After delivering new household appliances to the kitchen, there is a natural desire to quickly load the products and start the unit. However, haste in this matter can be fatal to the longevity of the compressor. Properly turning on the refrigerator Atlant is not just pressing a button, but a set of procedures, ignoring which often leads to expensive repairs.
Owners often forget that transporting tilted equipment affects the condition of the refrigerant and oil in the system. If the oil is not allowed to drain back into the compressor crankcase, startup may result in water hammer. In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparing two-chamber models of the Belarusian manufacturer for work.
Why is it important to wait time after transportation
The main reason for the need for a pause before turning on lies in the physics of the refrigeration circuit. Not only freon circulates in the system, but also special compressor oil, which, when the housing is tilted (which is inevitable when skidding through doorways), flows into the evaporator or condenser pipelines. If you start the engine right away, it will run dry, which sharply reduces its service life.
The time required for the oil to drain directly depends on how exactly the unit was transported. If the refrigerator Atlant was transported strictly vertically, without strong shaking, then 2-3 hours is enough. However, when transporting in a supine position or with a strong tilt (more than 40 degrees), the pause should be at least 8, and better yet, a full 24 hours. This is especially true in winter, when the oil thickens.
⚠️ Attention: Starting a compressor with oil instead of gas entering the system can lead to blockage of the capillary tube and failure of the entire refrigeration unit.
It is also worth taking into account the temperature difference. If the equipment was brought in from the cold, you cannot turn it on until it has completely warmed up to room temperature. A sudden start will cause moisture condensation inside the electrical circuit, which can lead to a short circuit.
What will happen if you ignore the settling time?
In the worst case, the compressor will jam and will need to be replaced. At best, the system will operate with increased noise and vibration until the oil returns to its place naturally, but the resource of the unit will be exhausted faster.
Selecting an installation location and preparing the surface
Before inserting the plug into the socket, make sure that the refrigerator is on a flat and stable surface. Two-chamber models Atlant are sensitive to distortions, which can cause improper closing of doors or increased vibration during engine operation.
There is a common misconception that equipment must be strictly level. In fact, for the doors to self-close correctly, it is recommended to slightly tilt the body back. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs.
- 🔧 Unscrew the front legs so that the front of the refrigerator is raised 1-2 cm higher than the back.📏 Use a building level to check the horizontalness of the top panel.
- 🚪 Check whether the door opens under its own weight if release it in a half-open state (it should close on its own).
It is important to ensure free air circulation around the heat exchanger. The back wall of the refrigerator should be at least 5-7 cm away from the wall, and it is advisable to leave 5 cm gaps on the sides. A violation of heat transfer will lead to the compressor work without interruption, trying to reach the set temperature.
Primary treatment of internal chambers
The inside of a new refrigerator may have a specific technical smell of plastic and grease. Before loading the first products, it is necessary to carry out sanitary treatment. This will remove dust, possible microparticles of industrial lubricant and neutralize the odor.
For washing, use a weak solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of warm water) or a mild detergent. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, aggressive acids or alkalis, which can damage the coating of the internal plastic and seals.
After wet cleaning, all surfaces, including shelves, drawers and door baskets, must be wiped dry with a soft cloth. The doors should be left open for 2-3 hours to completely remove the smell and evaporate moisture. Only after this can you begin the electrical connection.
Electrical connection and voltage check
Refrigerators Atlant require connection to a network with a voltage of 220-230 Volts and a frequency of 50 Hertz. It is highly undesirable to use an extension cord or tee. The ideal option is a separate grounded outlet located in close proximity to the equipment.
If your network experiences frequent power surges, it is recommended to use a stabilizer. Sudden changes can damage the electronic control module or motor windings.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the socket is working properly and does not heat up when operating powerful devices. Poor contact in the socket is a common cause of plugs melting and fires.
After plugging the plug into the socket, the indicators on the control panel (if there is one) should light up. In models with electromechanical control, a sign of power supply will be the lighting of a light inside the chamber or the appearance of a characteristic hum after a few minutes.
First startup and setting the temperature
After power is applied, do not rush to load products. The refrigerator must run idle to reach the set temperature. Usually this process takes from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room.
For two-chamber models Atlant with the No Frost system or drip defrosting, the settings may differ. In mechanical models, adjustment is made by turning the thermostat knob. Position “1” corresponds to minimal cold, and the maximum number (usually 5 or 7) corresponds to intensive cooling.
The optimal starting position is the middle value (for example, “3”). This will allow the compressor to operate in a gentle mode. If after several hours of operation the temperature seems insufficient, the regulator can be turned towards increasing the cold.
| Parameter | Refrigerator compartment | Freezer compartment | Fresh zone (if equipped) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended t° | +3...+5 °C | -18 °C and below | 0...+2 °C |
| Time to enter mode | up to 4 hours | up to 6 hours | up to 5 hours |
| Knob position | Average (3) | Max. freezing (button) | Separate regulator |
Modern models with electronic control allow you to set the exact temperature in degrees. In this case, it is better to carry out the first launch in the standard mode proposed by the manufacturer.
☑️ Checking the first launch
Diagnostics of operation after switching on
During the first hours of operation, the refrigerator may make sounds that are not a sign of a breakdown. This could be the gurgling of refrigerant in the pipes, a quiet click of the thermostat, or the noise of a fan (in No Frost models). However, the monotonous hum should not develop into knocking or clanging.
Pay attention to the operation of the motor-compressor. It should turn on, run for a certain time to reach temperature, and then turn off. If the refrigerator hums continuously for more than 12 hours without a rest break, this is a cause for concern.
Check the tightness of the seals. To do this, you can hold a sheet of paper in the door and try to pull it out. If the paper is removed too easily without resistance, it means that the seal does not fit tightly, and the cold will escape.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud metallic knock when starting or stopping the engine, immediately unplug the equipment. This may indicate a malfunction of the start relay or compressor.
It is also worth checking the formation of condensation. In drip systems, moisture on the back wall is normal. But if water is pouring onto shelves or food, the drainage hole may be clogged.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after delivery if it was transported vertically?
Yes, if the unit was transported strictly vertically without shaking, it is enough to give it stand for 2-3 hours to stabilize the refrigerant. However, if there are doubts about the accuracy of transportation, it is better to wait a day.
Why did the refrigerator turn on, but not freeze?
In the first 4-6 hours of operation after the first turn on, the refrigerator may not freeze strongly enough, since it is only gaining temperature. If after 8-10 hours of operation in an empty state the cold is not felt, there may be a freon leak during transportation or a compressor breakdown.
Is it necessary to defrost a new Atlant refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
There is no need to defrost a new refrigerator, since it comes from the factory dry. You just need to wash the internal surfaces with warm water and soda to remove industrial odors and dust.
What to do if the refrigerator vibrates a lot after turning it on?
Check the adjustment of the legs. The body must stand stable and not wobble. Also make sure that the refrigerator is not touching a wall or furniture. If the vibration is strong even with correct installation, the compressor may be faulty or the piping inside is loose.
What temperature should you set on the regulator on the first day?
It is recommended to set the regulator to the middle value (usually the number 3 or the position in the middle of the scale). This will allow the system to return to operating mode without overload. After a day, you can adjust the settings depending on your needs.