The question of which compressor is installed in a particular brand refrigerator Atlantoften arises among owners who are faced with a breakdown or want to carry out a quiet modernization of equipment. The Belarusian plant has been changing component suppliers for decades, and today completely different units can operate in the same building. Understanding this difference is critical for proper repairs, since pressure parameters and electrical characteristics can differ significantly.
The modern spare parts market is overflowing with offers, but not all of them are compatible with your model. If you are planning a replacement refrigeration unit, you need to know exactly the manufacturer of the original unit. An incorrect selection can lead to rapid breakdown of the new compressor or ineffective operation of the entire cooling system. In this article we will analyze in detail the evolution of Atlanta components.
Throughout its history, the plant has used both its own developments and products of world leaders. The most common models are from Danish and German concerns, as well as their own lines. Knowledge of markings and external features will help you identify the unit without opening complex technical documentation.
The evolution of suppliers: from Secop to our own developments
The history of refrigerator packaging Atlant is divided into several clear periods. Early models, released in the late 90s and early 2000s, were dominated by compressors Secop (formerly known as Danfoss). These were reliable piston units, often marked TL4G or NL9G. They were famous for their resource, but were distinguished by an increased noise level at start-up.
Since the mid-2000s, active localization of production began. The Atlant plant began producing its own compressors, which began to be installed en masse in household appliances. In parallel, Chinese-made units were used under the brand Embraco or Aspera, which were assembled under license. This made it possible to reduce the cost of the final product.
It is important to note that the transition to new types of refrigerants also influenced the choice of motor. The transition from freon R12 to R134a, and then to R600a (isobutane) required a change in the design of the compressor and the oil used. Therefore, the compressor from an old refrigerator will not physically fit the new model without a serious modification of the system.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used refrigerator or spare part, do not focus only on the year of manufacture of the model. In the same year, the plant could use different batches of components depending on availability in the warehouse.
You can identify the manufacturer by the nameplate located on the case. Usually it shows the serial number, supply voltage and type of refrigerant. If the nameplate is lost or worn out, you will have to rely on the appearance and technical measurements.
Types of compressors used in Atlant technology
All compressors that you can find in refrigerators of this brand are divided into three main groups according to the type of design and operating principle. Understanding these differences will help you evaluate the maintainability and noise level of the device.
The first and most common type is piston units. In them, the refrigerant is compressed due to the forward-return movements of the piston. They are reliable, repairable, but create vibration. These are the ones that most often hum during operation.
The second type is rotational (or rotary). In them, compression occurs due to the rotation of the rotor. They are quieter, more compact and have fewer moving parts. In Atlant refrigerators they are found less frequently, mainly in compact models or the latest series.
- 🔊 Piston: Characteristic sound of "gurgling" and vibration of the body, high maintainability.
- 🤫 Rotary: Almost silent operation, sensitivity to the quality of voltage in the network.
- ⚙️ Inverter: Smooth start, no constant on/off, complex control electronics.
The third type, which is beginning to appear in premium lines - inverter compressors. They allow you to smoothly regulate the shaft rotation speed, maintaining the set temperature without stopping the engine. This ensures high energy efficiency and silence.
How to independently determine the model and manufacturer
To accurately identify the unit, you do not have to be a refrigeration engineer. It is enough to conduct a visual inspection and compare the data with the correspondence table. First of all, pay attention to the color of the housing and the shape of the casing.
Compressors Atlant of your own production often (but not always) have a black matte casing and a specific shape of tube tips. Danish ones Danfoss/Secop are often painted gray or have a silver metallic sheen, although black versions are also found. Chinese analogues may have yellow or green stickers with information.
The key parameter is power i refrigerant. The type of gas is always indicated on the tag. If it says R12in front of you is an old unit. R134a is more modern, and R600a is the most modern and fire hazardous in case of leakage. The parameter LRA (locked rotor current) and COP (efficiency coefficient) are also important.
Deciphering the Atlant marking
In the marking of domestic compressors, the first two digits often indicate cooling capacity. For example, in the SKN-100 model, the number 10 indicates the power class. The letter "N" indicates a normal starting device, and "G" indicates the presence of a built-in crankcase heater.
