Correct organization of the internal space of refrigeration equipment is not just a matter of aesthetics, but the key to the effective operation of the entire system. When you have just purchased new household appliances of the brand Atlant or have started general cleaning, you are faced with the task of competently installing glass and plastic elements. Errors at this stage can lead to damage to fragile tempered glass or disruption of cold air circulation.
Many users underestimate the importance of correct fixation, believing that it is enough to simply put the shelf on the stops. However, the design Atlant refrigerators provides for specific grooves, guides and locking systems, ignoring which is fraught with trouble. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help you avoid chips and ensure the stability of the structure.
Particular attention should be paid to the temperature conditions at which installation is carried out. If you just brought equipment from outside or from an unheated warehouse, let it acclimatize indoors for a few hours. A sharp temperature change can make the glass more fragile, which increases the risk of its destruction due to mechanical stress during assembly.
Preparation for installation and safety measures
Before starting any manipulations with the internal elements of the refrigerator, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The glass used in the models Atlantis tempered and has high strength, but it is extremely sensitive to pinpoint impacts at the end. Even a microscopic crack, invisible to the eye, under the influence of load can lead to complete destruction of the shelf.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to install a shelf if chips or cracks are visible on its surface or ends. Using damaged glass may cause it to suddenly break under the weight of the food.
It is important to prepare your workspace. Clear the area in front of the refrigerator so you can step back and assess the correct installation from a distance. Make sure your hands are dry and clean, as greasy marks on the glass are not only unsightly, but can also cause slipping during installation. If you are installing a shelf in an empty refrigerator, make sure that it is stable and does not wobble.
It is recommended to carry out all work in good lighting. You need to clearly see the fixing elements, grooves in the walls of the chamber and markings on the ends of the glass. In the dark or dim light, it is easy to miss an important protrusion or misorient a part, resulting in misalignment. Remember that tempered glass cannot be processed, sawed or drilled at home, so fitting must be done carefully, without using force.
☑️ Check before installation
Types of shelves and their design features
Refrigerators Atlant are equipped with different types of shelves depending on the series and model of the device. Understanding the design differences helps you navigate the assembly process faster. The main division occurs according to the base material and type of edging.
Glass shelves are the most common option. They are a sheet of tempered glass enclosed in a metal or plastic frame, or with a transparent polymer edge. This edging performs a double function: it protects the end of the glass from chipping and prevents liquid from leaking outside the shelf in the event of a food spill. Metal runners often have an anti-slip coating.
Plastic racks and shelves are commonly used in freezers or as additional levels for vegetables. They are lighter and more flexible, but have weight restrictions. In some models two-chamber refrigerators there are combined options, where the glass base is supplemented with removable plastic bottle dividers.
| Shelf type | Base material | Features installation | Maximum load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard glass | Tempered glass | Installation on stops, fixation with latches possible | Up to 25 kg |
| Retractable (with frame) | Glass + metal/plastic | Requires entry into guide rails | Up to 20 kg |
| Plastic grille | ABS plastic | Flexible installation, often without rigid fixation | Up to 10 kg |
| Shelf for bottles | Glass/plastic | Specific shape, installation in the lower compartment | Up to 15 kg |
Why is glass tempered?
Tempered glass is produced by heat treatment, which creates a layer of compressive stress on its surface. This makes it 5-7 times stronger than regular glass. However, if the integrity of the end is violated, the internal stress is released instantly, and the shelf crumbles into small safe fragments.
Algorithm for installing a glass shelf
The process of installing the main glass shelf in the refrigerator compartment requires care and adherence to the sequence of actions. First you need to determine the height level at which you plan to place the element. In refrigerators Atlant on the inner walls of the chamber there are rows of holes or special plastic stops that allow you to vary the height.
Grip the shelf with both hands by the opposite long sides. Try not to handle the short ends, as this is the main risk area. Smoothly move the shelf to the back wall of the refrigerator. On most models, the rear edge of the shelf must fit into a special groove or rest against the rear tabs before the front edge touches the front stops. This ensures the stability of the structure.
Carefully lower the front of the shelf onto the front stops. You should hear a slight click or feel a tight seal. If the shelf has metal surrounds with curved edges, make sure those edges fit around the plastic edges and don't just rest on top of them. This will prevent the shelf from accidentally sliding off when the door is opened suddenly.
After installation, check the stability. Apply gentle pressure to different areas of the shelf. It should not wobble, bend or make creaking sounds. If you notice any misalignment, immediately remove the shelf and check that all the stops are in place. Sometimes the plastic clips may be turned incorrectly or clogged with ice.
Installation of pull-out and composite shelves
Pull-out shelves, often called telescopic, have a more complex design. They are equipped with guide rails that are attached to the side walls of the refrigerator compartment. Installation of such elements in refrigerators Atlant requires precise placement into the grooves of the guides. First, make sure that the rails themselves are fixed evenly and parallel to each other.
