Moving to a new apartment or simply replacing old household appliances with a more modern model is always associated with a certain amount of stress. The transportation of large-sized appliances, especially complex ones such as refrigeration equipment, requires special attention. Owners of Belarusian brand equipment often wonder how to transport a refrigerator Atlantin order not to damage its internal components and compressor.
Incorrect loading or ignoring basic safety rules when moving the unit can lead to oil leakage from the compressor or breakage of the cooling system pipes. This can result in costly repairs or complete loss of functionality of the device. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation and the transportation process itself, so that your equipment reaches its destination safe and sound.
There are many myths that modern equipment can be transported exclusively in a vertical position, but this is not entirely true. Manufacturers allow various transportation options, but each of them has its own strict restrictions and requirements. Understanding the device refrigeration system will help you avoid fatal errors during loading.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
The first and most important step is to properly prepare the device for movement. You can’t just unplug the cord from the outlet and immediately start loading the unit into the car. It is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory procedures, which will take some time, but guarantee the safety of the equipment. You should start by completely defrosting the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
Free the interior space from all food, packaging and foreign objects. Even if you plan to move your refrigerator quickly, having ice or food inside can put unnecessary stress on the shelves and lead to melt water leaks. Water that gets on electronic components or insulation can cause a short circuit or mold.
☑️ Pre-transportation checklist
After defrosting, it is necessary to remove all removable interior elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, ice trays and racks. These parts may break or damage the inner surface of the cameras when shaken during travel. Pack them separately in boxes with soft filling or wrap them in thick fabric and bubble wrap.
Pay special attention to fixing the doors. They should not open spontaneously while the vehicle is moving. To do this, use strong masking tape, rope or special belts. Do not tighten too much so as not to deform the sealing rubber, but make sure that the doors are securely fixed in the closed position.
Transportation in a vertical position
The safest and recommended by the manufacturer method is to transport the refrigerator Atlant in a strictly vertical position. This method minimizes the risk of oil displacement in the cooling system and reduces the load on the body and door hinges. However, even in this case, certain rules must be observed.
The height of the vehicle body must allow installation of the unit without tilting. If you are using a cargo taxi or personal van, make sure the ceiling will not interfere with the vertical installation. When loading onto an open body, it is necessary to securely secure the device so that gusts of wind or sudden maneuvers do not overturn it.
⚠️ Attention: When transporting in the back of a truck, be sure to use safety ropes or belts. Do not rely solely on the weight of the refrigerator - when braking, it can fall even from a vertical position.
To move indoors and load into a car, use a special cart for household appliances or durable carrying belts. It is almost impossible for two people to lift and carry a heavy unit without the risk of dropping it. One person should hold the body from above, and the second should carry it from below, controlling stability.
If you are transporting a two-chamber refrigerator with a system No Frost, vertical transportation is practically the only acceptable option. A complex air circulation system and many plastic elements inside require the most gentle regime. Shaking and tilting can lead to disconnection of the air ducts inside the housing.
Why is vertical better?
The vertical position prevents refrigerant and oil from leaking from the compressor into the cooling circuit. This eliminates the need to let the equipment sit for a long time before turning it on, since the oil remains in the engine crankcase, where it should be.
Transporting the refrigerator lying down: risks and rules
Often a situation arises when the dimensions of the vehicle do not allow installing the refrigerator vertically. In such cases, transportation in a horizontal position is permitted, but subject to strict restrictions. The main rule is: you cannot place the unit on the back wall or on the front panel with doors.
The best option for installation is the side. In this case, you need to know exactly which side your model can be placed on Atlant. Manufacturers typically mark the bottom or back with arrows or pictograms indicating the acceptable transport position. If there is no marking, focus on the outlet of the condenser tubes.
The tubes coming out of the compressor should look up. If you place the refrigerator with the tubes pointing downward, oil from the compressor may leak into the refrigerant circuit. This will lead to clogging of the capillary system and failure of the compressor at the first start.
When laying it on its side, be sure to use a thick layer of shock-absorbing material. This could be polystyrene foam, a thick blanket, cardboard or special soft packaging materials. Hard contact of the metal case with the floor of the body or wooden sides is unacceptable, since vibration during movement will be transmitted directly to the internal components.
Packaging and protection of the case during the journey
The appearance of the refrigerator after moving often depends on the quality of the packaging. Even if the technical components remain intact, dents and scratches on the case can ruin your mood. Factory packaging in the form of a cardboard box and foam pads is ideal if it has been preserved.
