Moving or buying new equipment often puts owners in a dilemma: how to deliver a large unit to an apartment if it is not included in the doorway in a vertical position. The question of whether it is possible to transport a refrigerator lying down worries many, because tilting or laying it on its side seems to be the only way out in a cramped elevator or narrow corridor. Manufacturers are usually categorically against such treatment, but in practice, transportation in a horizontal position is permissible subject to strict safety rules.
The main danger when transporting “on its side” lies in the design compressor and the refrigerant circulation system. The oil in the engine can flow into the cooling system circuits, and with a sharp start without proper settling, this will lead to water hammer. In this article, we will look at how to minimize risks, properly prepare the equipment and how long you need to wait before starting it for the first time.
Failure to comply with basic transportation standards can lead to failure of an expensive unit that cannot be repaired at home. Therefore, even if you hire movers, you need to control the process of laying and fixing the unit. Understanding the physical processes occurring inside the sealed circuit will help maintain the performance of your Liebherr, Bosch or any other brand.
Risks of horizontal transportation for the compressor
The main problem when laying the refrigerator on its side is the displacement of technical fluids. The compressor, which is the heart of the system, is mounted on springs or shock absorbers inside the casing. In a horizontal position, the load vector on these fasteners changes, which can lead to their damage or tearing off the tubes. Moreover, the oil from the compressor crankcase, under the influence of gravity, tends to flow to the side where the outlet pipe is located.
If at the moment the engine starts there is too much oil in the circulation system, a problem will occur water hammer. The liquid does not compress, and the piston group may suffer critical damage. There is also a risk of oil leaking into the evaporator, which drastically reduces cooling efficiency. The system may continue to freeze, but the compressor resource will be exhausted much faster.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to transport the unit on the rear wall (where the radiator is located) or on the front door. This can lead to deformation of the heat exchanger and damage to the plastic elements of the housing.
Modern inverter models, such as Samsung or LG, often have more compact and lightweight compressors, which makes them somewhat more resistant to transportation, but the risk remains relevant for all types of equipment. It is important to understand that the manufacturer’s warranty may be voided if diagnostics reveal a violation of the transportation conditions specified in the manual.
Why can’t you transport on the rear wall?
Transport tubes and the radiator grille on the rear wall are often located very close to the body. When laying on them, there is a risk of pushing through the metal or breaking the solder tightness. In addition, the legs and the lower part of the body are not designed to support the weight of the entire device in such a projection.
Which side is it safer to transport the equipment?
If vertical transportation is not possible, you must choose the correct side for installation. The golden rule is: you need to place the unit on the side from which the compressor tube comes out. In this position, the oil will flow back into the crankcase under the influence of gravity, rather than pouring into the system. You can determine the right side by looking under the bottom or studying the diagram in the instructions.
Usually the tubes come out on the left side when looking at the refrigerator from the front, but for different models, for example, Indesit or Atlant, the design may differ. If you cannot determine the location of the pipes, experienced craftsmen recommend laying the equipment so that the door hinges are on top. This will prevent the doors from loosening under their own weight and preserve the seals.
- 🛡️ Make sure the side with the compressor tubes is facing down.
- 🚪 Door hinges should face up to avoid deformation.
- 📦 All shelves and drawers must be removed and packed separately.
- 🔒 The doors must be secured with tape or straps to prevent them from opening.
When laying on their side, it is important to ensure a flat surface. Using a soft backing such as a blanket or foam will protect the case from scratches and dents. You should not place equipment on the hard floor of a truck without a shock-absorbing layer, as vibration during movement can damage internal components.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Successful transportation depends not only on the position of the case, but also on preliminary preparation. Ignoring this step can negate all efforts for careful installation. The first step should be complete defrosting. Even if there is no visible ice in the chamber, moisture can remain in hidden channels and, when tilted, get onto electrical components.
After defrosting, you must thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a dry cloth. Moisture inside is the enemy of electronics and metal parts. Then you should remove all removable elements: glass shelves, plastic containers, vegetable baskets. Their transportation inside the case is unacceptable, since when shaking they can break or damage the internal walls.
Fixing the doors requires special attention. Use masking tape or special belts. The adhesive layer of ordinary stationery tape can leave difficult-to-remove marks on a glossy finish. If the model has a display or external panels, it is also recommended to protect them with soft material.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
Do not forget to disconnect the equipment from the network in advance. It is recommended to remove the plug from the socket at least several hours before starting work so that the capacitors have time to discharge and the refrigerant to stabilize. If you are transporting built-in equipment, first dismantle it from the furniture box.
Technology for proper installation and fixation
The installation process requires the participation of at least two people. One person controls the position of the body, the second insures and guides. Sudden jerks or throws are unacceptable. After the refrigerator is laid on the selected side on a flat surface, it must be securely fixed in the vehicle.
