Modern models of the Belarusian company Atlant equipped with reliable cooling systems, however, after the first turn on or power failure, users often encounter with the need to manually activate cooling. If you notice that the compressor is silent and the indicators are on, this does not always mean a breakdown. Often you just need to correctly activate cooling mode via the control panel or mechanical regulator. In two-chamber models, this process has its own characteristics, depending on the type of control.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for various series of refrigerators, including models with the system No Frost and classic drip defrosting. Understanding how your unit operates will help you avoid mistakes that could lead to food spoilage or compressor overload. It is important to know that in electronically controlled models, the start of the cooling mode is often blocked for 5-10 minutes after power is applied to protect the electronics. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you start your refrigerator correctly.
Features of starting Atlant refrigerators with electronic control
Refrigerators Atlantequipped with an electronic control unit require sequential input of commands. After connecting the cord to the power supply, the display may light up, but the compressor itself will not start immediately. The system performs self-diagnosis, and if you try to turn on the cooling in the first seconds, the command may not pass. You must wait until the service indicators go out or stop flashing.
To activate cooling, a button with a snowflake symbol or inscription is usually used Mode / Freeze. Depending on the model, you may need to briefly press or hold the key for 3-5 seconds. Electronics double-chamber refrigerators often separates the control of the freezer and refrigerator compartments, so make sure that you activate the mode for both compartments.
⚠️ Attention: If, after connecting to the network, only the “On” indicator lights up on the display or the letter “F” flashes, do not try to immediately set the temperature values. Wait until the start diagnostics are completed, otherwise the control unit may block the start of the compressor.
In some series, for example, in the line Xtras, a touch panel is used. It is more sensitive to moisture and touches with wet fingers. Before pressing the power button, thoroughly wipe the control panel with a dry cloth. If the sensor does not respond, the protection against accidental clicks may have been activated, which must be removed using the key combination specified in the instructions for the specific model.
Mechanical control: starting through a thermostat
In models with mechanical control, such as the popular series 45 or 42, the process of turning on the temperature is maximally simplified and does not require complex settings. Here the main element is thermostat, which is a rotary mechanism with graduation. It can be located inside the refrigerator compartment (usually at the top right) or on the front panel of the case.
To turn on the cooling, you need to turn the control knob from position 0 or Off to any working position, for example, to number 3. At this moment, you should hear a characteristic click - this is the contacts closing, and the compressor power circuit is closed. If there is no click and the light in the chamber is on, check whether the door is tightly closed, since some models have an open door sensor that blocks the start.
- ❄️ Turn the thermostat knob clockwise to value 3 or 4.
- 🔌 Make sure that the plug is firmly inserted into the socket with grounding.
- 🚪 Check the tightness of the door seals of a two-chamber refrigerator.
- 🔊 Listen to the quiet hum of the compressor 1-2 minutes after turning the handle.
It is worth noting that mechanical models do not have a display showing the exact temperature in degrees. The numbers on the regulator indicate the conditional cooling intensity, not degrees Celsius. The higher the number, the below temperature inside the chamber. It is not recommended to immediately twist the knob to the maximum, as this will create an excessive load on the motor-compressor at start.
Setting temperature conditions in different chambers
After successfully turning on the cooling system, you need to set the correct temperature parameters. For two-chamber refrigerators Atlant the optimal operating mode for the refrigeration chamber is considered to be the range from +3 to +5 degrees Celsius. In the freezer compartment, the temperature should drop to -18 degrees or lower to ensure long-term storage of food.
If you have a model with electronic control, adjustments are made using buttons + and - or touch arrows. First, the chamber is selected (the symbol of a snowflake for a freezer or a droplet for a refrigerator), and then the value is set. In mechanical models, adjustment is carried out by trial and error: if the food in the refrigerator compartment freezes, the thermostat knob should be turned counterclockwise one notch.
| Parameter | Refrigerator compartment | Freezer compartment | Mode "Super freezing" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal t° | +3...+5 °C | -18 °C and below | -24 °C |
| Regulator position | Average (3-4) | Automatic | Activated by button |
| Mode operating time | Continuous | Continuous | Up to 24-48 hours |
It is important to understand that immediately after turning on the temperature inside the chambers it does not stabilize instantly. To achieve the specified parameters two-chamber refrigerator it may take from 4 to 10 hours of operation, depending on the volume of the chambers and the room temperature. Do not completely load the chamber with food on the first day - this will impede the circulation of cold air.
