Purchasing new refrigeration equipment or restarting it after long downtime is always an exciting moment that requires careful attention to detail. If you have just delivered Indesit unit home, do not rush to immediately plug the plug into the socket, as there are strict rules, violation of which can lead to breakdown of the compressor.
Modern models of the Italian brand, such as the series Indesit DF or Indesit T, are equipped with sophisticated electronics and reliable compressors that require correct initial activation. In this article, we will analyze all the stages: from unpacking to setting the optimal temperature conditions, so that your equipment will serve for many years.
Improper starting can cause failure of even the highest quality device, so it is extremely important to follow the sequence of actions described in the technical data sheet. Let's look at what needs to be done first to ensure stable operation of your new kitchen assistant.
Preparing for the first start after purchase
Before thinking about connecting to the electrical network, it is necessary to conduct a thorough external inspection and preparation of the case. Transportation is always a risk of mechanical damage, so carefully check the integrity of the doors, handles and back wall for dents or chips.
Particular attention should be paid to transport fasteners, which are often installed inside the chamber to protect shelves and drawers. Remove all packaging materials, including tape, foam and plastic film covering the internal surfaces.
☑️ Initial inspection of the refrigerator
If you find any defects on the case, it is best to record them in the photo and contact the store before turning on the device. This will help to avoid controversial situations if it is necessary to return or exchange goods.
Internal shelves and drawers must be installed strictly along the guides. Make sure that glass shelves lie flat and that plastic vegetable containers do not have cracks that may have formed during transportation.
The importance of settling after transportation
One of the most critical moments in the installation process is the time that should pass between verticalization of the refrigerator and its connection to the network. The fact is that during transportation, especially if the position of the housing changed, compressor oil it could flow from the crankcase into the refrigerant circulation system.
If you turn on the unit immediately, the oil that gets into the circuit can create a hydraulic shock or clog the capillary tube, which will lead to expensive repairs. Therefore the minimum settling time is 3-4 hours for models with one compressor and up to 8 hours for two-compressor systems.
⚠️ Attention: If transportation was carried out at subzero temperatures, the settling time in a warm room should be increased to 12-24 hours. This is necessary to completely warm up the lubricants and restore their viscosity.
It is also important to consider the position in which the refrigerator was transported. If it stood strictly vertically, 2 hours is enough. If it was tilted by more than 40 degrees or laid on its side, the waiting time increases in proportion to the degree of tilt.
Why can’t you turn it on right away?
Instantly starting a compressor with thickened or displaced oil causes “dry” operation. This leads to rapid wear of the piston group and possible jamming of the motor, which is not a warranty case.
Selection of location and installation by level
The correct location of the Indesit refrigerator directly affects its operating efficiency and noise level. It is not recommended to install the device near heating appliances, ovens or in direct sunlight, as this forces the compressor to work with increased load.
To ensure normal air circulation, it is necessary to leave gaps between the walls of the refrigerator and the furniture. The minimum distance to the back wall should be 5-7 cm, and on the sides - no less than 3-5 cm.
| Installation parameter | Recommended value | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Gap at the back | 5-7 cm | Overheating of the condenser |
| Gap at the side | 3-5 cm | Deterioration of heat transfer |
| Distance from the stove | Minimum 30 cm | Increased energy consumption |
| Load on the floor | Up to 80 kg/m² | Deformation of the coating |
It is extremely important to set the refrigerator exactly at the level using adjustable support legs. To do this, use a building level or simply check that the doors close on their own when they deviate from the vertical by 15 degrees.
Incorrect installation can lead to the door opening by itself or, conversely, not fitting tightly to the body, causing ice to freeze. The legs are adjusted by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.
Connecting to the power supply and starting
After the refrigerator has settled and taken its place, you can proceed to the electrical connection. Use only separate socket with grounding that meets safety standards. It is not recommended to use extension cords, tees or surge protectors, as they may not withstand the starting current of the compressor.
Insert the plug into the socket. In modern electronically controlled Indesit models, starting may occur automatically and indicators will light up on the display. In models with mechanical control, it is enough to simply supply power.
During the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may make unusual sounds: gurgling of refrigerant, clicking of the thermostat or humming of the compressor. These normal operating soundsindicate the beginning of freon circulation in the system.
Do not load the chamber with products immediately. Allow the appliance to idle for at least 2-3 hours until it reaches the set temperature. Only after this can you start loading, doing this gradually, in small portions.
Setting the temperature mode
Temperature control in Indesit refrigerators can be carried out by a mechanical regulator or an electronic panel. In mechanical models, there is a thermostat inside the chamber with a scale from 1 to 5 or from Min to Max.
For normal operation under normal conditions, it is recommended to set the regulator to the middle position, usually this is a number 3. Position Max or 5 is intended for fast freezing modes or operation in a very hot room, but not for continuous use.
⚠️ Attention: Setting the regulator to maximum cooling in normal mode leads to continuous operation of the compressor, freezing of the rear wall and increased flow electricity.
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the settings are made through the display on the door. Here you can separately regulate the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments with an accuracy of one degree.
If you notice that food in the refrigerator freezes or, conversely, quickly spoils, try shift the adjustment by one division and wait 12-24 hours for the mode to stabilize.
Diagnostics: what to do if the refrigerator does not turn on
There are situations when, after connecting to the network, the Indesit refrigerator does not show signs of life: the light does not light up, the noise of the compressor is not heard. First of all, check for voltage in the outlet by connecting another electrical appliance to it.
If the outlet is working, inspect the power cord for kinks or damage. Some models may have a power button installed on the body, which is often forgotten to activate after purchase.
- 🔌 Check the tightness of the connection between the plug and socket, as well as the integrity of the network cable.
- 💡 Make sure that the power indicator is on or the interior lighting turns on when you open the door.
- 🔊 Listen for a quiet click of the relay, which may indicate an attempt to start the compressor.
If there are no visible problems, but the refrigerator does not start, the protection may have tripped or there has been a failure in the electronic module. Try unplugging the appliance for 10-15 minutes and then turning it on again.
If the compressor hums, tries to start, but immediately clicks and turns off, this may indicate a malfunction starting relay or the motor itself. This situation requires the intervention of a qualified technician.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long can you turn on the Indesit refrigerator after transportation?
The minimum settling time is 2-3 hours if the refrigerator was transported vertically. If there was horizontal transportation or a strong tilt, it is recommended to wait 8-12 hours, especially in winter, for the oil to flow into the compressor crankcase and warm up.
Why does the refrigerator get very hot on the sides?
Heating the side walls is a normal process of heat removal by the condenser, which is often built into the sides of the case of modern Indesit models. The temperature can reach 40-50°C, especially in the first days of operation or under high load.
What does the flashing Alarm indicator mean?
A flashing alarm indicator usually signals an increase in the temperature inside the chamber above the permissible norm. This can happen when loading warm food for the first time or when the door is not tightly closed. If the signal does not disappear after cooling, check the tightness of the seal.
Is it possible to place the refrigerator on a carpet?
Installation on a pile carpet is not recommended, as this makes it difficult for air to circulate around the bottom of the unit and can lead to overheating of the compressor. It is better to use a hard floor covering or a special stand.