Many owners of two-chamber refrigerators of the brand Atlantequipped with two compressors, sooner or later are faced with the desire to optimize the operation of the equipment. The question often arises of how to force one of the motors to turn off to reduce noise or energy consumption when the full power of the unit is not required. This topic is especially relevant for models where one of the compressors has stopped turning on, but the second continues to work, or in situations where it is necessary to freeze food in only one chamber.
It is important to immediately note that the design of refrigerators Atlant assumes independent operation of two cooling circuits. This means that, in theory, you can operate the unit using only the freezer compartment or only the refrigerator compartment. However, physical interference with the electrical circuit or forcibly blocking the operation of the motor requires a deep understanding of the operating principles of solenoid valve and thermostats. Incorrect actions can lead to failure of a serviceable compressor due to water hammer or overheating.
Before proceeding with any manipulations, it is necessary to clearly define the goal. If one compressor breaks down and the second one is working, then there is often no need to intervene in the circuit - the system itself isolates the faulty circuit. If you want to turn off a working motor in order to save money, you will have to deal with the automation. In this article, we will look in detail at safe ways to control the operation of compressors, diagnose faults, and explain why complete physical disconnection of the wire can be dangerous.
The principle of operation of the Atlant dual-circuit system
Refrigerators Atlant with two compressors are designed so that each motor serves its own evaporator. One compressor is responsible for the freezer compartment, and the second for the refrigerator compartment. These processes are controlled independently of each other. The key element in this connection is solenoid valve, which shuts off the supply of refrigerant to the unused circuit when the second compressor operates alone. Without this mechanism, the pressure in the system could become critical.
When you set the temperature on the thermostat of one of the chambers, you give a command to your compressor. If the freezer is warm, its motor starts and the valve opens the way for freon. At this time, the compressor of the refrigeration chamber can rest if the set temperature is reached there. This scheme allows you to achieve lower temperatures in the freezer, since the power is not divided between two evaporators at the same time.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to turn off the compressor by breaking the electrical circuit without blocking the solenoid valve will result in the running motor driving freon in a closed circle. This causes instant overheating and destruction of the piston group.
Understanding this logic is necessary for correct diagnosis. If you hear that one engine is humming and the other is silent, this is a normal situation. The alarm should only be sounded when it is warm in both chambers, but only one compressor is running, or when the motor turns on for a few seconds and immediately turns off. In such cases, the problem lies not in the desire to turn off the unit, but in a malfunction of the starting relay or the thermostat itself.
Diagnostics: why one of the compressors does not work
Before looking for methods of forced shutdown, you should make sure that the lack of operation of one of the motors is not a symptom of a breakdown. In two-compressor models Atlant the reasons for downtime can be trivial. Most often, owners panic ahead of time without checking the temperature settings. If it is cold in the refrigeration chamber, the second compressor simply does not receive a signal to start.
For an initial check, you need to carry out a series of simple steps. Make sure the refrigerator is plugged in and the power light is on. Check if the “Vacation” mode has worked, if such a function is provided by the model. It is also worth listening: does the silent compressor make any sounds (clicks, humming) when trying to start.
There are several obvious signs of a malfunction that require the intervention of a technician rather than manual shutdown:
- 🔊 The compressor tries to start, a click and a hum is heard, but after 5-10 seconds a second click is heard and the motor goes quiet - it's burned out starting relay.
- 🔥 The motor housing gets very hot (above 60 degrees), but no cold is produced - the compressor may jam.
- ❄️ It’s warm in the chamber, but the compressor is silent and does not make any sounds - the thermostat is faulty or the control circuit is broken.
- ⚡ When connected to the network, the circuit breaker in the apartment immediately knocks out - a breakdown of the motor winding on the housing.
If the diagnostics showed that one compressor is working, but you need it not to work (for example, you want to use only the freezer as a chest), then we move on to control methods. Remember that in a working refrigerator, shutdown occurs automatically, and manual intervention is rarely required.
Methods of shutdown via thermostat
The safest and most correct way to “turn off” one of the compressors in the refrigerator Atlant is to use standard controls. The design of the thermostats allows you to set a mode in which the motor simply will not turn on. This is relevant if you want to temporarily not use one of the chambers, for example, during a long absence or when storing only frozen products.
