Finding the answer to the question of where the capacitor is located in the refrigerator is often the first step to restoring the functionality of household appliances. Many owners confuse this component with the cooling radiator located on the rear wall, or look for it inside the freezer. However, starting capacitor is a compact element that is hidden in a special compartment and is not visible during normal inspection without dismantling the protective cover.
Incorrect determination of the location of the part can lead to erroneous diagnosis or even damage to serviceable components of the unit. It is important to understand that in modern models Indesit, Atlant or Beko the design of the launch unit may differ from old Soviet models. In this article, we will analyze in detail the structure of the compressor group and indicate the exact location of the condenser.
Attention: any work on disassembling the refrigerator should be carried out only after completely disconnecting the device from the power supply! You should not rely on a thermostat or electronic control - physically disconnecting the plug from the socket is a prerequisite for safety.
Differences between a capacitor and a cooling radiator
Before starting the search, it is necessary to clearly differentiate the concepts, since confusion arises here most often. Condenser in the context of an electrical circuit, this is the energy storage device necessary to start the engine. A condenser in the thermodynamic cycle (radiator) is a tube where freon gives off heat. In everyday life, the question “where is the capacitor located” usually means an electrical element.
The radiator, which is part of the cooling system, visually represents a grid of black tubes. It can be located on the outer rear wall of the case or built into the side panels (hidden capacitor). Its function is heat exchange, and it does not require replacement during the repair process, unless there is a mechanical leak of freon.
The electric starting capacitor is a small cylindrical part, often black or gray in color. It is attached directly to the compressor or located in close proximity to it in a special plastic or metal casing. The capacitance of the capacitor is usually from 10 to 30 uF at a voltage of 250-450 Volts.
- 🔍 The electric capacitor is hidden under a cover at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- 🌡️ The radiator (heat exchanger) is visible from the outside behind or inside the walls of the case.
- ⚡ Without a starting capacitor, the motor-compressor will not be able to start.
- ❄️ The radiator is responsible for cooling the freon and heating the air in the room.
Exact location of the starting unit
To find the part you are looking for, you will need access to the bottom of the unit. In most refrigerator models LG, Samsung and Stinol the compressor group is located in a niche at the bottom of the rear wall. You will need to remove the protective cardboard or metal panel that covers the engine.
After removing the panel, you will see a black barrel-shaped motor-compressor. It is to its side or top part (depending on the orientation of the rod) that the starting relay is attached. The capacitor is most often integrated into the body of this relay or attached next to it on a clamp. In some designs, it can be hidden inside the plastic relay casing itself.
In rare cases, typical for some industrial or specific household models, the capacitor can be placed separately on the wall of the compressor niche. However, in 95% of cases it is located in the “compressor - start relay” connection.
Sometimes access to the unit is difficult due to the accumulation of dust or the presence of additional fasteners. Be careful when opening the latches of plastic casings, as plastic becomes brittle over time. Start relay This is the key element in which the desired part is hidden.
Design and types of starting capacitors
Having figured out where it is located capacitor, it is worth understanding what type of device you are dealing with. In refrigeration technology, mainly electrolytic non-polar capacitors are used, designed for operation in alternating current circuits. Their design is designed for short-term operation when the engine starts.
There are two main layout options. The first is a separate capacitor that is connected to the motor starting winding through relay contacts. The second, more common in modern models Whirlpool i Electrolux, is a combined unit, where the capacitor, thermal relay and starting device are combined into a single non-separable or semi-demountable module.
Visually, the capacitor is a cylinder with two terminals. Its body is marked with key parameters: capacitance (in microfarads, microfarads or µF) and operating voltage (V). Important: replacing a capacitor is only possible with one of similar capacity and with an equal or greater operating voltage.
Why do capacitors fail?
The main reason is the drying out of the electrolyte inside the case due to overheating or natural aging. Dielectric breakdown due to voltage surges in the network is also possible. Swelling of the end part of the case is a sure sign of a malfunction.
If you find that the capacitor is swollen, leaking or has burn marks on the terminals, it must be replaced. Operating a refrigerator with a faulty starting element can lead to burning of the compressor windings, which is a much more serious and expensive problem.
Diagnostics of capacitor faults
Understanding where the capacitor is located on the refrigerator is necessary first of all for diagnostics. The most common symptom of failure of this element is a characteristic click when trying to start, after which the engine hums, but does not start, and after a few seconds the thermal protection is triggered.
