Today I am writing about the refrigerator overload protector testing using multi meter. In this post I will complete guide you about how to test a refrigerator thermal overload protector using a multimeter. As you know that thermal overload protector is designed to protect the refrigerator compressor during over current flow. I also published a post about working principles of refrigerator compressor thermal overload protector. The overload protector is connected near with the starting relay of the compressor, and connects to the compressor common terminal. When the thermal overload protector heat up or make an open connection internally the compressor stop running. The working of thermal protector is that to stop the electric supply during the over current flow to compressor or when the compressor become heat up. Some time when ref compressor become heat up the thermal overload protector stop the electric supply to the compressor to protect the compressor winding from the burning. To learn more about the working of refrigerator thermal overload protector click here.
Also Read
How a overload protector works
How a ptc realy works
How to test and wire refrigeator thermal thermostat switch
Here I try to make you understood using simple refrigerator overload protector testing troubleshooting diagram. In the below diagram I shown an Analog multi meter which set on the connectivity test, ohm test (resistance testing). And I connect the one testing lead to one terminal of overload and other testing lead to other terminal of the overload. In diagram I shown that multi meter shown no reading or no connectivity which means that the overload is not working or internally open.
In the below 2nd fridge thermal overload protector testing troubleshooting diagram. I shown that millimeter shown the reading and shown connectivity between two points which means that overload is working properly and no need to change.
In the above diagram I shown and clear that if the refrigerator thermal overload protector have connectivity between two points then its means that overload is working fine. But some time if an overload is not tripping or not make an open circuit during over current flow to the compressor then this overload is not a good overload. So the proper method to test your overload compressor starting time and running time current (ampere) and if the overload is not opening circuit during the over current flow then change the overload protector.
Now if the overload is internally open circuit then change and if it's have a connectivity between both terminals of overload then test other common places and problems of refrigerator not working. I hope by reading this refrigerator overload protector testing guide, now you will be able to test the fridge thermal overload protector. Be safe and follow all safety rolls before start testing or replacing the thermal overload protector to refrigerator compressor.
Also Read
How a overload protector works
How a ptc realy works
How to test and wire refrigeator thermal thermostat switch
How To Test Refrigerator Overload Protector Using Multimeter
- The refrigerator overload protector testing is very easy using a multi meter, to test your refrigerator thermal overload protector follow the below steps.
- First of all off the refrigerator and plug out the refrigerator supply plug from the outlet, or switch off the double pole circuit breaker from which the refrigerator supply plug controlled.
- The thermal overload protector is connected or install near with the starting (PTC relay) with compressor terminals. Just remove the relay from the compressor and then remove the compressor overload protector.
- Remove the both wires from the thermal overload protector.
- Then set you multi meter on connectivity test or diode testing. Connect one testing lead to one terminal of the thermal overload protector and other testing lead to the other terminal of compressor overload.
- If you find that there are some connectivity then its means that the overload is alright and working properly. And you don't need to replace the overload.
- And if you don't see any connectivity then waits 5 to 10 minutes and then tests the thermal overload protector again. And if still has no connectivity then its means that your refrigerator overload is internally open connection or cut. And you must change the overload protector with new one with same range.
Refrigerator Overload Protector Testing Using Multi-meter
Here I try to make you understood using simple refrigerator overload protector testing troubleshooting diagram. In the below diagram I shown an Analog multi meter which set on the connectivity test, ohm test (resistance testing). And I connect the one testing lead to one terminal of overload and other testing lead to other terminal of the overload. In diagram I shown that multi meter shown no reading or no connectivity which means that the overload is not working or internally open.
In the below 2nd fridge thermal overload protector testing troubleshooting diagram. I shown that millimeter shown the reading and shown connectivity between two points which means that overload is working properly and no need to change.
In the above diagram I shown and clear that if the refrigerator thermal overload protector have connectivity between two points then its means that overload is working fine. But some time if an overload is not tripping or not make an open circuit during over current flow to the compressor then this overload is not a good overload. So the proper method to test your overload compressor starting time and running time current (ampere) and if the overload is not opening circuit during the over current flow then change the overload protector.
Now if the overload is internally open circuit then change and if it's have a connectivity between both terminals of overload then test other common places and problems of refrigerator not working. I hope by reading this refrigerator overload protector testing guide, now you will be able to test the fridge thermal overload protector. Be safe and follow all safety rolls before start testing or replacing the thermal overload protector to refrigerator compressor.
