Moving or purchasing new equipment always raises many questions, especially when it comes to large equipment. Liebherr refrigerator is a high-tech device that requires a special approach when moving in order to maintain its performance and appearance. Improper transportation can lead to serious damage to the compressor, loss of circuit tightness or deformation of the housing.
Many owners are afraid to transport equipment in a horizontal position, and there are good reasons for this. The design of modern models Liebherr, including the BioFresh and NoFrost series, assumes the presence of a complex refrigerant and oil circulation system. Mixing oil with refrigerant while being transported on its side can be fatal to the compressor if time intervals are not observed before turning on.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation and transportation so that you can be confident in the safety of your equipment. You will learn about the nuances of packaging, methods of fixation in the body and the time required to acclimatize the device after delivery. Compliance with these rules will avoid costly repairs.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
The first and most important stage is the correct preparation of the equipment for movement. You cannot simply unplug the cord from the outlet and immediately drag the unit to the elevator. Defrosting It must be carried out completely, even if your model is equipped with the NoFrost system. Remaining moisture inside the chambers can get on the electronic boards or cause corrosion of the internal elements when shaking.
After defrosting, it is necessary to thoroughly wash and, most importantly, dry all internal surfaces. A humid environment is ideal for the development of mold, which during transportation in a closed body can cause irreparable damage to the hygiene of the device. The doors should be left open for several hours to completely evaporate the moisture.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply and let it stand turned off for at least 15-20 minutes. This is necessary to stabilize the pressure in the cooling system.
The next step is to dismantle all removable elements. Shelves, drawers, vegetable containers and egg trays must be removed. It is strictly forbidden to transport them inside the refrigerator, since vibration can cause them to break or damage the interior finishing of the chambers.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
To prevent the doors from swinging open on the way, they need to be fixed. To do this, it is best to use masking tape or a special transport tape that does not leave sticky marks on the glossy surface. Ordinary office tape can damage the coating of the case when removed.
Packaging and protection of the case
High-quality packaging is the key to the fact that your Liebherr arrives without scratches and dents. The ideal option is to keep the original box and foam inserts. If the original container has been preserved, the packaging process takes a minimum of time and provides maximum protection for corners and edges.
If the original box is missing, you will have to get creative. The case must be wrapped in several layers of stretch film or bubble wrap. Pay special attention to protruding parts, handles and corners. You can use thick cardboard, placing it between the body and the film to create a shock-absorbing layer.
How to replace the original packaging?
If there is no box, use thick blankets or special soft covers for moving. Wrap the refrigerator in several layers of fabric, then wrap it tightly with rope or tape to prevent the fabric from slipping. The main thing is to avoid direct contact of metal with the cargo in the back.
Do not forget about protecting the floor. Even if you carry the refrigerator on a level floor, a stray stone or grain of sand can leave a deep scratch. Place thick cardboard or a piece of carpet under the legs when moving around the apartment.
Transportation in a vertical position
Transportation in a vertical position is considered the safest for the compressor and cooling system. In this case, the oil remains in the compressor crankcase, and the refrigerant circulates through the pipes as usual, without mixing with the oil. This is the manufacturer's standard recommendation for all models. Liebherr.
When installed in the back of a truck or minibus, the refrigerator must be securely fixed. It should not be able to move, tilt or fall. Use straps to secure loads, resting them against the strongest parts of the body, but without squeezing doors or plastic elements.
| Parameter | Vertical transportation | Horizontal transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Risk for compressor | Minimum | High |
| Settling time requirement | 2-4 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Risk of damage doors | Medium (with poor fixation) | Low |
| Manufacturer's recommendation | Basic | Acceptable with restrictions |
It is important to monitor the angle tilt Even when transported vertically, the refrigerator should not tilt more than 40 degrees. Exceeding this angle may cause oil to leak from the compressor into the cooling circuit, requiring a long rest period before the first start.