For an accurate check, you will need a multimeter set to measure resistance or test capacitors. Before measuring, be sure to discharge the capacitor by shorting its terminals with an insulated screwdriver to avoid electric shock. This is a critical safety step.
During the diagnostic process, pay attention to the following signs:
- 📉 No change in resistance readings (open or short circuit).
- 🔥 Presence of a burning smell or visible damage to the housing.
- 🔊 Compressor humming without transition to operating mode.
- 💥 Triggering of the circuit breaker in the electrical panel when the refrigerator is turned on.
If the multimeter shows a sharp drop in resistance, and then a smooth increase, the capacitor is most likely working. If the device shows zero or infinity immediately, the part is faulty. In modern inverter refrigerators, diagnostics can be more difficult, since they use different starting schemes.
Table parameters of capacitors
When selecting a spare part, it is important to focus not only on the appearance, but also on the technical characteristics. Below is a table with typical capacitor parameters for various types of compressors found in household refrigerators.
| Compressor type | Power, W | Capacity, µF | Voltage, B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-phase (small) | 100 - 150 | 10 - 15 | 250 - 300 |
| Single-phase (medium) | 180 - 250 | 16 - 20 | 300 - 350 |
| Single-phase (powerful) | 300 - 400 | 25 - 30 | 350 - 450 |
| Two-phase | 150 - 200 | 12 - 18 | 250 |
Using a capacitor with a smaller capacitance, than required will result in the engine being unable to develop the required torque to start. If the capacitance is too large, the current in the windings will increase, which will cause overheating and shorten the life of the motor.
Replacement should be done observing polarity, if specified (although most starting capacitors are non-polar). The contacts must be securely fixed to prevent sparking.
Replacement process and precautions
If you determine that the capacitor is faulty, replacing it does not require a complex tool. You will need pliers, a screwdriver, and possibly some electrical tape or heat shrink to insulate the connections. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to damage the cooling system tubes.
First, disconnect the wires from the old condenser. It is best to remember or photograph the connection diagram. Then remove the mounting clamp or remove the part from the socket. Installation of a new element is carried out in the reverse order.
☑️ Check after replacement
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to replace the capacitor or perform any manipulations with the electrical part of the refrigerator while it is plugged in. Residual charge in the capacitor can cause an electric shock even after disconnection, so always discharge it before touching the terminals.
After assembly, start the refrigerator and listen to the operation of the compressor. The launch should be smooth, without strong shocks or buzzing. If the engine starts and after 10-15 minutes the cold starts to build up, the repair can be considered successful.
When you need to call a technician
Despite the appearance simplicity, there are situations when independent repair is impractical or dangerous. If, after replacing the capacitor, the refrigerator still does not start, the problem may be deeper: a faulty start relay, an interturn short circuit in the motor windings, or problems with the electronic control module.
It is also worth contacting specialists if you are not confident in your abilities, are afraid of damaging the copper tubes (repairing the cooling system is expensive) or if the refrigerator is under warranty. In the latter case, any opening of the seals will lead to loss of warranty.
In modern models with inverter compressors, the classic starting capacitor may not be present at all. There, engine starting is controlled by sophisticated electronics. Trying to find a capacitor in such a refrigerator will be futile, since its function is performed by the control board.
How long does a capacitor last?
The average service life of a starting capacitor is 5-10 years. However, voltage surges in the network can reduce this period to 1-2 years. Installing a voltage stabilizer will extend the life of all equipment.
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a capacitor?
No, it is impossible to start an asynchronous refrigerator motor without a starting element (a capacitor or a starting relay with an appropriate winding). The motor will only hum, consuming current, but the shaft will not rotate, which will quickly lead to its combustion.
Where is the condenser located in No Frost refrigerators?
In No Frost systems, the location is the same as in drip models - in the compressor niche at the bottom at the back. The defrosting system (No Frost) affects the evaporator inside the chamber, but does not change the design of the compressor starting unit.
Why does a new capacitor burn out?
If a new capacitor fails immediately or after a short time, the cause may be a malfunction of the starting relay itself (sticky contacts), problems with the motor windings or unstable voltage in the household network.
Which capacitor to choose for replacement?
You need to choose an element with the same capacitance (tolerance +/- 5-10%) and a voltage not lower than the original one. It is better to take specialized capacitors for refrigerators (CBB60, CBB61), they better withstand vibration and frequent starts.
Is it dangerous to change the capacitor yourself?
The replacement process is electrically safe when the power is turned off. The main danger is mechanical damage to the thin copper tubes of the cooling system near the compressor, which will lead to freon leakage. Proceed with caution.