Moving or purchasing new large household appliances is always accompanied by the issue of logistics, especially when it comes to dimensional units. Owners often wonder whether it is permissible to transport Biryusa refrigerator in a horizontal position, or whether this is guaranteed to lead to breakdown. Manufacturers usually recommend vertical transportation, but the realities of Russian roads and the size of truck bodies often dictate their conditions.
Unlike old Soviet models, modern units are equipped with more complex refrigerant circulation systems and compressors that are sensitive to mechanical stress. However, Biryusa refrigerators has proven itself to be a fairly hardy technique that can survive a short stay on its side, subject to strict rules. The main thing is to understand the physics of the processes occurring inside the system and minimize risks.
In this article we will analyze the technical nuances that will help you deliver your equipment safe and sound. You will learn which side is best to place the unit on, how to prepare it for the road and, most importantly, how long to wait before starting it for the first time. Compliance with these recommendations will allow you to avoid expensive compressor repairs or freon leaks.
Risks of horizontal transportation
The main danger during transportation refrigerator in a lying position is associated with the oil in the compressor. In normal operation, it is located in the engine crankcase, providing lubrication of rubbing parts. When the housing is tilted or turned over, oil can flow into the system circuits filled with refrigerant.
If oil gets into the evaporator or condenser tubes, it will create an oil plug. This prevents the normal circulation of freon, which leads to overheating of the compressor and its failure. In addition, there is a risk of mechanical damage: compressor is fixed on springs, and when shaking in a horizontal position, it can hit the walls of the housing or come off the fastenings.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to transport the unit without securing the door. A door open while moving will deform the hinges and break the tightness of the seal, which will require replacement of parts.
Another risk factor is the entry of moisture or debris into the ventilation system if it has not been closed. Therefore, preparation plays no less a role than the loading process itself. Ignoring these points can turn the purchase of new equipment into unnecessary service costs.
Preparing the Biryusa refrigerator for transportation
Before you begin packaging and loading, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. This will take some time, but will significantly reduce the likelihood of damage. The first step is to defrost the unit if there is any food or ice left in it.
After defrosting, the inner chamber should be wiped dry. A humid environment promotes the growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which will then be difficult to remove. It is also necessary to remove all removable elements: shelves, drawers, egg trays.
- 📦 Place the glass shelves and drawers in a separate box with soft filling so that they do not break when shaking.
- 🔒 Secure the doors using masking tape, stretch film or special belts, after laying the cardboard under the tapes so as not to scratch the coating.
- 🔌 Disconnect the power cord and carefully wrap it, securing it on the back wall so that it does not dangle.
Pay special attention to the packaging of the case itself. It is best to use the factory box and foam retainers. If the packaging is not intact, wrap the case with several layers of stretch film and bubble wrap. This will protect the paintwork from scratches and chips.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
Which side to put on: technical nuances
The question of which side is safer to carry Biryusa refrigeratordoes not have a clear answer “for everyone,” but there are general technical recommendations. The key point is the location of the tubes leaving the compressor and the direction of oil release.
It is usually recommended to place the unit on the side opposite to the direction of the tubes exiting the compressor. In most Biryusa models, the tubes point upward when the refrigerator is standing vertically. If you put it on its side, where the tubes are pointing down, the oil will flow by gravity into the circuit.
How to determine the direction of the tubes?
Remove the rear protective panel (if it is removable) or carefully inspect the compressor through the ventilation holes. The tubes coming from the motor should be directed upward when in a horizontal position. If it is impossible to determine visually, it is safer to transport on the left side (if you look at the doors from the front), since in many models the drain pipe and technical holes are located on the right.
There is a myth that old models can be transported on any side, while new ones can only be transported vertically. In fact, there is always a risk, but the right orientation reduces it to a minimum. If you are not sure about the design of your compressor, check this information in the technical documentation for your specific model.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the refrigerator on the front panel (doors down) or on the back wall (radiator grille down). This is guaranteed to lead to damage to the heat exchanger or deformation of the door.
The process of loading and fastening in the body
After refrigerator the correct side has been prepared and determined, the most critical stage begins - loading. This will require at least two people, and preferably three, taking into account the weight and dimensions of the equipment. Sharp jerks and impacts on the sides of the body are unacceptable.
In the car body, the unit must be positioned so that it cannot move while driving. Ideally, if it is possible to rest it against the side or other fixed structure. If this is not possible, use soft supports: blankets, pillows, foam.
