The first start of a new refrigerator or restarting the unit after a long period of inactivity requires compliance with certain rules that guarantee the durability of the compressor and quality cooling. The brand Polyus, widely represented on the household appliances market, is distinguished by its reliable design, however, ignoring the basic requirements of transportation and installation can lead to breakdown of expensive equipment. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply plug the cord into a socket, but for models with a compressor type of cooling, this action should be preceded by careful preparation.
The main difficulty often lies in the nuances of transportation: if the device was transported in a lying position, oil from the compressor could flow into the circuits of the cooling system. Instant start in this case it will lead to water hammer and failure of the motor. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to safely activate your equipment, and consider the features of setting temperature conditions for various modifications.
The correct sequence of steps will avoid common mistakes and ensure stable operation of the device from the first minutes of operation. We will consider not only mechanical switching on, but also software aspects characteristic of modern electronically controlled models, and will also pay attention to diagnosing possible problems at start-up.
Preparing for the first switch-on after purchase
Before looking for the power button, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is physically prepared for operation. After unpacking and removing all shipping materials, including tape, foam, and internal shelf clamps, allow the unit to rest. This time is necessary to stabilize the refrigerant temperature and return the compressor oil to the crankcase if the device was subjected to tilting or vibration during delivery.
Settling time directly depends on transportation conditions and ambient temperature. If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-4 hours are enough, however, when transporting lying down or in winter at sub-zero temperatures, this interval should be increased to 8-12 hours. Pole refrigerator, like any other equipment of this class, is sensitive to sudden temperature changes, which can cause moisture condensation on electronic boards.
⚠️ Attention: If you bring the refrigerator from the cold into a warm room, do not turn it on for at least 4 hours. Condensation inside electrical circuits can cause a short circuit when voltage is applied.
The next step is to install the unit on a flat surface. The legs of the refrigerator must be adjusted so that the body stands stable, without distortion. Horizontal is critical for the proper operation of the condensate drainage system and the tight seal of the doors. Use a building level to check by tightening the adjusting screws at the front.
The internal space should be washed with warm water with the addition of baking soda or a mild detergent. This will remove the smell of new rubber and plastic that is often present in inner tubes straight out of the factory. After wet cleaning, the doors are left open until the surfaces are completely dry.
The process of connecting to the electrical network
Connecting the refrigerator to the AC mains must be done in a separate outlet with grounding. The use of extension cords, tees and low-quality surge protectors is not recommended, since the starting currents of the compressor can be high. Voltage The network must correspond to the device's passport data, usually 220-230 Volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.
For models with electronic control, voltage surges may occur fatal. If your network experiences frequent fluctuations, it is advisable to install a voltage stabilizer. Modern refrigerators Pole equipped with protective systems, but additional protection will never be superfluous to extend the life of the electronics.
After plugging the plug into the socket, the device may not make any sounds immediately. This is normal, since many models have a compressor turn-on delay relay installed. It protects the motor from restarting and can block the start for 5-10 minutes even when first connected.
☑️ Check before turning on
If after the delay time has expired you hear a characteristic click and hum, it means the compressor has started working. At this moment, you should not open the doors and load the chamber with food. Allow the system to enter the idle operating mode.
Setting the temperature mode
Temperature control in refrigerators Pole can be carried out mechanically or electronically. Mechanical models use a thermostat with a rotary knob, the scale of which is usually marked with numbers from 1 to 7 or from Min to Max. It is important to understand that the numbers do not indicate degrees, but the cooling intensity.
For the initial start-up, it is recommended to set the regulator to the middle position. If the scale is numeric, select a value of 3 or 4. This will allow the system to return to standard operating mode without undue load on the compressor. Thermostat will automatically turn the motor off and on, maintaining the specified temperature range.
In models with electronic control, the setting is made through a panel on the door or inside the chamber. Here you can set the exact temperature in degrees Celsius. Standard recommendations for the main chamber are from +2 to +4 degrees, and for the freezer - from -18 to -24 degrees.
What do the numbers on the thermostat mean?
The number 1 (or Min) means minimal cooling (the temperature in the chamber will be higher, about +8...+10°C). Number 7 (or Max) - maximum cooling, the compressor will work almost non-stop, which can lead to overfreezing of food and freezing of ice.
It is not recommended to set the minimum possible temperature immediately after switching on. Sudden cooling of an empty chamber will create excess load. It is better to gradually reduce the temperature throughout the day, adding food in small portions.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Polyusequipped with the system No Frostrequire special attention when first started. Unlike the drip system, here air circulation is forced using fans. When you turn it on for the first time, you can hear the noise of a running fan, which is a normal situation.