If the original box is not available, use thick stretch film. It fits tightly around the body, protecting the paintwork from minor scratches and dust. For corners and protruding parts (handles, hinges), use additional pads made of cardboard or foam, securing them with tape.
When transporting in an open body or in rainy weather, moisture protection is necessary. The metal casing may rust if exposed to water, and the electronics may fail. Use plastic film or a waterproof tarpaulin, securing them securely so that the wind does not tear off the shelter along the way.
| Protection element | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main winding | Stretch film | Protection from scratches and dust |
| Corners and edges | Cardboard / Foam | Shock absorption |
| Internal space | Fabric / Foam rubber | Fixation of removed shelves |
| Doors | Making tape | Prevention of opening |
Do not use newspaper for packaging sheets directly onto the body. Printing ink may react with the coating or leave marks, especially if the surface is heated by sunlight. Always place a layer of clean white paper or fabric under the newspaper.
Features of Atlant models with different systems
Different models of refrigerators Atlant may have design features that affect the way they are transported. In particular, this applies to the type of compressor and defrosting system. Old models with one compressor and a drip-type system are more tolerant to transportation conditions than modern multi-chamber units.
Models with two compressors (separately for the refrigeration and freezer compartments) require more careful handling. Each compressor is mounted on its own shock absorbers, and strong shaking can damage the mounts of both motors. In addition, such models have more copper tubes, which are sensitive to kinks.
If you have a model with an inverter compressor, remember that it is quieter and more economical, but its internal design may be more sensitive to shock loads. Inverters do not have brushes and operate at high rotation speeds, so the rotor balancing must remain perfect.
It is also worth considering the weight of the empty unit. Modern models can be quite light due to the use of new materials, but this does not mean that they can be bent in any way. A lightweight body is easier to deform during careless loading than a heavy Soviet refrigerator.
Actions after delivery: when to turn it on?
After the refrigerator has been delivered to its destination, do not rush to immediately plug it into the network. This is the most common mistake that can cost you a new compressor. Depending on how exactly the transportation was carried out, the equipment needs time to adapt.
If the transportation was carried out in a vertical position, it is enough to let the refrigerator stand for 2-3 hours. This time is necessary to stabilize the temperature and calm the refrigerant. If the unit was lying, the waiting time increases to 4-8 hours, and in winter - up to a day.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was brought in from the cold, it is strictly forbidden to turn it on immediately! The sudden change in temperature will cause condensation inside the electronics, resulting in a short circuit. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature for at least 4-6 hours.
After settling, conduct a visual inspection. Make sure there is no external damage and put all shelves and drawers back in place. Only after this can you connect the device to the mains. It is better to start the first start without loading food, allowing the chambers to reach temperature for 5-6 hours.
Common mistakes when moving on your own
Many owners are trying to save money using the services of professional movers and transporting the equipment themselves. This often leads to damage not only to the refrigerator, but also to doorways or the vehicle itself. One of the common mistakes is carrying the unit by the door handle or the condenser grille from behind.
The refrigerator handle Atlant is not designed to support the weight of the entire body and can easily come off. The grille at the back (heat exchanger) is made of a thin copper tube, and any careless movement with a finger or bag can puncture it, releasing freon. Restoring the tightness of the system is a complex and expensive process.
Another mistake is ignoring the fixation in the body. “I’m driving slowly,” the driver thinks, but even a small hole on the road creates inertia, which shifts the loose load. The refrigerator may receive a strong blow to the side, which will damage its internal filling.
Is it possible to transport the Atlant refrigerator on the roof of a car?
It is strictly not recommended. It is impossible to provide reliable fixation against shear and vibration on the roof. In addition, there is a high risk of damage to the roof of the car under the weight of the unit and moisture getting inside the equipment.
What to do if after transportation the refrigerator does not freeze?
If, after proper settling, the refrigerator hums but does not cool, the system may be clogged with oil or a freon leak. In this case, you need to call a technician for diagnostics. You cannot open the system yourself.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is not necessary to remove the doors if they are securely secured with tape. However, if the doorway is narrow, removing the doors may make passage easier. They must be removed carefully by unscrewing the hinge fastenings and carried separately.
Is shaking dangerous for the compressor?
Yes, strong shaking can damage the springs on which the compressor is suspended inside the housing, or lead to pipe breakage. Therefore, a pillow or blanket under the bottom is required when transporting lying down.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in a trailer?
It is possible, but only in a closed trailer-van. In an open flatbed trailer, there is a high risk of dirt, stones and moisture getting in, which is unacceptable for complex household appliances.