Description
Motor overload protection, Klixon type, marked BT15-120 1497E. Listed for EUROTECH: ED-BF42, matched to 2400100184 compressor.
The BT15-120 is a thermal overload protector (often styled similarly to BT-series Klixon-type cutouts) used on refrigerator and freezer compressors to cut power if the motor overheats or draws too much current.
What the BT15-120 Does
• Overheating Protection: Monitors the compressor's temperature and external/internal draw, tripping open if things get too hot.
• Current Safeguard: Prevents the compressor motor from burning out during a stall, low-voltage event, or hard-start failure.
• Auto-Reset: Once the compressor cools down, the internal bimetal disc resets and allows the fridge to attempt a restart.
Common Signs of a Faulty BT15-120
• Clicking Sound: The compressor tries to start, gets hot, and the overload clicks off repeatedly ("click-clack" cycle).
• Fridge Not Cooling: The compressor fails to run or turns off almost immediately after kicking on.
• Open Circuit on Multimeter: A working overload protector should read near-0 ohms of resistance (continuity) when cool. If your multimeter reads infinite/OL resistance while the part is cooled down, the internal thermal switch is blown and needs replacement