Do not forget to check the diameter of the pipes. They may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer: 6 mm, 8 mm or inch sizes. This is critical when replacing, since overcooking copper tubes requires special equipment and skills.
Comparative table of characteristics of popular models
To systematize the information, we have prepared a table comparing the main parameters of the compressors most often found in Atlant refrigerators. This data will help you understand what margin of safety and performance is built into your device.
| Manufacturer | Series/Model | Refrigerant type | Cooling capacity (W) | Noise level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secop (Danfoss) | TL4G / NL9G | R12 / R134a | 100 - 140 | High |
| Atlant | SKN-100 / SKN-140 | R134a | 100 - 160 | Medium |
| Embraco (China) | EG 80 CL | R134a | 110 - 130 | Medium |
| Atlant | SKN-190 (Inverter) | R600a | 180 - 200 | Low |
As can be seen from the table, performance directly correlates with the chamber volume. For large-volume two-chamber refrigerators, models with a power above 140 W are required. Installing a weak compressor will cause it to work without stoppingtrying to gain temperature, which will quickly disable it.
Pay attention to the type of oil. Mineral oil was used with R12 freon, polyester oil (POE) with R134a and R600a. It is strictly forbidden to mix them, as this will lead to the formation of acid and corrosion of the system from the inside.
Typical faults and diagnostics
Even the most reliable compressor can fail. In Atlant refrigerators, three types of problems most often occur: winding breakage, interturn short circuit or mechanical wedge. Diagnostics begins with listening and visual inspection.
If, when turned on, you hear a beep, a relay click and silence, it most likely worked thermal protection or the motor is jammed. If the motor hums, but does not start, and gets very hot, the starting relay may be broken or there is a problem with the capacitor.
☑️ Compressor diagnostics
Checking the resistance of the windings is a mandatory step. The normal resistance of the working winding is 10-30 Ohms, the starting winding is 30-50 Ohms. The resistance between the housing and any winding should be infinite (on a multimeter, one is in the MOhm limit). If the device shows zero or low resistance, the motor is “broken” to the housing and is dangerous for use.
⚠️ Attention: Before any measurements with a multimeter, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply! Working under voltage without the appropriate skills is deadly.
Another sign of a malfunction is a characteristic metallic knock or grinding sound inside the casing. This indicates destruction of the engine mount or wear of the bearings. In this case, the compressor must only be replaced; repairs are not economically feasible.
Replacing the compressor: key stages and nuances
The process of replacing the compressor in the Atlant refrigerator requires special equipment: a vacuum pump, a pressure gauge station and a torch for soldering copper pipes. Simply “screwing on” a new motor will not work, since the system must be absolutely sealed and dry.
The first step is always recovery of freon old oil. Then the old unit is dismantled. When installing a new compressor, it is important not to kink the copper pipes, as this will cut off the refrigerant flow. The minimum bending radius is 10 cm.
After soldering the joints, the system must be evacuated for 15-20 minutes. This is necessary to remove moisture and air. Residual moisture in a system with freon R134a or R600a will lead to the formation of ice plugs in the capillary and failure of the compressor.
Refrigerant charging is carried out strictly according to the weight indicated on the refrigerator nameplate. Underfilling will lead to overheating, and overfilling will lead to water hammer and destruction of the compressor valves. Use only scales for accurate dosing.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to replace the Atlant compressor with an analogue from another manufacturer?
Yes, this is possible, but careful selection is required in terms of power (W), type of refrigerant and overall dimensions. It is also necessary to replace the filter drier and, possibly, the starting relay, since their parameters may differ.
Why does the new Atlant compressor hum loudly?
The reasons may be improper installation (vibration is transmitted to the housing), a malfunction of the starting relay, lack of anti-vibration gaskets, or a defect in the unit itself. Also, the noise level depends on the type of refrigerant.
Where is the compressor number in the Atlant refrigerator?
The number and technical data are stamped on a metal tag glued to the compressor body. To see it, you need to remove the rear metal grille at the bottom of the refrigerator.
How long does the compressor last in Atlant refrigerators?
The average service life is 10-15 years with proper operation. Secop/Danfoss compressors often last longer (up to 20 years), while budget models may require replacement after 7-10 years.