Section C - Electrical Components; Electrical Grounding; Compressor Electrical Components And Circuits; Solid State Relay - Electrolux Side by Side Refrigerators Service Manual

SECTION C - ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

ELECTRICAL GROUNDING

All refrigerators are equipped with a power supply cord
incorporating a three-prong grounding plug and a ground
wire which is attached to the refrigerator cabinet for
protection against shock hazard. Each electrical com-
ponent is either cabinet mounted or connected through
a ground wire to the cabinet to complete the ground.
Certain components, such as defrost timers, may be
double insulated and do not require a ground wire.
Ensure the electrical wall receptacle is of the three prong
type and is properly grounded in accordance with the
National Electrical Code and/or local codes.
COMPRESSOR
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS
The new series of very high efficiency compressor is
equipped with all new electrical components consisting
of a solid state PTC relay with a thermally operated
overload protector, and a run capacitor.

Solid State Relay

The solid state relay has no moving parts. It consists of
a PTC resistor mounted in a plastic case with
appropriate terminals. PTC (Positive Temperature
Coefficient) simply denotes a resistor which increases
in resistance as its temperature is increased. The self-
heating PTC resistor used in the solid state relay has the
unique characteristic of changing from low to very high
resistance very abruptly, thus serving as an on-off
switch (See Figure C1).
The solid state relay plugs directly onto the compressor
start and run terminals. Relay terminals 1, 2, and 5 are
connected within the relay, as are terminals 3 and 6.
A run capacitor is connected to relay terminals 2 and 3,
so it is connected in parallel with the PTC resistor. One
side of the input power is connected to relay terminal 1.
The other side of line is connected to the overload
protector. (See figure C1)

To Check/Replace Relay

1. Disconnect electrical supply to refrigerator.
2. Remove clamp holding relay to compressor.
3. Remove relay assembly from compressor.
4. Use small, flat-bladed screwdriver to disconnect
5. Use flat headed screwdriver to gently pry capacitor
6. Use ohmmeter to check resistance between
7. If ohm readings are out of range, replace relay.
8. Reverse this procedure to re-assemble.

Overload Protector

The overload protector is completely thermally oper-
ated. It will open from excessive heat or current. Unlike
prior overloads, the internal bi-metal is not self-heating,
and is not a part of the electrical circuit. The overload has
a small built-in coil heater that is in series with the
compressor start and run windings (See Figure C1).
To Check/Replace The Overload Protector
1. Disconnect electrical supply to refrigerator.
2. Remove clamp holding relay to compressor.
3. Remove relay assembly from compressor.
4. Use flat headed screwdriver to gently pry capacitor
5. Use small, flat-bladed screwdriver to disconnect
access to relay and overload protector.)
6. Use ohmmeter to check resistance between tab
Figure C1
1 1
(See Figure C2)
Relay
leads to relay assembly.
from relay assembly.
terminals 5 and 6. Resistance should be 3 to 12
ohms, at normal room temperature. Shorted relay
will read 0 ohms. Open relay will read very high or
infinite resistance.
NOTE: When replacing leads to the PTC relay,
ensure locking tabs snap into terminal.
from relay assembly.
leads to relay assembly. (Note: On some models you
will have to remove clamp and cover, to gain
terminal and female pin terminal. Overload protector
should have less than 1 ohm of resistance at normal
room temperature.
Figure C2