When choosing a reliable household Kitchen equipment buyers often pay attention to the manufacturer’s brand, forgetting about the main “heart” of the unit. It is compressor responsible for circulating the refrigerant and maintaining the set temperature in the chambers. The Belarusian company Atlant is characterized by the use of different types of engines depending on the year of manufacture of the model and its price segment.
Understanding exactly which unit is installed inside your device is critically important in the event of a breakdown or planned replacement. Modern Atlant models most often contain proprietary compressors of the 80, 90 or 140 series, as well as licensed Secop motors (formerly Danfoss). Knowing the markings will allow you to avoid overpaying for repairs and choose a truly high-quality analogue rather than a cheap fake.
In this article we will look in detail at how to identify installed unit, how different series differ and what to look for when purchasing a spare part. The information will be useful both to owners of old models and to those who choose a new refrigerator.
Main manufacturers and types of Atlant compressors
Historically, the plant in Minsk did not always produce all components independently. For a long time, the main suppliers were Danish companies Danfoss i Secop. These units have established themselves as the standard of reliability and quiet operation. However, in recent years, supply chains have changed, and the share of in-house developments has increased significantly.
Today, three main types of compressors can be found in refrigerators Atlant . Firstly, these are our own Minsk-made piston engines, which are marked with digital codes (for example, 140, 90). Secondly, these are licensed versions assembled in China under the control Secop. Thirdly, in some budget or specific series there may be Chinese analogues of other brands, such as Embraco or Aspera, but this is rather an exception for certain lines.
It is important to understand the difference between the usual and inverter type of operation. Classic models operate on the “on-off” principle, which creates characteristic noise and temperature fluctuations. Inverter ones, which appear in top Atlant models, operate smoothly, regulating power. This ensures better energy efficiency and product safety.
How to decipher the markings on the nameplate
The surest way to find out which motor is installed in your refrigerator is to look at the sticker located on the metal casing of the compressor itself. This usually requires removing the back plastic panel at the bottom of the refrigerator. The nameplate contains all the necessary technical information, but it is encrypted in the form of an alphanumeric code.
Pay attention to the first digits in the model designation. For example, in the marking SK 140 K1 or C 140 LN the number 140 indicates the cooling capacity. The higher this number, the more powerful the unit and the larger the volume of chambers it can cool. For single-compressor two-chamber refrigerators, models with index 140 are usually required, while for small single-chamber refrigerators 80 or 90 is sufficient.
- 🔍 The first letters (SK, S, N) indicate the series and type of refrigerant (often R600a or R134a).
- 🔢 The numbers (80, 90, 100, 120, 140) indicate the power in watts or conventional units of cooling capacity.
- ⚡ Subsequent symbols may indicate the type of starting device (RSIR, RSCR) or mains voltage.
⚠️ Attention: Never rely solely on the appearance of the compressor. Models of different series may have identical dimensions and seats, but differ in power and oil type. Installing an unsuitable unit will lead to rapid failure of the cooling system.
The type of refrigerant must also be indicated on the nameplate. This is a critical parameter. If your refrigerator was refilled R600a (isobutane), then the new compressor should be designed specifically for this gas. The use of a compressor under R134a in a system designed for isobutane is strictly prohibited due to differences in lubricating oils and operating pressures.
Atlant plant's own developments: series 80, 90, 140
Minsk plant has mastered the production of its own compressors to reduce dependence on imports and reduce the cost of the final product. These units structurally replicate time-tested solutions Danfoss, but are produced at local or Chinese facilities under the control of the brand. The most common series are with index 80, 90 and 140.
Series 80 i 90 is most often found in single-chamber refrigerators or chest freezers of small capacity. They are compact in size and have moderate power consumption. For full-fledged two-chamber models, the 140series has become the standard. These compressors have enough power to quickly freeze food and maintain a stable temperature even at high ambient temperatures in the room.
The build quality of their own motors varies. In early batches there were defects related to the quality of valve assembly, but in the latest revisions the plant eliminated most childhood diseases. However, the service life of our own compressors Atlant on average is 7-10 years, which is slightly inferior to the original ones Secopwhich can operate for 15 years or more.
Differences between Secop (Danfoss) compressors and analogs
Compressors, known to many as Danfoss, are now produced under the brand Secop. This happened after the sale of the compressor division. In refrigerators Atlant the middle and high price segments you can still often find these units. They are considered the "gold standard" of reliability.
The main visual and technical difference Secop/Danfoss is often (but not always) a black matte casing, while Atlant's own models can be painted gray or have a different coating texture. However, you cannot rely on color alone. The nameplates Secop always contain the company logo and clear marking of the series NL, BD or SC.
Advantages of installation Secop when replacing:
- 🛡️ High reliability: The service life often exceeds 100 000 hours.
