Buying new household appliances is always accompanied by excitement and anticipation, especially when it comes to large devices such as a refrigerator. Models from the brand DEXP have earned popularity due to their affordable price and functionality, however, the correctness of their first start-up directly affects the durability of the compressor and the quality of cooling. Many users make the mistake of plugging the device into the network immediately after unpacking, which can lead to serious technical problems in the future.
There is a critical nuance that even experienced technicians often forget: the refrigerator needs time to acclimatize and stabilize the oil in the system. If the device was transported horizontally or was simply in a cold warehouse, immediate start can be fatal to the engine. In this material we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, installation and activation of your new refrigeration unit.
⚠️ Attention: Ignoring the settling time after transportation is the most common cause of compressor failure in the first year of operation. Do not rush to turn on the power.
Initial installation requires careful attention not only to the electrical part, but also to the placement of the housing in space. It is necessary to ensure proper heat transfer, since modern models DEXP are often equipped with systems No Frost or Multi Air Flowthat require free air circulation around the back wall. Let's look at the preparatory stage in detail.
Preparation for the first start and transportation locks
Before thinking about connecting to the power grid, it is necessary to conduct a thorough audit of the external and internal condition of the unit. Upon delivery, refrigerators DEXP are securely packaged, but elements may remain inside to prevent damage to moving parts during transportation. First of all, check the doors and internal shelves for the presence of tape or foam inserts.
Particular attention should be paid to shipping bolts if they are included in the design of your model, although they are less common in refrigerators than in washing machines. Most often, drawers or glass shelves are fixed, which can move due to vibration. Remove all protective films from internal surfaces, as they may interfere with proper cooling and the spread of odors.
- 📦 Remove all packaging cardboard, tape and protective film from the case and internal shelves.
- 🔧 Check for and remove shipping wedges or compressor retainers (if yours has one). model).
- 🧹 Wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove factory dust.
- 🌡️ Make sure that the temperature sensors inside the chamber are not covered with packaging materials.
After cleaning, it is important to let the refrigerator “settle”. This time is necessary for the refrigerant and compressor oil to distribute naturally throughout the system, especially if the device was brought in from the cold. For models DEXP with an inverter compressor, this stage is also important for warming up the electronics to room temperature to avoid condensation on the control board.
Waiting time: how long should the refrigerator stand before turning on
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns the length of the pause between unpacking and plugging in. The answer depends on the conditions in which the unit was located before installation. If the refrigerator DEXP was transported in a vertical position and the ambient temperature was positive, the minimum waiting time is 2-3 hours.
The situation changes dramatically if the device was transported lying down or brought into a warm room from the winter frost. In such cases, the oil in the compressor could thicken or leak into the cooling circuit. To completely stabilize the state of technical fluids and equalize the temperature of internal components, it takes from 4 to 8 hours, and in some cases up to 24 hours.
| Transportation conditions | Minimum settling time | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical, warm | 2 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Horizontal (lying down) | 6 hours | 12-24 hours |
| From frost (in winter) | 4 hours | 8-12 hours |
| Long-term storage | 4 hours | 8 hours |
Do not neglect this rule, relying on assurances sellers that “modern technologies allow you to turn it on right away.” The physical properties of oil and refrigerant have not been canceled. Inverter compressors, which are often equipped with top models DEXP, are especially sensitive to the presence of the liquid fraction in the cylinder at startup.
Why does oil get into system?
When tilting more than 40 degrees or horizontal transportation, oil from the compressor crankcase may flow into the evaporator or condenser tubes. If you turn on the motor immediately, it will try to compress the liquid, which will lead to water hammer and damage to the valves.
Choice of installation location and ventilation requirements
The correct location of the refrigerator in the room is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a condition for the effective operation of the cooling system. Units DEXP, like any other equipment, generate heat during operation, which must be effectively removed from the back wall and side panels. Lack of space leads to overheating of the compressor and increased energy consumption.
It is recommended to leave a gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room of at least 5–7 centimeters. If the model has side ventilation (which is typical for built-in or narrow series), then the margins on the sides should be at least 2-3 centimeters. The top part also requires free space for warm air to escape.
- 📏 Leave a gap of at least 5 cm from the back wall to the nearest vertical surface.
- 💨 Ensure free air circulation around the case, do not crowd the sides with boxes.
- ☀️ Avoid installation near heat sources: radiators, stoves or direct sunlight.
- ⚖️ Install the unit on a flat surface using adjustable support legs.
It is also important to consider the noise level. Although modern models DEXP operate quite quietly, installation on an uneven floor can cause vibration and a resonating hum. Use a building level or simply check the horizontal position by eye by twisting the front legs. The doors should open freely and close independently when opened at an angle of about 30 degrees thanks to the magnetic seal.
⚠️ Attention: Installing the refrigerator in a niche of a kitchen unit without ventilation ducts provided by the manufacturer is strictly prohibited and can lead to a fire or breakdown.
