Modern refrigeration units of the brand Atlant, equipped with two compressors, are reliable equipment that allows you to independently regulate temperature conditions in different compartments. This design, where one unit is responsible for cooling the refrigeration compartment and another for freezing food, gives the user a unique opportunity for flexible control of energy consumption and functionality. In situations where the need for deep freezing is temporarily eliminated, or maximum energy saving mode is required, the question arises of correctly shutting down the freezer without damaging the main compartment.
Unlike single-compressor models, where shutting down one circuit often leads to defrosting the entire volume, a dual-circuit system Atlant allows you to isolate the freezer programmatically or mechanically. This is especially true during holiday periods when the freezer compartment is empty, or in the summer when intensive cooling of drinks in the main compartment is required without unnecessary stress on the second compressor. Correct execution of the procedure guarantees the safety of the equipment's life and the safety of food products remaining in the main compartment.
Before you begin manipulating the settings or electrical circuit, it is important to understand that completely physically shutting off the compressor requires certain technical knowledge. However, in most household cases, “turning off” means switching the thermostat to “0” or “OFF” mode, which stops the cooling cycle in the freezer compartment. Below we will consider in detail the algorithms of action for various series of equipment Atlant and analyze the nuances of operation in this mode.
The principle of operation of the Atlant two-compressor system
The basis for the functioning of refrigerators Atlant with two motors is complete autonomy of refrigerant circuits. Each compressor has its own condenser, capillary tube and evaporator, which makes their operation independent of each other. When you open the main compartment door, only its associated unit starts up, leaving the freezer alone unless its temperature rises. This separation scheme minimizes heat inflows and allows one of the circuits to be taken out of operation without affecting the other.
Temperature control in such models is carried out by two separate thermostats or electronic control units. Mechanical models are equipped with two adjustment knobs, often located inside the chambers or on the front panel, each of which is responsible for its own temperature range. Electronic versions use touch panels, where each compartment has its own digital parameter. It is this independence of control that is the key to solving the problem of stopping freezing.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the independence of the circuits, heat exchange between the chambers through the partition still occurs. If the freezer is turned off for a long time, the temperature in it will gradually increase, which can lead to the formation of condensation or mold if the chamber is not dried.
It is important to note that in some modifications two-compressor refrigerators evaporators can be located in close proximity, and long-term operation of only one circuit in extreme conditions (for example, at very high room temperatures) can theoretically create uneven thermal load on the housing. However, engineers Atlant have provided a sufficient margin of insulation strength so that the normal use of one compressor does not lead to breakdowns.
Preparation for changing the operating mode
Before you begin the process of turning off the freezer, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures. This will not only ensure safety, but will also extend the life of the equipment. The first step should be to fill defrosting the freezer compartment if there is food in it. It is strictly forbidden to leave food in a switchable chamber, as they will quickly deteriorate when the temperature rises above zero.
After emptying the chamber of its contents and defrosting the ice, you should thoroughly wash and, most importantly, dry the interior. A humid environment when the cooling is turned off is an ideal place for the growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which can subsequently spread to the refrigerator compartment through the ventilation system or leakage of the seal.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator to turn off the freezer
It is also worth checking the condition of the rubber seals on the freezer door. If you plan not to use this compartment for a long time, tightly pressing the door will act as a barrier to the penetration of warm air, which will reduce the load on the main compressor, which may try to compensate for heat inflows through the common wall. Make sure that the door closes tightly.
If your model is equipped with a system No Frost in the freezer, make sure that the condensate drainage channels are clean. When the fan and defrost heater are turned off (which happens when the compressor is turned off), residual moisture should not stagnate in the drainage system. Cleaning the drainage hole before “preserving” the compartment is a good habit.
Mechanical shutdown through a thermostat
The most common and safe way to turn off the freezer in refrigerators Atlant is to use a standard mechanical thermostat. In two-compressor models, the freezer compartment is usually controlled by a regulator located either inside the freezer itself or on the top panel of the case, if the model allows access from the outside. On the scale of such a regulator there is a range of values, often from 1 to 7, and a special position “0” or “OFF”.
To turn it off, you need to turn the regulator knob counterclockwise all the way until it reaches position 0 (zero). At this moment, you can hear a slight click - this is the thermostat contacts opening, interrupting the electrical circuit of the freezer compressor. The engine stops and cooling stops. At the same time, the refrigerator compartment compressor continues to operate as normal, maintaining the set temperature in the main chamber.
- 🔹 Find the thermostat responsible for the freezer chamber (usually it is marked with a snowflake or the inscription “Freezer”).
- 🔹 Turn the knob to the left until it clicks and stops in position “0”.
- 🔹 Make sure that the main refrigerator continues to work (you can hear the sound of the motor or the power indicator is on, if it is shared).
- 🔹 Leave the freezer door slightly open (if the design and safety allow it) to avoid mustiness, or close it tightly if the chamber is dry.
It is important to understand that in position “0” the compressor is not completely de-energized at the entrance to the apartment, it simply does not receive a command to start. Electrical circuit it is broken only inside the thermostat. This is the standard idle mode that manufacturers provide for such cases. No additional actions with wiring are required.
Electronic control and “Vacation” modes
More modern models Atlant are equipped with an electronic control unit with a digital display. In such devices there are no mechanical handles, and all settings are made through the touch panel. To turn off the freezer, there are several scenarios here, depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. Manufacturers often introduce a special “Vacation” mode, which optimizes the operation of equipment for long-term downtime.
In the “Vacation” mode, the refrigerator, as a rule, turns off the freezer (or switches it to the minimum consumption mode, if complete shutdown is not provided for by the algorithm), and in the refrigerator compartment maintains a temperature of about +15°C. This prevents mold and odor while saving energy. However, if your goal is to completely stop the freezer, leaving the main operating mode of the refrigerator (for example, +4°C), the “Vacation” mode may not be suitable, since it heats the main compartment.
