The need to turn off only refrigerator compartment in a two-chamber refrigerator often arises when preparing for a long departure, general cleaning or complete defrosting of the unit. Equipment owners Atlant are faced with the question: is it really possible to do this without turning off the entire device from the network? The answer depends on the specific model and type of control system installed by the manufacturer.
Modern refrigerators are complex electromechanical systems, where the cooling of the freezing and refrigeration sections is often tied to one compressor. However, the engineering solutions of the Belarusian plant make it possible to implement independent control in some lines. It is important to understand that forced shutdown without appropriate control levers can lead to failure of equipment or damage to products.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for different types of control, consider the nuances of electronic controllers and mechanical thermostats. You will learn how to safely carry out the procedure without breaking the tightness of the freon circuit and maintaining the functionality of the compressor.
The principle of operation of dual-circuit and single-circuit systems
To competently manage operating modes, you need to understand the basic design of your unit. Most classic models Atlant equipped with a single-circuit cooling system. This means that the refrigerant passes sequentially through the evaporator of the freezer and then through the refrigerator. In such systems independent shutdown one of the chambers is technically impossible without stopping the entire cycle.
The situation changes when we are talking about models with the system No Frost or two-compressor versions. Here the evaporators are separated, and temperature conditions are controlled independently. The electronics itself regulates the supply of freon or the inclusion of defrosting heating elements. In mechanical models, a damper is responsible for the distribution of cold, the position of which is regulated by a thermostat.
What is the difference between No Frost and a drip system?
In No Frost systems, the evaporator is hidden behind the back wall, and cold air is pumped by a fan. In a drip system ("crying wall"), moisture condenses on the rear panel of the refrigerator and flows into the drain. Switching off the chambers in these systems occurs in different ways.
It is important to consider that even if there is a separate button or regulator, physical cessation of refrigeration in one chamber without stopping the compressor is only possible if there is a second evaporator. Otherwise, you will only stop supplying cold air to one of the sections, but motor-compressor will continue to work, trying to cool the remaining part.
Mechanical control: adjusting thermostats
In refrigerators Atlant with mechanical control, the temperature regime is regulated by the rotary knob of the thermostat. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the outside of the body. The scale contains numbers from 0 to 7 (or from Min to Max), indicating the intensity of cooling, not degrees Celsius.
In order to actually turn off the cold supply to the refrigerator compartment without turning off the freezer, you need to turn the thermostat knob to position 0 or Off. In this position, the contacts that supply voltage to the compressor open. However, as mentioned above, in single-circuit models this will cause the entire refrigerator to stop. If the model is two-compressor, then only one unit will stop.
There is a nuance with the so-called “vacation mode” in older mechanical models. It's simply not there. Attempts to “deceive” the thermostat by gluing the sensor or forcibly opening the contacts can lead to the fact that motor-compressor it will work without interruption, trying to reach a non-existent temperature, which can lead to overheating and breakdown.
If your goal is defrosting, then translation setting the thermostat to zero is the standard way to stop. After this, you need to wait for the ice to thaw. Do not try to chip the ice with a knife, this will damage evaporator and lead to freon leakage.
Electronic control and "Vacation" mode
Models Atlant with electronic control (series XM-4000, XM-6000 and later) offer more flexible settings. The control panel is usually located on the outer door and has LED indicators. It is here that a function is most often implemented that allows you to turn off the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer to operate in normal mode.
This function is often called “Vacation Mode”, “Eco” or is indicated by a suitcase/palm tree symbol. When this mode is activated, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to +15...+17°C. This prevents mold and odors from forming when the door is closed, but does not freeze food. The freezer compartment continues to operate, keeping supplies frozen.
☑️ Activating the holiday mode
To activate the function, you usually need to press and hold a certain combination of buttons for 3-5 seconds. The specific algorithm depends on the controller model. If the corresponding indicator lights up on the display, it means cold circulation in the upper compartment is limited, and the compressor will turn on less often, focusing only on the temperature in the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store perishable foods (meat, dairy products, ready meals) in the refrigerator compartment when the holiday mode is activated. A temperature of +15°C is not sufficient for safe food storage, but is ideal for the development of bacteria.
Switch-off circuits for the popular Atlant series
Different series of refrigerators Atlant have their own control features. To avoid getting confused by the buttons, let’s look at specific examples for common rulers. Knowing your series will help you quickly find the desired function in operating instructions.
