Buying a new refrigerator or returning it to service after a long defrost is always an exciting moment that requires strict adherence to operating rules. Incorrect actions at first start-up can lead to failure of an expensive compressor or disruption of refrigerant circulation. Refrigerators Atlant, produced at the facilities of the Belarusian plant, are reliable, but they, like any complex equipment, require proper commissioning.
Many users make the mistake of turning on the unit to the network immediately after delivery to the apartment. This is strictly prohibited if the device was transported in a horizontal position or at temperatures below the permissible temperature. The oil in the compressor should drain into the crankcase, and the unit itself should warm up to room temperature. Ignoring these requirements often becomes the cause of water hammer, which can destroy the valve system of the motor.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparing and starting your refrigerator. We will look at the settling time intervals, features of setting the thermostat and signs of normal operation of the equipment. Compliance with these simple but critical recommendations will guarantee a long service life for your equipment.
Dwelling time after transportation
The main enemy of a newly delivered refrigerator is haste. When transported in the back of a car, especially if the road was uneven, oil from the compressor could flow into the evaporator or condenser pipe system. If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will try to compress the liquid (oil and freon), which will lead to instant failure.
The time that must be waited before turning on directly depends on the transportation conditions. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position and was not dropped, 2–3 hours are enough for the pressure to stabilize and the oil to drain. However, if the device was lying on its side, the settling period increases.
There is also a temperature factor. If you brought the refrigerator Atlant in an unheated car in the winter, it takes time not only for the oil to drain, but also for the internal components to warm up to room temperature. A sudden start of a cold motor can damage the windings.
- 🕒 Vertical transportation: wait 2–3 hours.
- 🛌 Horizontal transportation: wait 8–12 hours (it is better to leave it overnight).
- ❄️ Winter transportation: at least 4-5 hours in a warm room before any connection.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to speed up the heating process using heaters or hair dryers. A sharp temperature change can cause deformation of the plastic parts of the case and cracking of the pipes.
Selecting a location and preparing the site
Before unpacking the unit and plugging it into a power outlet, it is necessary to properly prepare the installation site. The refrigerator Atlant must stand on a flat, hard surface. Distortions of the housing will lead to loose fitting of the doors, loss of tightness and increased noise during compressor operation.
It is important to ensure sufficient clearance between the rear wall of the device and the wall of the room. The rear-mounted condenser requires free air circulation to effectively dissipate heat. If you move the refrigerator close to wallpaper or furniture, the system will overload, consuming more electricity.
Check the stability of the legs. In most models Atlant the front supports are height adjustable. This allows you to compensate for uneven floors and ensure the correct tilt angle of the door for automatic closing.
☑️ Checking the installation location
Removal of shipping materials
Factory packaging performs a protective function upon delivery, but inside the apartment it becomes an extra element that interferes with heat transfer and operation mechanisms. Before turning it on for the first time, you must carefully inspect the internal and external space of the refrigerator compartment.
Pay special attention to the search for adhesive tape. Manufacturers often secure movable elements such as shelves, drawers or even door handles with pieces of tape. If you forget to remove them, when opening the door, you can damage the fasteners or pull out the shelf.
You should also remove all foam inserts, plastic bags and paper attachments from inside the chambers. The presence of foreign objects may block the ventilation openings through which cold air circulates, which will lead to local overheating or insufficient cooling of the products.
| Packaging element | Where it is located | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Film | Outer body, handles | Remove completely |
| Scotch tape | Shelves, drawers, doors | Remove carefully without scratching the plastic |
| Foam plastic | Between boxes | Throw away |
| Silica gel | Inside packages with documents | Dispose of, do not open |
⚠️ Attention: To remove traces For adhesive tape, use special products for plastic or vegetable oil. Do not use acetone, gasoline or abrasive sponges, as they may dissolve or scratch the housing coating.
First connection to the electrical network
After the settling time has expired and the packaging has been removed, you can begin the electrical connection. The socket into which the refrigerator will be plugged in Atlantmust be in good working order and have a third contact - grounding. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they can cause poor contact and heating.
When turned on, you may hear a characteristic click or a slight hum. This is normal response from the compressor start relay. Modern models are equipped with protection against power surges, but in regions with an unstable network it is better to take care of installing a stabilizer in advance.
