Operation of household appliances often requires user intervention, especially when there is a need to rearrange internal elements. The question of how to put a shelf in the refrigerator Atlantbecomes relevant after general cleaning or when purchasing bulky products. Many owners encounter difficulties associated with the non-obvious geometry of the guides or the fragility of glass surfaces. Correct installation ensures not only the aesthetics of the internal space, but also the safety of storing products.
The design of refrigeration chambers of the Belarusian manufacturer has its own characteristics that must be taken into account. Glass shelves they require careful handling, since their damage can lead to injuries and the need for expensive replacement. At the same time, lattice elements are more durable, but have specific clamps. Understanding the principles of operation fastening systems will allow you to easily change the configuration of the internal volume.
In this article we will analyze in detail the installation process of various types of shelves, consider common mistakes and give recommendations for care. This is a safety precaution that is often overlooked, but is critical when working with glass elements and humid environments.
Installation Preparation and Shelf Types
Before you begin installation, you must determine the type of shelf you are working with. In refrigerators Atlant most often there are two main types: tempered glass with plastic edging and lattice structures made of metal with a polymer coating. Each type has its own installation nuances. Glass is usually installed in special grooves on the back and side walls, while the grilles can rest on retractable rails or separate stops.
Carefully inspect the interior of the refrigerator compartment. Pay attention to guide profiles, which are located on the side walls. They can be made in the form of plastic grooves or metal protrusions. If you've just cleaned out your refrigerator, make sure all surfaces are completely dry. Wet hands or wet glass may cause the element to slip during installation.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to install a shelf if chips or cracks are found on the glass. Even microscopic damage under the load of products can lead to instant glass destruction.
It is also worth checking the condition sealing rubber bands at the ends of the glass shelves. If they are knocked down or lost, the glass will rattle when the door is closed. Some models use special plastic latches that prevent the shelf from accidentally falling out when the refrigerator is tilted.
Installation of a glass shelf with edging
Installation of the glass surface is the most critical step. The glass in refrigerators Atlant goes through special tempering, which makes it durable, but vulnerable to pinpoint impacts at the end. Grasp the shelf with both hands on opposite short sides. The plastic edging should face you, and the marking stickers (if they remain) are usually located below.
Bring the glass to the installation site. First, insert the rear end into the corresponding groove on the back wall of the camera. Make sure it lies flat and all the way down. Then carefully lower the front part. The important thing here is not to overdo it with force. If the shelf does not fit in easily, it means you have chosen the wrong angle or height level.
Fixation this is due to the weight of the glass itself and the geometry of the grooves. On some models, the front corners of the glass rest on plastic tabs on the side walls, and the rear edge fits into a deep groove. Make sure the glass is horizontal. Skewing can cause liquids on the shelf to flow to one side, and the structure itself will experience uneven pressure.
After installation, check the stability. Lightly press the center of the shelf - it should not bend more than 1-2 mm and make creaking sounds. If you hear plastic cracking, immediately remove the element and check for crumbs or foreign objects in the guides.
Installing rack shelves and runners
Metal racks in refrigerators Atlant are often used in freezers or as additional levels in the refrigerator compartment. Their design assumes the presence of longitudinal and transverse rods. Installation of such elements often requires preliminary preparation guide rails. Unlike glass, gratings may have special hooks or curved edges for fixation.
The process begins with studying the side walls. Locate the rows of holes for height adjustment. Insert the side edges of the grille into the corresponding grooves. If your model uses plastic slides, install them first and then place the grill on top. It is important that all four corners rest evenly on the supports.
- 🔹 Ensure that the protective coating of the bars is not damaged to avoid corrosion.
- 🔹 Check that the sharp edges of the metal wire do not protrude beyond the plastic edging.
- 🔹 Ensure that the grille is not blocking air outlet from the system No Frostif it is located on the rear wall.
Pay special attention to models with retractable mechanisms. Here the shelf may be part of a complex system with wheels or runners. When installing such elements, you must follow the sequence: first, the back part is placed under the stop, then the front part is lowered until the latches click.