Transportation in a horizontal position: risks and rules
There are situations when the ceiling height of the van or the dimensions of the elevator do not allow carrying the refrigerator while standing. In this case, carriage on its side is allowed, but subject to strict rules. The main condition is that the unit must be placed only on a certain side indicated in the instructions, usually the left side (when viewed from the front) so that the oil does not flow into the discharge tube.
Why is this so important? The design of the compressor Liebherr implies that the oil outlet tube is located on a certain side. If you place the refrigerator on its right side, the oil will flow by gravity into the system, from where it will be extremely difficult to remove it without a vacuum pump. An attempt to turn on such a device will lead to water hammer and failure of the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the refrigerator on the back or front wall! This is guaranteed to lead to deformation of the heat exchanger, condenser or damage to plastic controls.
During horizontal transportation, the risk of damage to the housing increases. The pressure on the bottom and side wall is distributed unevenly. Be sure to use a soft backing (blanket, foam) under the entire perimeter of the refrigerator. The support points should be distributed as evenly as possible.
After delivery in a horizontal position, the waiting time before turning on increases significantly. The oil takes time to slowly drain back into the compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity. Rush in this matter is unacceptable.
Fixation and safety during movement
The safety of people and the safety of cargo depend on the quality of fixation. The refrigerator must be installed in the vehicle body in such a way as to prevent any vibrations. Even small knocks on the side when driving on uneven roads can damage the internal pipes of the cooling system.
Use soft tensioning belts. Metal chains or rigid cables can push through the housing or scratch the surface. If you are transporting the refrigerator with other items, make sure that they will not fall on top of it. Heavy boxes can deform the thin metal of the case.
When moving indoors, especially up stairs, it is important to distribute the weight correctly. One person holds the bottom, the other holds the top. Do not carry the refrigerator by the door handles or the lower decorative plinth - these elements are not designed for a load of 80-100 kg and may come off.
Actions after delivery: installation and first launch
After the refrigerator is delivered to the site, do not rush to plug it into the network. Give the equipment time to acclimatize, especially if it was transported in winter. A sudden change in temperature can cause condensation to form on electronic boards, which will lead to a short circuit.
Settling time depends on the method of transportation. If the refrigerator was transported vertically and without a strong tilt, 2-4 hours is enough. If you had to put it on its side, the minimum waiting time is 12 hours, and ideally a full day. This is a critical parameter for the longevity of your Liebherr.
Before turning on, remove all packaging, shipping bolts (if they are on models with a spring compressor, although this is rare in domestic refrigerators, more often this applies to washing machines) and door latches. Make sure that there are ventilation gaps around the case as specified in the instructions.
⚠️ Attention: The warranty may be void if it is proven that the breakdown occurred due to improper transportation. Keep receipts and documents confirming the call of professional movers if you use their services.
Only after the rest period has expired can you turn on the device. Start it empty and let it run for a few hours until it reaches the desired temperature. Only after this can you load products. This will allow the compressor to enter the operating rhythm without unnecessary load.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport a Liebherr refrigerator at temperatures below zero?
Yes, it is possible, but with mandatory adherence to acclimatization rules. After being brought into a warm room, the refrigerator must remain turned off for at least 24 hours. This is necessary for the oil in the compressor to warm up and the condensate to evaporate. Turning on a cold compressor with frozen oil will lead to its breakdown.
What to do if the original packaging has not been preserved?
It is necessary to create a protective layer artificially. Use thick blankets, bubble wrap and cardboard. Wrap the body tightly with stretch film to prevent the packaging from slipping. The main thing is to protect the corners and doors from impacts and scratches.
How long after transportation can you load food?
You can load food only after the refrigerator has been empty and reaches the set temperature. This usually takes from 4 to 12 hours depending on the model and ambient temperature in the room. Loading warm products immediately after switching on will increase the cooling time and the load on the compressor.
Do you need to secure the shelves inside with tape?
No, it is better to remove the shelves and drawers completely and transport them separately in a box with soft filling. Securing the shelves with tape inside the chambers does not guarantee that they will not crack due to strong vibration, and the tape itself can leave marks on the plastic or glass.