Immediately after connecting to the network, the refrigerator may not start the compressor instantly. The electronic control module performs self-diagnosis of the system. If the motor does not hum within 5-10 minutes, this is not necessarily a sign of a malfunction.
Setting the temperature mode
After starting the compressor, you need to set the optimal temperature mode. In models Atlant with mechanical control, the thermostat is responsible for this - a round knob inside the chamber. In electronic models, the setting is done through the display on the door.
Do not immediately set the minimum temperature. Sudden cooling of an empty chamber will create unnecessary load on the system. It is recommended to set the regulator to the middle position (usually number 3 on a scale from 1 to 5 or +4°C on the electronic display).
Let the refrigerator run idle for 2-3 hours. During this time, it will reach the required temperature, and you will be able to evaluate its performance. Only after the mode has stabilized can you begin to load products.
- ❄️ Mechanical control: knob on division 2–3 to start.
- 💻 Electronic control: setting +4°C in the refrigerator compartment.
- 🧊 Freezer compartment: mode Turn on “Super Freeze” only when fully loaded.
⚠️ Attention: Do not fill the refrigerator compartment with warm foods. This will force the compressor to work continuously for several hours, trying to reduce the temperature, which will shorten its life.
What is the freshness zone in Atlanta?
Some models of Atlant refrigerators have a separate compartment with zero temperature or a special air flow. In this zone, food is stored longer, but does not freeze. Ideal for meat, fish and dairy products that you plan to use in the coming days.
Diagnostics of normal operation
How to understand that the refrigerator Atlant working properly? The first sign is cyclical operation. The compressor turns on, cools the chambers to the set temperature and turns off. Then, when the temperature inside rises a couple of degrees, the cycle repeats.
It is important to listen to the sounds of the operating unit. Let's assume a quiet, uniform hum of the engine. However, gurgling, gurgling or overflowing of liquid inside the system is the sound of moving freon, which is an absolutely normal physical process.
Check the heating of the side walls. In modern models, the capacitor is often built into the side walls of the case. Therefore, the sides may become noticeably hot during operation. This is not a defect, but a design feature indicating proper heat dissipation.
Frequent errors during startup
Even careful study of the instructions does not always save you from typical mistakes that users make. Most often, problems arise due to ignoring the settling time or incorrect initial settings.
Loading a large number of products in the first hours of operation is a common mistake. An empty refrigerator will rise to temperature faster. If you immediately clog the shelves, the compressor will work hard, trying to cool the entire volume, and may not cope with the task in normal mode.
Another mistake is the frequent opening of doors on the first day. This disrupts the process of primary cooling and the formation of cooling capacity. Try to minimize the access of warm air inside the chambers.
Why does the refrigerator hum immediately after turning on?
Humming in the first minutes of operation is normal. The compressor starts at maximum power to create a pressure difference in the system. The refrigerant passing through the pipes may also hum. If the sound is not accompanied by vibration of the case or knocking, there is no need to worry.
Is it possible to connect the Atlant refrigerator to the network via an extension cord?
The manufacturer does not recommend using extension cords, especially cheap ones with a thin wire. If the outlet is located far away, use only a high-quality surge protector with grounding and a wire cross-section corresponding to the power of the device (usually at least 1.5 mm²). Poor contact at the junction of the plug and socket can lead to melting of the plastic and a fire.
How long does it take the refrigerator to gain temperature after the first turn on?
The time it takes to enter the mode depends on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. On average, it takes 2 to 4 hours for the temperature in an empty refrigerator to stabilize. It may take up to 12 hours for a food-laden volume to cool completely. Do not fully load the camera on the first day.
What to do if the light does not light up after turning it on?
In some models, the light only lights up when the door is open. If the door is closed, the light will not come on. If there is no light when the door is open, check to see if the shipping wedge (if your model has one), which is blocking the door sensor, has been removed. The lamp itself could also burn out, which requires replacing it.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?
Yes, this is a mandatory procedure. Factory dust and the smell of plastic or packaging may remain inside the cameras. Wipe the interior surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. After this, wipe all surfaces dry and let them air out.