Installation of specialized equipment for storing drinks requires careful attention approach, especially when it comes to branded storefronts, such as Coca-Cola. These devices often have increased dimensions and specific ventilation requirements, ignoring which can lead to compressor failure or loss of warranty. Correct installation starts long before you plug the device into the outlet.
Owners of bars, shops and cafes need to take into account that refrigerated display case is a complex mechanism that works in intensive mode. Errors at the installation stage can lead to increased energy consumption and uneven cooling of products. In this article we will analyze all the stages, from unpacking to the first loading of goods.
Selection of location and site preparation
The first thing to do before installation is to determine the optimal location. Refrigeration equipment does not tolerate direct sunlight and proximity to heating devices. If the display case is placed near the window, the sun's heat will cause the compressor to work hard, trying to maintain the set temperature.
The area must be perfectly flat and hard. A floor inclination of more than 2 degrees is unacceptable, as this disrupts the circulation of refrigerant in the system and can cause problems with oil return to the compressor. Vibrationstransmitted from the floor are also undesirable, so avoid installation on shaky podiums.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the display case in rooms with temperatures above +30°C or below +10°C, unless this is provided for in the specification of the specific model. Violation of operating temperature conditions will void the warranty.
Ensure free access to the electrical outlet. Power cable should not be stretched or lie in the area where people pass. The distance to the nearest wall or obstacle should be at least 10-15 cm for free air circulation around the condenser.
Unpacking and initial inspection
The unpacking process requires caution. Boxes with equipment Coca-Cola often have an impressive weight, so it is better to carry out this operation together. Carefully cut off the packaging tapes and remove the cardboard, being careful not to damage the paintwork of the case with sharp objects.
After removing the packaging, carefully inspect the case for chips, dents or scratches. Transport damage This must be fixed immediately, before signing the acceptance certificate or turning on the device. Also check the completeness: the presence of shelves, grilles, keys and documentation.
Internal elements, such as shelves and bottle holderscan be secured with tape. Remove all fastening materials, including protective film from the interior walls, if any. Leave the door open for 10-15 minutes to remove the smell of new plastic.
- 📦 Check the integrity of the outer packaging before opening.
- 🔍 Inspect the door seals for creases.
- 📄 Make sure you have a passport and warranty card.
- 🧹 Remove all packaging material from inside the camera.
☑️ Initial inspection of the equipment
Technological clearances and ventilation
A critical aspect of the installation is the organization of proper heat exchange. Condenserlocated on the rear wall or in the base, must effectively transfer heat to the environment. If the hot air has nowhere to go, the cooling efficiency will drop sharply.
Minimum distances to walls and furniture are strictly regulated by manufacturers. Typically, at least 10 cm is required at the back and 5 cm at the sides. For built-in models or installation in a niche, the requirements may be stricter, and it is often necessary to have supply and exhaust ventilation.
⚠️ Attention: Closing the ventilation grilles or installing the refrigerator in a blind niche without an air gap will lead to overheating of the compressor and its automatic shutdown or combustion.
If you install several display cases in a row, maintain the distance between them according to the instructions. It is often necessary to leave a gap or use special connecting strips that do not block air flow. Air circulation This is the key to long service life of the equipment.
| Installation area | Minimum distance (cm) | Recommended distance (cm) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear wall | 10 | 15-20 | Condenser area |
| Side walls | 5 | 10 | For heat exchange |
| Top (ceiling) | 20 | 30+ | Hot air outflow |
| Front | 50 | 100+ | Door opening area |
What to do if there is no way to leave gaps?
In such cases, it is necessary to install forced ventilation (fans) in a niche or use models with a remote condenser, which require professional installation by a refrigerator.
Alignment and adjustment of supports
After installation in place, the refrigerator must be leveled. Even a slight misalignment can lead to the door not fitting tightly to the body, which will cause an increased load on the motor. Use a building level and place it on the shelves inside the chamber. ice freezing and increased load on the motor. Use a building level and place it on the shelves inside the chamber.
Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. Rotate them clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve a horizontal position. It is important that the weight of the equipment is evenly distributed over all four points of support.
For proper operation of the self-closing door mechanism, a slight tilt of the body back (about 1-2 degrees) is often recommended. This is achieved by twisting the front legs slightly higher than the back ones. Check that the door opens freely and returns to the closed position on its own at an opening angle of about 30-45 degrees.
- 🔧 Use the key included in the kit to adjust the legs.
- ⚖️ Check the level in two directions: along and across.
- 🚪 Test door operation after each adjustment.
- 🛑 Make sure that the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble.
Electrical connection and safety
Connecting to the electrical network is the final stage before starting. Make sure that your network settings meet the requirements specified on nameplate (technical sticker) of the device. Usually it is 220-230V and a frequency of 50Hz. The use of extension cords or tees is not recommended; it is better to use a separate socket with grounding.
It is strictly forbidden to turn on the device immediately after transportation if it was lying on its side. Refrigerant and the oil must drain into the compressor. The settling time depends on the ambient temperature and the position during transportation, but usually ranges from 2 to 4 hours, and in winter - up to a day.
⚠️ Attention: If you are not sure about the quality of the wiring or the presence of grounding, contact an electrician. Operating a powerful compressor at an unstable voltage can lead to burnout of the control electronics.
After switching on, listen to the operation of the unit. A slight hum or gurgle is allowed, but there should be no loud knocking, body vibration or sparking. Control panel should light up and the indicators should start working.
First start-up and setting the temperature
After connecting, let the refrigerator run empty for 2-4 hours. This is necessary to access operating temperature mode. Do not load warm foods at once, this will create unnecessary load on the system.
Set the temperature according to the recommendations for drinks. For carbonated drinks and water, the optimal range is considered to be +3...+5°C. If the display case is equipped with an electronic controller, use buttons or a sensor to set the values. In mechanical models, adjustment is made by turning the thermostat.
Check the operation of the system No Frost or automatic defrosting, if provided by the model. Make sure that the cold air is distributed evenly throughout the chamber. Place a thermometer inside on the middle shelf to control the actual temperature.
- ❄️ Let the refrigerator run empty for 2-4 hours.
- 🌡️ Set the temperature in the range +3...+5°C.
- 🧊 Check the uniformity of cooling of different zones.
- 🔊 Make sure there is no extraneous noise during operation.
Frequently asked questions during installation (FAQ)
How long should the refrigerator sit after delivery?
If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 1-2 hours is enough. If it was lying on its side, you need to wait at least 4 hours, and in winter - up to 24 hours, so that the oil flows into the compressor crankcase and water hammer does not occur.
Can a Coca-Cola refrigerator be placed outside?
Most household and commercial display cases are designed for indoor use (indoors). Outdoor installation is possible only for specialized outdoor models with additional insulation and protection from moisture, otherwise condensation and temperature changes will quickly damage the equipment.
Why does the refrigerator get very hot on the sides?
In many modern models, the condenser (heat exchanger) is built into the side walls. Heating to 40-50°C in areas of contact with the tubes is a normal operating process for heat removal, and not a sign of a malfunction.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. Wipe the internal surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special food grade product to remove factory dust and plastic odors.
How often do you need to defrost a Coca-Cola refrigerator?
Models with the No Frost system do not require manual defrosting. Models with a drip system (crying wall) need to be defrosted manually 1-2 times a year, or as an ice crust more than 5 mm thick forms.