When The refrigerator no longer maintains the required temperature; one of the first reasons is often a failure of the thermostat. Among the many models presented on the market, a special place is occupied by thermoregulator TAM 133, which has been the standard for domestic and imported equipment for many years.
This device is responsible for turning the compressor on and off, maintaining the set temperature in the refrigerator compartment. Understanding for which refrigerators this unit is intended will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing spare parts and save time on diagnostics.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design features of the TAM 133, list compatible models of household appliances and consider the nuances installations.
Purpose and principle of operation TAM 133
Thermoregulator TAM 133 is a mechanical device that controls the operation of the compressor based on the evaporator temperature. Inside the housing there is a bellows tube filled with gas (usually freon), which reacts to thermal expansion and contraction.
As the temperature in the chamber increases, the gas in the tube expands, the pressure rises, and the contacts close, starting the motor-compressor. When the temperature drops to the set value, the process proceeds in the reverse order.
The key feature of the model TAM 133 is its versatility and reliability. It is designed to operate in a wide temperature range, which makes it popular among manufacturers.
What is the difference between TAM 133 and TAM 125?
The main difference lies in the length of the capillary tube and the response range. TAM 133 usually has a longer tube (often 1.3 meters or more), which allows it to be immersed deep into the evaporator, while TAM 125 is often shorter and is designed for other types of chambers.
It is worth noting that this thermostat is most often installed in refrigerators with single-chamber system or in two-chamber models with one compressor, where control is carried out by temperature in the refrigerator compartment.
Compatibility with refrigerator models
You can determine whether temperature regulator TAM 133 is suitable for your unit by the marking of the old device or by the model of the refrigerator itself. Most often, this component is found in brand appliances that are popular in the CIS countries.
The main consumers of this spare part are refrigerators Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol (especially series before 2005), as well as many models Indesit and Ariston Russian or European assembly of previous years.
- 🏠 Atlant: Almost all two-chamber models with mechanical control (MXM-1700, 1800, 2808 series etc.).
- ❄️ Stinol: Models STS-167, STS-205, STS-250 and their modifications.
- 🔧 Biryusa: Most two-chamber refrigerators with a top freezer.
- 🇮🇹 Indesit/Ariston: Old series with a freezer on top (for example, Indesit C 130, C 138).
The standard for TAM 133 is a tube 1.3 meters long, but there are options 0.75 m or 2.5 m, which requires careful inspection before purchase.
Technical characteristics and markings
When looking for a replacement, it is important to pay attention not only to the name TAM 133, but also to the additional numbers in the marking. They indicate the length of the tube and the type of contacts.
A code is usually stamped on the device body, for example, TAM 133-1M or TAM 133-3M-1. The number “1” or “3” at the end often indicates the length of the capillary tube and the presence of an additional “Winter/Summer” switch (although in TAM 133 it is less common than in TAM 110).
Basic parameters you need to know:
- 🌡️ Temperature range: On/off within the range from -12 to -24 degrees (on the evaporator).
- 📏 Tube length: Standard - 1300 mm (1.3 m), but varies from 750 mm to 2500 mm.
- 🔌 Contacts: Usually 3 contacts (main circuit, lamp/indicator, ground or "winter").
If you take a thermostat with the wrong tube length, you will have to either carefully bend the excess part (which is dangerous), or try to lengthen it (which breaks the tightness).
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to shorten or extend the capillary tube of the thermostat. This will disrupt the freon pressure inside the bellows, and the device will not work correctly or fail immediately after installation.
Diagnostics of thermostat malfunctions
Before buying a new thermostat TAM 133, you need to make sure that this is where the problem lies. Symptoms of a breakdown may be similar to a compressor malfunction or a freon leak.
The most common symptom is that the refrigerator does not turn on at all, or works non-stop, freezing food to the point of stone. There may also be no characteristic click when turning the control knob.
For an accurate check, you can use a multimeter in dial mode:
- De-energize the refrigerator and get to the thermostat.
- Remove the terminals and check the resistance between the contacts.
- At room temperature, the circuit should ring (resistance is close to 0).
- If you put the sensor in the freezer, the circuit should open (resistance is infinity).
If the contacts do not open when the sensor is cooled, it means bellows system lost tightness or gas has evaporated, and replacement is inevitable.
Do-it-yourself replacement instructions
Replacement temperature regulator TAM 133 is a procedure that can be performed at home, but requires care. The main safety rule is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply before starting work.
First remove the temperature regulator handle (sometimes you need to pry it off with a flat screwdriver). Then dismantle the internal panel of the refrigerator compartment to gain access to the thermostat housing.
Sequence of actions:
- 🔌 Disconnect the wires: Take a photo or sketch the connection diagram, then remove the terminals.
- 🔩 Remove the fastening: Unscrew the screws, fixing the thermostat housing on the wall of the refrigerator.
- 🐍 Remove the tube: Carefully pull the capillary tube out of the evaporator. It can fit tightly, act without sudden jerks.
- 🆕 Install the new one: Insert the tube of the new TAM 133 to the same depth as the old one and secure the body.
After assembly connect the wires according to your diagram and turn on the refrigerator. The initial temperature setting may take several hours.
Comparative table of analogues
On the market you can find not only the original TAM 133, but also their imported analogues. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best option.
| Parameter | TAM 133 (Original) | K50 (Danfoss) | Ranco K59 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Russia/China | Denmark/Italy | USA/Italy |
| Tube length | 0.75 - 2.5 m | Standard 1.3 m | Various |
| Price | Low | High | Average |
| Reliability | Average | High | High |
Imported analogues, such as K50 or Ranco, often have more stable characteristics, but cost 2-3 times more expensive. However, if you want to forget about the problem for a long time, the overpayment may be justified.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an analogue, make sure that the mounting dimensions of the case and the location of the contacts match your original, otherwise installation difficulties may arise.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is it possible to put TAM 133 instead of TAM 110?
Technically this is possible, since the operating principle is similar, but their temperature ranges are different. TAM 110 is intended for refrigeration chambers (positive temperatures), and TAM 133 often has a range for freezer chambers or mixed. Installing an unsuitable thermostat will lead to an incorrect operating mode: either the food will defrost or refreeze.
Why is the new thermostat humming?
A slight hum or crackling sound when turning on/off is normal, this is how the contacts work. However, if the sound is constant and loud, the device may be defective or incorrectly selected for the current load of the compressor.
How deeply to insert the capillary tube?
The tube must be inserted to the same depth to which the previous one was immersed. Usually this is a hole in the evaporator with a depth of 10 to 20 cm. If you insert it too deep, it will hit a dead end; if it is too shallow, it will not feel the real temperature.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before replacing it?
Yes, complete defrosting is required. This will allow you to safely work with electrical components and easily remove the old tube, which may be frozen with ice.
In conclusion, proper diagnosis and selection of quality thermostat will extend the life of your refrigerator. Do not ignore the first signs of a malfunction, as constant operation of the compressor without shutting down can lead to its burnout, which will cost much more than replacing the thermostat.