The compressor is the nucleus of the tightly locked refrigerant system in the refrigerator. The compressor is by far the most costly part to fix if there is an issue, and this is one of the components that a user cannot repair by himself. Luckily the compressor is itself barely causing the refrigerator to fail to function properly. In general, the issue is with the start of a relay or thermostatic knob. Many people question how to test a refrigerator compressor to diagnosis the issue.
The modes of testing the refrigerator compressor
There are several ways to check if your refrigerator’s compressor is functioning correctly or not. You need to know the checking modes to fix the problems and keep getting excellent service. So let’s move on to the topic!
Test the active winding of the compressor
Push the refrigerator far from the wall and disconnect the power adapter from the plug socket. You will use ohm’s mechanism in your voltage converter to diagnose the compressor, and the power applied directly to the test circuit shows incorrect results and damage to the meter. Find the start circuit of the compressor and drag it out of the ends on the compressor edge. Advanced refrigerators have consistent-state start circuits found by linking the two cables to it. The identified three triggers are S, R, and C, which consecutively stand for Start Winding Pins, Run, and Common.
Place the operation switch of the electronic meter with the Rx1 range if the triggers are not labeled and detect the other two triggers that offer the maximum reading. These two triggers are the R (run) and S (start winding) triggers, and the remaining trigger is the C (common) trigger. The compressor is damaged and needs fixing when the indicator LCD shows the O.L. reading while testing in either one of the triggers.
Test for shortened motor
In a compressor motor, two forms of shorts may happen, a short turn-to-turn within a wind or a short wind-to-frame. The calculation in both the R and C and the S and C triggers must be within 1/2 in the unit ohm. When the results are noticeably identical and the noticeable low, the issue is a short turn-to-turn within the wind and the need to fix the compressor. You can test for a short wind-to-frame by checking the result between each trigger and the compressor’s mounting. The indicator’s display shows anything except an O.L. through the tests; then, the compressor is defective. It needs fixing in such a case.
Test the thermostatic control knob
When the test of the active winding of the compressor and the test for shortened motor went well, the issue was a bad thermostatic knob. Test the thermostatic control knob as there is no simple way for someone like you to test the consistent-state start circuits without replacing the latest one. Adjust the knob between 4 to 5. Now check the consistency in the socket and the cables linked to the start circuit. The screen of the measuring device will give a rating of zero between each end of the outlet and one of the cables connected to the start circuit. The thermostatic knobs function is weak and needs fixing if any edge displays the O.L. on the screen. Once the thermostatic knob comes out well, disconnect the circuit that connects with the consistent-state motor.
Test the fan
There’s a compressor fan in your refrigerator generally located just beside the compressor machine. The fan can rotate comfortably during standard action but may also be covered by dirt, spills, or an unruly cable or machinery item. Examine that fan to make sure it is tidy and free from any blockage to spin properly. Check the refrigerator back by switching it on to ensure the fan is functioning properly; otherwise, you require to substitute the installation of the fan.
There is a great alternative to test for the correct performance of the fan and compressor. It is by letting the doors stay open of the fridge for a couple of minutes. It ought to be done while the fridge is turned on. Check if the compressor is not engaged or the fan is not spinning as the cold air is draining out from the device.
Also read: 12 best Portable Air Compressor 2022
Check the noise
During the day, at different points, the sound or the noise you listen to indicates the compressor turning on and off. If you listen to a gentle hum from the refrigerator, you realize it’s operating. It is the compressor’s sound that you are listening to. Nevertheless, if you do not experience that noise for a while, it may indicate the breakage of your compressor. Drag your device ahead from the wall, and hold for a couple of minutes to hear and test the sound of a running motor or a soft humming. If the noise does not come out, your fridge’s compressor is not serviceable. If you can hear a buzzing sound, but still, the product inside the refrigerator is not getting cold, there might be an issue with your compressor.
Also read: 10 Best Small Air Compressor in 2022
Inspect the internal zone
Inside the refrigerator, you will discover several ducts in the backside compartment. The ducts must not be obstructed to spread cold air appropriately in the refrigerator. You can detect the compressor operating sound, but the fridge does not cold sufficiently, shift any food items that hinder the ducts, and clean out any frozen dams or drips that can hinder the ducts.
You will also find the sound of the evaporator fan running inside of the refrigerator during operation. When it ends up making weird noises like sudden whirring noises or creaks or sounds pretty loud, you need to fix the evaporator fan.
Further concern
The compressor may be destroyed or have poor gears or fittings when you find the compressor does not perform efficiently even after verifying it out well electrically. It requires replacement in such situations. It will be best if you do not change the damaged compressor by yourself. Ask for help from the experts. An EPA licensed person can fix the refrigerants.
Ending note
There are several potential causes a refrigerator cannot work as it used to, and there are various issues that can contribute to spending a lot on damaged, defective goods. Sadly, if you don’t start paying attention to the fridge, you can notice that it is indeed possible to ignore a broken appliance’s red alert until the food stinks and ruins. Though a faulty compressor is one of the prominent refrigerator problems, it is the one we frequently ignore as well. The ways listed above will help us test the refrigerator compressor and fix the issues.
