Purchasing a new DAF refrigerator - This is always a joyful event, promising fresh food storage and order in the kitchen. However, immediately after delivery of the unit to the apartment, a logical question arises about how to start it correctly so that the equipment will serve for many years without failures. Primary activation The device requires compliance with certain time intervals and safety rules, ignoring which can lead to serious damage to the compressor.
Modern DAF models, whether either compact DAF-100 or full-size versions, designed using advanced refrigerants and effective insulating materials. Despite the reliability of the assembly, transport loads they are capable of displacing the oil in the system, which makes immediate connection to the electrical network impossible. In this material, we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparing, setting up and monitoring the operation of your new refrigerator.
You need to understand that the commissioning process is not just inserting a plug into a socket. This is a set of measures, including visual inspection, stabilization of the temperature of internal components and correct initial loading of products. The refrigerator's standing time after horizontal transportation is at least 8 hours, and after vertical transportation - from 2 to 4 hours. Compliance with this rule is critical to maintaining the warranty.
Initial inspection and preparation of the installation site
Before thinking about connecting to the network, it is necessary to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the housing and internal cameras. The refrigerator may have been bumped or bumped during delivery, so inspect the doors, handles, and back carefully for any dents or chips. If serious defects are detected, activation of equipment can be regarded by the service center as confirmation of serviceability, so it is better to file all claims before switching on.
The choice of the correct installation location plays a key role in the efficiency of the compressor. The DAF refrigerator should not be placed close to a wall or heating appliances. The minimum distance to the back wall should be at least 5-7 cm to ensure normal air circulation around condenser. It is also important that the unit is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause false signals from temperature sensors.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to install the refrigerator in niches without ventilation gaps or next to a gas stove without a special thermal insulation partition.
Make sure that the floor on which the equipment is installed is level and stable. An uneven surface will lead to skewed doors and loose seals, which will force the compressor to work in increased mode. To adjust, use the front support legs, rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise until the ideal horizon is achieved.
Time intervals: how long to wait before turning on
The most common question during installation concerns the waiting time. The answer directly depends on the position in which the DAF refrigerator was transported. During transportation, especially if the unit was tilted more than 40 degrees, oil from the compressor could flow into the evaporator or condenser circuit.
If the refrigerator was transported strictly vertically, it is enough to let it stand in the off state for 2-3 hours. This time is necessary to stabilize the temperature of the internal components and eliminate condensation if it has formed due to temperature changes when brought in from the street. In this case, refrigerant remains mainly in the lower part of the system.
The situation changes dramatically if transportation was carried out in a lying position. In this case, the oil is guaranteed to enter the cooling system pipes. If you turn on the compressor immediately, it will try to push liquid (oil), which will lead to water hammer and valve failure. Therefore settlement time increases to 8, and in winter - up to 12 hours.
After standing for a long time, be sure to wipe the inner shelves with a dry cloth. Even if there is no visual moisture, microscopic condensation on the electronic control boards can cause a short circuit upon first start-up. Allow the equipment to acclimatize in the room, especially if it has just come out of the cold.
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the DAF refrigerator
The process of turning on the DAF refrigerator for the first time requires sequential steps. Violation of the order can lead to incorrect operation of the self-diagnosis system or failures in the electronic control module.
- 🔌 Connecting to the network: Use only an individual grounded outlet. It is not recommended to use extension cords or tees, as the compressor starting currents can be high.
- 🌡️ Temperature setting: Before turning on the power, make sure that the temperature regulator (mechanical or electronic) is set to the middle position. For mechanical models this is usually the number 3 or 4, for electronic models - mode Smart or 4-5°C.
- ⏳ Waiting for startup: After being plugged into the outlet, the refrigerator may not start immediately. Modern models have a built-in startup delay (3-5 minutes) to protect against power surges.
- 🔊 Sound control: Listen to the operation of the motor. It should hum smoothly, without metallic clanging, whistling or gurgling.
If your model is equipped with a display, it should light up immediately after connection. On some DAF models it may be necessary to activate the function Power or On/Off on the control panel. In the case of mechanical control, the process begins automatically after the supply of electricity.
☑️ Checklist for the first start
In the first hours of operation, the refrigerator can work continuously, gaining cold. This is normal for the mode primary cooling. Do not open the doors frequently during this period, so as not to disturb the process of stabilizing the temperature in the chambers.
Setting temperature modes and functions
After the refrigerator has worked for several hours in basic mode, you can begin fine-tuning. Correct setting of the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments directly affects the shelf life of food and energy consumption.
