Moving to a new apartment or replacing old equipment with more modern ones inevitably confronts owners with a logistics problem. The dimensions of refrigeration equipment often do not allow it to be loaded into the back of a truck in an upright position, especially if there are other things already in the truck. That is why the question of whether it is possible to transport a refrigerator lying on its side remains one of the most pressing for those who have started the move on their own or order movers.
The answer to this question is not a clear “yes” or “no”, since it all depends on the design of a particular unit, the type of compressor and the state of the refrigerant in the system. Horizontal transportation permissible, but requires strict adherence to a number of technical nuances, the violation of which can lead to the failure of expensive equipment. Ignoring the preparation rules often causes a compressor breakdown or a clogged capillary system.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the process, explain why manufacturers often recommend a vertical position, and give a step-by-step algorithm for safe horizontal transportation. You will learn how to prepare the unit, which side is best to place it on and, most importantly, when it will be possible to plug it into the network after delivery.
Risks of horizontal transportation for equipment
The main reason why manufacturers recommend transporting refrigerators only vertically lies in the design of the compressor. The motor-compressor is mounted inside the housing on special shock-absorbing springs or suspensions that dampen vibrations during operation. If there is strong shaking or sharp tilts, these springs may not be able to withstand the load, which will lead to breakage of the tubes or damage to the mechanism itself.
The second, and more critical, risk is associated with oil. The compressor contains compressor oilnecessary for lubricating the rubbing parts. When tilted, oil may leak from the compressor crankcase into the refrigerant circuit. If oil gets into the cooling system, it will create an oil plug, disrupt heat transfer and cause the motor to work with overload.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to start the unit immediately after horizontal transportation without settling is guaranteed to lead to water hammer in the compressor, since liquid oil will not have time to drain back into the crankcase.
The third risk factor is the weight of the unit itself. Modern models can weigh more than 100 kilograms, and if not properly secured in the body, they can become dislodged and get hit by the side or other objects. This is fraught not only with dents on the body, but also with internal damage to the thermal insulation layer or depressurization of the system.
Preparing the refrigerator for moving
Before thinking about how to put the refrigerator, it is necessary to carry out thorough preparation. The first step is complete defrosting. Even if your model has a system No Frost, condensation or an ice crust may form inside. You need to defrost the equipment for at least 24 hours, with the doors fully open.
After defrosting, you must remove all removable elements. Shelves, drawers, egg trays and door containers should be removed, washed, dried and packaged separately. When transported inside the housing, these elements may break or damage the internal walls of the chamber. The doors should be secured so that they do not swing open on the way.
To secure the doors, it is best to use masking tape or special shipping tape. Regular office tape can leave sticky marks or damage the finish of the case. If you still have the original packaging, this is an ideal option, but if you don’t have it, use thick stretch film.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Which side is safer to carry: choosing a side
The choice of side for installation is not a matter of aesthetics, but technical necessity. There is a common belief that you can only lay on your left side, but this is not always the case. The key factor here is the location oil drain pipe of the compressor.
The tube through which oil returns to the compressor from the system usually comes out from one side of the engine. If you place the unit on the side where the outlet of this tube is located, the oil will flow back into the compressor under the influence of gravity, which is what is required. If you put it on the opposite side, oil may flow into the cooling circuit.
How to determine the correct side without a diagram?
Look at the compressor from the back. The tube that goes up from the compressor and then bends is the discharge tube. The tube that goes into the compressor is the suction tube. Usually the oil drain is located on the side opposite the door hinges, but it is most accurate to look at the model. In 90% of cases, it is safe to place it on the left side (looking at the closed doors from the front), since most brands (Indesit, LG, Samsung) have the tubes on the right. However, for Bosch models or old Soviet Zils, the rules may differ.
It is also important to consider the location of the handles and protruding parts. If you place the equipment on its side with the handles, they may not support the weight and break off, damaging the facade. In such cases, it is better to sacrifice a theoretically more correct position for the sake of preserving the integrity of the case, but be sure to take into account the standing time.
Rules for packaging and fixation in transport
After the side is selected, it is necessary to ensure reliable fixation. Simply placing the unit on the floor of the body is not enough. Vibration from the road will be transmitted to the body, which can lead to microcracks in the welds or damage to the thermal insulation.
