Purchasing a new refrigerator Atlant is always a joyful event, promising freshness of food and order in the kitchen. However, the joy of the purchase can be overshadowed if you do not know how to properly install and start up the equipment. Errors at this stage can lead to a decrease in the life of the compressor or even breakdown of the unit in the first months of operation.
The Belarusian manufacturer Atlant is famous for its reliability and adaptability to domestic power grids, but compliance with installation rules remains critically important. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from unpacking to connecting to the network. You will learn why you can’t immediately plug the cord into a socket and how to level the equipment so that it does not hum.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the shipping bolts (if your model has them) are removed and the packaging is completely removed.
Choosing the right place for installation
The first thing to do before unpacking the box is to determine the location for the future refrigerator. Ventilation is a key factor in the long service life of the compressor. The equipment should not be placed close to a wall or furniture, since the rear radiator grille should be freely blown by air. The minimum distance from the back wall to the wall is 5-7 centimeters.
If you plan to build a refrigerator Atlant into a niche in a kitchen unit, make sure that there are gaps around the body as specified in the instructions. Engine overheating due to poor air exchange leads to increased energy consumption and accelerated wear of parts. It is also important that the place is protected from direct sunlight and is away from heating devices such as stoves or radiators.
Pay attention to the quality of the flooring. The floor must be level, dry and hard. Linoleum or tile are great options, but soft carpeting can interfere with normal operation and make it difficult to clean under equipment. If the floor is uneven, the refrigerator will vibrate and make an unpleasant noise when the compressor operates.
Unpacking and preparing the case
After delivering the equipment to the apartment, do not rush to immediately remove the packaging. Let the refrigerator Atlant stand upright in a warm room, especially if it was transported at sub-zero temperatures. This is necessary so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase and warms up to room temperature.
The unpacking process requires care. Remove the cardboard box and remove the foam pads and tape. Inside you will find the refrigerator itself, shelves, egg trays and documentation. Transport stops, the fixing doors and shelves must be removed. They are often made of polystyrene foam or cardboard and can be located both outside and inside the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (knives, scissors) to remove the packing tape from the refrigerator body. You may accidentally damage the enamel or cut through the cooling circuit, which will lead to freon leakage.
Carefully inspect the housing for dents and scratches. If the equipment is delivered with damage, it is better to draw up a report with the courier than to try to correct the defects yourself. After a visual inspection, wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove factory dust and the smell of new plastic.
What to do with the factory smell?
A new refrigerator may have a specific plastic smell. To get rid of it, rinse the chambers with a soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) and leave the doors open for several hours. You can also put activated carbon or a slice of black bread inside.
Level installation and adjusting the legs
The most important stage, which is often ignored, is leveling. Incorrect installation results in the door not fitting tightly to the body or, conversely, opening by itself. In addition, misalignment causes vibration of the compressor, which creates additional noise. For adjustment, the front support legs are used, which can be screwed in or out.
Take a building level and place it first on the top cover of the refrigerator lengthwise, then across. The air bubble should be strictly in the center. If there is deviation, adjust the height of the legs by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise. The rear legs of most models Atlant are not adjustable; they have a fixed height or wheels for ease of movement.
☑️ Checking the installation
There is a nuance with the tilt of the body. Engineers recommend installing the refrigerator with a slight tilt back (about 2 degrees). This ensures that the door will close itself if it is not fully opened, and will ensure a better fit of the seal. This can be achieved by unscrewing the front legs slightly higher than the rear ones.
Connecting to the electrical network
When the refrigerator is installed and leveled, you can proceed to electrical connection. Grounding is a mandatory safety requirement for any large household appliance. The outlet you plan to plug into Atlantmust have a third contact (grounding). The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they can cause poor contact and overheating.
Check the condition of the power cord. It must not be twisted, pinched or have visible damage to the insulation. The plug must fit tightly into the socket. If the outlet is far away, it is better to call an electrician to move the connection point than to use a long extension cord that will lie under your feet and collect dust.
| Parameter | Norm / Requirement | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|
| Network voltage | 220-230 V (+/- 10%) | The compressor or starting relay burns out |
| Grounding | Required | Risk of electric shock when touched case |
| Separate socket | Recommended | Network overload, heating of wires |
| Cord integrity | No damage | Short circuit, fire hazard |
If power surges often occur in your region, it makes sense to think about buying a stabilizer or surge protector with protection. Sudden changes can damage the electronic control unit, the repair of which will cost more than the stabilizer itself. Modern models Atlant are sensitive to the quality of electricity.
First launch and operation check
So we have come to the most crucial moment. After the refrigerator has stood upright for at least 3-4 hours (or better yet, all 8 if there was winter transportation), you can turn it on. Press the power button or simply insert the plug into the socket, depending on the model. The indicators will light up, and after a few seconds you should hear the sound of the compressor starting. compressor.
In the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may work continuously, trying to reach the set temperature. This is the normal mode for the initial cooling of the chambers. Do not load products during this period! Empty chambers will cool faster, and you can check how the equipment holds the cold. After 1-2 hours, it should become noticeably cooler inside.
⚠️ Attention: If after turning on the compressor started working, but after 10-15 minutes it turned off, and the cold did not appear, this may indicate a refrigerant leak. In this case, immediately disconnect the device from the network and contact service.
Check the operation of the system No Frost (if your model has it). You should not feel strong air currents when opening the door, but there should be uniform coolness inside. Also listen to the sounds: a slight gurgling of liquid in the tubes is normal, freon is circulating. But a loud knock, clanging or piercing whistle requires attention.
Why does the refrigerator operate loudly after turning on?
In the first hours of operation, the compressor can operate at maximum power. Also, the new door seal may not fit perfectly right away, creating noise when slamming. Over time, it will develop.
Setting the temperature mode
After the refrigerator has been idle for several hours, you need to adjust the temperature mode. In mechanical models Atlant a regulator with numbers from 1 to 7 (or Min/Max) is responsible for this. Number 1 is the minimum cooling, 7 is the maximum. For normal operation, it is recommended to set the value to 3 or 4.
In models with electronic control, the setting is made through the display on the door. Here you can set the exact temperature in degrees Celsius. The optimal temperature for the main chamber is +2...+4°C, and for the freezer - -18°C and below. You should not set the maximum cold unless necessary, this increases the load on the engine.
If you notice that the food in the main chamber freezes at the back wall, it means the temperature is set too low. If the milk turns sour quickly, you need to add power. Adjust the settings smoothly, taking breaks of several hours between changes so that the system has time to stabilize.
Frequently asked questions when connecting
How long should you wait before turning on for the first time?
If the refrigerator was brought in from the cold (winter), it needs to stand in a warm room for at least 4-6 hours, or better day. This is necessary to evaporate condensate and warm up the oil in the compressor. If the equipment was warm, 2-3 hours is enough.
Is it possible to immediately load the products?
No, you cannot load the products immediately. The refrigerator must run empty for about 2-4 hours to reach operating temperature. Loading warm food will cause the compressor to overload.
Why are the side walls of the refrigerator hot?
In modern models Atlant the condenser (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls. Their heating to 40-50 degrees during compressor operation is an absolutely normal phenomenon, indicating that the cooling system is functioning correctly.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before use?
Yes, definitely. Industrial dust and the smell of plastic or packaging may remain inside the chambers. Wipe the shelves and walls with a soft cloth with a baking soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner, then wipe dry.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on?
Check for voltage in the outlet (connect another appliance). Make sure the temperature control is not in the "0" or "Off" position. If everything is in order with the electricity, but the equipment is silent, call a technician; the start relay or thermostat may be faulty.