Refrigerator Relay & Overload
Just about the cheapest part in the fridge, and the number one reason perfectly healthy compressors get replaced for nothing. Before you let anyone tell you the compressor is dead, Cool.sa helps you rule this part out first, it takes minutes, costs almost nothing, and saves you from paying for a compressor you never needed.
The story in two lines
The compressor needs a strong electrical kick to start. The relay gives it that kick. The overload cuts the power if the compressor overheats. Both sit in a small black box on the side of the compressor.
The sign that gives it away instantly
Stand behind the fridge and listen: Click… silence… click… silence and no cooling?
That's the relay. It tries to start the compressor, fails, the overload trips, then it tries again. The compressor is usually completely fine.
Other signs: the compressor never starts · it heats up quickly and trips · the breaker trips when the fridge switches on.
Types
- PTC relay: the most common in modern fridges, a solid-state part with no moving components.
- Current relay (line 1): in older fridges, with a coil and contacts.
- Overload (klixon): the thermal protector, sold separately or as a set with the relay.
- Motor capacitor: on some systems, assists starting.
How to order the right part
The relay follows the compressor, not the fridge. Send: the compressor model number (from its label), or a clear photo of the old relay from both sides.
Safest option: a complete relay + overload set the two work together and age together.
Why we insist on checking it first
Replacing a failed relay gets your fridge running in half an hour for tens of riyals. Replacing a healthy compressor for no reason is a double loss: you paid hundreds, and the original fault is still there.
Why Choose Cool.sa for Your Refrigerator Relay & Overload
- The cheapest check before you touch the compressor. We help you confirm the relay/overload is the actual fault first, it's a fast, low-cost test that can save you from an unnecessary compressor replacement.
- Matched to the correct number of terminal lines (1 to 4) for your exact compressor type.
- Available individually or as a full kit, whichever you need.
- Fast nationwide delivery to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and every region of the Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My refrigerator clicks and won't cool. What's the problem?
In many cases, the start relay or overload protector is the cause rather than the compressor itself. A faulty relay prevents the compressor from starting properly, resulting in repeated clicking sounds.
Q2. Should I replace the relay on its own or together with the overload protector?
Replacing the start relay and overload protector as a complete set is recommended. Since both components work together in the compressor starting circuit, replacing them together improves reliability and reduces the risk of repeat failures.
Q3. Is replacing a refrigerator start relay easy?
Replacing a start relay is much simpler than replacing a compressor because it usually push-fits onto the compressor terminals. However, always disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before servicing it, and have a qualified technician confirm the fault for the safest and most accurate repair.
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