The ideal option is to use inflatable pillows or thick blankets that line the space between the refrigerator and the sides of the car. The unit itself must be wrapped in several layers of stretch film or packaging cardboard. This will protect the paintwork from scratches and chips.
The refrigerator should be secured with belts with care. Excessive tension may warp the cabinet or damage the doors. The straps should press the load firmly against the floor or side, but not squeeze it to the point of indentation. Make sure that the unit cannot move forward, backward, or sideways.
Table: Comparison of risks for different methods of transportation
For clarity, let’s look at how various factors affect the condition of the equipment depending on the position during transportation. This will help weigh all the pros and cons before starting loading operations.
| Risk factor | Vertical transportation | Horizontal transportation | Transportation at an angle >40° |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil leakage | Minimum risk | High risk (requires settling) | Critical risk |
| Damage to springs | Possible with strong shaking | High risk of deformation | Very high risk |
| Case integrity | High (smaller contact area) | Risk of scratches on the floor | Risk of door misalignment |
| Ease of loading | Requires a high body | Convenient for low cars | Difficult to fix |
The table shows that the horizontal position creates additional risks, which, however, can be minimized with proper preparation. The most dangerous situation is transportation at a strong angle, when the center of gravity is shifted, and the oil has already begun to flow, but the compressor has not yet completely rested on its side.
How long should the refrigerator sit after transportation
This is perhaps the most important question on which the future life of your equipment depends. The settling time is necessary so that the oil that has entered the circuit flows back into the compressor crankcase under the influence of gravity, and the refrigerant is distributed evenly.
The duration of settling directly depends on the ambient temperature and the time the unit spent in a horizontal position. If it's summer and warm outside, the oil is thinner and drains faster. In winter, in the cold, this process takes much longer.
There is a “golden rule”: the laying time should be no less than the transportation time multiplied by two, but not less than 4 hours in the summer and 8-12 hours in the winter. If the refrigerator has been sitting for a long time or was transported in severe frost, it is better to leave it for a day.
⚠️ Attention: Turning the device on before the recommended time can lead to instant failure of the compressor due to lack of lubrication or water hammer. In this case, the guarantee does not apply.
Common mistakes when moving independently
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring weather conditions. Bringing a cold refrigerator from a frost into a warm room causes the formation of condensation not only outside, but also inside the electrical circuits. Moisture can cause a short circuit when first turned on.
Another mistake is transportation with other heavy loads without separation. If a washing machine or a stack of books falls on the refrigerator, the consequences can be fatal to the insulation and body. Always use partitions or place equipment near the side.
Some try to transport the unit on the roof of a car. This is only permissible as a last resort and if you have a reliable trunk. However, in this case, the risk of moisture and dust getting into the technical openings increases many times, and vibrations on the roof are much stronger than in the body.
Is it possible to carry an old Soviet refrigerator lying down?
Old models (Zil, Biryusa, Saratov) have heavier and more massive compressors that are mounted more rigidly. They tolerate shaking less well, but their system is often simpler. You can carry them lying down, but the risk of damage to the tubes is higher due to the age of the metal. The standing time for them should be maximum - at least 24 hours.
What to do if there is no adhesive tape to secure the doors?
Use a thick rope or belt, but be sure to place fabric or cardboard under them so as not to push through the seal. You can also use masking tape; it sticks worse, but does not leave marks. The main thing is to prevent spontaneous opening.
Is short transportation over a distance of 1 km dangerous?
Yes, it is dangerous. Even over a short distance, shaking and tilting can cause oil to leak. The rules of preparation and layover time apply regardless of the distance of the journey. A short trip on a bad road can be more destructive than a long one on the highway.
Do you need to defrost a No Frost refrigerator?
Yes, definitely. No Frost systems also accumulate moisture in the drainage system and evaporator. If you do not defrost it, when tilted, water may leak inside the housing and damage the electrics or insulation. Minimum 12-24 hours of defrosting.
Is it possible to transport a refrigerator in an elevator while lying down?
It is strictly not recommended. The elevator creates jerks when moving, and the lying unit can move, hit the walls of the shaft or damage the elevator doors. It is better to use a cart and carry it vertically, even if you have to remove the doors from the refrigerator itself.