- 🤫 Low noise level: The motor design is optimized to minimize vibrations.
- ❄️ Efficiency: Better efficiency allows you to quickly gain temperature and turn on less often.
The cost of such compressors is higher than that of the plant’s own analogues, but the difference in price is fully justified by the service life. If you are changing the motor in a refrigerator that you plan to use for another 10 years, choosing Secop will be the most rational decision.
Comparative table of characteristics of popular models
For ease of choice, we will provide a comparison of the main characteristics of compressors most often found in technology Atlant. These parameters will help you determine the required power and type of connection.
| Model / Series | Cooling capacity (W) | Refrigerant type | Type launch | Recommended chamber volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant 80 (SKN-80) | ~80-90 | R600a / R134a | RSIR | Up to 150 l (single-chamber) |
| Atlant 90 (SKN-90) | ~90-100 | R600a | RSIR | 150-200 l |
| Atlant 140 (SKN-140) | ~140-160 | R600a / R134a | RSCR | 250-350 l (double-chamber) |
| Secop NL10F (Danfoss) | ~100-110 | R600a | RSIR | Medium freezers |
| Secop SC15CL (Danfoss) | ~150-170 | R134a | RSCR | Large two-chamber |
The table shows that for a full-fledged two-chamber refrigerator Atlant most often a model with a power of about 140 W is required. Using a less powerful motor (for example, 90 series) will cause the compressor to work without interruption, trying to gain temperature, which will quickly lead to its combustion.
☑️ Check before purchasing a compressor
Replacement nuances: starting relay and fittings
When replacing a compressor, it is not enough to simply buy a model with the same power. It is critically important to pay attention to starting relay and the fitting dimensions of the tubes. Relays come in different types: for single-phase motors with starting winding (RSIR) and with increased starting torque (RSCR). Incorrect selection of relay is the most common reason that a new engine hums but does not start.
Also pay attention to the diameter of the copper tubes. For compressors Atlant and Danfoss they may differ. If the diameters do not match, the technician will have to use adapters or re-weld the system, which is not always desirable. In addition, for some models, the inlet and outlet tubes may be located on different sides or have different lengths.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the compressor requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon under pressure. It is impossible to perform this operation on your own, without a pressure gauge station and a vacuum pump. An attempt to start the system “by eye” will lead to moisture and acid getting into the circuit, which will kill the new compressor in a few months.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Refrigerator owners Atlant often face a number of typical problems related to with compressor. The most common is thermal protection. The motor heats up, the relay clicks and turns off. This can be caused either by a malfunction of the compressor itself (an interturn short circuit), or by contamination of the condenser or a freon leak.
Another problem is water hammer. If liquid freon enters the system instead of gaseous, the piston may suffer mechanical damage. This often happens when the fuel is incorrectly filled or the wrong oil is used. In such cases, the compressor begins to knock or vibrate with incredible force.
- 🔊 Loud knocking: Wear of the piston group or valves. The unit needs to be replaced.
- 🔥 Overheating: Check the cleanliness of the radiator at the back of the refrigerator and the operation of the fan (if any).
- 🔌 Does not turn on: Check the starting relay and the integrity of the windings multimeter.
If the refrigerator has stopped freezing, but the compressor is running constantly, this is a sure sign of a refrigerant leak or a clogged capillary tube. In this case, replacing the motor is not required, refilling and searching for the leak are necessary.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to install a compressor from another refrigerator on Atlant?
Yes, it is possible if the main parameters match: power (cooling capacity), type of refrigerant (R600a or R134a), voltage (220V) and overall dimensions (to stand on its feet). Motors from Indesit, Beko or Liebherr of similar power are often suitable.
Why does the Atlant compressor get very hot?
Heating up to 70-90 degrees for the upper part of the casing is normal for operating piston compressors. If the temperature is higher (the hand cannot tolerate it) or only the bottom/top heats up unevenly, this may indicate operation without shutting down (freon leakage) or problems with ventilation around the refrigerator.
What is the service life of the Atlant compressor?
The average declared resource is 10 years or about 30-40 thousand hours of operation. However, in practice, our own models often last 7-8 years, and licensed Secop/Danfoss can work for 12-15 years or more, subject to operating conditions.
What does it mean if the compressor hums, but does not start?
Most likely, the starting relay has failed (the plastic box on the side of the motor) or the piston is jammed. In 80% of cases, replacing the relay helps. If replacing the relay does not help and the motor hums for 3-5 seconds and clicks, the compressor wedge or a winding break is likely.
Where can I find the compressor marking if there is no sticker?
If the sticker has worn off, you can rely on the model of the refrigerator. For each model Atlant in the technical documentation (product data sheet) the type of installed compressor is indicated. You can also find this information by model code on the manufacturer's official website or in spare parts catalogues.