How to check the compressor on the refrigerator using a multimeter, tester, manometer

The refrigerator consists of many parts, but the main element is the compressor. The quality of work of this household appliance depends on its serviceability. When the refrigerator does not work, first of all, it is necessary to check the compressor. In this case, it is not necessary to immediately go to the service center, since you can perform work at home. How exactly to check the compressor is working, we will consider further.

How is the compressor arranged?

Turning the refrigerator, on the reverse side we will see a casing, which is a protective element for the compressor. The unit itself is located inside the casing - it is fixed in suspension. The compressor was necessarily coated with special oil.

The device of household refrigerators practically does not differ in all models, both old and new. The compressor is a piston electric motor, relay, working and starting winding. The performance of the unit depends on alternating current. If you have not encountered electric motors, then the best comparison would be an engine from a car with one cylinder.

Pay attention to the refrigerator compressor circuit:

Of course, if the motor does not work, then the whole system will not function. There are three outputs from the unit body. Without even opening the casing, you will see sticking bayonets that form a triangle at the bottom:

• The first conclusion is general;
• The second comes from the working winding;
• The third comes from the starting winding.

In the latest models, in addition to the above items, a “gearbox" can be installed that regulates the speed of the electric motor.

Testing with a multimeter (tester): step-by-step instruction

To check the compressor using multimeter (tester)follow these steps:

1. The casing is dismantled, and then the unit itself is removed from there. We need to remove the relay - it is held by the protective cover.
2. Resistance is measured using the through-contacts of the tester. If the compressor from the refrigerator is working properly, then there should be a resistance between the left and top contacts 20 Ohm, between the upper right - about 15, the largest resistance indicator should be between left and right - 30 Ohm.
3. If the multimeter gives other indicators, then the unit is malfunctioning. Depending on the model of the refrigerator and the electric motor itself, the indicators may be different, but the numbers do not change by more than 5 ohms.
4. Next, check the resistance between the casing and the lead-through wires. One probe of the tester should be connected to one of the fittings (you need to select the copper part), and the second to the feed-through contacts. In the case when the unit is serviceable, the multimeter will show an open on the display. If resistance appears instead, then there are serious malfunctions in the motor.

In the next article, you will learn more about how to use a multimeter.

Read also:

• Why is the refrigerator buzzing? What to do and how to reduce the noise with your own hands?
• Why the refrigerator does not turn off and continues to work continuously? Overview of all possible reasons.
•  The device and principle of operation of the refrigerator: https://sovetexpert.ru/princip-raboty-xolodilnika.html

Pressure gauge check

Suppose that the check did not show defects, but the refrigerator does not work. In this case, you need a pressure gauge with which you can measure the pressure. It is necessary to connect a hose with a branch (simulator) to the discharge fitting and take readings with the compressor running. If the display shows 6 atmospheres, while the figure is growing, then the refrigerator is working properly.

If you have an old, but working refrigerator, you can take an electric motor from it. The relay on older models quickly fails, but you can connect a compressor without it, that is, directly. To do this, you will have to connect the windings.

Current check

It is also recommended to check whether the current reaches the motor. In this case, you need a working relay. It is better to take a new device that has been tested before.

The relay must be connected to the compressor and run it. Here the tester will help us again, only in this case it should be with ticks. It is necessary to take one of the network wires and pinch with pliers. If the display is 1.3 A, and the power of your electric motor is 140 W, then the current flows correctly. With less power, the current should also be less. For example, when measuring a motor at 120 W, the indicator on the multimeter should be 1.1-1.2 A.

Most often, it is the relay that breaks down in the unit, therefore, first of all, you need to test this element. In this case, the same method is used as when checking the refrigerator compressor with a multimeter.

Video instruction how to check the compressor of the refrigerator

To know how to check the compressor on the refrigerator in theory is good, but you also need to see the process itself. To do this, watch this video, where the wizard describes in detail the check of the refrigerator with a tester and other methods.

Now you know how to check compressor refrigerators yourself. You will be able to do this work if you have already encountered electrical repair and know how to use a multimeter. Do not undertake testing if this is your first experience. The right solution would be to call a professional, especially if the refrigerator is covered by a warranty.