Take the shelf by the front metal frame. Insert it into the camera at a slight angle, first inserting the back part into the deep grooves of the guides. Then slowly lower the front part, making sure that the wheels or plastic skids of the front frame fit into the grooves of the guides. Sudden movements are unacceptable here, as the rolling mechanism can be damaged.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a pull-out shelf, make sure that the products on the bottom shelf do not protrude beyond its limits. Otherwise, when closing the door, the top shelf may rest against them and jump out of the guides.
Composite shelves consisting of two halves (one stationary, the other folding or sliding) require separate settings. In models Atlas with freshness zone there is often an option where part of the shelf can be folded to place a tall pan. The folding mechanism is usually located under the leading edge of the glass. Before installing such a shelf, check the operation of the hinges: they should move smoothly, without jamming.
Installation is carried out similarly to a solid shelf, but with control of the position of the moving part. Make sure that the locking tab that holds the flap in a horizontal position is securely latched. If the fixing mechanism is weakened, the shelf may collapse under the weight of heavy products, which will lead to them falling and possible damage to the glass.
Height adjustment and rearrangement of elements
One of the main advantages of modern refrigerators is the ability to change the configuration of the internal space. If you need to place a tall pot of soup or a cake on a tray, the standard height between shelves may not be enough. In this case, it is necessary to move the shelf to a higher level or remove it temporarily.
To adjust the height, first completely empty the shelf of products. You need to remove it in the reverse order of installation: slightly lift the front edge to disengage it from the stops, and pull the shelf towards you. Be careful: even an empty glass shelf has significant weight. Move the plastic stops (if they are removable) to the desired row of holes, making sure that they snap into place until you hear a characteristic click.
When frequently rearranging shelves, pay attention to the condition of the plastic stops. Over time, plastic can lose elasticity and become brittle. If you notice that the stop does not fit tightly into the hole in the refrigerator wall and is wobbly, it is better to replace it. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the shelf will slide off along with the contents.
Some models Atlant provide the possibility of installing a shelf with a “ladder”, when one part is on one level and the other on the adjacent one, to accommodate objects of complex shape. This is realized by installing the shelf on stops of different levels on one side and the other. Make sure that the slope of the shelf does not exceed the permissible values, otherwise the products may roll down.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
Even following the instructions, users sometimes make mistakes that can shorten the life of the refrigerator. One of the most common problems is installing a shelf that is skewed. This often happens when the back edge of the shelf is not fully inserted into the groove, and the user is already fixing the front part. As a result, when loading products, the shelf may burst due to uneven pressure distribution.
Another mistake is ignoring thermal expansion. Glass shelves and plastic guides have different expansion coefficients. If you have just defrosted the refrigerator and immediately, while the compartment is still cold and damp, try to forcefully insert the shelf, it may get stuck or crack. Allow the chamber to warm up to room temperature before installing glass elements.
Also, users often overload shelves, especially retractable ones. Despite the stated strength, dynamic loading (when you abruptly place a heavy can on the edge of a shelf) is more dangerous than static loading. Distribute the weight of food evenly, placing heavy jars close to the back wall or over support elements, not on an overhanging edge.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive cleaners or metal sponges to clean shelves before installation. Microscopic scratches on the surface of the glass can become stress centers and lead to destruction during cooling.
If the shelf is cracked, do not try to glue it with household glue. The glue will not withstand cold temperatures and defrost cycles and may be toxic to food. The only correct decision is to order an original spare part from the manufacturer or official dealers Atlant. The use of non-original glass that is not designed for a specific model can lead to breakage of the fasteners.
Can shelves be washed in the dishwasher before installation?
The manufacturer usually does not recommend washing glass shelves with metal edging in the dishwasher at high temperatures. Aggressive detergents and hot water can damage the anti-corrosion coating of the metal and cause it to oxidize, as well as destroy the seal between the glass and the frame. It is better to wash them by hand with warm water and a mild detergent.
What to do if the shelf does not stay in place and wobbles?
Check whether the installation levels are mixed up (the left and right rows of holes should be symmetrical). Make sure the plastic stops are fully inserted into the wall holes until they click into place. If the problem persists, the shelf itself may have become deformed or the refrigerator body has become bent (for example, during transportation).
How to remove the shelf if it is stuck?
Do not use force. Try slightly heating the plastic clips with a hairdryer (not hot air, but warm air) to make the plastic more flexible. Gently rock the shelf up and down, trying to disengage it. If the shelf is retractable, check whether the mechanism is blocked by the stopper.
Will Atlant shelves withstand hot dishes?
It is strictly forbidden to place hot dishes on glass shelves. A sudden change in temperature will cause thermal shock, and the tempered glass may burst instantly. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before putting it in the refrigerator.
Where can I find the installation diagram for a specific model?
A complete diagram and specification of internal components is always contained in the operating instructions supplied with the refrigerator. Also, technical drawings are often available on the manufacturer’s official website in the support section for the specific model indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber.