The operation of modern refrigeration equipment requires careful attention to the internal space of the chamber. Atlant refrigerators they have proven themselves to be reliable units, but even they periodically need to reinstall or replace the shelves. Most often this happens after general cleaning, defrosting, or when purchasing a new model, when you need to adapt the internal space for specific products.
Incorrect installation of glass or lattice elements can lead to unpleasant consequences. A loosely inserted shelf can move under the weight of pots, which will lead to broken glass and spoilage of food. Therefore, it is important to clearly understand the design of the mounts specifically for your model Atlant.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of installation, from site preparation to the intricacies of installation in models with the No Frost system. You will learn how to safely remove old elements and how to properly fix new ones so that they serve for many years without backlash and squeaks.
Preparation for installation and safety measures
Before you begin active actions, you need to prepare the workplace. Glass shelves, despite hardening, they remain fragile when subjected to pinpoint impacts. Make sure the surface on which you will temporarily place the parts is level, clean, and covered with a soft towel. This will prevent scratches or chips during operation.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to insert a shelf into the chamber if the refrigerator has just been defrosted or, conversely, has been operating at full power for a long time. A sharp temperature difference between the warm glass and the cold plastic of the fasteners can cause microcracks.
Inspect the inside of the refrigerator compartment. Plastic stops should be installed on the side walls. If you change the configuration of the interior space, the old fasteners may need to be removed. This may require a flat screwdriver, but in most models guides or plastic stops. If you change the configuration of the interior space, the old fasteners may need to be removed. This may require a flathead screwdriver, but most models Atlant everything is done by hand.
It is important to check the integrity of the shelves themselves. If there are even minimal chips at the ends of the glass, such a part cannot be used - it can burst at any time under load. Also make sure that the rubber seals around the perimeter of the glass (if provided by the design) are intact and have no breaks.
Types of shelves and fastenings in refrigerators Atlant
The manufacturer Atlant uses several types of structures to organize the internal space. Understanding your shelf type is key to a successful installation. In older and budget models, you often find lattice shelves made of chromed steel, which are simply inserted into the grooves. In more modern series, it is dominated by tempered glass with a plastic edging.
The fastenings may also differ. In some models, these are stationary plastic slides into which the shelf slides in from the front. Others have removable plastic corner stops that are inserted into holes on the back and side walls of the camera. There are also models with telescopic guides that ensure smooth movement.
- 🔹 Inset shelves: they are held by weight and sides, they simply lie on the guides.
- 🔹 Sliding shelves: have special runners that fit into grooves on the walls of the refrigerator.
- 🔹 Composite structures: the glass is supported by separate removable plastic clamps.
Particular attention should be paid plastic stops. They prevent the shelf from jumping forward when the door is opened suddenly. If you have lost these parts during washing, you cannot operate the refrigerator with heavy food hanging - there is a high risk of the load falling.
Step-by-step instructions: how to insert a glass shelf
The installation process depends on the design, but the general algorithm for most models Atlant unit. First you need to orient the shelf correctly. Pay attention to the rear end: often it has a special protrusion or shape that should coincide with the rear groove deep in the chamber.
Grip the shelf with both hands by the side edges. Raise it to the level of the desired row of holes. Smoothly, without jerking, insert the rear edge into the appropriate slide or against the rear wall. Then lower the front. You should hear a characteristic click or feel that the shelf has “sat” into place.
☑️ Algorithm for installing the shelf
If your model requires the use of separate plastic stops, first insert them into the holes on the side walls. They should fit tightly, with little effort. After installing all four stops (or two if the shelf rests on the back wall), you can install the glass.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use force if the shelf does not fit. A misalignment of even a millimeter can cause the glass to burst under stress. Check if there is anything in the chamber that is in the way (for example, a protruding egg tray or sensor).
After installation, be sure to check the horizontal position. Place a small item, such as a carton of milk, on the shelf. If it does not roll, it means Installation was completed correctly. If the shelf is skewed, remove it and check whether the side clamps are inserted equally deeply.