For the fridge compartment everything is extremely simple. There is a temperature regulator on the front panel or inside the chamber. If you unscrew it to the “0” or “Off” position (depending on the model), the circuit opens and the compressor does not receive a start command. The solenoid valve also remains closed, which is completely safe for the system. In some models Atlant with electronic control, it is enough to set the temperature to the maximum (for example, +10°C or “Eco” mode), which will reduce the frequency of switching on to a minimum.
With the freezer the situation is more complicated. Freezer thermostats usually do not have a full off position, since the main function of the refrigerator is freezing. However, in some modifications you can find a separate “Super Freeze” switch, which, on the contrary, makes the motor work continuously. You can turn off the freezer normally only if the model allows you to switch it to the “Vacation” mode or if the design provides a separate button to turn off the circuit, which is rare.
It is important to understand the difference between “not working” and “disabled”. If you simply set the temperature to zero, the system remains energized, and the automation is ready to start the motor at any time when the temperature rises. To completely de-energize one circuit, more complex actions related to the electrical circuit are required.
Intervention in the electrical circuit: risks and rules
If standard methods are not suitable and physical shutdown of one compressor is required (for example, it is faulty and hums, interfering with the operation of the second, or you are upgrading the system), you will have to open the compressor compartment. It is usually located at the back, at the bottom of the refrigerator. Before any work Be sure to unplug the refrigerator. Working with 220V electricity without following safety precautions is deadly.
Inside the compartment you will see two compressors, each of which has its own starting unit (relay and capacitor). To disable one of them, you could theoretically remove the terminals from the start relay. However, as mentioned earlier, simply breaking the power supply circuit to the motor is not enough. It is necessary to make sure that the solenoid valveresponsible for this circuit is also de-energized or mechanically closed. In most schemes Atlant the valve is powered in parallel with the compressor, so turning off the motor will also turn off the valve, but this rule does not work in all modifications.
The shutdown process is as follows:
- Remove the rear cover of the compressor compartment.
- Locate the starting relay of the faulty or disconnected compressor (usually a black or gray plastic box on the side of the motor).
- Carefully remove the relay cover to gain access to the contacts.
- Disconnect the wires going from the relay to the compressor windings and insulate their ends.
⚠️ Attention: After disconnecting the wires, check the refrigerator circuit. If the circuit switching valve remains energized by the operating compressor, the cooling system will not work correctly, and the temperature in one of the chambers will begin to rise.
For those who are not confident in their knowledge of electrical engineering, there is a simpler, but less aesthetic method. You can simply unplug the start relay plug from the socket on the compressor itself (if the design allows) or remove the entire relay. But remember: if you turn off the motor due to a breakdown, it is better to replace it. Operating a refrigerator with one working compressor, but with two circuits, can lead to the fact that a working motor will work for wear, trying to cool the entire volume.
Features of working with the No Frost system
In models Atlant with the system No Frost or mixed type of cooling, the situation is complicated by the presence of fans and defrosting heating elements. Here, one compressor can serve both circuits through a damper system, or, in two-compressor versions, each motor has its own fan. Disabling one compressor in the No Frost system requires special care.
If you turn off the freezer compressor in the No Frost system, the evaporator fan will also stop moving air. This means that cold will not enter the chamber even from the second circuit (if it is structurally connected). In refrigerators with one evaporator and two compressors (which is rare, but occurs in industrial or specific models), turning off one motor will disrupt the circulation of the refrigerant.
Below is a table showing the effect of turning off the compressor on the various systems of the refrigerator:
| System | Disabled HK compressor | MK compressor is disabled | Risk for equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statics (drip) | HK does not cool, MK works | MK does not freeze, HK cools slightly | Low (with a working valve) |
| No Frost (one circuit) | Not applicable (one motor) | Not applicable (one motor) | High with intervention |
| No Frost (two motors) | HK fan is standing | MK fan is standing, heating elements do not heat | Medium (circulation disturbance) |
Owners of models with Full No Frost and two compressors should be especially careful. Turning off one of the motors can lead to icing of the air ducts, as defrost cycles may be disrupted. If one compressor fails, it is better not to try to operate the refrigerator in semi-operational mode for a long time, but to replace the faulty unit.
Frequent errors during self-repair
Independent shutdown of the compressor is often accompanied by a number of typical errors that turn a minor problem into a major repair. The most common of them is ignoring the condition of the oil. When you turn off the compressor, especially if it hasn't been running for a long time, oil flows into the circuit. When turned on again (even briefly), a water hammer may occur.