To selectively turn off the freezer on electronic panels Atlant a long delay of the freezer temperature control button is often used. For example, holding the freezer temperature adjustment button for 3-5 seconds may result in the “--” or “OFF” symbol appearing on the display, which means a forced stop of the compressor of this circuit.
| Model / Series | Control type | Action to turn off | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant XM-6025 | Electronic | Hold the frost temperature button. | Symbol “--” |
| Atlant XM-4625 | Mechanical | Turn the regulator to “0” | Thermostat click |
| Atlant 6308 | Electronic (Mode) | Selecting the "Vacation" mode | Suitcase icon |
| Atlant MHM-1704 | Mechanical | The regulator inside the freezer is at 0 | No noise |
If standard methods do not work, refer to the instructions for your specific model. Electronics from different years of manufacture may have unique key combinations. Resetting settings Returning to factory settings can also help if a software failure has occurred in the system that blocks changes in operating modes.
Physically turning off the compressor (for specialists)
There is a scenario that requires completely physically disconnecting the freezer compressor from the power supply. This may be necessary if the unit itself malfunctions, when it hums but does not cool, or works intermittently, causing the circuit breaker in the apartment to trip. Unlike software methods, this method requires opening the technical compartment skills in working with electricity.
On the back wall of a two-compressor refrigerator Atlant there are two motor-compressors. They are connected to a common terminal block or individual sockets within the wiring. To safely shut down, you must completely turn off the power to the refrigerator by removing the plug from the network. Then the rear metal cover (crankcase) covering the compressors is removed.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the back panel and climbing inside the wiring is allowed only after completely disconnecting the device from the network! Residual voltage in the start relay capacitors can be dangerous. If you are not confident in your abilities, do not carry out this operation yourself.
Inside you will see two compressors, each with its own start relay and thermostat. To disconnect the freezing unit, you need to find its terminal block. Typically, the wires come from the power cord plug and bifurcate. It is necessary to disconnect the circuit going specifically to the freezer compressor. The easiest way to do this is by disconnecting the wires from the terminals of the freezer thermostat, if it is brought out to an accessible place, or by breaking the phase wire going to the starting relay of the second motor, insulating the ends.
Why should you not cut the wires?
Biting the wires is a bad practice, as this makes it impossible to quick restoration of the refrigerator's functionality. Always use the method of unscrewing terminals or disconnecting connectors. If the wire is still cut through, extend it using twisting and high-quality insulation, or replace the entire section.
After the physical shutdown of one compressor, the second (refrigeration compartment) will continue to operate normally, since in two-compressor circuits Atlant they are most often paralleled at the input. Make sure that the insulation of the disconnected wires is secure to avoid short circuits during possible future repairs.
Operation and possible problems
Long-term operation of a two-compressor refrigerator in the mode of one running motor has its own characteristics. The main compressor may run a little longer or turn on more often, especially in hot weather. This is due to the fact that the disconnected freezer, heating up, becomes a heat source for the adjacent refrigerator compartment through a common partition. The thermal conductivity of the wall does not disappear, and the main unit has to compensate for this heat influx.
One of the common problems is the formation of condensation on the outer wall of the refrigerator in the area of the partition between the chambers. This is normal for a mode where one chamber is cold and the other at room temperature. However, if there is too much moisture, it is worth checking the tightness of the door of the disconnected chamber. An odor may also appear if the freezer was not dried well enough before turning it off.
- 🔹 Monitor the temperature in the main compartment - it may fluctuate more than usual.
- 🔹 Periodically ventilate the disconnected freezer by opening the door for a couple of minutes.
- 🔹 Monitor your electricity consumption - it should decrease by about 40-50%.
- 🔹 If you notice any extraneous knocks or vibrations, check to see if the stopped compressor is vibrating from a running neighbor (rarely, but it happens due to the resonance of the tubes).
If you notice that the main refrigerator has stopped coping with cooling and the food in it begins to deteriorate, which means that the heat gain from the warm freezer is too large for the power of one compressor in these climatic conditions. In this case, it is recommended to either turn on the freezer for a short time or reduce the temperature in the room.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely pull out the plug of the second compressor from the socket inside?
In some models Atlant compressors connected through individual connectors, but more often they are powered through a common terminal box. There is no point in pulling out the plug if it is not designed for quick access - it is better to unscrew the wires from the terminals. In addition, there are no free sockets inside the refrigerator body where you could simply turn the cord on or off.
Will the refrigerator be damaged if one compressor is running and the second is turned off at “0” for months?
No, such operation is provided for by the design of two-compressor systems. The motors are independent, and the work of one does not harm the other. The main thing is to keep the fridge compartment clean and dry to avoid corrosion of the evaporator from the inside.
Why, after turning the freezer back on, does it not freeze for a long time?
After a long period of inactivity, the refrigerant could partially settle into the oil or be distributed unevenly throughout the system. The case and food could also heat up (if you put something in right away). Let the refrigerator run idle for 2-4 hours without loading food to gain temperature and stabilize the pressure in the system.
Is it possible to use the freezer as a regular cabinet without turning it off?
Technically, you can leave the door open, but the compressor will try to reach the temperature and will work continuously, which will lead to rapid wear and overheating. If you need cabinet space, the chamber must be turned off via the thermostat (set to “0”) or physically de-energize the compressor.
Where is the freezer thermostat located in models with a bottom freezer?
In two-compressor models with a bottom freezer, the regulator is most often located inside the freezer itself (on the side wall or in the corner) or on top front panel of the case. In rare cases, it may be hidden behind a plastic cover inside the main compartment, but this is typical for old single-compressor circuits.