Induction motor start
In my experience, I've found three systems for starting induction motors in washing machines this side of the 'pond' (220-240V territory).
1 - (now very rare, because expensive) Centrifugal switch inside motor. These can stick, either closed, in which case there is smoke and/or flames, or open, in which case the motor sits and hums (and, if left powered for a while, there is then smoke and/or flames, as the impedance of the stalled motor fails to limit the current in the Run Winding to a tolerable value)
2 - (seen in Hotpoint twin-tubs) an external 'Start Relay'. This is a current-operated device, the coil of which is connected in series with the Run Winding, which is designed 'pull in' at the 'stalled current' of the Run Winding, (thus connecting the Start Winding, too) and release as the motor accelerates and the current falls. Unfortunately, these are notoriously unreliable (but cheap for the manufacturer), the usual failure mode being contact welding (due to the slow release) with consequent burnout of the motor Start Winding.
3 - Permanent capacitor. Used on the Low Speed Windings of FL induction motor washers like mine. The motor uses two identical windings, each of which functions as the Start Winding for the other, providing direction reversal through a single c/o contact.
In my (limited) experience, Refrigerator start 'relays' are now based on a PTC Thermistor, no actual switching taking place.
Hope this helps or is of interest.
All best
Dave T