Initial start household appliances - this is a critical stage on which the durability of the compressor and the quality of freezing products in the future directly depend. Many owners make the mistake of believing that it is enough to simply plug the cord into an outlet, however single-chamber models Belarusian brand Atlant require compliance with a number of specific preparation rules. Ignoring these nuances can lead to failure of the refrigerant or jamming of the motor in the very first hours of operation.
In this guide we will analyze in detail the process of preparing, installing and activating your new unit. We will pay special attention to the differences in the behavior of equipment after transportation and the rules for setting the temperature regime to maintain the freshness of products.
Before proceeding with electrification, you need to ensure the integrity of the case and correct installation. Refrigeration equipment is sensitive to tilts and vibrations, so the static waiting stage is mandatory for most delivery cases.
Waiting after transportation: why you can’t rush
The most common question that arises when delivering new equipment: how long should it wait Atlant refrigerator before turning it on? The answer depends on transport conditions and ambient temperature. If the unit was transported in an upright position during the warm season, the minimum acclimatization time is 2–3 hours. This is enough for the oil that has flowed into the tubes to return to the crankcase compressor.
The situation changes dramatically if the equipment was transported lying down or at sub-zero temperatures. In the first case, the oil takes longer to completely drain down, and the minimum waiting period increases to 4–6 hours. If unit it was brought in from the cold, you cannot turn it on for at least 6-8 hours, but it is better to leave it for a day. A sudden start of a cold compressor can lead to cracking of the valves due to temperature changes and thick, congealed oil.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to start the compressor ahead of time after transport in a horizontal position may cause water hammer, which will lead to costly repairs or replacement motor.
You should not rely on chance and turn on the equipment immediately after unpacking. Refrigerant and lubricants should take their regular positions in the system. Violation of this rule is one of the main reasons for noisy operation and rapid wear single-chamber models in the first years of operation.
Preparation of the installation site and dismantling the packaging
Before looking for an outlet, you need to properly prepare the place for installation single-chamber refrigerator. Instructions Atlant (requires) maintaining clearances for free air circulation. If the equipment is placed close to the wall or in a niche without ventilation, condenser will not be able to effectively transfer heat, which will lead to overheating and increased energy consumption.
Make sure the floor is level. Uneven installation causes the door to warp, which can lead to a loose seal and the formation of ice. Use the adjustable support screws on the front of the chassis for leveling. It is also necessary to remove all shipping materials: tape, foam pads and, most importantly, door fixing elements, if any.
- 📦 Remove all stickers and protective film from the internal shelves and doors to avoid plastic smell.
- 🧹 Wipe the inner chamber with a soft cloth moistened with a weak solution of soda to remove the factory dust.
- 🔌 Make sure that the nearest outlet is grounded and meets power requirements (usually up to 2 kW).
It is important to check the condition of sealing rubber the door. It should be clean, elastic and fit snugly around the entire perimeter. If you notice creases or leaks, try heating the problem area with a hairdryer at low temperature or using a straightening weight before the first start.
First connection to the electrical network
After the standing time has expired and preparation has been carried out, you can proceed to electrification. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. On some models Atlant the operation indicator will light up immediately, on others you will hear a quiet click and the engine starts. If the model has a lighting lamp, it should light up when the door is opened.
Pay attention to the behavior thermostat. In single-chamber refrigerators, the temperature regulator is often combined with a switch. Make sure the control knob is not in the "0" or "Off" position. For the first start, it is recommended to set the average value, usually this is number 3 or 4 on the scale of the mechanical regulator.
In the first minutes of operation, listen to the sounds produced unit. A slight hum of the motor and a quiet gurgling of the refrigerant in the pipes are allowed. However, sharp knocks, grinding or ringing of metal on metal indicate a malfunction or incorrect installation (tubes touching the housing or wall). no burning smell
☑️ Initial launch
Setting the temperature mode and operation of the thermostat
Single chamber refrigerators Atlant equipped with mechanical or electronic temperature control. Most budget and mid-range models use a mechanical one, which is a rotary knob with numbers from 1 to 5 (or 1 to 7). It is important to understand: the numbers do not indicate degrees Celsius, but the degree of intensity of the compressor. thermostat, which is a rotary knob with numbers from 1 to 5 (or 1 to 7). It is important to understand: the numbers do not indicate degrees Celsius, but the degree of intensity of the compressor.