Fixation with belts should be reliable, but not too tight, so as not to push the body. It is better to pass the belts through soft pads. It is important to eliminate any vibration, since shaking on an uneven road most often causes internal damage.
- 🚛 Use cargo belts with a ratcheting mechanism for secure fixation.
- 🛡️ Place cardboard or thick fabric between the belts and the body of the equipment.
- 🧱 Fill the voids around the refrigerator with soft things to prevent movement when turning.
When driving, try to avoid sudden braking and acceleration. Choosing a route with a good asphalt surface will also help maintain the integrity of the internal components. If the road is inevitably shaking, the speed should be reduced to the minimum possible.
Table: Dependence of settling time on conditions
After delivery Biryusa refrigerator to the site, you cannot immediately plug it into the network. Oil that enters the system needs time to drain back into the compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity. The waiting time depends on exactly how and how long the equipment was in a horizontal position.
| Conditions of transportation | Time of year | Minimum settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical, without tilt | Summer / Winter | 2-4 hours |
| On the side (up to 30 minutes on the way) | Summer | 4-6 hours |
| On the side (more than 1 hour on the way) | Summer | 8-12 hours |
| On the side (any duration) | Winter (after drifting into the heat) | 24 hours (minimum) |
Please note that in winter, acclimatization time is added to the settling time. If you bring a cold unit from a frost into a warm room, condensation will form inside. Moisture on the electrical contacts can cause a short circuit when turned on.
First start after transportation
When the allotted time has expired, you can proceed to the first launch. First, remove all fastening elements from the doors and pack the housing. Carefully inspect the equipment for external damage that may have occurred along the way.
Put the shelves and drawers in their places. Plug the power cord into an outlet. At this moment compressor it may not start immediately - this is normal for modern models with protection against frequent switching on. The delay can be from 2 to 15 minutes.
After starting, listen to the operation of the motor. It should hum smoothly, without knocking, rattling or whistling. If you hear any extraneous sounds, immediately unplug the device. Also check if the side walls (where the condenser is located) are heating up - slight heating indicates normal operation of the system.
- ❄️ Do not load food immediately. Let the refrigerator run idle for 2-3 hours so that it reaches the desired temperature.
- 🔊 Listen to the sounds: the gurgling of liquid in the first minutes of operation is normal, freon is circulating.
- 🌡️ Check the operation of the thermostat by setting the average value and checking the cooling chambers.
If after several hours of operation a stable low temperature has established inside the chambers, and a “fur coat” (in drip models) or frost (in No Frost) appears on the back wall, then the equipment survived the move successfully.
Common mistakes when moving equipment
Despite the availability of information, many users continue to make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. One of the most common is trying to carry a working refrigerator. Before transportation, the device must be disconnected from the network.
Another mistake is ignoring weather conditions. Bringing a frozen unit into the heat and immediately turning it on is often fatal to the electronics and the compressor. It is also dangerous to transport equipment on the roof of a car or in a trailer without proper protection from rain and dust.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to swing or tilt the refrigerator while it is running to check its stability. This can lead to broken tubes inside the system.
Remember that saving time on preparation and waiting can cost much more than the services of professional loaders or ordering a cargo taxi with a booth body. Taking good care of equipment extends its service life.
What happens if you turn on the refrigerator immediately after transporting it on its side?
If you start the unit ahead of time, oil that has not had time to drain into the crankcase may enter the circuit. The compressor will start to run dry or with water hammer. This will lead to jamming of the piston group, burnout of the windings or rupture of the tubes. Repair in this case is often not economically feasible.
Is it possible to transport the Biryusa refrigerator on the back (with the grill down)?
Absolutely not. The condenser tubes and often the compressor itself are located on the rear wall. When laid on the back, the weight of the body will crush the thin heat exchanger tubes, which will cause freon leakage. In addition, insulation and electrical components can be damaged.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is not necessary to remove the doors if you have secured them securely with tape. However, if the doorway is narrow, removing the doors will make skidding easier. You need to remove it carefully, marking the hinges so that when you reinstall it you don’t confuse the top and bottom.
Is transportation in frost dangerous for the electronics of the refrigerator?
The cold itself is not terrible if it’s dry inside. A sharp temperature change when brought into a warm room is dangerous. Condensation can cause a short circuit in the control board or compressor terminals. Therefore, the 24-hour rule for winter transportation is strict.