⚠️ SAFETY MESSAGE: Always disconnect the appliance from the mains power supply before attempting any inspection or repair. Internal components can carry high voltage even when the unit seems "off." If you are unsure, consult a qualified engineer.To fix a fridge effectively, you first need to understand the science behind it. A refrigerator doesn't actually "create cold"—instead, it removes heat from the inside and moves it to the outside. This is known as the Vapor Compression Cycle.
The 4 Main Components of the Cycle:
The Compressor (The Heart): The compressor is the motor at the back. It pumps the refrigerant gas throughout the system. It compresses the gas, which raises its pressure and temperature.
The Condenser Coils (The Heat Release): These are the black coils on the back of the fridge. As the hot gas flows through them, it dissipates heat into the room and turns into a high-pressure liquid.
The Expansion Valve/Capillary Tube: This is a very thin tube that acts as a restriction. When the liquid refrigerant passes through it, the pressure drops suddenly, causing it to turn back into a very cold mist.
The Evaporator (The Cooling Plate): Located inside the fridge/freezer, these coils absorb the heat from your food. As the cold mist absorbs heat, it evaporates back into a gas, and the cycle starts again at the compressor.
The "Brain" of the Operation: The Thermostat
The thermostat monitors the temperature on the evaporator plate. When the temperature rises above your setting, it closes an electrical switch to start the compressor. Once the target temperature is reached, it opens the switch to stop the cycle.
Really simplified version here
The compressor forces refrigerant around the circuit when the thermostat signals it to operate the refrigerant then travels around the cooling system when its forced to expand or contract at certain points. it will absorb heat in the freezer and expel heat at the rear of unit. Problems than could occur would be leakage of refrigerant but this would require specialist equipment or a DIY re-gas kit.
The thermostat may fail so it cannot tell the compressor when to kick in , the compressor capacitor may fail so compressor cannot kick in , the relay device may fail so will not allow power to the compressor this relay is also an overload limiter so maybe it has activated and not reset so will not allow power to compressor and needs replacing , may the windings n the compressor have failed and the motor will not energise or maybe is has seized.
Buy fridge and freezer parts here on Ebay UK
Buy multimeter on Ebay UK here ensure you safety and to test components
No comments:
Post a Comment