Another mistake is the use of inappropriate tools for insulating wires. Conventional electrical tape may not withstand the heat in the compressor compartment, where temperatures reach high values while the motors are running. This may cause a short circuit and fire. Use only heat-resistant materials and cambrics.
☑️ Check before turning off the compressor
Also, users often forget about tightness. When removing the relay or manipulating the wires, it is easy to damage the capillary tubes or sealed areas. Any microcrack will lead to a leak of freon. Freon - this is not just a gas, it is a working fluid, the amount of which determines the pressure in the system. After any work related to disassembling the compartment, it is recommended to check the joints with soapy water for leaks.
Do not forget about vibration. Compressors Atlant are mounted on shock absorbers. If during the “shutdown” process you accidentally loosen the fastening bolts or damage the rubber bushings, the running motor will begin to vibrate and make a lot of noise, nullifying all efforts to keep quiet.
When it is necessary to call a technician
Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, refrigerators Atlant are complex units. There are situations when turning off the compressor yourself is strictly prohibited or pointless. If you do not have the skills to work with a multimeter and do not understand the difference between a normally closed and normally open contact, it is better not to risk it.
A call to a specialist is necessary in the following cases:
- 🛠 You suspect a freon leak (oil stains are visible on the tubes, swelling of the rear wall).
- 🔌 There is a short circuit in the wiring, and you see melted wires.
- 🔊 The compressor hums, but does not start, and replacing the relay does not help (a professional “rripper” or replacing the motor is required).
- ❄️ After your manipulations, the refrigerator stopped cooling at all or began to freeze to the point of “stone”.
Is it worth changing the compressor to an analogue?
Replacing the compressor in the Atlant refrigerator with an analogue (for example, Danfoss or Embraco) is possible, but requires re-welding the tubes and replacement filter drier. This is a complex procedure that requires evacuation of the system and refilling with freon of a strictly defined brand. You cannot do this yourself without equipment.
A professional technician will not just disconnect the unnecessary unit, but will also conduct a full diagnostic of the system. He will check the current consumption, pressure in the circuit and tightness. It often turns out that the problem was not the desire to turn off the motor, but a banal sticking of the thermostat contacts, the replacement of which is much cheaper and does not require violating the integrity of the system.
Final recommendations for operation
To summarize, we can say that turning off one compressor in the refrigerator Atlant is a measure that should be used only in extreme cases. Standard automation copes with temperature regulation quite effectively. If one of the motors fails, operation on one compressor is possible temporarily, but requires temperature control.
To extend the life of the remaining compressor, try not to overload the refrigerator with food, keep the condenser at the back of the unit clean, and do not place it close to the wall. Good ventilation of the compressor compartment reduces the load on the motor, which is especially important when it works alone.
Remember that two-compressor refrigerators are designed for comfort and independent operation of the chambers. Proper operation will allow you to forget about cooling problems for many years. If you decide to repair it yourself, proceed slowly, check every action and do not forget about safety.
Is it possible to permanently turn off one compressor and use the refrigerator as a single-chamber one?
Technically this is possible, but it is economically and technically impractical. You will lose volume, and a running compressor will wear out faster since it is not designed to cool the increased volume (unless the circuits are shut off correctly). In addition, the solenoid valve may remain open, disrupting the operation of the system.
Why, after turning off one compressor, did the second start working without stopping?
Most likely, you have upset the balance of the system. If the disconnected circuit is not isolated by a valve, the cold goes there, and the running compressor tries to cool both chambers at once, unable to cope with the load. The temperature sensor could also have failed.
Will the refrigerator burn if you turn off only the power to the compressor, but leave the valve on?
Yes, this is very likely. If the valve remains open or receives power and the compressor remains silent (or vice versa, the compressor works on a closed valve), the pressure in the system will increase sharply. This will lead to rupture of tubes or breakage of the piston group.
How to understand which thermostat is responsible for what in Atlanta?
Usually the regulators are signed or marked. If not, turn the knob of one of them to minimum. After 15-20 minutes, check which chamber has stopped getting cold. The regulator that you turned controls this particular chamber.
Do you need to drain the freon before turning off the compressor?
No, if you simply open the electrical circuit and do not touch the tubes. Freon remains in a closed circuit. Draining is required only when replacing the compressor or repairing leaks.