Below is a table systematizing control methods for the main series. Please note that the availability of the function depends on the specific modification within the series.
| Refrigerator series | Control type | Method of turning off the camera | Nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant 40th series | Mechanical | Thermoregulator at 0 | The entire refrigerator turns off |
| Atlant 45 series | Electronic | Mode button + camera selection | Vacation mode possible |
| Atlant 60 series | Electronic (scoreboard) | Hold button 3 sec | Requires temperature setting +15°C |
| Atlant No Frost | Electronic | Special Eco mode | The fan continues to work |
In series With electronics, the sequential click method is often used. For example, a short press selects the camera (the indicator blinks), and a long press changes the temperature value. By increasing the value to the maximum or special character, you effectively disable active cooling for that zone.
What to do if separate shutdown is impossible
Owners of classic two-chamber models Atlant with one compressor and mechanical control are often unlucky with the independent shutdown functionality. In this case, the physics of the process is inexorable: one motor pumps freon throughout the entire circuit. Stopping the cold in one chamber while leaving it in the other is technically impossible without interfering with the design.
If your goal is defrosting, you will have to turn off the entire device. It's not as scary as it seems. Modern refrigerants and thermal insulation allow the freezer to maintain its temperature for a long time. To minimize cold loss, close the doors tightly and, if possible, press them down.
There is a “makeshift” but working method of limited shutdown for mechanical models with one thermostat located in the refrigerator compartment. If you set the thermostat to minimum cooling (number 1), and the freezer is tightly packed with food (or bottles of water), then the refrigerator will operate in a gentle mode. However, this is not a complete shutdown, but only a reduction intensity of work.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to cut the wires going to the temperature sensor or block the air supply damper with foreign objects. This will lead to incorrect operation of the automation and possible freezing of the channels.
Safety and defrosting rules
The process of turning off the camera is often associated with defrosting. When working with a refrigerator Atlant it is important to follow safety precautions. Firstly, before any manipulations with the electrical part (if you suddenly decide to reach inside with a screwdriver), you must completely de-energize the device by removing the plug from the socket.
Secondly, during defrosting You cannot use hair dryers, fan heaters, or, especially, open flames to speed up the melting of ice. A sudden temperature change can cause cracks in the plastic of the inner box or damage pipes to the refrigerant. The ice should melt naturally.
After defrosting and drying the chambers, do not rush to load the products. Turn on the empty refrigerator and let it run for 2-3 hours. This is necessary so that the refrigerant is distributed throughout the system and the temperature stabilizes. Only after this can saving modes be activated or stocks returned.
Why can’t you turn on the refrigerator immediately after defrosting?
The oil in the compressor could have drained into the circuit during idle time. It needs time (about 2 hours in a vertical position) to return to the compressor crankcase, otherwise water hammer is possible.
Frequent errors during operation
Users often make mistakes when trying to adjust the operation of the refrigerator. One of the most common is an attempt to turn off the camera by unplugging the cord from the outlet for a short time. Frequent switching on and off compressor without a temporary interval (at least 10 minutes) is detrimental to the starting relay and the motor itself.
Another mistake is ignoring alarm signals. If, after setting the Holiday mode, your refrigerator begins to hum more than usual or there are strange sounds, the selected temperature may not be correct for the current environmental conditions. In a hot room, even at +15°C inside the chamber, the compressor can work with increased load.
Do not forget to regularly check the tightness of the seals. If you “turned off” the refrigerator compartment by raising the temperature, but the seal does not retain heat, condensation will constantly form inside, which will lead to mold and damage to the plastic.
Is it possible to completely remove the thermostat to turn off the chamber?
No, this will cause the contacts to remain open (or closed, in depending on the design), and the refrigerator either will not turn on at all or will work without stopping, which will damage it.
Why does the red indicator light up after turning on the vacation mode?
The red indicator usually signals an increased temperature. In holiday mode, this is normal for the refrigerator compartment, since the temperature there is intentionally raised to +15°C. The indicator can be constantly on or flashing, indicating that the mode is activated.
Does turning off one chamber affect energy consumption?
Yes, if the model allows you to turn off the camera programmatically (holiday mode), energy consumption is reduced, since the compressor works less time, cooling only a smaller volume of the freezer.
What to do if the vacation mode button does not respond?
The function may be blocked or your model does not support independent control. Try unlocking the control panel (often you need to hold the button with the lock icon for 3-5 seconds). If it doesn’t help, refer to the instructions for your specific modification.