For the refrigerator compartment, the optimal range is considered to be from +3°C to +5°C. At temperatures above +5°C, bacteria begin to actively multiply, and below 0°C, some vegetables may freeze. It is recommended to maintain a temperature in the freezer of -18°C or lower for long-term storage.
| Operating mode | Temperature (TC) | Temperature (MK) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco / Standard | +4°C ... +5°C | -18°C | Daily storage |
| Maximum cold | +2°C ... +3°C | -24°C | Fast freezing |
| Holiday | +10°C ... +12°C | Working | Energy saving |
| Super cooling | +2°C | -18°C | Food loading |
Many DAF models are equipped with a function Super Freeze (super freezing). This mode forcibly keeps the compressor on for a long time. It should only be used when loading a large volume of fresh food, remembering to turn it off after 24 hours or wait for it to turn off automatically.
Do not forget to check the operation of the system No Frostif it is provided by the model. The absence of frost on the rear wall after several days of operation indicates the serviceability of the moisture removal and air circulation system.
Noise and vibration standards during operation
The new DAF refrigerator may make sounds that will seem unusual after the old equipment. Modern refrigerants and compressors work differently and the range of sounds can be wider. It is important to distinguish between normal operating noise and signs of malfunction.
During operation, you can hear:
- 🔊 Compressor humming: A smooth, low-frequency sound, which can intensify when the engine is turned on and off.
- 💧 The sound of flowing liquid: Gurgling or hissing, caused by the movement of refrigerant through the system pipes. This is absolutely normal.
- 🧊 Crackling of plastic: Arises due to thermal expansion and contraction of the materials of the internal walls when the temperature changes.
- 💨 Fan noise: In No Frost models, the fan circulates air, creating a uniform background hum.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud metallic knock, grinding or whistling sound, immediately unplug the refrigerator. These sounds are not typical for properly functioning DAF equipment.
Excessive vibration is often caused by improper installation. Check that the refrigerator is not touching the cabinet walls or adjacent furniture. Also make sure that all the shipping bolts (if they were on the compressor, although this is rare in household models) have been removed and the legs are firmly attached to the floor.
Why does the refrigerator get hot on the sides?
The side walls of the DAF refrigerator can become noticeably hot (up to 50-60°C). This is not a defect, but a feature of the capacitor, which is often built into side panels to save space and improve aesthetics. Heat exchange with the environment occurs through these walls.
First loading with food and operation control
You can load the refrigerator with food only after it has reached operating temperature conditions. This usually takes from 4 to 8 hours depending on the ambient temperature in the room and the volume of the chambers.
Rules for the first loading:
- Make sure that the temperature inside has stabilized (check with a thermometer if in doubt).
- Do not fill the chamber completely with products at once. The heat load can cause the compressor to wear out.
- Distribute food evenly without blocking the ventilation holes.
- It is strictly forbidden to place hot dishes - this upsets the temperature balance.
On the first day of work, try to open the doors less often. Every time you open the door, warm, moist air comes in and the system takes time to restore the coolness. This is especially important for the formation of the correct microclimate in the initial period.
Pay attention to the operation of the door. After filling with food, the hinges may sag slightly and the frame tilt may need to be readjusted to ensure the door closes automatically and tightly.
Common startup problems
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter situations that cause concern. Most of them are not breakdowns, but represent features of the automation.
If the refrigerator does not turn on immediately after connecting to the network, do not panic. As mentioned earlier, the control system includes time delay. It protects the compressor from restarting during power surges. Wait 5-10 minutes.
Sometimes users notice that the refrigerator body vibrates more than expected. Check to see if the shipping film has been removed from the seals or if there are any foreign objects under the refrigerator. Also make sure that nothing inside the chamber vibrates due to the operation of the motor (for example, a poorly positioned bottle).
What to do if the DAF refrigerator does not freeze after turning it on?
If more than 12 hours have passed and the cold has not appeared, check whether the door is tightly closed, whether the ventilation holes are blocked by food, whether the temperature regulator is set correctly. If everything is correct, but there is no cold, there may be a manufacturing defect or damage during delivery, a call to a technician is required.
Why does the temperature alarm indicator light up?
The indicator lights up if the temperature in the chamber is higher than permissible. When you turn it on for the first time, this is normal because the refrigerator has not yet cooled down. Press the alarm reset button (if there is one) or just wait a few hours of operation. If the indicator does not go out for a day, contact the service.
Is it possible to turn on the DAF refrigerator immediately after defrosting?
After scheduled defrosting there is no need to wait 8 hours. It is enough to wait until the internal chambers are completely dry and moisture is removed, then you can turn it on. However, if the refrigerator has been turned off for several months, let it stand for a couple of hours in a warm room before turning it on.
Do you need to lubricate the seals before turning them on for the first time?
Factory grease on the seals is usually sufficient to begin operation. However, if the rubber seems dry, you can wipe it with a special silicone rubber lubricant to extend its service life and ensure a seal.
How to check if the DAF refrigerator is working properly?
Place a thermometer in a glass of water and place it in the center of the refrigerator compartment for 5-6 hours. The temperature should be within +3...+5°C. The freezer temperature should drop below -18°C. This is the most accurate household diagnostic method.