The need to control temperature zones in isolation often arises among owners of large equipment. The brand's two-compressor models Atlant allow you to independently regulate the operation of the freezer and refrigeration compartments. This is especially true if the owners are absent for a long time or there is a need to defrost one of the chambers without losing food in the other.
Understanding the operating principle of the system No Frost or drip system is important for proper operation. Unlike single-circuit units, here a separate motor-compressor is responsible for the climate in each compartment. It is this design feature that makes it possible to completely de-energize the refrigeration compartmentleaving the freezer operating in normal mode.
Let us consider in detail the algorithm of actions for various series of equipment. The correct sequence of operations will avoid thermostat breakdowns and extend the life of the equipment. The owner must clearly understand which mechanical or electronic control levers are available in his particular model.
The principle of operation of a two-compressor system
The basis of the functionality of such refrigerators is the division of the refrigerant into two independent circuits. Compressor No. 1 is responsible exclusively for the freezer compartment, creating and maintaining low temperatures for freezing. The second unit provides cooling in the main compartment, where ready-made dishes and products that do not require deep freezing are stored.
This scheme provides several key advantages over single-circuit analogues. Firstly, there is no excessive energy consumption for cooling an empty chamber. Secondly, odors from the freezer do not penetrate into the refrigerator compartment due to independent air circulation. Thirdly, the freezing speed is much higher, since the power is not divided between two zones.
Each circuit is controlled through individual thermostats or electronic modules. When the temperature in one of the zones drops to a set value, the corresponding compressor stops, while the second can continue to operate. This is the basic principle that allows you to implement the function of completely turning off one of the cameras.
Mechanical control: setting thermostats
In classic models Atlant, such as the 400 or 600 series, adjustment is carried out by mechanical knobs. There are two thermostats located on the front panel or inside the chamber, usually labeled with numbers 1 to 7 or the words "Min/Max". To turn off the refrigerator compartment, you need to find a regulator that is responsible for this particular compartment.
Often owners confuse the purpose of the handles, which leads to incorrect temperature settings. Typically, the left regulator controls the refrigerator compartment, and the right one controls the freezer compartment, but the location may differ in different versions. Exact information can always be found in the technical documentation supplied with the device.
To completely turn off the cooling in the main chamber, you need to turn the corresponding knob counterclockwise until it stops. On the scale, this position is often indicated by a number 0 or an inscription Off. At this moment, the thermostat contacts open and the compressor stops receiving a start signal.
☑️ Disabling the mechanical regulator
It is important to note that even with the regulator turned off, a low temperature may remain in the chamber for some time. This is normal, as the insulation continues to perform its function. Complete defrosting and warming up to room temperature will take several hours if the door is open.
Electronic control: display settings
Modern models Atlant are equipped with electronic control panels located on the outer door. Such systems, for example, in the XM series or with technology Smart Control, provide more flexible configuration options. The camera is turned off here programmatically through the menu or specialized buttons.
To switch the refrigerator compartment to rest mode, you must activate the corresponding function. The display may display a symbol of a crossed out snowflake or an inscription Holiday (if the vacations mode is provided for the main camera, although more often it is for the freezer, but the logic is similar). In some models, you need to hold the button for setting the temperature of the refrigerator compartment until dashes appear on the indicator.
⚠️ Attention: In electronic models, turning off the chamber may take up to 5-10 minutes to complete the current defrost cycles and stabilize the pressure in the system. Do not try to speed up the process by pressing the buttons again.
If the alarm indicator is on on the display, this may indicate that the temperature in the compartment has begun to rise after the compressor has been turned off. This is a normal situation during a software shutdown. The system simply records changes in environmental parameters inside the case.
Hidden functions of electronic control
In some Atlant models, a long press of the "Lock" button in combination with temperature adjustment can activate service modes that allow you to completely turn off one of the circuits for diagnostics.
Vacation mode and its features
Many users are looking for a way to turn off the refrigerator specifically for travel. Especially for this, engineers Atlant implemented the "Vacation" mode. However, it is worth carefully studying the instructions, since in most two-compressor models this mode is intended to save energy in freezer compartment or, conversely, to maintain a minimum mode in the refrigerator with the door closed.
In the context of two-compressor systems "Vacation" often works differently than in single-circuit ones. If your goal is to leave only the freezer on and the refrigerator off, then the Vacation mode may not be suitable if it is set to maintain +15°C in the main compartment to prevent mold. You will need to completely turn off the circuit.
Using this mode has its own nuances. It prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors and mold when the door is closed, maintaining a temperature of about +15 degrees. If you need complete defrosting, this mode is not suitable - you need to turn the regulator to zero.
| Parameter | Vacation mode | Full shutdown (Knob to 0) | Normal mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature in the chamber | ~ +15°C | Increases to room temperature | +3...+5°C |
| Energy consumption | Minimum | Absent (for circuit) | Standard |
| Odor risk | Low | High (if not washed) | None |
| Work compressor | Periodically | Does not work | Cycle |
Consequences of prolonged downtime of the chamber
Leaving the refrigeration chamber off for a period of more than two weeks requires preliminary preparation. Remaining moisture and microparticles of food can become an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and the appearance of a persistent unpleasant odor. Therefore, before a long shutdown, it is necessary to carry out a thorough cleaning.