The higher the number, the colder it will be in the chamber, and the longer it will work. compressor. For initial cooling of an empty chamber, you can set the maximum value, but for continuous operation this is not recommended, as it leads to freezing of the evaporator. The optimal mode for storing food is considered to be the position of the handle between 3 and 4.
⚠️ Attention: Setting the thermostat to the maximum value (5 or 7) in a hot room can cause the refrigerator to work without stopping, forming a “fur coat” of ice on the back wall.
If your model is equipped with electronic display, the settings are made using buttons. In this case, you set the exact temperature in degrees. The recommended mode for the main camera is from +3°C to +5°C. Do not forget that a single-chamber design implies the presence of an evaporator inside the chamber (often behind a plastic panel or in plain sight), so the formation of a small amount of frost on the rear wall is a normal operating process for systems No Frost in a monoblock design (although in pure single-chamber Atlant systems a drip system or static is more common).
What is the compressor operating cycle?
The compressor does not work constantly. It turns on when the temperature in the chamber rises above the set one, and turns off when the required cold is reached. Normal cycle: 10-15 minutes of work, 20-30 minutes of rest.
Loading with food and entering the mode
After turning on the refrigerator Atlant do not immediately load it with food. An empty chamber takes time to stabilize the temperature. Typically this process takes from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the ambient temperature in the room. Loading warm products into a chamber that has not cooled down will make motor work to wear out.
When you feel a steady cold inside, you can start filling. Distribute the food evenly without blocking the air circulation openings (if any) and without pressing the food close to the back wall where it is located evaporator. This will prevent the packaging from freezing and food spoilage.
In single-chamber models, the lowest temperature zone is located at the back wall and at the top of the chamber (since cold air is heavier). Take this into account when placing perishable foods: it is better to place meat and fish closer to the back wall, and vegetables and drinks closer to the door or on the lower shelves.
| Parameter | Value / Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Time settling time (summer) | 2–3 hours | For vertical transportation |
| Settling time (winter) | 6–8 hours | Mandatory after frost |
| Thermostat position | Medium (3-4) | Do not set to maximum |
| Normal temperature | +3...+5 °C | In the main chamber |
| Cycle work | Work / Leisure | About 1 to 2 or 1 to 3 |
Diagnostics of possible problems at first start
Even new Atlant refrigerator may behave strangely at first switching on Often users panic when they hear sounds that are actually normal. For example, loud gurgling or pouring of liquid is the sound of moving through the tubes freon. Clicks can be made by a thermal relay or plastic housing during thermal expansion.
However, there are signs that require immediate attention. If compressor it hums but does not start, or starts for a couple of seconds and stalls with a click, this is a sign of a faulty start relay or electrical problems. In this case, you need to disconnect the device from the network and contact the service.
Another important point is the heating of the side walls. Modern models Atlant often have hidden condenserbuilt into the side walls of the case. Their heating to 40–50 degrees in the first hours of operation is absolutely normal. Do not try to cool the walls with fans, this will disrupt heat transfer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator immediately after delivery if it was not put in?
Technically it is possible, but manufacturers and service technicians strongly advise waiting at least 1-2 hours. This is necessary to stabilize the temperature units and calm the oil in the compressor after shaking on the road, even if the unit was standing vertically.
Why does the refrigerator not freeze in the first 2 hours after being turned on?
This is a normal situation. The system requires time (usually 2 to 6 hours) to initially cool the chamber volume and walls. Complete temperature stabilization and achievement of the operating cycle take up to a day.
What to do if an unpleasant odor appears after switching on?
New plastic and lubricant can give off a specific odor. Wipe the camera with a solution of water and lemon juice or a weak solution of vinegar. Leave the door open for a couple of hours (with the power off) for ventilation. If there is a burning smell, turn it off immediately.
Is it necessary to defrost the single-chamber Atlant before first use?
No, factory defrosting is not required. However, hygienic washing of internal surfaces with warm water and soda is mandatory to remove industrial dust and preservative lubricants.