Quick freezing mode and its activation
The Super Freeze function is useful when you need to preserve the maximum amount of vitamins in fresh foods or freeze large quantities volume of food at once. In refrigerators Atlant this mode forcibly turns on the compressor for continuous operation, ignoring the readings of temperature sensors until the temperature drops to critically low values.
To enable this function, there is a separate button on the control panel, often designated as Freeze or a snowflake with an asterisk. When activated, the corresponding indicator lights up. In mechanical models, the analogue is turning the thermostat knob to the extreme right position (maximum), however, there is no automatic shutdown, and the user needs to independently return the regulator to the normal position after a day.
What is dangerous about the long-term super freezing mode?
If you leave the fast freezing mode on for more than 48 hours, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment (upper) may fall below 0 degrees. This will lead to freezing of vegetables, fruits and liquid products, as well as to the formation of ice on the back wall.
Use the intensive cooling mode with caution. The electronics themselves will turn off the function after a certain time (usually after 24-72 hours depending on the model), but it is better to control this process. Excessive load on the compressor in the hot season can lead to overheating and tripping of the thermal protection relay.
☑️ Checklist before turning on quick freezing
Deciphering indicators and signals alarms
Modern refrigerators Atlant are equipped with a self-diagnosis system that reports problems using flashing indicators or sound signals. If, after turning on, you hear a periodic squeak or see the temperature symbol flashing, this is a signal that the temperature regime has been violated. Most often this happens during the first start, when it is still warm inside.
However, if flashing continues after 10-12 hours of operation, this may indicate a malfunction. For example, a flashing red light or symbol ! often means the freezer is defrosting or not cooling enough. In models with a display, error codes may be displayed, such as F1, F2 or F5, each of which corresponds to a specific problem with the sensors or defrost system.
- 🔴 Flashing indicator temperature: the temperature in the chamber is above normal (the cooling process is in progress).
- 🔴 Lighting red indicator: critical increase in temperature, food spoilage is possible.
- 🔊 Intermittent sound signal: notification of an open door or temperature failure.
- ❄️ No Frost indicator: lights up during the automatic defrost cycle (normal).
If error codes related to sensors appear (for example, evaporator temperature sensor failure), the refrigerator may go into emergency operation mode, maintaining an approximate temperature, but without precise adjustment. In such a situation, independent repair is difficult and requires calling a technician to replace thermal sensor or check the wiring.
⚠️ Attention: If the indicators are flashing and the compressor does not start for more than 15-20 minutes, try unplugging the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to reboot the electronic module. If after re-starting the situation repeats, professional diagnostics are probably required.
Typical errors when turning on for the first time
Many users make mistakes when starting up the equipment for the first time, which leads to incorrect operation or a reduction in the service life of the unit. One of the most common mistakes is loading the refrigerator with food immediately after turning it on. An empty refrigerator gains temperature faster and the compressor operates normally. If you load warm products, the system will work hard, trying to cool a large volume of heat.
Another common mistake is installing the refrigerator close to the wall or in a niche without gaps. To operate effectively, the cooling system needs to remove heat from the condenser, which is usually located on the rear grilles or side walls. The lack of a gap of 5-10 cm on the sides and back leads to overheating and ineffective activation of the temperature mode.
Also, users often ignore the installation level. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not close tightly due to the body being skewed. This leads to the constant entry of warm air inside, which is why the temperature sensor does not give the command to turn off the compressor, and an ice coat forms in the chamber, even if the regulator is set to minimum.
Why does the refrigerator hum immediately after turning on?
Humming or vibration in the first minutes of operation is normal. The compressor starts running at full speed to quickly cool the chambers. The sound of refrigerant gurgling in the pipes may also be heard. If the noise is not accompanied by knocking or grinding, there is no need to worry. After a few hours, when the temperature stabilizes, the operation will become quieter.
Is it possible to connect the refrigerator to the network via an extension cord?
Manufacturers Atlant do not recommend using extension cords, especially cheap ones with a thin wire. The starting current of the compressor is several times higher than the operating current, and poor contact or insufficient wire cross-section in the extension cord can lead to heating, sparking and even fire. It is better to use a stationary socket with grounding.
What to do if the temperature does not drop after 12 hours?
If after 12 hours of operation in an empty refrigerator the temperature has not dropped to at least +10...+12 degrees, check whether the door is tightly closed, whether the ventilation holes inside, whether the thermostat is installed correctly. If everything is correct, but there is no cold, there may be a freon leak or the compressor is faulty, repair is required.