Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, marking the renewal of household appliances in the kitchen. However, in order for expensive equipment Atlant to serve for many years without breakdowns, it must be put into operation correctly. Many owners make the fatal mistake of turning on the unit to the network immediately after bringing it into the apartment, which can lead to failure of the compressor.
The process of primary activation of equipment from a Belarusian manufacturer has its own technological nuances, ignoring which may void the warranty. In this article, we will look in detail at how to prepare refrigerator compartment for work, why it is important to wait a certain time and how to correctly set the temperature to preserve food.
Compliance with all stages of preparation will avoid unnecessary noise, vibration and excessive energy consumption in the future. Let's look at each step in detail so that your Atlant becomes a reliable assistant, and not a source of problems.
Transportation and settling time of equipment
The most critical stage before the first launch is the period of adaptation of the equipment to new conditions. During delivery, especially if the refrigerator was transported horizontally, compressor oil could flow from the crankcase into the evaporator and condenser piping system. If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will run dry, which will lead to rapid wear or jamming.
The time that must be waited before connecting to the power supply directly depends on the transportation conditions and the ambient temperature. If the equipment was transported vertically and at above-zero temperatures, it is enough to wait 2–3 hours. In the case of horizontal transportation or winter delivery, this period increases.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is brought in from frost, it is strictly forbidden to turn it on earlier than 4-6 hours after installation in a warm room. A sudden change in temperature causes condensation to form on electrical components, which can lead to a short circuit.
For different transportation conditions, there are time limits that are best observed strictly. Below is a table to help you navigate the duration of the settling period.
| Delivery conditions | Environment temperature | Minimum settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical transportation | Warm season | 2–3 hours |
| Horizontal transportation | Warm season | 4–6 hours |
| Vertical transportation | Winter time (frost) | 4 hours after thawing |
| Horizontal transportation | Winter time (frost) | 6–8 hours after thawing |
What happens inside the compressor during settling?
Inside the sealed compressor casing there is a motor and a pump immersed in a special refrigeration oil. When shaking and tilting, oil flows into the cooling circuit. During parking, under the influence of gravity, it slowly flows back into the compressor crankcase, freeing the tubes for freon circulation.
Installation and alignment of the housing
Before inserting the plug into the socket, it is necessary to ensure a stable position of the housing. The kitchen floor is rarely perfectly level, so relying on leveling feet is a must. Incorrect installation will lead to the doors opening spontaneously or, conversely, not closing tightly, violating the tightness.
Use a building level to check the horizontalness of the top panel of the Atlant refrigerator. Height adjustment is made by rotating the front support legs. This usually requires a key or just manual effort if the legs have convenient threads. The rear wheels, if any, should only lightly touch the floor or be slightly above its level so that the main load falls on the front stable supports.
It is also important to check that the side walls of the cabinet or other objects are not touching. The vibration generated by the motor can be transmitted to the furniture, creating an unpleasant resonating noise. Make sure that the unit stands separately and nothing interferes with heat exchange.
Preparation of the internal space
After the housing has been installed and the required period has been met, you should work on the interior. A new refrigerator may have a specific smell of factory grease or plastic, which must be eliminated before adding food. Thoroughly wipe all shelves, drawers and interior walls with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or just warm water.
Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive powders or solvents. They can damage the coating of the internal walls storage rooms and plastic elements. Pay special attention to the door seals - they also need to be wiped to ensure a perfect fit.
- 🧼 Wash all removable shelves and trays with warm water and a mild detergent.
- 🌬️ Leave the doors open for 1-2 hours to complete removal of technical odors.
- 🧊 Make sure that the ventilation channels inside the chamber (if any) are not covered with packaging material.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the power cord and the absence of visible damage to the insulation.
If transport fasteners are found inside (for example, tape holding shelves), they must be removed. Also check for instructions or sachets of silica gel, which are sometimes placed inside in the original packaging.