☑️ Checking the installation of the shelf
Height adjustment and the use of additional holes
One of the key capabilities of refrigerators Atlant is a flexible system adjusting the internal space. You will see several rows of holes or protrusions on the sides of the chamber. They are designed to change the height of the shelves. This allows you to place tall pots, bottles or cakes inside.
To change the height, you must remove the shelf as described above and select a new level. Some modern models use plastic clip holderss, which can be rearranged manually without tools. Older or budget series may require metal pins that are simply inserted into the required holes.
| Type of hole | Fixation method | Recommended load | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic groove | Inserting the end into the gutter | Up to 25 kg | Requires precise hitting in the corner |
| Metal pin | Support on a protruding rod | Up to 15 kg | Adjustment possible in 5 positions |
| Rail guide | Sliding along the profile | Up to 20 kg | Used for retractable systems |
| Universal holder | Clip snapping | Up to 10 kg | Easily rearranged without removing the shelf |
When choosing a new level, keep in mind that the lower shelves are usually more durable and are designed for heavy products (meat, drinks in glass). The upper levels are best used for light items. Also remember air circulation: do not completely block the space between the shelves so that the cold is evenly distributed throughout the chamber.
Why may the shelf not fit into the new holes?
Often the problem lies in a manufacturing defect in plastic molding or deformation of the case. Try moving the shelf slightly (literally a millimeter) to the left or right. If this does not help, check whether ice or the door seal is interfering with the installation.
Typical installation errors and their consequences
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that can shorten the life of the refrigerator Atlant or lead to component failure. The most common mistake is trying to push a shelf in by force. If the element does not fall into place with a slight movement, then the algorithm of actions is incorrect. Forced pressure on glass or plastic leads to the formation of microcracks, which grow over time.
Another common problem is installing a shelf upside down. Glass surfaces often have an asymmetrical shape or a specific edging profile. An overturned shelf may not be supported by weight or may create an incorrect slope. Always look for the marking Top or Up, or be guided by the shape of the plastic side, which should look up.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use lubricants (oil, grease) to facilitate inserting shelves into the grooves. Chemicals can destroy the plastic of the guides and ruin the food safety of the refrigerator.
Ignoring the load level is also a mistake. Even if the shelf is positioned correctly, placing excessively heavy objects on it (for example, a full three-liter jar of compote on the top level of an old model) can lead to deformation of the side walls of the chamber or breakage of fasteners.
Care of shelves and prevention of contamination
So that the shelves in your refrigerator Atlant serve long and looked neat, they need to be properly cared for. The glass is easy to clean with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive pads, which can leave scratches that make the glass cloudy and less durable. Plastic edgings may turn yellow over time, so it is recommended to wipe them with a solution of soda or citric acid.
Lattice shelves require a more careful approach. Crumbs and dried drops of liquids often accumulate in the cells of the metal mesh. It is convenient to use an old toothbrush to clean them. After washing, be sure to wipe all elements dry to prevent the appearance of rust on metal parts or an unpleasant odor in the camera.
Check the condition regularly fasteners. If you notice that the plastic holder is loose or cracked, replace it. This can be done by ordering an original spare part using the catalog number of your model. Using damaged fasteners is unsafe.
Is it possible to wash a glass shelf in hot water immediately after removing it from refrigerator?
No, this is strictly prohibited. A sudden change in temperature (thermal shock) can lead to instant destruction of tempered glass. Let the shelf sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before washing.
What to do if the Atlant shelf does not fit in size after purchase?
Make sure that you purchased a spare part specifically for your series of refrigerators. Dimensions may vary even within the same brand. If the model is correct, check whether ice on the evaporator or incorrectly installed drawers below are interfering with the installation.
How to remove the smell of plastic from a new shelf?
New plastic may have a specific smell. Wipe the shelf with a solution of water and vinegar (1:1) or lemon juice, then leave it to ventilate in the open air (not in the sun) for several hours.
Can Atlant shelves withstand defrosting with boiling water?
The glass will withstand it if it is not cold. Plastic elements (edging, holders) cannot be treated with boiling water - they may become deformed. Use only warm water.