How to properly turn on the Atlant refrigerator after delivery

Purchasing new household appliances is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to large equipment such as Atlant refrigerator. However, immediately after the unit has been brought into the apartment and installed in the kitchen, a logical question arises: can it be immediately connected to the electrical network or are there certain rules, the violation of which can lead to breakdown? Many users make the mistake of hastily plugging into a retail outlet without knowing about the physical processes occurring inside the system.

Correct first start is a critical stage on which the durability of the compressor and the efficiency of the entire refrigeration chamber depend. Ignoring simple but strict rules of initial operation can lead to the fact that an expensive device will fail long before the warranty period expires. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances that must be taken into account before pressing the power button.

It is important to understand that the process of preparing for operation depends not only on the model of your device, but also on the conditions of its transportation. If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the minimum standing time before turning on should be at least 8-12 hours for the oil to completely drain into the compressor crankcase. This technical requirement is dictated by the design of the motor and the properties of the refrigerant, and its compliance is a prerequisite for maintaining the manufacturer's warranty.

Why you can’t turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery

The main reason why manufacturers, including the brand Atlant, it is strictly not recommended to turn on the equipment immediately after transportation, this lies in the peculiarities of the compressor design. The internal cooling system is filled with oil, which lubricates the rubbing parts of the engine, and refrigerant. During transportation, especially if the unit was tilted or transported in a horizontal position, oil inevitably flows from the compressor crankcase into the freon circulation circuit, entering the capillary tube and evaporator.

If at this moment voltage is applied to the electric motor, it will begin to work in extreme conditions. Oil that gets into the system creates a so-called “oil seal”, which prevents the normal circulation of the refrigerant. The compressor tries to push freon, works with overload, gets very hot and can burn out in a matter of minutes. In addition, the lack of oil in the crankcase itself leads to dry friction of the piston group, which causes rapid wear or jamming of the mechanism.

⚠️ Attention: An attempt to turn on the refrigerator immediately after shaking during delivery can lead to water hammer in the compressor, which is not a warranty case and requires expensive repairs.

In addition to mechanical risks, there are and temperature factor. If delivery was carried out in winter at sub-zero temperatures, the internal components of the device are cooled. A sudden switch on in a warm room and the supply of electric current can cause condensation to form on the electrical contacts and control board. Moisture can cause a short circuit, which will disable the control electronics.

How long should the Atlant refrigerator stand

The time required to adapt the equipment to new conditions directly depends on the position in which the transportation was carried out and what the ambient temperature was. For models Atlant with a conventional compressor and inverter modifications, there are recommendations that should be strictly followed. This time is needed for the oil to flow back into the tank and for the refrigerant to be distributed evenly throughout the system.

If the unit was transported in an upright position and was not subjected to strong shaking, the settling process takes minimal time. In the summer, when the temperature difference between the street and the room is small, it is enough to wait 2-3 hours. In winter, even with careful vertical transportation, it is recommended to increase this interval to 4 hours to eliminate condensation and warm the lubricant to room temperature.

The situation changes dramatically if the refrigerator was transported lying down. In this case, the oil spreads throughout the entire circuit, and it takes much longer to return it. The minimum settling period for a lying position is 8 hours, but experts advise not to risk it and wait a full day. Only after this can you be sure that the system is ready for a safe start.

Below is a table systematizing the settling time depending on delivery conditions:

What will happen if you hurry?

If you turn on the refrigerator ahead of time, the compressor may start without oil. This will lead to jamming of the pistons or burning of the winding. Repair in this case will cost up to 70% of the price of a new device, and service centers may refuse a warranty, citing violation of operating rules.

Preparation for the first launch: step-by-step instructions

Before connecting Atlant refrigerator to the network, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory manipulations. They are aimed at ensuring proper air circulation and stable operation of the device. The first step should always be to thoroughly wash the inner chambers. Despite the fact that the equipment is new, it may contain the smell of factory grease, plastic or packaging.

For washing, use a weak solution of baking soda or a mild detergent. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, aggressive chemicals or hot water, as this can damage the coating of the chambers. After wet cleaning, the doors should be left open until the surfaces are completely dry. This will also allow any foreign odors to disappear.

• 🧼 Thoroughly wash all shelves, drawers and inner walls of the chambers with warm water and soda.
• 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 2-3 hours for complete drying and ventilation.
• 🔌 Make sure that the socket to which the device will be connected is grounded and corresponds to the required power.
• 📏 Check the stability of the installation: the refrigerator should not wobble, and the legs should be adjusted to the level.

Particular attention should be paid to the installation. The floor under the refrigerator must be level and durable. If the floor is slippery, you can place rubber mats under the feet. It is important to provide a gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. For models Atlant with an open condenser (grid at the back), the minimum distance to the wall should be 5-7 cm, and for models with a hidden condenser - at least 3 cm. This is necessary for effective heat removal.

