Owners of refrigerators of the Belarusian brand are often faced with a situation where the thermostat does not have the usual degrees Celsius, but only a scale from 1 to 7 or 1 to 9. This causes natural confusion: what kind of cooling mode is currently working and will the products spoil? Thermostat Atlant technology works on the principle of mechanical regulation of the compressor power, and does not display the exact temperature inside the chambers.
Understanding the logic of the regulator is critical for the safety of supplies. If you accidentally set the maximum value, the food in the main chamber may freeze, and an ice crust will form in the freezer. Atlant refrigerators designed so that the number on the scale does not indicate degrees, but the intensity of the engine.
In this article we will look at how to translate conventional scale units into understandable temperature ranges. You will learn which handle position is considered normal for daily use, and when it is necessary to turn on the “Freeze” mode. This will help extend the life of the equipment and save energy.
The principle of operation of a mechanical thermostat
Mechanical thermostat is a device that closes and opens an electrical circuit depending on the temperature inside the chamber. When you turn the knob to a higher value, you do not “add” cold, but increase the operating time of the compressor before turning off.
Simply put, the higher the number, the longer the motor runs and the lower the temperature drops. However, it is important to understand that the scale is not linear. The difference between modes 1 and 2 can be several degrees, while the transition from 6 to 7 gives a minimal change, but a maximum load on the nodes.
In models with electronic control the situation is different - there you set a specific goal, for example, +4°C, and the system itself decides when to turn on the compressor. In mechanics, you only set the “appetite” of the refrigerator, and the actual temperature also depends on the external environment.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to turn the thermostat knob with force. The mechanism has limited travel, and forced rotation beyond the scale will cause shaft failure.
Why is the scale not in degrees?
Mechanical thermostats (for example, Danfoss or TAM) are calibrated at the factory for a specific refrigerant and chamber volume. Graduation in degrees on the handle would be inaccurate due to mechanical errors, so manufacturers use conventional units of power.
Deciphering the thermostat scale: from 1 to 7
Most Atlant models (KSh, KH series) are equipped with a regulator with a scale from 1 to 7. A simple rule applies here: one - this is the minimum cooling, seven is the maximum. However, it is important to know the temperature ranges that are hidden behind these numbers at normal room temperature (+20...+25°C).
Let's consider the approximate correspondence between the positions of the regulator and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment:
- 🌡️ Position 1-2: The temperature inside the chamber is kept around +8...+10°C. This is too warm for storing perishable foods; the mode is suitable for long-term storage of vegetables or when the refrigerator is almost empty.
- 🌡️ Position 3-4: Optimal operating range +3...+5°C. These are the values recommended by food manufacturers for daily use.
- 🌡️ Position 5-6: The temperature drops to 0...+2°C. Used for quick cooling of large quantities of food or in hot weather.
- 🌡️ Position 7 (Max): The compressor runs almost non-stop. The temperature may drop below 0°C, which will lead to freezing of vegetables and damage to the structure of dairy products.
It is worth noting that in two-chamber models with one compressor (single-compressor refrigerators), the adjustment affects primarily the freezer compartment, and the refrigeration section cold is supplied according to the residual principle. Therefore, changing the position of the handle by 1 division may have a stronger effect on the freezer than on the main chamber.
Table of correspondence between modes and temperatures
For the convenience of users, we have compiled a summary table that will help navigate through the settings. The data is valid for standard operating conditions. Remember that the actual temperature also depends on the loading density of the shelves and the frequency of opening the doors.
| Position of the regulator | Approximate t° in the refrigerator compartment | Approximate t° in the freezer compartment | Recommendation for use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | +9...+11°C | -6...-8°C | Storage of drinks, vegetables, "Vacation" mode. |
| 3 (Average) | +4...+6°C | -18...-20°C | Daily operation, standard mode. |
| 5 | +1...+3°C | -24...-26°C | Loading with large volumes of products, heat. |
| 7 (Max) | 0...+1°C | Below -28°C | Freeze mode (short-term). |
The use of the extreme positions of the scale (1 and 7) should be justified. Constant operation at maximum leads to accelerated wear compressor and an increase in electricity bills, and operation at a minimum may be unsafe for storing meat and fish.
