Purchasing new household appliances is always an exciting moment, especially when it comes to large-sized devices such as refrigeration equipment. The Belarusian brand Atlant deservedly enjoys the trust of consumers due to its reliability and affordable cost, however, the durability of the unit directly depends on how competently it initial startupis manufactured. Many owners make the mistake of plugging the device into the network immediately after unpacking, which can lead to serious damage to the compressor and shorten the service life of the entire system.
The process of installation and first switching on requires adherence to a certain time interval and sequence of actions prescribed in the technical documentation. Ignoring the rules transformation and acclimatization often causes the failure of expensive components, the repair of which can cost half the cost of a new device. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of preparation so that your Atlant refrigerator serves you for many years without failures and unnecessary noise.
It is important to understand that correct switching on is not just pressing a button, but a set of measures to ensure the stability of the refrigerant and lubricants. Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its correct operation in the first hours of operation sets the tone for all further use. Let's look at why it is so important not to rush and carry out all the preparatory procedures exactly as recommended by the engineers.
Why you can’t turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery
The main reason why manufacturers categorically do not recommend turning on the equipment immediately after delivery lies in the physics of the refrigeration circuit. During transportation, especially if the car body was shaken or the unit was tilted at an angle of more than 40 degrees, compressor oil it could leak from the crankcase into the refrigerant circulation system. If you start the engine at this moment, it will run dry, which will lead to rapid wear of the rubbing parts and possible jamming of the piston group.
In addition, a sharp temperature change when bringing equipment from the street into a warm room causes the formation of condensation not only outside, but also inside the electrical circuits. Moisture can get on the contacts of the thermostat or start relay, which can result in a short circuit. Therefore Instructions Atlant insists on a period of rest necessary for the evaporation of moisture and the oil to drain back into the compressor reservoir.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying on its side, the settling time should be increased at least twice compared to vertical transportation. An attempt to start ahead of time may void the warranty.
Another factor is the stabilization of freon pressure in the system. After shaking and moving, the gas needs time to be evenly distributed throughout the circuit and assume a working state. A sudden start of the compressor with unstable pressure places excessive stress on the electrical winding, which can lead to overheating and activation of protective mechanisms or, in the worst case, to their failure.
Please note that specific settling times may vary slightly depending on the model and environmental conditions. Always check the current user manual included with your specific modification Atlantas technical regulations may be updated by the manufacturer.
How long should the refrigerator sit?
The time required to fully adapt the refrigerator to new conditions directly depends on the method of its transportation and the ambient temperature. If the device was transported in an upright position and not tilted excessively, then the minimum period of rest is 2-3 hours. This time is usually enough for the oil to flow into the crankcase, and the temperature of the internal components to equal room temperature.
In a situation where the dimensions of the doorway did not allow the unit to be carried while standing and it was transported lying down, the waiting period increases significantly. In this case, experts recommend waiting at least 8-12 hours, and in winter - up to 24 hours. This is due to the fact that the oil that has entered the tubes of the evaporator and condenser must return completely by gravity to the compressor, otherwise water hammer at startup is inevitable.
Winter delivery deserves special attention. When a refrigerator is brought from cold to warm, abundant condensation forms on the internal surfaces and in the electrical parts. Even if the device was transported while standing, it is necessary to allow it to warm up to room temperature, which may take 4 to 6 hours depending on the temperature difference. Plugging in a cold appliance is tantamount to creating extreme stress for materials and electronics.
For ease of perception of information about the settling time, we have systematized the data in a table. However, remember that these values are minimums; if it is possible to leave the equipment alone for longer, this will only benefit it.
| Transportation conditions | Time of year | Minimum settling time | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | Summer/Warm room | 2 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Vertical | Winter (from the street) | 4 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | Summer/Warm room | 8 hours | 12 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | Winter (from the street) | 12 hours | 24 hours |
Preparation of the installation site and unpacking
Before When thinking about connecting to the electrical network, you need to properly prepare the installation site. Atlant refrigerator requires free space for air circulation around the housing, especially at the back and sides where the heat exchangers are located. The optimal distance to the rear wall should be at least 5-7 cm, and to the side walls - at least 2-3 cm. Failure to comply with these standards will lead to overheating of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
Installation should be done on a flat, hard surface. If the floor has a slope, it must be compensated for using the adjustable support feet located at the front bottom of the cabinet. Correct adjustment of the legs provides not only stability, but also the necessary tilt back (about 2 degrees), which contributes to automatic closing of the doors and proper operation of the seals.
The unpacking process also requires care. Remove all shipping tape, cardboard corners and protective film. Pay special attention to the internal contents: remove all shelves, drawers, packing foam and tape that secures moving elements inside the chambers. Often, users forget to remove the tape from the internal shelves or leave silica gel bags in the freezer, which is unacceptable during operation.
