Moving or purchasing new equipment is always associated with logistical difficulties, especially when it comes to large-sized equipment. Refrigerators of the series LG No Frost equipped with a complex air circulation system and a compressor that require careful handling when moving. Improper transportation can lead to failure of expensive components, which will require serious repairs.
Owners often wonder whether it is permissible to tilt the unit and how long it should rest before the first start. Ignoring transportation rules may result in oil leaking from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit or mechanical damage to the evaporator tubes. Understanding the physical processes occurring inside the camera will help you avoid fatal mistakes.
This manual has been developed taking into account the technical features of the models LG and will allow you to organize a move without risk to the device. We will analyze the stages of preparation, options for loading position and critical nuances of subsequent operation.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
The first and most important stage is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Don’t just pull out the cord if the compressor has just been running—let the equipment cool down. After this, it is necessary to carry out a complete defrost, even if the model is equipped with a No Frostsystem. Condensation may remain in the drainage channels and tray, which, when tilted, will leak into the body or onto the floor.
All shelves, drawers and removable partitions must be removed. Glass shelves that vibrate during travel can crack or break, damaging the interior lining of the chamber. The doors should be secured so that they do not swing open in the body of the car. Masking tape or soft stretch film are ideal for this, as they will not leave traces of glue on the glossy surface.
⚠️ Attention: Never use regular office tape to fix doors, as its glue may react with the plastic or body paint when heated.
Special Pay attention to the packaging. The factory box is ideal, but if you don't have one, wrap the case with bubble wrap or thick cardboard. The corners require enhanced protection, since they are the ones that suffer first of all during careless loading.
☑️ Preparing LG No Frost for the road
Positioning: transportation standing or lying down
The safest way to move LG No Frost is a vertical position. In this state, all internal components, including the compressor and pipes, are in their natural position. The risk of moving heavy components or deforming the compressor suspension is minimal. However, the dimensions of the body do not always allow the equipment to be placed vertically.
If you are forced to transport the refrigerator lying down, the angle of inclination relative to the vertical should not exceed 40 degrees. A stronger tilt or horizontal position may cause oil to leak from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit. There is also a risk of the seal tubes being torn off from the compressor housing under the influence of vibration and the weight of the unit itself.
When laying on its side, it is important to follow the “tube” rule. The refrigerator is placed on its side so that the tubes coming out of the compressor face up. If you put the unit on the back, there is a risk of pushing through the rear condenser grille or damaging the insulation.
Why can’t you carry it on the back?
The back wall of the refrigerator is often made of thin metal or plastic, behind which the condenser tubes pass. The pressure of the weight of the entire case, increased by shaking on the road, can lead to flattening of the tubes or failure of the solder seal, which will cause freon leakage.
Packaging and protection of the case on the road
High-quality packaging is not only aesthetics, but also the protection of functional elements. The glossy surfaces of the models LG are easily scratched by seat belts or elements of the truck body. Use thick corrugated cardboard, laying it between the body and any hard surfaces.
For additional shock absorption, you can use blankets or special soft covers. They dampen vibration transmitted from the wheels of the car. It is important that the packaging material does not block the ventilation holes if you plan to transport equipment with working climate control in the back (although this is not recommended).
Fixation in the back should be tight. Use padded straps to hold the hull against the sides. The refrigerator should not be able to move even a few centimeters. Any collision with the side of the car during braking can be fatal for the internal bulkheads.
Risk table for different transportation methods
The choice of transportation method directly affects the likelihood of malfunctions. Below is a comparative table showing the main risks depending on the position of the unit.
| Position | Risk of oil displacement | Risk of deformation | Recommended rest time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Minimum | Low | 2-4 hours |
| Tilt up to 40° | Medium | Medium | 4-8 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | High | High | 12-24 hours |
| On the back | Critical | Critical | Not recommended |
As can be seen from the table, horizontal transportation significantly increases the time required to stabilize the system. The oil must completely flow back into the compressor crankcase, otherwise a water hammer may occur during startup.
Deformation of the housing or internal bulkheads if installed incorrectly can result in the doors no longer closing tightly. This will break the seal of the chamber and force the compressor to work in increased mode, reducing its resource.
Actions after delivery: settling time
After the refrigerator has been delivered to its destination, it is strictly forbidden to turn it on immediately. This is an axiom, violation of which often leads to expensive repairs. Compressor oil that may have entered the cooling circuit must flow back into the tank under the influence of gravity.
The time that must be waited before switching on depends on how the transport was carried out. If the device was in an upright position all the time, 2-3 hours is enough. If you had to put it on its side, the time increases to 12, and in the cold season - up to 24 hours.
In winter, when transported in an unheated body, condensation inside the insulation and on electronic boards may freeze. A sudden connection to the network will cause a temperature difference and the formation of moisture, which will lead to a short circuit. Therefore, the winter refrigerator must be heated indoors for at least a day.
⚠️ Attention: If you transported equipment at temperatures below -5°C, do not turn it on for at least 24 hours after bringing it into a warm room, even if it was standing upright.
The first start-up is best done without food. Let the unit idle for about an hour until it reaches the required temperature and turns off. Only after this can you load the products.
Typical mistakes when moving on your own
One of the most common mistakes is trying to drag the refrigerator. Models LG No Frost have a plastic base or legs that are easily broken during such handling. In addition, vibration is transmitted to the compressor, which is mounted on springs, and can damage the internal suspension.
Another mistake is removing doors to reduce dimensions without subsequent correct adjustment. The door is heavy, and careless dismantling can damage the hinges or the surface of the door itself. If you do remove the doors, when reinstalling them, make sure that the seal fits evenly around the entire perimeter.
- 🚫 Transportation with unfixed doors - they can hit the wall or swing open in the car.
- 🚫 Ignoring weather conditions - moisture and frost are destructive for the electronics of inverter compressors.
- 🚫 Using thin tape that breaks when tensioned, allowing the doors to open.
Remember that inverter compressors installed in modern models LGare sensitive to mechanical shocks. Careful transportation is the key to maintaining the manufacturer's warranty.
What to do if, after turning on, the refrigerator does not freeze?
If, after transportation and observing the settling time, the unit operates but does not cool, the capillary tube may be clogged with oil or there may be a freon leak. In this case, you need to turn off the device and call a technician for diagnostics. It is prohibited to open the cooling circuit yourself.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in cold weather?
Technically it is possible, but with the obligatory observance of the long-term heating rule. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold, so the risk of chipping during loading increases. Wrap the unit in a warm blanket even when moving it outside for a short time.
Is it necessary to secure the compressor before transportation?
In modern models LG the compressor is secured to the shock absorbers by the manufacturer. Additional rigid mounting (bolts) is usually not required and can even be harmful if you do not know the exact suspension design of your model. A secure fixation of the refrigerator body itself is sufficient.
How can you tell that the tubes are pointing upward?
Look at the back wall at the bottom. There are 2-3 copper tubes coming from the compressor (the black “can” at the back). When tilted or laid on their sides, these tubes should be directed straight up so that the oil flows down and not into the pipes.