Refrigerators of the Belarusian brand Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and simplicity of design, however, even in such time-tested models, sometimes it is necessary to change the internal configuration of the chambers. Rearranging shelves may be necessary for various reasons: you bought a tall cake, defrosting the device, or simply want to optimize the space for storing food. Despite the apparent simplicity of the procedure, careless handling of hardened glass or plastic fasteners can lead to unpleasant consequences, including chipping or breaking of fasteners.
Owners are often faced with a situation where the standard arrangement of tiers does not allow convenient placement of large dishes, and then the need arises change the height installation. It is important to understand that the design of shelves in different series Atlant (for example, KShM or two-chamber models with No Frost) may differ significantly. In some cases, simple plastic stops are used, in others, complex guides or metal frames are used. Critical before starting any manipulations, completely disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply, since working with the internal space often involves the risk of damaging the condensate drainage system or touching temperature sensors.
The further text of the article will help you understand the nuances of dismantling and installing the internal components of your refrigeration unit. We will look at different types of mounts, common mistakes and safety rules that will protect your equipment from damage. The correct approach to organizing the internal space will not only extend the life of the device, but also make its operation more comfortable for the whole family.
Preparation for rearrangement and safety precautions
Before starting the active phase of work, it is necessary to prepare the workspace and free the camera from foreign objects. Safety in this context it means not only the safety of your hands, but also the integrity of glass surfaces, which, if dropped, can shatter into small, sharp fragments. It is recommended to cover the floor or countertop next to the refrigerator with a soft towel or thick cardboard, where you will temporarily place the removed items.
Be sure to remove all products that may interfere with access to the fasteners or accidentally fall during operation. If you plan to rearrange the shelves in the freezer, give the unit time to thaw if ice has formed there, as slippery surfaces increase the risk of injury. Temperature mode Inside the freezer also plays a role: glass cooled to sub-zero temperatures becomes more brittle, so let it warm up to room temperature if possible.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully pull out a shelf if it does not give way. A sharp jerking movement can cause the plastic retainer to burst and the glass plane to hit the metal body, causing microcracks.
You may need minimal tools for the job, although in 90% of cases only your hands are enough. However, having a soft rag for wiping away dust and greasy deposits will not be superfluous, since it is during rearrangement that it is most convenient to restore order inside the camera. Make sure that there is good lighting in the room so that you can clearly see the condition of the guides and plastic stops. organizing your interior space, and understanding your design type is the key to success. Most often there are shelves based on plastic limiters and guides.
Types of shelf structures in Atlant models
Plant engineers Atlant use several time-tested solutions to organize your interior space, and understanding your design type is the key to success. The most common shelves are based on tempered glass, which has high strength, but is afraid of pinpoint impacts at the ends. In older or budget models, you can find lattice shelves made of metal wire coated with plastic, which, as a rule, are easier to dismantle, but more difficult to clean from dirt.
Models with a system deserve special attention No Frost, where shelves are often built into plastic frames or have specific cutouts for cold air circulation. In such devices, violation of installation rules can lead to violation air circulation, which will negatively affect the operation of the compressor and the temperature regime as a whole. There are also retractable grid shelves that are attached to the side walls of the chamber on special runners.
The following is a table that helps identify the type of fastening depending on the series of your refrigerator:
| Shelf type | Base material | Mounting type | Dismantling features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tempered glass | Plastic stops | Lift and pull towards you |
| Retractable | Glass in frame | Guide runners | Pull out all the way and lift |
| Metal | Steel wire | Hooks on the walls | Tilt slightly and remove from the hooks |
| Balcony | Plastic | Latches on the door | Press the latch and slide it up |
Knowing the exact modification of your equipment will help you avoid mistakes. If you are not sure about the type of design, it is better to find the technical data sheet of the model Atlant or look at photos of similar devices on the Internet to understand the principle of their assembly.
Removing glass shelves: a step-by-step algorithm
The process of removing a glass shelf installed on plastic limiters, requires accuracy and consistency of actions. First, grab the front of the shelf with both hands, placing your palms symmetrically relative to your center of gravity. Smoothly lift the front edge up 2-3 centimeters to disengage the glass from the front plastic stops.
After the front part is released, without releasing the glass, carefully pull the entire structure towards you. At this moment, the back of the shelf should come out of the grooves or slide off the rear stops. It is important to control the horizontal position of the plane so as not to touch the wall of the refrigerator or products lying on the lower tiers. Glass surface may be slippery, so make sure your hands are dry and clean.
☑️ Rules for safe dismantling
If the shelf installed in a metal frame with a retractable mechanism, the actions will differ. In this case, it is necessary to pull out the shelf until it clicks or stops, then slightly lift its front part. This action will release the rollers or skids from the guides, and you can remove the entire unit. Do not use excessive force if the mechanism is stuck - it may be contaminated with grease or require lubrication.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to wash cold glass with hot water immediately after removing it from the freezer. A sharp temperature change will cause thermal shock, and the shelf is guaranteed to burst.
Height adjustment and installation to new levels
Changing the installation height of shelves in refrigerators Atlant is usually implemented through a system of holes in the side walls of the chamber where plastic stops are inserted. To rearrange the shelf, first remove the old stops from their current slots. To do this, you need to carefully pry them with a fingernail or a flat-head screwdriver (through the fabric so as not to scratch the plastic) and pull them out.
