Thermal relay in an Indesit refrigerator: where it is located, what it looks like and how to check it

When the refrigerator Indesit suddenly stops freezing, but the light inside is on and the compressor does not start - the culprit in 70% of cases it turns out thermal relay. This small part protects the motor from overheating, but it itself often fails due to power surges or wear. The problem is that finding it is not so easy: depending on the model Indesit the relay can be hidden in different places - from open access to deep disassembly of the rear panel.

In this article you will learn where exactly to look for a thermal relay in refrigerators Indesit (including popular series BIAA 13, TN 116, DF 4180 and others), what it looks like in the photo, and what signs indicate its breakdown. We will also look at how to test a relay with a multimeter without calling a technician - with step-by-step instructions and typical mistakes that beginners make. If you have already tried to find the part and haven’t found it, most likely you were looking in the wrong place: next you will see exact layout diagrams for refrigerators with the No Frost system and drip defrosting.

What is a thermal relay and why is it needed in a refrigerator

Thermal relay (or start-protective relay) - this is an electromechanical device that performs two key functions:

• 🔌 Start the compressor: supplies current to the motor winding at the moment of switching on, creating the necessary starting torque.
• 🔥 Overheat protection: turns off the power if the temperature of the compressor windings exceeds permissible values (usually 100–130°C).

In refrigerators Indesit most often two types of relays are installed:

• Tablet (RTK-H) —a compact relay in a plastic case, attached directly to the compressor.
• Boxed (DANFOSS, ASCON) —more dimensional, can be located on the frame or in a separate block.

If the relay breaks down, the compressor either does not start at all or works intermittently (turns on at a few seconds and turns off). It is important to distinguish a relay malfunction from problems with the compressor or thermostat itself - this will require a check with a multimeter.

Where the thermal relay is located in the Indesit refrigerator: 3 possible options

The location of the relay depends on refrigerator models, compressor type i defrosting systems. Below we will analyze all possible installation locations with photos and diagrams.

1. On the compressor (the most common case)

In 80% of refrigerators Indesit thermal the relay is attached directly to the compressor housing. To find it:

1. Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
2. Remove the bottom back cover (it is usually plastic, secured with latches or screws).
3. The compressor is a black metal tank with tubes. attached to it on the side or top.

What the relay on the compressor looks like:

• 📌 Tablet: round or oval plastic case with a diameter 3–5 cm, with two or three contacts.
• 📦 Boxed: a rectangular block the size of a pack of cigarettes, with wires going to the compressor.

Photo of the thermal relay on the Indesit compressor

2 In the control unit (models with an electronic display)

In refrigerators Indesit with No Frost system and electronic control (for example, series EWT or C 138 NF), the relay can be integrated into control module. Its location:

• 📍 Behind the top panel of the refrigerator (under the decorative cover).
• 📍 Inside the plastic box next to the thermostat (in models with mechanical control).

To get to the unit:

1. Remove the top cover of the refrigerator (unscrew the screws at the back).
2. Find a board with wires - the relay will be attached to it or located next to it in a separate case.

⚠️ Attention: In models with electronic control, the relay is often combined c thermal sensor. If you see a board with microcircuits, do not touch it without experience, as there is a high risk of damaging the electronics.

3. On the capacitor frame (rare, but found)

In some older models Indesit (for example, TN 116 or TS 115), the thermal relay can be mounted on a metal frame next to the condenser (the grill at the back of the refrigerator). It is easily confused with:

• 🔌 Starting capacitor (cylindrical, with). inscription µF).
• 📡 Fan relay (in No Frost models).

Distinctive features of a thermal relay:

• Has two terminals for connection to the compressor.
• There is a marking on the case: RTK-H, DANFOSS 103N, ASCON T145.

How to check the thermal relay multimeter: step-by-step instructions

If you find a relay, but are not sure of its functionality, you can check it without dismantling. You will need multimeter (or a tester) and a screwdriver.

Disconnect the refrigerator from network

Remove the compressor cover (if the relay is on it)

Disconnect the wires from the relay terminals (remember their location!)

Wait 10-15 minutes (the relay must cool down)

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Step 1: Check circuit integrity

Set the multimeter to the mode continuity (or measuring resistance on 200 Ohm). Connect the probes to the relay terminals:

• 🔌 Normal state: the resistance between the terminals should be 0–1 Ohm (the circuit is closed).
• 🚫 Open circuit: if the resistance ∞ (infinity) - the relay is faulty.

Step 2: Checking operation when heating

If the relay rings in a cold state, but the refrigerator does not work, it may not operate when heating. checks:

1. Connect the relay back to the compressor.
2. Plug in the refrigerator.
3. Touch the relay body - if it is 1–2 minutes touch the relay body - if it hotbut the compressor does not start, it means the contacts do not close.