After removing all internal elements, wipe the chambers with a soft damp cloth with the addition of a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. This will remove the smell of new plastic and factory dust. After washing, leave the doors open during the settling period so that the insides are completely dry and ventilated.
First connection to the power supply
When the required time for acclimatization has passed and the device is prepared, you can move on to the most important moment - the first turn on. Make sure that the outlet to which you will connect refrigeratormeets the power requirements and is grounded. The use of various extension cords, tees and adapters is not recommended, as they can become a source of heating and unstable contact.
In modern models Atlant there is often a protection system against power surges, but additional reinsurance will not hurt. Before inserting the plug into the outlet, check the integrity of the power cord. It should not have creases, cracks or signs of damage to the insulation. If the cord is damaged, it is prohibited to operate the device - the cable must be replaced at an authorized service center.
☑️ Check before turning on
After connecting the device to the network, you may hear a quiet click or a slight hum - this is the compressor starting to work. In the first minutes of operation, the engine may be noisier than usual, as the system needs to gain operating pressure and fill the circuit with refrigerant. Do not be alarmed if in the first 10-15 minutes the side walls of the case begin to heat up noticeably - this is a normal process of heat removal by the condenser.
It is important not to load the refrigerator with food right away. Let it run idle for at least 1-2 hours until it reaches the set temperature in the chambers. Only after the thermostat turns off the compressor (the unit is silent) can you start loading food. A sudden load with warm products will force the motor to work without stopping, trying to compensate for the heat, which is harmful for the new unit.
Setting temperature modes
After the refrigerator has reached operating mode, it is necessary to set the optimal temperature. In classic models Atlant with mechanical control, this is controlled by a thermostat, usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the top panel. The adjustment is made by turning the handle: values from 1 to 7 (or Min/Max) indicate the cooling intensity, where 1 is the warmest and 7 is the coldest.
The optimal position for everyday use is considered to be the middle value, usually 3 or 4. Setting the regulator to maximum (7 or Max) immediately after switching on does not make sense and is even harmful: the compressor will work continuously, trying to achieve an ultra-low value that is unattainable in normal mode, which will lead to its overload and the formation of ice.
⚠️ Attention: Do not set the regulator to the minimum values (1) in hot weather year, as food may spoil, and do not set it to maximum (7) unless necessary, as this will lead to freezing of food in the refrigerator compartment and unnecessary energy consumption.
In models with electronic control, the setting is made through the display on the door or a hidden control panel. Here you can set the exact temperature in degrees Celsius. The recommended mode for the refrigerator compartment is +2...+4°C, and for the freezer - -18°C and lower. The electronics itself will maintain these parameters, turning the compressor on and off as needed.
What to do if the refrigerator does not freeze after setting?
If after 3-4 hours of operation in medium mode the walls of the chamber have not cooled down and the food has not begun to freeze, check the tightness of the door. If the seal is clean and the door closes hermetically, there may be a freon leak or a compressor malfunction - in this case, a call to the technician is required.
Typical errors during first start-up
Despite the presence of instructions, many users manage to make a number of typical mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is loading with products immediately after switching on. As mentioned earlier, an empty refrigerator takes time to build up its temperature reserve. Loading warm products from the market causes the compressor to wear out in the first, most critical hours.
Another mistake is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or in a niche without gaps. Some models Atlant have a side cooling system, and the lack of ventilation on the sides will cause the case to heat up and reduce cooling efficiency. They also often forget to remove the shipping bolts or clamps (if they are present in a particular model), which causes severe vibration and noise.
The use of an unstable power source is another scourge of modern realities. Power surges in the network are detrimental to the compressor. If the lights in your house flicker frequently or the voltage “jumps,” be sure to use a stabilizer or at least a voltage control relay. This cheap device will save an expensive motor from burning out.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator if it was standing on frost?
It is strictly forbidden to turn on the device immediately after being brought in from the cold. It is necessary to keep it in a warm room without connecting to the network for at least 4-6 hours (preferably more) so that the condensate evaporates and the oil in the compressor warms up and becomes fluid. Turning on a frozen unit will lead to breakdown of the compressor.
How long does it take for the refrigerator to get cold after the first turn on?
Usually the process of initially setting the temperature takes from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature. Complete stabilization of the temperature regime at all points in the chambers may take up to 12-24 hours. It is better to load food after the compressor turns off automatically for the first time.
Is it normal for a new refrigerator to make gurgling sounds?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. The sounds of gurgling, liquid pouring or slight hissing are caused by the circulation of refrigerant (freon) through the pipe system. You may also hear the plastic cracking as it expands and contracts due to temperature changes. These sounds are not a sign of a malfunction.
Do you need to wash the inside of the refrigerator before using it for the first time?
Yes, definitely. Factory dust particles, the smell of new plastic, or remnants of packaging materials may remain inside. Wipe the chambers with a damp cloth with a mild detergent or soda solution, then wipe dry and ventilate before turning on.