When you When you hear the quiet and even hum of a working refrigerator, few people think about exactly what mechanism provides this cold. However, in the world of professional and household climate control equipment, the name Secop (formerly Danfoss Compressors) sounds like a synonym for reliability and advanced technology. Danish engineers have been developing compressor equipment for more than half a century, which today can be found in devices all over the world. Understanding exactly where this unit is used is critical for selecting spare parts when repairing or choosing new equipment.
Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where they need to replace the unit, and the first question becomes compatibility. Secop compressors They are distinguished by their universal installation and a wide range of refrigerants, which makes them popular among manufacturers. In this article, we will analyze in detail what brands of refrigerators are equipped with these engines, how to decipher the markings and what to look for during diagnostics.
Knowing the manufacturer of the heart of your refrigerator is not just a theoretical reference, but a practical necessity. If you are planning your own repair or want to make sure of the quality of the purchased equipment, information about the compressor supplier will be key. Let's dive into the technical details and find out which brands trust Danish engineering.
Brand history and connection to Danfoss
To understand why these compressors are so common, we need to look at history. For a long time, the division producing compressors belonged to the giant Danfoss. Only in 2010 it was sold to the American corporation Nidec, after which it received an independent name Secop. That is why you can find the Danfoss logo on old refrigerators manufactured before 2010-2012, and Secop on new ones. Technically, these are often the same time-tested designs.
The production geography covers several countries, including Denmark, China, the USA and Slovakia. The assembly quality is controlled by uniform corporate standards, however, for the Russian market, the most relevant models are those assembled at European factories or in China under license. Reliability these units are due to the use of high-quality winding materials and precise mechanics of the piston groups.
⚠️ Attention: When searching spare parts by catalog number, keep in mind that the BD prefix (for example, BD35F) often indicates legacy Danfoss models, which are now produced under the Secop brand with similar characteristics.
It is important to note that the transition to a new brand has not changed the mounting dimensions and electrical parameters of most popular models. This allows you to use modern analogues to replace failed old units without complex alterations pipeline system. Engineers maintained compatibility to make life easier for service departments and equipment owners.
Why did the name change?
The name change occurred as a result of a corporate separation of assets. Nidec Global Appliance acquired the Danfoss Compressors business to focus exclusively on cooling technologies. Changing the nameplate does not mean a change in production technology or a decrease in the quality of components.
List of brands using Secop compressors
The answer to the question “secop compressor in which refrigerators” covers a huge range of manufacturers. Danish technology is not strictly tied to one brand, but is purchased by the largest factories in the world. Most often, these units can be found in premium and mid-segment equipment, where energy efficiency and low noise levels are valued.
European and American giants are the leaders among the most famous brands in whose models they are often installed. Secop. However, some Asian brands also use these components in their flagship lines. Below is a list of the company's main partners.
- 🇩🇰 Vestfrost —a Danish brand that historically uses components from its compatriots in its best models.
- 🇺🇸 Whirlpool —an American concern often equips its two-chamber refrigerators with these reliable motors.
- 🇩🇪 Liebherr —a standard of German quality, where compressor reliability comes first.
- 🇸🇪 Electrolux and Zanussi —in many models of these brands you can find the Secop marking.
- 🇮🇹 Indesit and Ariston —depending on the year of manufacture and the assembly plant, they can be equipped with these units.
It is worth considering that equipment manufacturers can change component suppliers depending on logistics situation and contractual conditions. Therefore, the presence of a compressor Secop in a refrigerator of a certain brand is not 100% guaranteed for all years of manufacture. Always check the technical data sheet of a specific device or inspect the sticker on the compressor itself, located on the back of the unit.
Technical features and advantages
Why do manufacturers choose this technology? The main feature is the use piston compressors with reciprocating motion, which is characterized by high efficiency. Unlike some competitors who have switched to other engine types, Secop has retained a classic but modernized design that has proven its durability.
