Have you noticed that your refrigerator stopped freezing, the compressor hums, but does not start, or, on the contrary, constantly clicks and turns off after a couple of seconds? In 90% of cases, the culprit of such unstable operation is start relay. This is a small but critical part that is responsible for starting the engine. If you are wondering “where is the relay on the refrigerator,” then it’s time to do some diagnostics. In this article we will analyze in detail the location of the element in different models of equipment.
The location of this part may vary depending on the manufacturer and design of the unit, but the placement logic remains the same. Relay always attached directly to the compressor housing, so how it controls the supply of electricity to the motor windings. Understanding how this unit works will help you quickly find the problem and, possibly, save on calling a technician. However, it is worth remembering that working with electrical appliances requires strict adherence to safety precautions.
Before starting the search, it is necessary to de-energize the device. Unplug the cord and move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the back. It is there, in the lower part of the case, that the “heart” of your refrigerator is hidden - the compressor, and with it the desired control element.
Design features and location of the unit
Start relay is a black plastic case that fits directly onto the terminals of the compressor. It can be combined with a thermal protective relay (tablet), forming a single unit, or be separate. In old models of Soviet refrigerators, such as ZIL or Biryusa, start-protection equipment with a copper coil was often found, which was attached to the side of the motor.
In modern units, be it Indesit, LG or Stinol, the relay is usually located at the bottom of the compressor, a little to the side. It is fixed to the frame or simply fixed with a metal bracket. To get to it, sometimes it is necessary to remove the protective cover covering the compressor compartment. This cover can be attached with screws or held on by latches.
It is important to understand that relay is an electromechanical switch. Inside it there are contacts that close when voltage is applied, starting the motor rotor. After the rotor starts, the contacts open. If this mechanism sticks or the contacts burn out, the refrigerator stops working correctly.
⚠️ Attention: The compressor heats up to high temperatures during operation. If the refrigerator has just been running, allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes before removing the protective cover to avoid getting burned.
The location may differ in refrigerators with the system No Frost. There, the compressor is often hidden in a recess at the bottom of the rear wall, and access to the relay may require removing the entire rear panel. In two-compressor models, there will be one relay for each motor-compressor, and you need to look for them accordingly - each with its own unit.
How to accurately determine the location of the relay
To find the relay near the refrigerator, follow the visual algorithm. Look at the back wall in the lower third of the case. You will see a black round tank - this is the compressor. Copper tubes (freon circuit) and an electrical cable are suitable for it.
Where the cable enters the compressor, there is a sealed terminal box. The required part is attached directly to it or next to it (on the side or below). In modern models, this is most often a black plastic parallelepiped the size of a matchbox or a little larger.
For an accurate determination, use the following signs:
- 🔌 Connecting the wires: a bundle of insulated wires, often assembled into a bundle, always approaches the relay.
- 📦 Plastic case: the part has a characteristic shape and is often marked with technical data.
- 🔩 Mounting: the element sits tightly on three pins coming out of the compressor, or is secured with a bracket on the frame next to the motor.
If you cannot visually determine where the relay is, pay attention to the noise. When you try to start a faulty relay, a characteristic click is heard. By placing your hand on the back wall in the area of the compressor at the moment of the click, you can vibrate the location of the part.
Signs of a faulty starting relay
You can understand that the problem lies in the relay by the characteristic symptoms. Refrigerator - this is a smart machine, but it cannot speak, so it signals trouble with sound and lack of cold. If you hear the motor trying to start, it hums for 2-3 seconds, then there is a click and silence - this is a classic sign that the thermal protection relay has tripped due to a malfunction of the starting one.
Another sign is the complete failure of the compressor to work when there is voltage in the network. The light inside is on, but the motor is silent. Sometimes the relay may “stick” in the on position. In this case, the compressor works without stopping, without turning off, which leads to freezing of food and the formation of ice.
Main symptoms of failure:
- 🔊 Frequent clicks: a click is heard every 10-20 seconds, but no cold is produced.
- 🔥 Housing heating: The compressor becomes hot to the touch, but does not start.
- ⚡ Knocking out plugs: When you try to turn on, a short circuit occurs in the relay circuit.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor hums, but not starts for more than 5-10 minutes, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Prolonged attempts to start with a faulty relay can lead to burning of the motor windings, which makes repairs economically impractical.