First connection to the power supply
Now it’s time to turn it on for the first time. To connect the Atlant refrigerator, it is recommended to use a separate socket with grounding. The use of various extension cords, tees and surge protectors is undesirable, as they can cause poor contact and heating of the wiring.
Insert the plug into the socket. In modern electronically controlled models, it will immediately light up indicator panel, and in mechanical ones you will hear a characteristic click of the compressor starting. However, do not rush to load the products. The unit must run idle to reach the required temperature inside the chambers.
Idle time before the first boot is usually from 2 to 4 hours. During this time, the thermostat or electronic control unit should turn off the compressor, signaling that the set temperature has been reached. Only after the first automatic shutdown can you begin to gradually fill the chambers with food.
⚠️ Attention: Do not overload the refrigerator with food during the first day of operation. A sharp increase in thermal load can force the compressor to work without stopping, which is dangerous for a new engine.
Setting the temperature mode
After the refrigerator has entered the mode, it is necessary to check and, if necessary, adjust the temperature settings. In models with mechanical control, this is controlled by a regulator, usually located inside the chamber or on the top panel. By turning the knob, you change the pressing force of the thermostat contacts.
The numbers on the regulator (usually from 1 to 7) do not mean degrees Celsius, but indicate the cooling intensity. Position “1” is the minimum cooling, “7” (or “Max”) is the maximum. For everyday use, it is optimal to set the switch to the middle position, for example, to number 3 or 4.
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, the setting is made through the display. Here you can set the exact temperature for the refrigerator and freezer compartments separately. Recommended values:
- ❄️ For the refrigerator compartment: from +3°C to +5°C.
- 🧊 For the freezer compartment: -18°C and below.
- 🥩 For the freshness zone (if any): 0°C ... +2°C.
☑️ Checking operation after setup
If you notice that the food in the refrigerator compartment is freezing, it means that the mode is too strong, and the regulator needs to be turned towards lower values. If food spoils quickly, increase the cooling power.
Operation control and typical sounds
A new refrigerator may make sounds that at first seem strange, but are the norm for technology Atlant. For example, gurgling or bubbling is the sound of refrigerant moving through the pipes of the system. The thermostat or thermal protection relay makes clicks when turning it on and off.
However, there are sounds that should alert the owner. A loud metallic knock, strong vibrations radiating into the floor, or a humming sound that can be heard from the next room may indicate improper installation or a defect. In such cases, it is worth re-checking the alignment of the legs and the gap at the wall.
Pay attention to the heating of the side walls. In modern models, the condenser (heat exchanger) is often built into the side walls of the case. Therefore, heating the sides to 40–50°C during operation is a normal situation, and not a defect.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after defrosting?
Yes, if you just defrosted a working refrigerator for cleaning, you can turn it on immediately after you wipe the inner walls dry. The rule of settling for 3-4 hours applies only to new equipment or a unit that was transported in a lying position.
What to do if the refrigerator does not turn on after connecting?
Check the presence of voltage in the outlet by connecting another device there. Make sure the plug is inserted all the way. If everything is in order with the electricity, but the refrigerator is silent, perhaps the protection has worked or there is a problem with the thermostat - in this case, contact the service center.
Do you need to lubricate the door seals of a new refrigerator?
Factory grease on the seals of a new one Atlanta is usually sufficient for first year of work. There is no need to specially lubricate them immediately after purchase. In the future, if the rubber starts to dry out, you can use silicone grease.
How long does it take the refrigerator to reach temperature for the first time?
The first cooling cycle can take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the temperature in the room. Complete stabilization of the temperature in all cells (especially in the center of the shelves) can take up to 24 hours.
Is the smell of plastic in a new refrigerator dangerous?
A slight smell of plastic or rubber in the first days of operation is acceptable. It should disappear after several cycles of operation and ventilation. If the smell is sharp, chemical and does not go away for a week, this is a reason to contact the seller.