Setting up the thermostat and operating modes

After the refrigerator has settled, washed and installed, the setup stage begins. Temperature control in refrigerators Atlant can be carried out by a mechanical regulator or an electronic panel, depending on the model. Understanding the operating principle of your device will help you set the optimal parameters the first time.

In models with mechanical control, a thermostat knob is located inside the fridge compartment. It usually has a graduation from 0 to 7 (or from Min to Max). For initial start-up, it is recommended to set the regulator to the middle position, for example, to number 3 or 4. This will ensure normal operation without overloading the compressor. Position “0” means shutdown, and “7” means maximum cooling, which is not recommended for constant use.

If your Atlant equipped with an electronic No Frost control system, the setting is made through the display on the door or a hidden panel. Here you can select a specific temperature in degrees Celsius. Standard recommended values: +4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of the “Super Freeze” or “Vacation” function. The "Vacation" mode is useful if you are leaving for a long time: it turns off the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer running, which saves energy.

⚠️ Attention: Do not immediately set the regulator to maximum cooling (7 or Min). This will cause the compressor to run non-stop, which may cause it to overheat when first started.

An empty refrigerator will cool faster, but the thermostat may not cycle correctly. Therefore, after turning on, let the equipment work for 5-6 hours in standard mode before loading it with products.

First turn on and check of operation

The most crucial moment comes. After making sure that all conditions are met, you can connect Atlant refrigerator to the power supply. Insert the plug into the outlet. On modern models, when power is applied, a beep may sound and indicators on the display will light up. This is a normal reaction of the self-diagnosis system.

Immediately after switching on, the compressor may not start working immediately. Electronically controlled models often have restart protection, which blocks the engine from starting for 5-10 minutes. Don't panic if you don't hear a buzzing sound right away. Give the equipment time to “realize” that it is connected to the network.

When the compressor starts, you will hear a characteristic hum. In the first minutes of operation, it may be a little louder than usual - this is normal, as the system begins to build up pressure. Check the operation of the fans (if the model is No Frost) - they should make uniform noise. After 15-20 minutes of operation, carefully touch the inside of the side walls of the refrigerator: they should begin to get slightly warmer or, conversely, colder, depending on the zone. This is a sign that the refrigerant has begun to circulate.

During the initial check, pay attention to the following points:

• 🔊 No extraneous knocking, clanging or vibration of the housing.
• ❄️ Uniform cooling of the internal space (check after 1-2 hours).
• 💧 No water leaks under the refrigerator (there may be condensation, but there should be no puddles).
• 🌡️ Correct display of temperature on the display (if any).

Common mistakes when operating new refrigerators

Even knowing the theory, users often make practical mistakes that shorten the service life of the equipment. One of the most common is the loading of warm products immediately after switching on. Thermal load on the compressor in the first hours of operation should be minimal. Load only those products that are already at room temperature or refrigerated.

Another mistake is ignoring defrosting instructions, even if you have a No Frost system. Although such models do not require manual defrosting of ice, it is still recommended to turn them off and wash them once every year or two to prevent bacteria and check the condensate drainage system. Also, users often forget to check the door seals, allowing them to become dirty, which leads to loss of tightness.

You should also not neglect the installation level. If the refrigerator is tilted, the door may not close tightly on its own, or the hinge mechanism will experience uneven load, which will lead to rapid wear and distortion of the door. Adjusting the legs is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a technical necessity.

Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator through an extension cord?

Using an extension cord is not recommended, as this creates additional resistance and the risk of poor contact, which can cause heating and fire. If you cannot do without an extension cord, it must be designed for a current of at least 16 Amps, be of high quality and completely unwound from the coil.

Why does the refrigerator hum loudly when it is first turned on?

The first start is always accompanied by noisier operation. The compressor needs to create pressure in the system, pump oil and refrigerant. If the hum is monotonous and is not accompanied by knocking or vibration of the floor, this is normal. After a few hours of operation, the noise should decrease.

What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after turning on?

If after 3-4 hours of operation there is no cold inside, check whether the door is tightly closed, whether the thermostat is set correctly and whether there is voltage in the network. If all parameters are normal, but there is no cold, there may be a freon leak during transportation. In this case, you need to call a technician from an authorized service center.

Do you need to lubricate the door hinges before first use?

Factory lubricant on the hinges Atlant is usually applied in sufficient quantity. Additional lubrication is required only if you notice a creaking or tight door movement after a long period of use. Use special silicone grease, do not use edible oil.

How often should you wash the Atlant refrigerator?

To maintain hygiene and absence of odors, it is recommended to carry out general cleaning of the refrigeration chambers once every 3-4 months. In this case, you need to completely defrost the freezer (if there is no Frost), wash the shelves and wipe the seals.