The system automatically carries out defrost cycles, so the formation of an ice crust on the walls is excluded. However, during the first hours of operation, condensation or a small amount of water may appear in a special compartment, which indicates the start of the defrosting algorithms.
It is important to check that nothing interferes with the air circulation inside the chambers. Products should not fit tightly against the back wall or block the ventilation openings. Violation of airflow will lead to incorrect operation of temperature sensors and increased energy consumption.
| Parameter | Drip system | No Frost | Full No Frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defrosting | Automatic (refrigerator compartment only) | Automatic (full) | Automatic (full) |
| Humidity | High | Low | Low |
| Noise | Low | Medium (fan operation) | Medium |
| Care | The groove needs to be washed | Minimal | Minimum |
Diagnostics of operation after startup
After the refrigerator has been idling for about 2 hours, it is necessary to carry out initial diagnostics. Check the temperature inside the chambers using an external thermometer. If the readings correspond to the set values, it means that the refrigerant is circulating correctly and the thermostat is functioning properly.
Pay attention to the operation of the compressor. It should turn on and off cyclically. The time of work and rest depends on the load and ambient temperature, but normally the cycle is approximately 10-15 minutes of work and 15-25 minutes of rest. Continuous operation motor without shutting down on the first day is permissible only with a full load of warm products or high room temperature.
Check door seals. They should fit snugly around the entire perimeter. A test with a sheet of paper will help identify leaks: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet is removed too easily without resistance, you may need to adjust the hinges or replace the seal.
Inspect the back of the unit. The condenser (grid or sealed circuit) must be heated evenly. Cold areas on the heat exchanger may indicate a clogged capillary tube or a freon leak, although such defects are rare during the first start-up and are usually a factory defect.
Loading with food and entering the mode
It is recommended to completely load the refrigerator with food no earlier than 4-6 hours after switching on. During this time, the chambers will cool down to temperatures close to operating temperatures. Sudden loading of a large volume of warm products will force the compressor to work in extreme mode, which will shorten its service life.
Distribute the products evenly. Place heavy containers on the lower shelves, light and ready-to-use containers on the upper shelves. It is better to store vegetables and fruits in special drawers below, where the temperature is most stable and drafts from the fan are excluded (in No Frost models).
Do not fill the chamber completely at once. Leave space for air circulation, especially in the first day. Refrigerator Polyus it will reach the nominal mode faster if cooling occurs gradually. This will also allow you to evaluate the actual capacity and ergonomics of the shelves.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place hot foods in the refrigerator compartment. This will lead to a sharp increase in temperature inside, the formation of condensation and increased load on the compressor.
Possible problems during the first start
Sometimes users encounter situations that may seem like a malfunction, but are not. For example, gurgling or hissing in the tubes is the sound of refrigerant movement, which is an absolutely normal physical process. Metallic crackling may occur due to thermal expansion and contraction of case materials when the temperature changes.
If the refrigerator does not turn on at all (no light, no sound), check for voltage in socket and cord integrity. In some models, the power button may be hidden or hard to press. It is also worth checking whether the circuit breaker in the electrical panel has tripped.
If the compressor hums, but does not start, and after a while it clicks, there may be a problem with the starting relay or the motor itself. However, as mentioned earlier, in the first 10 minutes after being turned on, the compressor may not start due to the safety timer.
Why does the refrigerator vibrate?
Vibration is often caused by uneven installation. Check the leveling feet. Vibration can also be caused by the condenser tubes touching a wall or other objects. Move the unit 5-10 cm away from the wall.
If you observe persistent signs of malfunction, such as lack of cold when the motor is running, excessive heating of the housing at certain points, or the appearance of a burning smell, immediately unplug the device. In this case, you must contact an authorized service center for diagnostics.
How long should the refrigerator operate before loading food?
The optimal operating time in idle mode is from 2 to 4 hours. During this time, the chambers will have time to cool down to temperatures close to the set ones, and the system will stabilize the pressure in the circuits.
Is it possible to turn on the Polyus refrigerator immediately after transportation?
It is strictly not recommended. It is necessary to pause for the oil to drain into the compressor (at least 2-4 hours, preferably 8-12) and to equalize the temperature of the electronics, especially if the transportation was carried out in winter.
What to do if the temperature alarm indicator is on?
When you turn it on for the first time, this is normal, since the temperature inside is still high. The indicator will go off when the chamber has cooled down to the set temperature. If it stays on for a long time, check that the door is tightly closed.
Do you need to defrost a new refrigerator before turning it on?
No, new refrigerators are delivered defrosted. All that is required is hygienic washing of the internal surfaces with warm water and soda to remove factory odors.
Why are the side walls of the refrigerator hot?
In modern models, the condenser is often built into the side walls of the case. Their heating to 40-50 degrees Celsius while the compressor is operating is the normal heat exchange mode.