How To Jump Start A Refrigerator Compressor

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, it could be due to a faulty compressor. The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator, as it pumps refrigerant through the coils and creates the cooling effect. However, sometimes the compressor may fail to start or run smoothly, causing your food to spoil or your energy bills to rise. In this post, we’ll show you how to jump start a refrigerator compressor using a simple test device that you can make at home or buy online.

The best way to jump start a refrigerator compressor is to use a test device that connects the run and start windings of the compressor to a power source. You can use a toggle switch for the run winding and a momentary push button for the start winding. You can also use a start relay or a capacitor to help the compressor start.

What Is A Refrigerator Compressor And How Does It Work?

A refrigerator compressor is an electric motor that compresses the refrigerant gas and circulates it through the evaporator and condenser coils. The refrigerant gas absorbs heat from the inside of the refrigerator and releases it outside, creating a cooling effect.

The compressor has two windings: a run winding and a start winding. The run winding is responsible for keeping the compressor running, while the start winding is responsible for giving the compressor an initial boost to overcome inertia and start spinning.

The compressor also has a start relay and an overload device attached to it. The start relay is a switch that connects the power supply to the start winding when the compressor needs to start. The overload device is a safety mechanism that protects the compressor from overheating or overloading by cutting off the power supply when necessary.

Why Do You Need To Jump Start A Refrigerator Compressor?

Sometimes, the compressor may fail to start or run properly due to various reasons, such as:

• A faulty start relay that does not close or open properly
• A faulty overload device that trips too often or not at all
• A faulty capacitor that does not store or release enough charge
• A faulty thermostat that does not sense or regulate the temperature correctly
• A faulty wiring or connection that causes a short circuit or an open circuit
• A worn out or damaged compressor that has lost its efficiency or functionality

When this happens, you may notice some symptoms, such as:

• Your refrigerator is not cooling enough or at all
• Your refrigerator is making loud or unusual noises
• Your refrigerator is leaking water or refrigerant
• Your refrigerator is tripping the circuit breaker or blowing fuses
• Your refrigerator is consuming more energy than usual

To diagnose and fix these problems, you may need to jump start your refrigerator compressor using a test device that can bypass the faulty components and provide power directly to the compressor windings.

How To Make A Test Device To Jump Start A Refrigerator Compressor

To make a test device to jump start a refrigerator compressor, you will need the following materials:

• A junction box with a cover
• A toggle switch
• A momentary push button
• A 15 amp circuit breaker
• A power cord with a plug
• Some wires and connectors
• Some tools, such as a screwdriver, wire stripper, wire cutter, etc.

Here are the steps to make a test device to jump start a refrigerator compressor:

1. Cut off one end of the power cord and strip about an inch of insulation from each wire.
2. Connect one wire from the power cord to one terminal of the circuit breaker and another wire from the power cord to one terminal of the toggle switch.
3. Connect another wire from the other terminal of the circuit breaker to one terminal of the momentary push button.
4. Connect another wire from the other terminal of the toggle switch to an alligator clip. This will be your hot wire for the run winding.
5. Connect another wire from the other terminal of the momentary push button to another alligator clip. This will be your hot wire for the start winding.
6. Connect another wire from any terminal of the junction box to another alligator clip. This will be your neutral wire for both windings.
7. Connect another wire from any terminal of the junction box to another alligator clip. This will be your ground wire for both windings.
8. Mount all the components inside the junction box and secure them with screws or nuts.
9. Attach the cover of the junction box and label it as “Test Device”.

How To Use The Test Device To Jump Start A Refrigerator Compressor

To use the test device to jump start a refrigerator compressor, you can follow these steps:

1. Unplug your refrigerator from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet.
2. Turn off the fridge and freezer using the control panel inside the fridge.
3. Reset your freezer and fridge temperature settings.
4. Wait for the refrigerator temperature to stabilize.
5. Press the door switch twice to start the compressor.
6. Locate the panel on the lower back of your fridge.
7. Locate the start relay by first locating the compressor. The compressor is a black cylinder with copper tubes and wires attached to it. The start relay is a small box that is plugged into the side of the compressor.
8. Release the relay from the compressor by pulling or pushing it off to reveal the terminals inside.
9. Access the terminals by opening the cover of the box using a screwdriver.
10. Remove the wires attached to the terminals and label them as “R” for run, “S” for start, and “C” for common.
11. Attach the alligator clips from your test device to the corresponding terminals on the compressor. Make sure to match the colors and labels of the wires and clips. For example, attach the hot wire for the run winding to the “R” terminal, the hot wire for the start winding to the “S” terminal, the neutral wire to the “C” terminal, and the ground wire to the metal frame of the compressor.
12. Plug in your test device to a power outlet and turn on the toggle switch. You should hear a humming sound from the compressor.
13. Press and release the momentary push button quickly. You should hear a clicking sound from the compressor and feel it vibrate slightly.
14. If the compressor starts and runs smoothly, turn off the toggle switch and unplug your test device. Reconnect the wires to the relay and plug it back into the compressor. Replace the cover of the relay and panel of your fridge. Plug in your refrigerator and turn it on normally.
15. If the compressor does not start or runs erratically, turn off the toggle switch and unplug your test device. Check for any loose or faulty connections or components. You may need to replace or repair your start relay, overload device, capacitor, thermostat, wiring, or compressor.

FAQs About Jump Starting A Refrigerator Compressor

Q: Can I jump start a refrigerator compressor without a test device?

A: Yes, you can jump start a refrigerator compressor without a test device by using a screwdriver or a jumper wire to short out the run and start terminals of the compressor. However, this method is not recommended, as it can be dangerous and damage your compressor or other components.

Q: How long can I run my refrigerator compressor with a test device?

A: You should only run your refrigerator compressor with a test device for a few seconds or minutes, just enough to check if it works or not. Running your refrigerator compressor with a test device for too long can cause overheating, overloading, or short circuiting.

Q: How can I prevent my refrigerator compressor from failing?

A: You can prevent your refrigerator compressor from failing by following some simple maintenance tips, such as:

• Cleaning your refrigerator coils regularly to remove dust and dirt
• Keeping your refrigerator away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Avoiding overloading or underloading your refrigerator
• Avoiding slamming or banging your refrigerator door
• Checking your refrigerator’s temperature settings and adjusting them as needed
• Replacing or repairing any faulty components as soon as possible

Conclusion

A refrigerator compressor is an essential part of your refrigerator that keeps your food fresh and cool. However, sometimes it may fail to start or run properly due to various reasons. In this case, you may need to jump start your refrigerator compressor using a test device that can provide power directly to its windings.