Whirlpool Beverage Center WHB36s force start with Supco R041 relay/overload combination

[Alex0311]

Model Number

WHB36S

Brand

Whirlpool

Age

1-5 years

Hello, I have a whirlpool beverage center that started making the clicking noise. After researching decided to replace the relay and overload JPQII-4.7 and BT68-135. In this system (picture attached) there is a red wire (120v thermostat wire?) going into the overload, 2 white wires connected to the top prong of the relay and 2 black wires connected to the bottom prong of the relay. So here we have 5 wires total. I went into an appliance parts store and they gave me a relay/overload combination Supco R041. Said it was super easy, I should be able to figure it out. Lol.

I was able to figure out where the prongs go into the compressor, (top black, bottom left white, bottom right red) but now I have 2 black wires from the R041 that I have no idea where they combine with the other 5 wires (1 red, 2 white, 2 black) originally connected to the original overload and relay. I tried the attached pictures combination (replaced blue with red wire, our green wire is screwed into the bottom of the fridge, so didn’t touch it) but the electrical tripped. What diagram can we follow to make sure this works?

 

[Dan O.]

1. Why did you cut the wires off of the original relay and not just unplug them?

2. The RO41 relay is oversized for that unit. A more appropriately sized one would have been an RO81.

LINK > TJRO81 1/8-1/6th HP Compressor Relay/Overload (aka RO81)


3. What component did the black wires attach to? They're not shown in the wiring diagram.


Dan O.

 

[Alex0311]

Hi Dan,

Thanks, I am completely new to this.

1. Initially just unplugged them but then how else would I put in the wire nut to connect with the supco relay/overload combo? Is this fixable?

2. It was recommended by an appliance store employee. Will this work at all with the whirpool Whb36s unit being repaired?

3. That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Need some kind of diagram of how those 2 black wires from the supco relay/overload combination connect with the whirlpool’s 2black 2white and 1red wires.

 

[Dan O.]

Will this [RO41] work at all with the whirpool Whb36s unit being repaired?

I have no idea and if it does initially, I do not know if it will damage the compressor in the long run. It's like putting the starter of a 12-cylinder car engine into a go-cart.

3. What component did the black wires attach to?

3. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.

>>> Follow the wires and see what they're connected to. <<<


Are the wiring diagrams you posted from this very machine? Because it doesn't show those extra wires.

Dan O.

 

[Alex0311]

The attached image is the wiring diagram for the whirpool WHB36S. It does not include the supco R041.

 

[Dan O.]

I can not suggest how to wire a replacement relay without knowing what those black wires attach to. They are NOT shown in that wiring diagram. That's why I asked if the diagram you supplied is the one right on the machine or you found it elsewhere.

Can you not follow those wires to see what component they eventually attach to??

Dan O.

 

[Alex0311]

Hi, here is a diagram of the wires from the fridge (3 red, white and black) and from the outlet (2 white and black). I now have the Supco R081. How do I connect the supco wires onto the fridge and outlet wires?

 

[Dan O.]

That latest diagram means nothing to me and doesn't seem to correspond to the photo of the relay you posted. That picture shows 1-red, 2-white and 2-black wires going to the original relay.

I need to know what components in the appliance the wires are connected to. As I said, the unit's wiring diagram does not show the black wires. I have no idea what they're for.

From the original wiring diagram it shows power to the relay/overload are a white and red wire. Those red and white wires would usually be the ones that power the new relay. i have no idea where any of the other wires go as I do not know what they connect to in the appliance.

-----

For which wire goes to which compressor terminal, you'll have to figure that out and then use the diagram in the part packaging to connect them.

Measure the resistance between each of the compressor terminals on the lowest resistance scale. Make a diagram and write them down.


Find the highest resistance between 2 compressor terminals. The other terminal will be the Common terminal. Write it down.

Measure between that Common terminal and each of the other terminals. The next highest resistance will be the Start winding terminal. Write it down.

Between the Common and Run (aka Main) compressor terminal will have the lowest resistance of the three measurements.

Now that you've found the C, S and R terminals wire the replacement relay according to the part packaging instructions.


BTW. The 2 lower resistance values should add up exactly to the highest resistance value. If the total is different, it usually indicates an internal problem with the compressor.

Dan O.

 

[Alex0311]

I have no clue what the black wires are connected to either. I just know one comes from the fridge the other comes from the outlet. This is how it was connected originally. Red wire went up to override. 2 white wires connected to the top of the pin of the relay and 2 black wires connected to the bottom pin of the relay.

 

[Dan O.]

I have no clue what the black wires are connected to either.

Than it's going to be difficult for anyone to tell you how to wire it.

It might be the blacks are just attached to a 'buss bar' connector, just connecting them to each other? If (IF!) that is the case they might just be able to be connected together. ⚠️ If not, I have no idea if anything would be damaged in trying. Try it at your own risk. ⚠️

Dan O.

 

[Alex0311]

Thanks Dan! Is there a way to find out what those wires are connected to?

Based on the circuit diagram on the fridge, white is neutral and black is the load side.

 

[Dan O.]

Based on the circuit diagram on the fridge, white is neutral and black is the load side.

According to the wiring diagram it is the red and while wires that power the compressor relay and overload. That’s pretty clear.

Is there a way to find out what those wires are connected to?

That’s usually what the wiring diagram is for. If its not shown, maybe the manufacturer can tell you?


Can you post a closeup photo of the relay terminals with the connectors removed from it? It might be possible to tell if either is just a buss bar?

Dan O.