Installing and replacing plastic guides
Often the problem is not in the shelf itself, but in broken or lost fasteners. Plastic guides for refrigerators Atlant can be ordered separately, selected by catalog number. Installing new parts requires care, as plastic becomes brittle in the cold.
To install a new clamp, align its pins with the holes on the inner wall of the refrigerator. Press evenly until the piece is flush with the wall. If the holes on the wall are stretched and the holder is loose, you can try to gently warm the installation site with a hair dryer (not a hair dryer, but a regular hair dryer) or use a drop of food-grade silicone sealant to fix it.
| Type of fastening | Material | Fixation method | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side support | ABS plastic | Insertion into holes | Breakout under load |
| Rear slide | Polypropylene | Snapping | Loss of elasticity |
| Guide rail | Plastic + rubber | Adhesive base/screws | Detachment from the wall |
It is important to ensure that the plastic elements are not mixed up. Left and right holders can be asymmetrical. Installing the left support on the right side will result in the shelf lying crooked or not standing up at all.
Installation features in No Frost models
Refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost have their own design features. In such models, shelves often serve as cutoffs for cold air flows. An incorrectly installed shelf can disrupt circulation, which will lead to the formation of ice in one corner and spoilage of food in another.
Pay attention to the back wall of the camera. In models with automatic defrosting or No Frost, ventilation channels are located there. The shelf should be positioned so as not to completely block these holes, unless the design provides otherwise. Often the rear edge of the glass has cutouts that should coincide with the protrusions on the wall.
Some advanced models use pull-out shelves on telescopic slides. When installing them, it is critical not to confuse the top and bottom of the mechanism. Ball bearings should be located below. If you turn the guide over, the shelf will move tightly or jam.
⚠️ Attention: In No Frost refrigerators, you cannot use shelves from drip models and vice versa. The difference in the thickness of the glass and the location of the ventilation gaps can damage the cooling system.
Also, in such models, glass shelves with a tempered end are more often found, which requires careful handling. A blow from a metal pan against the end of such a shelf can be fatal for the entire structure.
Care of shelves and prevention of breakdowns
In order for the shelves in your Atlanta to serve for a long time, they need to be properly cared for. The main rule: avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not place a hot pan directly on cold glass and do not pour boiling water onto a frozen shelf when washing. Thermal shock is the main reason for the sudden destruction of glass.
When washing, use soft sponges. Abrasive powders and hard brushes leave micro-scratches. Over time, these scratches become filled with dirt that cannot be washed off, and the glass loses its transparent appearance. In addition, deep scratches reduce the mechanical strength of the product.
- 🧼 Wash shelves with warm water and a mild detergent.
- 🚫 Do not use chlorine-containing harsh chemicals on plastic.
- 🌡️ Allow the shelf to warm to room temperature before contacting water.
Regularly check the condition of the plastic stops. If you notice that the plastic has yellowed, become brittle, or has cracks, it is better to replace these parts in advance. They are inexpensive, and replacement will prevent heavy food supplies from falling.
What to do if the shelf is cracked?
If the crack comes from the edge, the shelf can be temporarily used by gluing the ends together with a special transparent glue for glass, but only for light products. If there is a crack in the middle, operation must be stopped immediately.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use a shelf from another Atlant refrigerator?
Yes, if the dimensions and type of fastenings are the same. However, it is better to check the model range, since the depth and shape of the rear end may differ for different series (for example, 400th and 600th).
Why does the shelf constantly fall forward?
Most likely, the front plastic stops are broken or worn out. Also, the cause may be the misalignment of the refrigerator itself - check the adjustment of the legs.
How to remove scratches from a glass shelf?
Deep scratches on tempered glass cannot be removed without damaging the structure. You can try to polish small ones with GOI paste, but this requires skills.
Can the Atlant shelf withstand a heavy pot of soup?
The standard shelf is designed for a uniform load of up to 20-25 kg. The point load (the bottom of a heavy pan) should be distributed, so it is better to cool hot dishes first or place them on a board.