How to transport the Atlant refrigerator: on which side and rules

Moving or just delivery New household appliances always come with risks, especially when it comes to large devices with a compressor. Owners of Belarusian equipment often wonder how to transport an Atlant refrigerator on which side is the safest to do so as not to damage the internal systems. Errors in logistics can lead to expensive repairs, so the process must be approached with full responsibility and knowledge of technical nuances.

Modern models, despite their reliability, require careful handling when moving. The compressor, mounted on springs, and fragile refrigerant pipes are vulnerable points that are primarily affected by shaking or improper positioning of the housing. If you are planning transportation on your own or order the services of loaders, knowledge of the rules for laying the unit will be the key to its long and uninterrupted operation in the future.

In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of preparing and moving brand refrigerators Atlant. You will learn why the “lying down” position is often the only possible one, how to properly lock the doors, and what absolutely should not be done during loading. Following these recommendations will help maintain your warranty and avoid unpleasant surprises when you first turn it on.

Design Analysis: Why Position Matters

To understand how best to transport a refrigerator, you need to look inside its design. The main element that requires special attention is compressor. In most Atlant models it is suspended on shock-absorbing springs inside a metal casing. During vertical transportation, the weight of the motor is distributed evenly, and the springs are in working condition.

However, when tilted or laid on its side, an uneven load occurs. If you place the unit on its back, you can damage the heat exchanger or push through the insulation. Installation on the front panel can cause dents on the doors and damage to the control handle. That is why the only safe position for recumbent transportation is sideways, but there are also nuances here, depending on the specific model.

It is important to take into account the presence of a system No Frost or Frost Free. In such refrigerators, the evaporator is often located behind the back wall inside the chamber. Inaccurate shaking or impacts due to incorrect orientation of the housing can lead to tearing of tubes or damage to plastic elements of air ducts. Therefore, fixing the internal moving parts before starting the journey is mandatory.

Preparing the refrigerator for transportation

Before thinking about which side to transport the equipment on, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory work. Ignoring this stage can negate all efforts to carefully load. The first step is to completely defrost the unit, even if it belongs to the “No Frost” system. Residual moisture in the drainage system or ice on the evaporator when tilted can get into the electrical circuits or the compressor.

After defrosting and drying, all removable elements should be removed. Shelves, drawers, egg trays and door containers should all be removed and packed separately. When shaken, glass shelves may break, and plastic drawers may crack. It is better to wipe the inner walls of the chamber dry to prevent slipping and the appearance of mold in a closed space during travel.

Pay special attention to fixing the doors. They should not open spontaneously, otherwise the hinges may be torn off or the seal may be damaged. Use the standard fasteners, if you still have them, or securely wrap the case with strong tape or stretch film. It is also recommended to seal sharp corners with cardboard to avoid scratching furniture or walls when passing through doorways.

Which side is it safe to carry the Atlant refrigerator

The question of which side to place the refrigerator on during transportation is key. Manufacturers of Atlant equipment, like many others, often indicate in their instructions that they can only be transported in a vertical position. However, the realities of moving dictate their own conditions, and it is often necessary to lay the unit horizontally. In this case, the choice of side depends on the location of the compressor tubes.

Look at the back wall of your refrigerator. There you will see copper tubes coming from the compressor. The rule is: the unit must be laid on its side, opposite to the direction the tubes exit the compressor. This is done to prevent oil from the compressor from flowing into the refrigerant circuit through the open ends of the tubes, which can cause water hammer when first started.

If the tubes go up (which is rare) or their direction is not obvious, it is safest to transport the equipment on the left side (if you look at the refrigerator from the front), since in most Atlant models the compressor group is shifted and the tubes go to the right. However, it is best to check the technical documentation of the specific model Atlant MXM or XM, since the layout may differ in different series.

What to do if the location of the tubes is unknown?

If you cannot determine the direction of the tubes, inspect the compressor through the lower grille (if it is removable) or carefully tilt the refrigerator to see which side the tubes come out of. As a last resort, when transporting on its side, try to keep the compressor above the level of the evaporator, that is, lift the rear part of the unit when loading.

Features of transportation of models with different cooling systems

Different cooling systems dictate different requirements for transportation. Classic refrigerators with a weeping evaporator are more tolerant of tilts, but require careful defrosting. In them, the risk of damaging the complex air duct system is minimal, however, oil lock in the compressor remains the main threat if installed incorrectly. Models with the system are more sensitive to shock and vibration. Fans and dampers that control air flow may become dislodged or mechanically damaged. When transporting such models on their side, it is important to ensure maximum shock absorption. Place a thick layer of foam plastic, blankets or special inflatable pillows under the bottom and sides to dampen the vibration of the car body.