Choose a new height that suits your needs, and make sure that the side holes are level on both sides of the camera. Paste plastic clamps into the selected holes until there is a characteristic click or a tight stop. They must sit very firmly and not wobble, since they will bear the main load from the weight of the products and the shelf itself.
Installation of the glass plane is done in the reverse order: first, the rear edge is placed on the rear stops, then the shelf smoothly lowers the front part onto the front stops. Make sure that the glass lies flat, without distortions or gaps. If you are installing a shelf in a frame, make sure that the guides fit into the corresponding grooves on the side walls.
After installation, check the stability of the structure by lightly pressing on it with your hand. If you feel any play or instability, it is better to go through the installation again, checking that the clamps are in the correct position. An incorrectly installed shelf can cause dishes or food to break when the door is closed.
Features of rearrangement in the freezer
Working with the freezer compartment of a refrigerator Atlant has its own specific features associated with low temperatures and the presence of ice. Plastic becomes more fragile when strongly cooled, so all manipulations with drawers and shelves should be carried out as smoothly as possible, without jerking. If the drawer is frozen to the walls or runners, do not tear it off by force.
Allow the freezer to thaw naturally or use a hairdryer at minimum temperature, directing a stream of warm air to the problem area. After defrosting, remove drawers and shelves to remove ice and dirt that may have accumulated during use. Clean guides will ensure ease of movement and extend the service life of plastic mechanisms plastic mechanisms.
What to do if the drawer does not slide out?
If the drawer is jammed, check whether a foreign object (for example, a piece of ice or packaging) has gotten under the rollers. Also, the reason may be the skew of the drawer itself - try to slightly lift its front part when pulling it out.
When reassembling, make sure that all the drawers are in place and are not blocking the cold air supply damper. In models with a system No Frost violation of this rule can lead to rapid accumulation of ice on the evaporator and failure of the fan. Regularly checking the correct installation of the elements of the freezer is the key to stable operation of the unit.
Care of shelves and prevention of breakdowns
Regular care of the internal elements of the refrigerator Atlant not only maintains hygiene, but also prevents mechanical damage. Wipe glass surfaces with a soft sponge using special glass cleaner or a mild soap solution. Avoid using abrasive powders and hard brushes, which can leave micro-scratches that reduce the strength of the glass.
Pay special attention to the cleanliness of plastic stops and guides. Build-up of grease and dirt can act as an abrasive, making it difficult to install shelves and increasing the risk of them sliding off. Periodically check the condition of the plastic: if you notice cracks or chips on the fasteners, they need to be replaced, as they may not support the weight of the loaded shelf.
When placing products, try to distribute the weight evenly over the entire area of the shelf. Concentrating gravity at one point (for example, a heavy pan on the edge) creates excess tension in glass structurewhich over time can lead to destruction. Also, do not place hot dishes on the shelves, even if they are covered with a lid - this creates local overheating.
Frequent errors during installation and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is trying to install a shelf “by eye” without checking the reliability of the stoppers. Owners often forget to fully snap the plastic elements into place, which leads to the shelf suddenly falling when loaded with products. The consequences can be serious: broken glassware, food spoilage and, in the worst case, damage to the internal lining of the refrigerator compartment.
Another common mistake is ignoring the operating instructions for a specific model Atlant. Some shelves have a strictly defined installation side (front/back) or can only be installed in certain rows of holes. Violation of these rules may result in the shelf not falling into place or blocking the operation of the cooling system.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use homemade fasteners or glue to fix the shelves. Chemicals can be toxic upon contact with products, and rigid fastening does not compensate for the thermal expansion of materials.Also, users often overload shelves, exceeding the maximum permissible weight specified in the technical data sheet. Although tempered glass can withstand significant loads, constant overload leads to material fatigue and fracture. Compliance with weight restrictions is a prerequisite for safe operation.
Can the shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Most glass refrigerator shelves Atlant are made of tempered glass, which theoretically can withstand high temperatures. However, plastic elements (frames, stops) can become deformed when exposed to aggressive detergents and hot steam. It is recommended to wash them manually with warm water and a mild detergent.
What to do if a shelf breaks?
If a glass shelf breaks, you must carefully remove all the fragments using a vacuum cleaner and adhesive tape. You can order an original spare part at authorized service centers Atlant, indicating the exact model of the refrigerator. Using non-original glass can be dangerous.
How to remove the smell after washing shelves?
If the smell of detergent remains after washing, wipe the shelves with a solution of baking soda or vinegar, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Leave the shelf to air out in the open air for several hours before placing it back in the refrigerator.
Why does the shelf wobble after installation?
Wobble can be caused by wear of the plastic stops, deformation of the shelf itself, or improper installation. Check that the fasteners fit tightly in the holes. If the plastic has dried out and lost its elasticity, it must be replaced with a new one.
Is it possible to replace broken glass yourself?
Yes, replacing glass is a procedure available to any user if there is an original spare part. The main thing is to correctly dismantle the old frame (if there is one) and carefully install the new glass, observing safety precautions.