:
- 🇩🇪 Liebherr is one of the main partners that uses these compressors in most of its models.
- 🇸🇪 Electrolux (including Zanussi, AEG) - widely used in two-chamber refrigerators.
- 🇮🇹 Indesit and Ariston - are often found in models in the mid-price segment.
- 🇩🇪 Bosch and Siemens - mainly in models assembled in European factories.
- 🇰🇷 LG and Samsung —in certain series, especially in earlier years of production.
- 🇷🇺 Atlant and Biryusa —imported motors were used in some modifications.
⚠️ Attention: The complete set of refrigerators may vary depending on the assembly plant and production date. Even if the model is listed as a “partner,” a particular instance may have a compressor from another brand (for example, Embraco or LG). Always check the information on the nameplate of the unit itself.
How accurately determine the compressor model
The most reliable way to find out which one is installed in your refrigerator is a visual inspection. To do this, you don’t have to be a craftsman with many years of experience; it’s enough to follow safety precautions and have a flashlight on hand. The motor is located in the lower rear part of the refrigerator, hidden by a metal casing or openly located in a niche. compressor installed in your refrigerator - this is a visual inspection. To do this, you don’t have to be a craftsman with many years of experience; it’s enough to follow safety precautions and have a flashlight on hand. The motor is located at the lower rear of the refrigerator, hidden by a metal casing or openly located in a niche.
Before inspection be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. Remove the back panel (if there is one) and inspect the black cylindrical or cubic tank. There should be a sticker or metal plate with technical information on its body. It is there that you will find the data you are looking for.
What to look for on the label:
- 🔍 Manufacturer's logo — Danfoss, Secop or Danfoss Secop.
- 🔢 Model number — usually consists of letters and numbers (for example, NL5G, BD35F, TL4G).
- ❄️ Type refrigerant — R134a, R600a (isobutane) or R12 (in older models).
- ⚡ Electrical parameters - voltage (220-240V) and frequency (50Hz).
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try to determine the type by external signs. Compressors Danfoss often have a distinctive shape and color coding of the tubes, but this is a less reliable method. In difficult cases, it is better to contact a specialist who can read the parameters based on the current consumption or the appearance of the starting relay.
Deciphering the markings and technical features
Having figured out which refrigerators are in Danfoss compressor, it is useful to learn how to read its markings. This knowledge will help when searching for analogues for replacement. The designations on the label are not random; they carry information about the cooling capacity, type of refrigerant and design features.
For example, in the series NL (low temperature) letters and numbers indicate the cylinder volume and the type of freon. Models with index G at the end are often designed for R134a refrigerant, and models with index F for R600a. Understanding these nuances is critically important, since the use of the wrong oil or freon can destroy a new compressor in a matter of hours.
Key characteristics worth paying attention to:
- 📉 Cooling capacity - measured in Watts at certain boiling points.
- 🔊 Noise level —modern Secop/Danfoss models belong to the Low LBP (Low Back Pressure) class.
- 🛢️ Oil type —synthetic (POE) or mineral, depends on the type of freon.
Why is it important to know the type of freon?
The type of refrigerant determines the chemical compatibility with the oil in the compressor. If R134a is pumped into a compressor designed for R600a (isobutane), or vice versa, the system will not work correctly. Moreover, oils for different freons have different chemical bases (mineral versus synthetic), and mixing them can lead to the formation of acids, blockages in the capillary tube and complete failure of the cooling system.