Models with system No Frost more sensitive to shock and vibration. Fans and dampers that control air flow may become dislodged or mechanically damaged. When transporting such models on their side, it is important to ensure maximum shock absorption. Place a thick layer of foam, blankets or special inflatable pillows under the bottom and sides to dampen the vibration of the car body.

Atlant two-compressor models, where one motor works for the freezer compartment, and the second for the refrigeration compartment, have increased weight and dimensions. When transporting them, the risk of damage to compressor mountings increases. In such cases, it is especially important to avoid sudden jerks during loading. If possible, it is better to transport dual-compressor units strictly vertically, using straps to secure them in the body.

Table: Comparison of risks for different methods of transportation

For clarity, let's compare the main risks that you may encounter when choosing one or another method of transportation. This will help you weigh the pros and cons before loading.

As can be seen from the table, vertical transportation remains the safest option. However, if you choose a prone position, then strict adherence to the rules for choosing a side reduces the risks to an acceptable minimum. The main thing is not to place the unit on the front panel, as this is guaranteed to lead to deformation of the doors and disruption of the seal.

Rules for loading and fixing in a vehicle

Proper installation is only half the success. The second half is reliable fixation in the body. The refrigerator should not be able to move, tilt, or vibrate more than necessary. Use stops made of wooden blocks or soft bags to fix the position of the case.

If you are transporting the refrigerator in a passenger car on its side, make sure that it does not rest against hard parts of the passenger compartment. Be sure to place a layer of soft cloth or cardboard between the metal body and the body of the equipment. When driving, avoid sudden braking and high-speed driving on uneven roads, as inertia can move even a well-secured load.

When going up and down stairs, hold the refrigerator at an angle, but try not to tilt it too much. The carriers must be above and below, synchronizing their movements. A sharp roll can cause the top porter to lose balance and the unit to hit steps or railings.

Actions after delivery: when to turn it on

After the refrigerator is delivered to the place, do not rush to immediately plug it into the network. If transportation was carried out in a vertical position, it is enough to let the unit stand for 2-3 hours for acclimatization. This is necessary so that the temperature of the internal components is equal to room temperature, which will prevent the formation of condensation on the electrical contacts.

If transported on its side, the situation is different. The oil that may have entered the refrigerant circuit needs time to drain back into the compressor crankcase. Settling time depends on the season: in summer 3-4 hours are enough, and in winter, especially if the equipment is frozen en route, this period must be increased to 8-12 hours.

Only after this time has expired can you remove the transport locks from the doors, install shelves and connect the device to the power supply. It is better to start the first time without load (empty), letting it run for 1-2 hours so that it reaches the desired temperature before loading food.

⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on, the refrigerator makes an unusually loud noise, humming or knocking, immediately unplug it. This may indicate water hammer in the compressor or damaged pipes. Restarting is possible only after diagnostics by a specialist.

Common mistakes during independent transportation

Many owners make typical mistakes, trying to save on the services of professionals or simply not knowing the technical details. One of the most common is ignoring weather conditions. Transportation in rain or snow without proper packaging will lead to wet insulation and corrosion of metal parts.

Another mistake is using thin tape to secure the doors. Under load, it can burst or peel off, and the door will swing open at the most inopportune moment. Use several layers of masking tape or special belts that do not leave traces of glue on the glossy surface.

They also often forget that it is necessary to remove the shelves. Glass shelves left inside may shift and break when vibration occurs, and the fragments will damage the plastic coating of the chambers. Even if the shelves seem securely fastened, the risk of them moving when tilted is very high.

⚠️ Attention: Never grab the refrigerator by the door handles when lifting! They are not designed to support the weight of the entire body and can come off along with a fragment of the door, which will require replacing the entire front panel.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

Is it possible to transport the Atlant refrigerator in cold weather at temperatures below -10°C?

Highly not recommended. At low temperatures, plastic becomes brittle and can crack when vibrating. In addition, the oil in the compressor thickens, and a sudden start after a warm start can lead to breakdown. If transportation is unavoidable, allow the equipment to warm up in the room for at least 24 hours before turning it on.

What to do if the refrigerator was transported on its back?

If the unit was lying on its back, there is a high risk of damage to the heat exchanger or compressor. Upon delivery, carefully inspect the back wall for dents. You can turn it on only after a long period of settling (at least 24 hours). If you hear a knock or hum during startup, call a technician.

Do you need to remove the doors completely when transporting?

Removing the doors completely (unscrewing the hinges) when transporting on their sides is not necessary if they are securely secured with tape. However, if the door opening in the new room is narrow, dismantling the doors will make passage easier. You should remove them carefully, marking the upper and lower hinges so as not to confuse them during installation.

How to understand that the compressor is damaged during transportation?

Main signs: the refrigerator hums, but does not cool; metallic clanging or knocking is heard during operation; the compressor gets very hot or, conversely, remains cold when the engine is running. In such cases, operation is impossible and requires repair.