Connecting to the electrical network and starting compressor
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time and taken its place, you can proceed to the electrical connection. Models DEXP usually equipped with a standard grounding plug. It is extremely important that the outlet into which you plan to plug the device is in good working order and has a reliable grounding contact to protect against voltage breakdown on the housing.
It is not recommended to use various extension cords, tees or low-quality surge protectors, especially if they are not designed for a powerful load. A refrigerator is a device that operates cyclically, and when the compressor starts, inrush currents arise that can melt cheap wiring. Connect the cable directly to a fixed outlet.
Sequence of actions:1. Make sure that the plug fits tightly into the socket.
2. Check if the power indicator is on (if present on the model).
3. Listen to the compressor start (quiet hum, vibration).
4. Wait 10-15 minutes for initial cooling.
In the first minutes after switching on, you can hear characteristic sounds: gurgling of refrigerant, quiet hum of the motor, clicking of the thermostat. These are normal operating sounds. However, if you hear a loud knock, grinding noise or smell a burning smell, the device must be immediately de-energized and contact a service center. Initial startup - this is stress for the system, so monitoring at this moment is mandatory.
☑️ Check before turning on
Primary setting of temperature modes
Immediately after turning on, do not load the refrigerator with food. Empty chambers require time to reach the set temperature. Depending on the model DEXP, the control can be mechanical (regulator with numbers from 1 to 5 or 7) or electronic (display with precise indication of degrees).
For mechanical regulators the rule applies: the higher the number, the colder. However, you should not immediately turn the knob to the maximum. The optimal starting value is the middle position (usually 3 or 4). This will allow the compressor to operate normally without overload. Electronic panels allow you to set the exact temperature, for example, +4°C for the main chamber and -18°C for the freezer.
The time to first enter the mode can take from 2 to 6 hours. During this period, it is better not to open the doors unless absolutely necessary. If your model is equipped with a function Super Freeze (super freezing) or Quick Cool (fast cooling), you can activate them to speed up the process, but do not forget to turn off these modes after reaching the temperature so as not to freeze the food in the main chamber or overload the system.
Diagnostics of operation and typical problems at start-up
You can understand that the refrigerator DEXP is working correctly by several signs. Firstly, 30-40 minutes after switching on, the side walls (in models with a shut-off tube) or the back wall inside the chamber should become warm or hot - this means that the condenser is giving off heat. Secondly, cold should appear in the freezer, and after a couple of hours ice should begin to form.
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the refrigerator hums, but does not freeze. This could be a sign of a refrigerant leak or a compressor problem. It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the system No Frost: if after a few hours there is no frost on the walls of the main chamber, and the freezer is dry and cold, the moisture removal system is working properly.
If you notice that the compressor has been running non-stop for several hours, and the temperature does not drop, check the tightness of the door. The magnetic seal must provide a tight seal. The ingress of warm air from outside forces the unit to work in increased mode, which is dangerous for the motor.
⚠️ Attention: If after 5-6 hours of operation there is no decrease in temperature inside the chambers, and the compressor is hot, stop operation and call a technician. Further work may lead to burnout of the motor winding.
Loading with food and reaching operating mode
You can load the refrigerator with food only after it has reached operating temperature. This usually takes about 6-8 hours from the moment you turn it on. Sudden loading with warm food immediately after switching on will place extreme stress on the compressor, forcing it to work at its maximum capacity for a long time.
Distribute food evenly without blocking the ventilation holes inside the chamber. The air must circulate freely so that the temperature is equalized throughout the entire volume. You should also not put a large amount of food in the freezer at once; it is better to do this in small portions, using the quick freezing mode if necessary.
Following these simple rules will allow your refrigerator DEXP to serve for many years without repairs. The right start is the foundation for the reliable operation of complex climate control equipment in your home. Remember that saving time at the installation stage can lead to costly repairs in the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn on the DEXP refrigerator immediately after delivery, if it was carried vertically?
Yes, if transportation took a short time and was carried out strictly vertically, it is enough to let the equipment stand for 1-2 hours to stabilize the pressure and temperatures. However, if there is any doubt about the position during transportation, it is better to wait 4 hours.
Why does the DEXP refrigerator hum loudly when first turned on?
The first start-up is always accompanied by noisier operation, since the system needs to create pressure and fill the circuits with refrigerant. If the hum is not accompanied by knocking, chassis vibration, or grinding, this is normal. After a few hours of operation, the noise should decrease.
What to do if the refrigerator was brought in from the cold in winter?
In this case, you absolutely cannot turn on the device right away. It is necessary to let it warm up to room temperature for at least 4-6 hours so that condensation does not form inside the electronics and on the contacts, which will cause a short circuit.
How do you understand that No Frost has worked in the DEXP refrigerator?
The No Frost system prevents the formation of ice. If after a day of operation there is no ice or snow on the back wall of the main chamber, and the food is cooled evenly without “ice islands,” then the system is working correctly.
Do you need to wash the refrigerator before first use?
Yes, definitely. New refrigerators may smell like plastic or factory dust inside. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth with a solution of warm water and a small amount of soda or mild detergent, then wipe dry.