Checking For a Healthy Refrigerator: How to Test Your Compressor Relay
How To Test Refrigerator Compressor Relay
A refrigerator compressor relay is an important component of your refrigerator. It is responsible for turning on the compressor, which is what cools the refrigerator. If the relay is malfunctioning, the fridge may not cool properly or may fail to turn on at all. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to test a refrigerator compressor relay to determine if it is working properly.
First, unplug the refrigerator from the wall. Then, locate the relay on the back or side of the unit. It should be connected to the compressor and will look like a small box or cylinder. Carefully remove the relay from the refrigerator and inspect it for any signs of damage or corrosion. If the relay looks to be in good condition, you can proceed with the following steps.
Next, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the relay. This can be done by setting the multimeter to the ?resistance? setting, and then connecting one lead to one side of the relay and the other lead to the other side. The multimeter should read zero ohms if the relay is in working condition. If it reads anything other than zero ohms, then the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Once you have determined that the relay is in good condition, you need to test the terminals. To do this, set the multimeter to the ?voltage? setting and then connect one lead to each terminal on the relay. The multimeter should read between 0 and 12 volts. If it reads anything higher than 12 volts, then the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Finally, you need to test the switch on the relay. To do this, set the multimeter to the ?resistance? setting and then connect one lead to the switch and the other lead to any ground. If the multimeter reads zero ohms, then the switch is in working condition. If it reads anything other than zero ohms, then the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Testing a refrigerator compressor relay is important to ensure that the refrigerator is functioning properly. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily test the relay and determine if it is in good condition or needs to be replaced. If you are unsure of how to test the relay or are uncomfortable doing so, it is best to contact an appliance repair technician for assistance.