Correspondence table for models and types of refrigerants
For ease of searching and selecting spare parts, below is a table linking popular series compressors Danfoss/Secop with the types of refrigerant used and examples of refrigerators where they are used. This will help you quickly navigate the variety of models.
| Compressor series | Refrigerant type | Examples of refrigerator brands | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL5G / NL6G | R134a | Liebherr, Electrolux | Two-chamber refrigerators |
| TL4G / TL5G | R134a | Bosch, Siemens, Indesit | Medium and small-sized models |
| BD35F / BD50F | R134a / R600a | Car refrigerators, minibars | Mobile equipment |
| FL5G / FL6G | R600a | Atlant, Biryusa, LG | Economical modern models |
| NF5G | R134a | Zanussi, Candy | Refrigerators No Frost |
When replacing a unit, it is important to take into account not only the brand, but also the overall dimensions, as well as the location of the pipes. In some cases, it may be necessary to bend copper tubes or replace fasteners, which requires professional tools.
Operation problems and signs of malfunction
Despite high reliability, the resource of any mechanism is not endless. Danfoss compressorsinstalled in refrigerators can fail for various reasons: power surges, circuit leaks or natural wear and tear. Understanding the symptoms helps you react in time and prevent food spoilage.
The most common sign of a problem is a change in the sound of the equipment. If you hear a loud metallic knocking sound, clicking noises when trying to start, or a continuous humming sound without cooling, there is cause for concern. Also an alarming signal is overheating of the motor housing: if it is so hot that it is impossible to touch it, it means that heat transfer is disrupted or there are problems with the windings.
Main symptoms of the malfunction:
- 🔇 Refrigerator silent —there is no characteristic sound of the motor, the light inside is on.
- 🔥 Hot body —the compressor works, but does not cool, and gets very hot.
- ⚡ Knocks out the machines —when the engine starts, a short circuit occurs in the network.
- ❄️ Weak cooling —the motor runs constantly, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to open the compressor housing yourself or change the start relay if you do not have skills in working with electricity and refrigeration equipment. There is refrigerant inside under pressure, and incorrect replacement of the relay can lead to burning of the motor windings.
☑️ Diagnostics before calling a technician
Replacement compressor: is it worth replacing with an analogue one?
When the time comes for replacement, the owner is faced with a dilemma: look for an original one Danfoss compressor or agree to install an analogue one. On the one hand, the original guarantees full compatibility in terms of fasteners and parameters. On the other hand, finding a new model of an old year of manufacture can be difficult and expensive.
The modern market offers many high-quality analogues from brands such as Embraco, Secop (direct successor), LG or Aspera. The main condition for a successful replacement is the matching of the cooling capacity (power) and the type of refrigerant. If these parameters are met, then installing an analogue does not threaten anything and often even extends the life of the refrigerator, since new models can be more efficient than old ones.
However, there are nuances. In some refrigerators, for example Liebherr or Bosch, the control electronics can be tied to specific starting currents or data exchange protocols (in inverter models). In such cases, replacing a “universal” compressor may require additional re-soldering of the electronics or installation of a universal starting kit, which is not always advisable.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace a Danfoss compressor with a compressor from another brand?
Yes, it is possible if the main technical characteristics match: type of refrigerant (R134a or R600a), power (cooling capacity in Watts) and overall dimensions. It is also important to consider the type of oil and the diameter of the fittings for connecting the pipes.
Why does a Danfoss compressor knock loudly when starting up?
A knocking sound during startup often indicates a faulty start relay or that the piston group has exhausted its service life and has backlash. Also, the reason may be the weakening of the mounting bolts or shock absorbers on which the motor is mounted.
Where to find the exact model of the compressor if the sticker is not readable?
If the sticker is damaged, the model can be determined by the catalog number on the body itself (often stamped on the metal) or by the characteristics of the refrigerator (chamber volume, climate class). The technician will most accurately do this by comparing current and performance parameters.
Are Secop and Danfoss the same thing?
Yes, the Danfoss compressor production division was sold to Secop. Therefore, compressors labeled Secop are direct successors and analogues of Danfoss, often produced on the same lines or using the same technologies.
How long does a Danfoss compressor last on average?
The average service life of high-quality Danfoss/Secop compressors is 10-15 years or more, subject to operating conditions. However, the resource is greatly affected by voltage drops in the network and the frequency of defrosting of the refrigerator.