The series of compressors with linear drive and inverter control deserves special attention, although classic models with a starting relay are also widespread. They are able to work with various types of refrigerants, including environmentally friendly R600a (isobutane) and R134a. This makes them universal for household and commercial refrigerators.
| Characteristics | Description | User benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant type | R600a, R134a, R404A | Environmentally friendly and high cooling efficiency |
| Noise level | Low (up to 35-40 dB) | Comfortable stay in the kitchen, no vibration |
| Energy consumption | Class A and higher | Reduced energy bills |
| Operating life | Up to 250,000 hours | Long service life without major repairs |
Another important aspect is the cooling system of the compressor itself. Most Secop models are cooled by coolant passing through the motor windings, ensuring efficient heat dissipation even under high loads. This prevents overheating and extends the service life of insulating materials windings.
How to determine the compressor model
To accurately identify the device, you do not need to be a refrigeration engineer. Just look at the back wall of the refrigerator, where the black metal tank is located. There is always a sticker or metal tag with technical information on its body. Look for the logo Secop or Danfoss.
On the nameplate you should be interested in the “Type” or “Model” line. The code usually consists of letters and numbers, for example BD35F, NL5.5F or HMT80MD. The first letters often indicate the series, and the numbers indicate the cooling capacity or cylinder volume. Knowing this code, you can find an exact analogue in spare parts catalogs.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can try to determine the model by external features: the number of tubes, the type of base and the electrical parameters indicated on the start relay. However, this method is less accurate and requires consultation with a specialist. It is best to look for markings on the motor housing.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to determine the compressor model only by the appearance of the relay. Starting devices can be interchangeable between different motor models, which will lead to an error when ordering spare parts.
Fault diagnosis and typical problems
Despite their high reliability, Secop compressors are not immune to breakdowns. Most often, problems are associated not with the mechanical part, but with the electrical or heat dissipation system. The first sign of a malfunction may be a change in the nature of the operation: the refrigerator has stopped freezing, but the motor is humming, or the unit turns on and turns off immediately.
One of the common causes of failure is thermal relay. If it does not open the circuit when overheated, the motor windings may burn out. It is also worth checking the capacitor (if there is one in the circuit) and the integrity of the supply wires. A visual inspection for swelling or traces of burning is required.
For deeper diagnostics, you will need a multimeter. It is necessary to ring the windings for breaks or short circuits. The normal resistance between the contacts must be within a certain range specified in the technical documentation. If the resistance is zero or infinity, the compressor is most likely faulty.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the compressor
Replacement and compatibility of analogues
If diagnostics confirmed the need for replacement, The question arises about finding an analogue. Fortunately, Secop has a high degree of standardization. When selecting a replacement, it is important to consider several key parameters: power (in horsepower or watts), type of refrigerant, type of oil and overall dimensions.
It is often permissible to install a slightly larger compressor if space and the heat removal system allow, but replacing with a less powerful unit is strictly not recommended - it will quickly fail. Also pay attention to the diameter suction and discharge pipes to avoid problems with soldering.
The replacement process requires special equipment: burner, vacuum pump and pressure gauge station. Independent replacement without the skills of soldering copper pipes and refilling with freon is impossible. After installing a new compressor the system must be evacuated to remove moisture and air.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to replace a Secop compressor with an analogue from another brand?
Yes, this is possible if the installation dimensions, power and type of refrigerant are the same. However, it is better to look for original spare parts or certified analogues to ensure compatibility with the electronics of the refrigerator.
Why does the Secop compressor get very hot?
Heating up to 80-90 degrees may be the norm for some operating modes. However, if the housing is too hot to touch, this may indicate a faulty thermostat, dirty condenser or ventilation problems.
Where is the Secop compressor for my refrigerator made?
The company's production facilities are located in Denmark, the USA, China and Slovakia. The country of origin of a particular instance is indicated on the factory sticker (Made in ...).
How long does a Secop compressor last on average?
With proper operation and compliance with temperature conditions, the service life is from 10 to 15 years or more. Many devices work without replacement for more than 20 years.