Moving to a new apartment or simply changing place of residence often poses a difficult task for owners of household appliances: how to transport large appliances refrigeration unitif vertical loading into a vehicle is impossible. Most users mistakenly believe that a horizontal position during transportation is guaranteed to lead to equipment failure, but this is not always the case. Subject to strict technical regulations and safety rules described in this material, you will be able to transport refrigerator without losing its functionality.
The main problem faced with improper transportation is the risk of damage. the compressor and disturbances in refrigerant circulation. The oil in the system can flow into circuits intended for freon gas, which will lead to water hammer at the first start-up. This is why it is so important to know not only how to put the device down, but also how long it should settle before turning on the network after delivery.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physical basis of the operation of the refrigeration circuit, explain why manufacturers prohibit tilting, and We will give a step-by-step algorithm of actions for safe transportation. You will learn on which side it is better to place different models of equipment and what nuances exist for No Frost systems. Following these recommendations will allow you to save on the services of professional movers and avoid costly repairs.
Physics of the process: why manufacturers are against tilting
To understand the risks, you need to consider the internal structure of the compressor. Motor-compressor suspended on special springs or shock absorbers inside metal casing, which allows you to dampen vibrations during operation. The compressor crankcase contains technical oil, which lubricates the rubbing parts and ensures the tightness of the valves. With a sharp tilt or shaking, this oil can leak from the working chamber into the tube system.
If oil enters the evaporator or condenser circuits, it creates an air lock that prevents normal circulation. refrigerant. In addition, if the compressor is tilted too far, the suspension may shift, and when starting, the engine will simply “break away” from its mounts, causing a loud knock and irreversible damage. That is why instructions often contain categorical prohibitions on transportation in a horizontal position.
However, practice shows that short-term placement of equipment on its side is acceptable if the tilt angle does not exceed 40 degrees, and the transportation itself is carried out carefully. It is critical to keep oil out of the discharge tube, where it is most difficult to remove without opening the system. Modern models inverter compressors often have a more reliable suspension, but the risk of liquid overflow remains relevant for all types.
⚠️ Attention: If you are transporting a refrigerator that is more than 10 years old, the risk of damage to the internal pipes when tilted increases significantly due to natural aging metal and loss of elasticity of the suspension.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Before proceeding with the physical movement of the unit, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory operations. Ignoring this stage can lead not only to equipment breakdown, but also to damage to the interior of a new apartment or the body of a truck. The first step is to completely defrost the refrigerator compartment the freezer, removing all the ice and water.
It is better to remove the internal shelves and drawers separately. Vibrations can cause glass to crack and plastic elements to become deformed. If it is impossible to remove the shelves, they must be securely fixed using masking tape or soft spacers. The doors also require fixing: they need to be tightly closed and wrapped with stretch film or secured with straps so that they do not swing open on the way.
An important step is packaging the case itself. Use the original cardboard box if you have one, or wrap the unit in several layers of heavy cardboard and bubble wrap. Pay special attention to corners and protruding handles. To protect against scratches and chips, you can use special corner pads made of foam.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for transportation
Which side to put it on: technical nuances
The most common question that arises with horizontal transportation: which side should the unit be placed on? The answer depends on the location of the compressor tube and the design of the particular model. There is a general rule: you need to place the refrigerator on the side opposite the outlet of the compressor discharge tube. Usually this tube is directed upward when the device is standing vertically.
If you place the device on the side where the tube is located, the oil will immediately flow into the circuit under the influence of gravity, which is extremely undesirable. When laid on the opposite side, the oil will remain in the compressor or drain into the lower part of the casing, from where it is easier to return it to its place when settling. You can determine the direction of the tubes by looking at the back wall of a working (or recently working) device.
For models with a system No Frost the rules may be even stricter due to the complex air duct system. In such units it is often recommended to minimize the tilt angle or use special trolleys. If there are no instructions, it is safest to place the refrigerator on its back (back wall down), but only if the design of the rear panel allows this and it does not have protruding elements that could break under the weight of the device.
How to determine the direction of the compressor tubes?
Look at the back grill of a working refrigerator. The tube that heats up and goes from the compressor up to the condenser is the discharge tube. The tube leading to the evaporator (usually colder) is the suction tube. You need to lay it so that the discharge tube faces up.
The process of loading and fixing in transport
After the unit has been prepared and the correct side for laying has been determined, the most critical stage begins - loading. To move, use only a working dolly with wide wheels. Sudden jerks when being pulled on board can cause the compressor to hit the walls of the casing. The device should be raised and lowered smoothly, without swinging.
In the back of the vehicle, the refrigerator is placed on a pre-prepared, level place. It is advisable to place a thick blanket, mattress or layer of foam under the device to soften vibration from the road. It is strictly not recommended to place other heavy items, boxes or furniture on the refrigerator. The weight of the load can push through the thin metal of the body or damage the internal tubes.
Fixation in the body is required. Use straps to secure the unit against the sides, preventing any possibility of it moving or falling while moving. If transportation is carried out in a passenger car on the roof, the device must be securely fastened and covered with a waterproof awning to prevent moisture from getting into the electrical components.
The speed of the vehicle is also important. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration and driving on roads with poor surfaces. Shaking is the main enemy of the compressor suspension. If the road is very uneven, it makes sense to reduce the speed to a minimum or choose a route with a better asphalt surface.
How long should the refrigerator stand?
Settling time is a critical parameter on which the further performance of the equipment depends. After delivery in a horizontal position, the oil that has entered the system must have time to drain back into the compressor crankcase. In addition, if transportation was carried out during the cold season, the condensate formed inside must evaporate.
There is a dependence of the settling time on the ambient temperature and the duration of transportation. If you transported the device in the summer