Many owners of household appliances are faced with a situation where it is necessary to change the operating mode or completely turn off the unit. Users often confuse turning off the compressor, the backlight, and completely de-energizing the device. Understanding the difference between these processes is critical for the safety of equipment and products.
Refrigerators Atlant (Atlant) are reliable units, but they also require competent handling when changing operating modes. In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to stop the operation of the refrigeration circuit, from temporary solutions to long-term preservation.
Incorrect actions can lead to defrosting of supplies or breakdown of electronics. Let's figure out how to act depending on your specific situation and model of equipment.
Turning off the backlight and the "Vacation" function
Often, when asking “how to turn it off,” users mean stopping the operation of the refrigerator compartment while the freezer is running. In models Atlant with electronic control, such as the XM-4425 or XM-6025 series, there is a special “Holiday” mode. It allows you to turn off the upper chamber, leaving the freezer to operate as normal.
To activate this function on the control panel, you usually need to press and hold the snowflake button or the special “Holiday” key for 3-5 seconds. The corresponding indicator will light up on the display and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment will rise to +15...+17°C. This prevents the appearance of mold and odor while the chamber is empty, but saves energy.
It is important to understand that the compressor in this mode does not stop completely, it only turns on less often, maintaining cold only in the lower part. If your goal is to completely stop the cooling cycle, this method will not work.
- 🌡️ The “Vacation” mode is ideal for long business trips, when you need to leave supplies in the freezer, but remove food from the refrigerator.
- 💡 The backlight in some models can only be turned off by removing the lamp or cutting the wire, since there is often no separate button for the light provided.
- 🔌 The electronics continue to consume current even in standby mode if the plug is plugged into the socket.
Is it possible to leave the refrigerator in the “Vacation” mode for six months?
Yes, you can. However, before turning on the full mode after returning, it is recommended to rinse the chamber with soda and let the device run empty for 2-3 hours before loading products.
Complete de-energization through the socket and network
The most radical and reliable way to turn off the refrigerator Atlant is to physically break the electrical circuit. Most Belarusian-made models do not have a separate “Power” button on the body, which would completely cut off the current. Even if you turn off the display, the transformer of the control unit continues to be energized.
To turn it off completely, you must remove the plug from the socket. If access to the outlet is difficult (the refrigerator is in a niche), it is permissible to use a surge protector with a button or a switch on the wall if it is designed for the appropriate current load. Sharply pulling the plug by the wire is strictly prohibited - this can damage the contacts.
After disconnecting from the network, it is recommended to wait at least 10-15 minutes before turning it on again. This time is necessary to equalize the pressure in the system refrigerant. If you turn on the compressor immediately, it may burn out due to water hammer or high starting torque.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use low-quality extension cords for continuous shutdown. Poor contact at the junction of the plug and socket can lead to heating and melting of the plastic, which creates a risk of fire.
Mechanical temperature controllers
In old or budget models Atlant, such as the MHM-1700 or 1800 series, control is carried out by a mechanical thermostat. This is a round knob inside the chamber with divisions from 1 to 7 (or Min/Max). Users often ask: “What happens if you turn the knob to zero?”
Turning the knob to the “0” or “Min” position (depending on the modification) opens the thermostat contacts. The compressor stops receiving the start signal and stops. In fact, the refrigerator turns off while remaining connected to the mains. Only the backlight will light when the door is opened.
However, this method is not a complete shutdown from the point of view of electrical safety. The device remains energized, and in the event of a power surge or faulty wiring, the risk remains. In addition, the thermostat is not intended for frequent use as a switch and may wear out faster.
| Regulator position | Compressor status | Temperature conditions | Energy consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (Off) | Does not work | No cooling | Minimum (lamp) |
| 1 (Min) | Rare switching on | +8...+10°C | Low |
| 3 (Average) | Full-time work | +4...+6°C | Normal |
| 7 (Max) | Fixed work | Below 0°C (freezing) | Maximum |
Use mechanical shutdown only as a temporary measure, for example, to quickly defrost the camera without moving far from the outlet. For long periods of inactivity, it is better to remove the plug.
Procedure for preparing for long-term downtime
If you plan not to use the refrigerator Atlant for several months (for example, in the winter at the dacha), simply turning off the network is not enough. Moisture remains inside the device, which can cause corrosion of metal parts and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
The first step is complete defrosting. Turn off the unit, open the doors and wait until all the water has drained. Wipe the interior surfaces thoroughly with a dry cloth. Pay special attention to the drainage hole - no water should remain in it.
After drying, the doors should not be closed tightly. Leave them slightly open by 2-3 cm to allow air circulation. If there are small children or animals in the house, secure the doors in such a position so that they do not slam shut accidentally.
☑️ Winter preparation checklist
Typical mistakes when turning off equipment
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that shorten the service life of equipment. One of the most common is trying to turn off the refrigerator by pulling the wire. This leads to a break in the wires inside the cable near the plug itself, which can result in a short circuit.
Another mistake is installing the unit close to a wall or furniture before turning it off. If you plan to preserve it, you need to move the refrigerator away to provide air access on all sides. This will prevent the compressor from overheating in the last minutes of operation and protect the back wall from moisture.
Also, do not cover the switched off refrigerator with a thick cloth or polyethylene to protect it from dust. This creates a greenhouse effect, and mold can grow inside, which will then be difficult to get rid of. It is better to use special covers made of breathable materials or simply leave it as is in a clean room.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up defrosting by picking at the ice with a knife or turning on a hairdryer. Damage to the evaporator (tubes inside the chamber) will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs, which are often not economically feasible.
Frequently asked questions and answers
In this section we have collected answers to questions that most often arise among refrigerator owners Atlant when controlling operating modes.
Is frequent switching on and off harmful for the Atlant refrigerator?
Yes, frequent start-stop cycles (for example, several times a day) are harmful to the compressor. The starting current at the moment of switching on is 3-5 times higher than the operating current, which leads to wear of the motor windings and oil. It is optimal to turn off the equipment no more than once every few days, but better for a long period.
Why does the refrigerator make a sound after being turned off from the network?
This is a normal physical phenomenon. After the compressor stops, the refrigerant flows through the tubes, and the metal parts cool and contract, making clicking and gurgling noises. The sounds can last from 5 to 20 minutes and do not indicate a breakdown.
Does No Frost need to be defrosted before turning off?
The system No Frost also requires periodic defrosting during a long shutdown. Although there is visually less ice there, condensation can accumulate in the hidden channels of the evaporator, which, when frozen, will expand and damage the plastic elements.
Is it possible to transport a switched-off refrigerator lying down?
Transportation is possible only in a vertical position or with an inclination of no more than 40 degrees. If you had to carry it lying down, after installing it in place, the refrigerator must “stand” for at least 4-6 hours (preferably a day) before turning it on for the first time, so that the oil can drain into the compressor crankcase.