It is also worth paying attention to the smell. Burnt plastic or scorched wiring in the compressor area is a sure sign that a breakdown or overheating of the contacts has occurred inside the relay. In this case, operation of the device is strictly prohibited.
Instructions for dismantling and inspection
Before removing the part, make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply for at least 10 minutes. This is necessary for capacitor discharge and safety. Remove the rear protective panel, if equipped. It is usually secured with 4-6 screws.
Carefully remove the relay from the compressor tail. It may fit tightly. Don't pull the wires! Grasp the plastic housing and, gently rocking it from side to side, pull it down. In some models, it is fixed with a metal bracket-bar, which must first be pressed out or unscrewed.
To check, you will need a multimeter. Switch it to resistance measurement mode (Ohms). Ring the relay contacts. If the resistance is infinitely high (open circuit) or equal to zero (short circuit) where it should not be, the part is faulty.
☑️ Checklist before dismantling
Also visually inspect the insides. If the relay is detachable, carefully open the housing. There should be no burning, black spots or melted plastic inside. If you see such marks, replacement is inevitable.
When removing the relay, pay attention to its orientation. The body often has an arrow UP or TOPindicating the top position. When installing a new element, it is critically important to observe this, otherwise the mechanism will not work.
Compatibility table and types of relays
Relays come in different types: induction, posistor and thermal start. It is important to choose the right analogue. PTC (with a ceramic element inside) are now the most common. Below is a table for approximate selection.
| Refrigerator type | Relay type | Marking (example) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant, Biryusa | Start-protective | RTK-1.3, R-100 | Combined with thermal protection |
| Indesit, Ariston | Posistor | 12576, 12579 | Requires precise selection of power |
| LG, Samsung | Posistor | PTM, PTC | Often comes complete with a capacitor |
| Stinol, Nord | Combined | RTK-XX | Universal models |
When purchasing a new part, be sure to compare the number of contacts and their location. Even if the relay model is different, but the seat and electrical circuit are the same, replacement is possible. However, it is better to look for the original part number indicated on the body of the old relay.
Is it possible to repair an old relay?
Inside the relay there is a posistor (ceramic tablet) or a copper coil with contacts. Theoretically, if the contacts are burnt, they can be cleaned and the posistor replaced. But the service life of the restored part will be extremely low. The cost of a new relay is low, so repairing old components is considered a temporary measure, which often leads to repeated failure after a week.
Replacement and first start-up
Installation of a new one relay is done in the reverse order of removal. Insert the part onto the compressor pins until it stops. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't wobble. If there is a fixing bracket or strip, return it to its place.
Connect the wires. They usually have connectors that fit over the relay contacts. It is difficult to confuse them, since the connectors often have different shapes or colors, but it is better to photograph the connection diagram before dismantling.
After installation, assemble the protective panel. Plug in the refrigerator. During the first minutes of operation, listen to the sound of the engine. The launch should be smooth, without strong jerking or buzzing. After 5-10 minutes, the compressor should warm up and cold should appear in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics of compressors and relays may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the markings on the body of the part with spare parts catalogs or consultation with the seller, since visual similarity does not guarantee electrical compatibility.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to start a refrigerator without a relay?
Theoretically, you can start the motor by applying voltage directly, but this is extremely dangerous and requires special skills. Without a relay, the compressor will not be able to switch from the starting winding to the working winding, which will lead to rapid overheating and engine combustion. Operation without a relay is impossible.
How much does it cost to replace a relay in the service?
The cost consists of the price of the part itself (from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model) and the cost of the technician’s work. On average, departure and replacement will cost 2000–4000 rubles. Self-replacement requires only the cost of the part.
Why does a new relay burn out after a week?
If a new relay burns out quickly, then the problem is not with it. Possible reasons: the compressor itself is faulty (interturn short circuit), voltage surges in the network, or a relay with incorrect characteristics has been selected (not suitable for current or motor type).
Where is the relay located in a two-chamber refrigerator?
In two-chamber models with one compressor, there is one relay and it is located at the back of the main motor. If you have a Side-by-Side refrigerator or a model with two separate motors (one for the refrigerator, the other for the freezer), then there will be two relays - one for each compressor.