The first start-up of commercial equipment is a critical stage on which the service life of the compressor and the quality of cooling of products depend. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of believing that it is enough to simply plug the cord into an outlet, but display refrigerator requires a more careful approach. Incorrect activation can lead to rapid failure of expensive equipment or damage to goods.
The activation process begins long before you press the power button. It is necessary to take into account the transportation conditions, the temperature conditions of the room and the specifics of the refrigerant used. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages so that your refrigerator showcase serves for a long time and effectively.
Ignoring the rules for initial start-up often causes compressor failure. Refrigeration oil must spread throughout the system, and freon must take its place in the circuit after “rest.”
Preparation of equipment after transportation
Transportation of refrigeration equipment is always associated with vibration and tilting, which leads to the flow of compressor oil into the pipeline system. If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor may run dry, which will lead to it jamming. Therefore acclimatization and settling are mandatory procedures.
The time that must be maintained before switching on directly depends on the ambient temperature and the position in which the display case was transported. If the equipment was transported in an upright position, 2-3 hours is enough. Horizontal transportation requires a longer wait - from 6 to 12 hours.
⚠️ Attention: If the display case comes into a warm room from frost, do not turn it on for at least 4-6 hours. Condensation inside electronics can cause a short circuit.
It is also important to conduct an external inspection. Check the integrity of sealers the doors, the absence of dents on the body and the integrity of the glass surfaces. It is better to fix any defects before use to avoid disputes with the supplier.
Make sure that the display case is installed on a flat surface. Misalignment may cause doors to not close properly or noise during operation compressor. Use a building level to check the horizontal installation.
Selection of installation location and electrical requirements
Correct operation of refrigeration equipment is impossible without compliance with the requirements for ventilation and power supply. Condenser and the compressor during operation generates heat, which must be effectively removed. Insufficient space around the back wall will lead to overheating and increased energy consumption.
The recommended distance from the back wall of the display case to the wall of the room should be at least 30-40 cm. It is also advisable to leave gaps on the sides for air circulation. This is especially important for models with static coolingwhere natural convection plays a key role.
Electrical requirements are also strict. The equipment must be connected to a network with a voltage of 220V (or 380V for industrial models) through a separate grounded socket. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, as they may not withstand inrush currents.
It is important to check the quality of the grounding. In sales areas with high humidity (for example, fish or meat departments), the lack of grounding can be dangerous for personnel. If the outlet does not have a ground contact, you will need to call an electrician to upgrade the wiring.
Initial startup and checking the operation of the compressor
After the equipment has settled and connected to the network, you can proceed to direct switching on. Locate the power switch on the control panel or side of the case. It may be designated as Power, On/Off or have a power-on symbol.
At the moment of switching on, you will hear a characteristic click of the relay and the hum of the engine starting. This is a normal reaction of the system. However, in the first minutes of operation, it is important to listen: the sound should be smooth, without knocking, creaking or whistling.
Modern models are often equipped with a system to protect the compressor from restarting. If you turn off and then turn on the storefront, it may not start immediately. You need to wait 5-10 minutes until the protection timer works.
| Parameter | Normal | Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Operation sound | Uniform hum | Knocking, clanging, whistling |
| Case vibration | Minimal | Strong shaking |
| Condenser heating | Warm/Hot | Cold or hot |
| Cooling time | 30-60 minutes before cold | More than 2 hours without effect |
Check the operation of the fans (if the model has them). Air must circulate inside the display case. Eviscerate the condenser grille (usually from the back or bottom) - it should gradually heat up. If the grille is cold and the compressor is humming for more than an hour, there may be a freon leak.
☑️ Check after switching on
Setting the temperature mode and thermostat
After successful startup, you need to adjust the temperature inside the chamber. Control can be carried out by a mechanical thermostat (knob) or an electronic controller. For mechanical models, the scale usually goes from 1 to 7, where 7 is the maximum cold.
You should not immediately set the minimum temperature. It is optimal to start with an average value (for example, 3 or 4 on mechanics, +4...+6°C on electronics). Allow the equipment to run for 3-4 hours before loading food.
Electronic controllers, such as Carel or Dixell, allow you to set the exact temperature and delta (the difference in temperature when the compressor turns on and off). The instructions for a specific model will help you configure these parameters.
⚠️ Attention: Do not immediately set the minimum temperature on an empty display case. This can lead to freezing of the evaporator and incorrect operation of the thermostat.
If the display case is intended for different groups of goods, remember the precautions. Place meat and fish in the zone of greatest cold (usually at the back wall or below), and dairy products in zones with a more gentle regime.
What to do if the temperature does not hold?
Check the tightness of the doors, the absence of drafts in the hall and the amount of loaded goods. It is more difficult to cool an empty display case.
Loading with products and entering the operating temperature mode
You can load the display case with goods only after it has reached the operating temperature mode. A sudden influx of large amounts of warm food will cause the compressor to work overload, which will shorten its life.
Food should be laid out so that it does not block air ducts and ventilation openings. Circulation of cold air is the key to uniform cooling. If you use dynamic cooling, it is important not to clog the fans.
To speed up the process of entering the mode, you can pre-cool the food in another refrigerator. This is especially true for meat and fish departments, where temperature requirements are strict.
Remember that full load affects the compressor operating time. During the first hours of working with the product, monitor the temperature with a thermometer placed between the products, and not on the shelf.
Diagnostics of possible problems at start-up
Even with proper activation, nuances may arise. If the compressor hums, but does not start (you hear a click and the humming stops), there may be a problem with the start relay or low voltage in the network.
If the display case works, but does not freeze, check whether the evaporator is blocked by ice (relevant for No Frost systems if defrosting is faulty). A refrigerant leak may also be the cause.
Extraneous noise often indicates that the display case is not level or touching the back wall of the furniture. Try moving the equipment a little or adjusting the legs.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning wiring or see sparking, immediately disconnect the equipment from the network and contact a service center.
Regular monitoring of the operation of the equipment in the first days of operation will help identify hidden defects. Keep a temperature log to track the stability of operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long can you not turn on the refrigerator after transportation?
If the refrigerator was transported vertically, 2-3 hours is enough. If horizontal - at least 6-8 hours, but it is better to leave it overnight. This is necessary so that the glass oil returns to the compressor.
Why does the display case make noise when it is first turned on?
A little noise is normal (operation of the refrigerant, fans). Loud noise may be due to uneven installation or the body touching the wall. Check the adjustment of the legs.
Is it possible to immediately load products into the new display case?
No. First, the display case must be empty and reach the specified temperature (usually 2-4 hours). Loading warm products will disrupt the mode and overload the compressor.
What to do if the display case does not cool after turning on?
Check whether the compressor is working (whether it is humming) and whether the condenser is heating up. If the compressor runs for more than 2 hours and there is no cold, call a technician, there may be a freon leak.
Is it necessary to defrost the display case before the first use?
No, the factory display case does not require defrosting before the first start. It is enough to wipe the internal surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.