Use straps or stops for fixing. The unit must not be able to move or roll while the vehicle is moving. If you are transporting several pieces of equipment, be sure to place a layer of cardboard or foam plastic between them to avoid collisions between the bodies. Vibration when driving on uneven roads can be destructive to an unsecured load.
| Parameter | Vertical transport | Horizontal transport |
|---|---|---|
| Risk to the compressor | Minimum | High (without settling) |
| Requirement for the angle of inclination | No more than 40 degrees | Strictly on the side |
| Time settling | 2-4 hours | 8-24 hours |
| Packaging of removable parts | Required | Required |
When loading into an elevator Make sure that the tilt angle does not exceed 40 degrees if you do try to carry it while standing. If the elevator is small, sometimes it is safer to carefully place the equipment on the floor of the elevator (on its side), drive to the floor, and then in the apartment, in the hallway, place it vertically and let it settle.
How long should the refrigerator sit after transportation
The most critical stage after delivery is the rest time. Many users make the mistake of plugging the appliance into the network immediately after installing it in the kitchen. This cannot be done. Any oil that gets into the cooling system must drain completely back into the compressor crankcase. If you start the engine ahead of time, you risk water hammer.
Settling time depends on several factors: ambient temperature, duration and position during transportation. If you transported the refrigerator in the summer in an upright position with a slight tilt, 2-3 hours is enough. In winter or after horizontal transportation, the time increases.
The minimum settling time for the refrigerator after horizontal transportation is 8 hours, but the optimal solution would be to wait a full 24 hours. This is guaranteed to allow the oil to return to the compressor and condensate that could have formed on the contacts due to temperature changes to evaporate.
If you bring a cold unit from a frost into a warm room, do not turn it on immediately, even if the oil settling time has passed. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation to form on electronic boards, resulting in a short circuit. Let the equipment warm up to room temperature.
Features of transportation of different types of refrigerators
Different design features dictate their own transportation rules. For example, refrigerators with a No Frost system have a more complex system of air ducts and evaporators. Shaking and tilting can damage the connections of the plastic pipes inside the housing. For such models, horizontal transportation is less desirable than for classic drip systems.
Two-chamber models, such as the popular Indesit or Bekooften have a common frame, but different contours. When transporting on its side, it is important to avoid distortion, which could desynchronize the operation of the cameras. Single-chamber compact refrigerators are easier to transport, but their requirements for settling time are similar.
Built-in appliances require special care. Before transportation, it must be removed from the furniture niche. Transportation of a built-in refrigerator together with a cabinet is strictly prohibited, since the furniture structure does not have the necessary stiffeners and can collapse, damaging the unit itself.
⚠️ Attention: For models with inverter compressors (often found in Samsung, LG), vibration during horizontal transportation is less dangerous than shock. However, the requirement for settling time remains the same for all types of motors.
Common mistakes when moving independently
By analyzing the experience of service centers, we can identify typical mistakes that owners make. The first and most common is an attempt to drag the refrigerator into the apartment. This leads to separation of the legs, deformation of the bottom and damage to the compressor due to impacts on the sills.
The second mistake is ignoring weather conditions. Transportation in open frost without packaging or switching on too quickly after a winter street is detrimental to plastic and rubber seals. The third mistake is the use of unreliable fasteners in the body, when the refrigerator gets hit on the side during sudden braking.
- 🚫 Transportation without fixation in the body of the car.
- 🚫 Ignoring the removal of glass shelves.
- 🚫 Plugging into the network immediately after entering the apartment.
- 🚫 Transportation on the front door or rear grille.
Avoid these mistakes so as not to pay for expensive repairs. If you are not confident in your abilities or you do not have suitable transport, it is better to use the services of specialized services that are financially responsible for the cargo.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after switching on?
If, after proper settling and switching on, the equipment works, but does not cool, it is possible that oil has entered the system, which could not be eliminated. In this case, you need to turn off the device, leave it for a day and try again. If the problem persists, you need to call a technician to purge the system.
Is it possible to transport the refrigerator in cold weather?
You can transport it, but you cannot turn it on right away. The unit must stand in a warm room for at least 24 hours (preferably more) to warm up to room temperature and evaporate the condensation. Turning on a cold appliance will lead to combustion of the compressor winding.
How long should the refrigerator be left to stand after horizontal transportation?
The minimum time is 8 hours, but manufacturers and craftsmen recommend waiting a full 24 hours to ensure that the oil returns to the compressor.
What will happen if turn on the refrigerator immediately after transportation?
There is a high probability of water hammer in the compressor, since the oil has not had time to drain. This can lead to piston jamming and engine failure. Incorrect cooling is also possible due to an oil plug in the capillaries.
Which side is best to place the refrigerator on?
It is safest to place it on the side opposite the outlet of the tubes from the compressor (usually the left side when viewed from the front, but it is better to check the instructions). It is also important that the door hinges are on top.