You can also heat the relay with a hair dryer (from a distance 10–15 cm) and check whether the circuit opens at temperature 80–90°C.

⚠️ Attention: Do not heat the relay with an open flame (lighter, match) - this may damage the plastic case and distort the test results.

Signs of a malfunctioning thermal relay: when to change it

The thermal relay rarely breaks suddenly - usually its failure is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. Here are the main signs that it’s time to check or change the relay:

• ❄️ The compressor does not turn on, but the light in the refrigerator is on, and the fan (in No Frost) is working.
• 🔄 The compressor starts on 5–10 seconds and turns off (you can hear the relay click).
• 🔥 The relay body is too hot (normally it should be warm, but not scalding).
• ⚡ The refrigerator does not respond to adjustment thermostat (the relay can block the start of the compressor).
• 🕒 Long pauses between operating cycles (more than 1-2 hours under normal conditions).

If you observe at least one of these signs, most likely the relay is faulty. However, before replacing, make sure that the problem is not:

• 🔌 Breakage of the compressor winding (checked with a multimeter).
• 📡 Thermostat malfunctions (in mechanical models).
• ⚡ Power surges (if the refrigerator is connected through an extension cord or an unstable socket).

How to replace a thermal relay in an Indesit refrigerator: step by step

Replacing a relay is one of the simplest repair operations that you can do yourself. The main thing is to choose the right analogue and not mix up the wires when connecting.

Step 1: Selecting a new relay

The relay corresponds to:

• 🔌 Compressor type (indicated on its tag).
• 📏 Operation current (for example, 1.2 A, 2.5 A).
• 🏷️ Marking (on the body of the old relay).

Popular analogues for Indesit:

• 🔹 RTK-H 1 - for compressors Danfoss NL/NS.
• 🔹 DANFOSS 103N0010 - universal for most models.
• 🔹 ASCON T145 - for old refrigerators.

Step 2: Removing the old relay

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Take a photo of the wiring diagram for connecting the wires to the relay (or write down the colors).
3. Disconnect the wires, unscrew the mounting screws (if any).
4. Remove the relay from the compressor or frame.

Step 3: Installing a new relay

1. Install the new relay in place of the old one (fasteners are usually universal).
2. Connect the wires in the same orderas in the photo.
3. Secure the compressor cover (if removed).
4. Turn on the refrigerator and check the operation of the compressor.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the relay the compressor does not start, check starting capacitor - it may also be faulty Its resistance should be within the limits 20–40 Ohm.

Frequent errors when diagnosing and replacing relays

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with thermal relays. Here are the most. common:

• 🔌 They confuse a relay with a capacitor —they may be similar in appearance, but perform different functions.
• 📡 They do not check thermostat —in mechanical models, its malfunction gives the same symptoms as a relay failure.
• ⚡ Use a relay with a different operating current —this leads to overheating of the compressor.
• 🔧 Do not fix the wires —poor contact causes sparking and repeated breakdown.
• 🕒 Do not allow the relay to cool down before checking —a hot relay may show a false break.

To avoid mistakes, follow a simple rule: check everything along the chain —first the relay, then the compressor, then the thermostat and the control board. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to call. master - the cost of replacing the relay (from 1500 to 3000 rubles) is usually lower than the price of a new compressor (8000–15000 rubles).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to repair a thermal relay or just replace it?

Thermal relays cannot be repaired - they are only replaced. There is a bimetallic plate inside, which loses its elasticity over time, and it is impossible to restore it. The exception is oxidized contacts, which can be cleaned, but this is not possible. temporary solution.

How to distinguish a relay malfunction from a compressor breakdown?

If the relay clicks, but the compressor does not hum, the problem is in the relay. If there are no clicks at all, and the compressor does not show signs of life, the motor winding may have burned out. Test the windings with a multimeter: there should be resistance between the terminals. be 20–50 Ohm.

How much does a new relay cost for Indesit?

The price depends on the type of relay:

• 🔹 Tablet (RTK-H) - 500–1200 rubles.
• 🔹 Boxed (Danfoss, Ascon) - 1200–2500 rubles.

Buy only in trusted stores (for example, 220-Volt, All-Spares) - there are many fakes on the market with incorrect characteristics.

Is it possible to temporarily operate a refrigerator without a relay?

Absolutely not! The relay protects the compressor from overheating. Without it, the motor can burn out within a few hours of operation. If the relay is broken and you don’t have a new one at hand, turn off the refrigerator and do not use it until then. replacement.

Why does a new relay burn out quickly?

Reasons for frequent relay failure:

• 🔌 Power surges in the network (solution: connect the refrigerator through a stabilizer).
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor due to dirty condenser (clean the grille at the back of the refrigerator).
• ⚡ Incorrect actuation current of the relay (check the markings).