After you have turned off the circuit and the temperature has reached room temperature, the door of the main compartment should be left ajar. This will provide the necessary ventilation and prevent mold from forming on the seals and interior walls. A tightly closed, damp chamber will quickly become a source of problems.
Rubber seals also need maintenance. If left idle for a long time without compressor operation or air movement, they may lose elasticity faster than usual. It is recommended to wipe them with a special product or glycerin before preservation.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan not to use the refrigerator for more than a month, be sure to defrost and wash both chambers, even if one of them remains on. Hygienic standards require keeping equipment clean.
Return to normal operation
After returning from a trip or completing maintenance work, it is necessary to start the system correctly. A sudden switching on of the load on a heated compressor is undesirable, although modern starting relays protect the unit. It is enough to simply return the regulator to the operating position.
For mechanical models, turn the thermostat knob by division 3 or 4. This is the average value that will allow the system to reach the mode without overload. Electronic models will start automatically after unlocking or selecting a standard program.
Loading of products should be done gradually. Do not fill the warm chamber with a large volume of food at once. Let the refrigerator run idle for 2-3 hours to stabilize the temperature background and create a reserve of cold.
Frequent errors during operation
Users often make mistakes when trying to save energy or prepare equipment for absence. One of the common mistakes is trying to unplug the refrigerator through the outlet while leaving the freezer running. In two-compressor models, this is impossible without interfering with the electrical circuit, since both compressors are powered from the same plug.
Another mistake is setting the regulator to minimum (1) instead of zero before leaving. In this case, the compressor will continue to work, trying to reach a low temperature, which will only lead to excessive consumption of electricity and freezing of food, but will not stop the unit.
- ❌ An attempt to turn off one compressor by pulling out the wires inside the case without the skills of an electrician.
- ❌ Closing the door of a switched off chamber without first washing and drying.
- ❌ Inserting hot products into the chamber that has just been turned on after inactivity.
- ❌ Ignoring alarm signals on the display after switching on.
Compliance with the operating rules guarantees a long service life of your Atlanta. The two-compressor circuit is a reliable and time-tested mechanism that, with proper care, lasts for decades.
The myth of defrosting
There is an opinion that two-compressor refrigerators do not need to be defrosted. This is not true. Although the No Frost system prevents the formation of ice on the walls, hygienic defrosting and washing must be carried out at least 1-2 times a year.
Parts and design of the shutdown system
He is responsible for the shutdown process in mechanical models thermostat. This temperature-sensitive device physically breaks the electrical circuit. Inside the capillary tube there is a gas-liquid mixture, which, as the temperature rises, changes its pressure, affecting the contacts.
In electronic models, microprocessor control unitis responsible for this. It receives data from temperature sensors (thermistors) and makes a decision to turn the compressor on or off. Software shutdown is simply a ban on starting the motor by software.
Understanding these processes helps to avoid panic when there are clicks or changes in the operation of the equipment. Knowledge of the device allows you to diagnose simple malfunctions, for example, if the knob is turned to zero and the compressor is humming, it means the thermostat is faulty.
Is it possible to turn off the freezer while leaving the refrigerator running?
Yes, in two-compressor models Atlant this is possible. The principle of operation is the same: you find the regulator responsible for the freezer (usually the right one or with the snowflake symbol) and turn it to zero. The refrigerator compartment will continue to operate as normal.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze for a long time after turning on?
If the chamber has been completely defrosted, the refrigerant and oil in the system take time to circulate and reach operating mode. The compressor must also cool a large volume of air and walls. It may take up to 12 hours to reach a stable temperature.
Is it harmful to turn the camera on and off frequently?
Frequent cycles of complete shutdown and on (for example, several times a week) can reduce the life of the compressor and start relay. Mechanical parts wear out, and the oil may not have time to return to the crankcase. For short breaks, it is better to use the "Vacation" mode or minimum settings.
What to do if the regulator handle is broken?
If the plastic handle is broken, but the rod is intact, you can carefully use pliers with a gasket so as not to damage the rod. If the mechanism itself breaks down inside, the thermostat will need to be replaced. You cannot operate a refrigerator with a non-working regulator - it either will not turn on or will not turn off.
Is there a difference in turning off models with No Frost and a drip system?
There is no fundamental difference in the shutdown algorithm for the user. In both cases, you control the power supply to the compressor. The only difference is that in No Frost, after turning off, the fan will also stop, and in drip models, the evaporator behind the back wall will stop cooling.