Seasonal adjustment of settings
The ambient temperature directly affects the operation of refrigeration equipment. In the summer, when the apartment is hot, heat inflows increase and the refrigerator takes longer to cool. In winter, the situation is reversed.
In summer, it is recommended to shift the regulator towards higher values (4-5) to compensate for the high temperature in the room. If you leave the setting at “3”, the compressor may simply not cope with the heating, and the temperature inside will begin to rise.
In winter, on the contrary, you should reduce the load. When the room temperature is below +16°C, many old Atlant models may stop turning off or, conversely, not turn on, if you do not switch the operating mode.
- ☀️ Summer: Set the regulator to 4-5. Make sure that the refrigerator is away from the stove and direct sunlight.
- ❄️ Winter: Position 2-3 is optimal. If the room is cool, this is enough to maintain the cold.
- 🍂 Off-season: Return to standard values (3-4) when the temperature in the house stabilizes.
⚠️ Attention: If If you live in a house with unstable heating in winter and the temperature drops below +10°C, the refrigerator may stop freezing. In this case, you may need to install a special winter kit or heater on the thermostat, but it is better to consult with a specialist.
The “Frozen” mode and its correct use
On many Atlant models, the maximum position (usually 7 or a separate red dot) indicates the “Frozen” mode. In this mode thermostat forcefully keeps the circuit closed, preventing the compressor from turning off.
This mode is designed for quick freezing of fresh food or creating a supply of ice. However, using it constantly is strictly prohibited. Long-term operation without stopping will lead to freezing of the evaporator, freezing of the “coat” and, ultimately, to failure of the motor.
Instructions for using the freezing mode:
- Load food into the freezer.
- Move the regulator to the Max position (or turn on the freeze button).
- Leave the refrigerator in this mode for 12-24 hours (no more!).
- Be sure to return the regulator to the normal position (3-4).
Some modern models are equipped with an automatic timer, which itself will return the settings after a certain time, but in classic mechanical models (Atlant MHM-1700, 1800 etc.) control lies entirely with the user.
☑️ Checking the correct settings
Typical problems and their solution
Incorrect temperature settings often mask real malfunctions or create them. If you set the regulator to 5-6, but the food still spoils, the problem is not in the settings, but in a freon leak or a compressor malfunction.
The opposite situation: the refrigerator “clogged” all the food with ice, even at three. This may indicate sticking thermostat contacts or loss of seal in the sensor capillary tube. In this case, replacing the regulator with an analogue with different characteristics may temporarily solve the problem, but it is better to carry out diagnostics.
It is also worth remembering the importance of defrosting. Even in No Frost systems (although in Atlanta it is more often a drip system), ice on the evaporator impairs heat transfer. If you feel that the refrigerator has started working longer or louder with the same settings, perform a complete defrost.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of elements may vary depending on the specific series and year of manufacture. Always check the data sheet of your model, since in new lines the operating algorithms may be changed by the manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What to do if the thermostat knob scrolls endlessly?
This is a sign of a breakdown of the thermostat itself. Most likely, the axle has burst or the internal mechanism has been damaged. In this position, the refrigerator will either not turn on or will work continuously. The part needs to be replaced.
Is it possible to set the temperature to +1°C in the Atlant refrigeration chamber?
Theoretically, in mode 6-7 the temperature can drop to +1°C, but it is difficult for a mechanical thermostat to maintain it stably. For precise storage at +1...+2°C (for example, for meat or fish), it is better to use the freshness zone, if there is one, or special containers.
Why does the refrigerator almost never turn off in mode 3?
There may be several reasons: wear on the door seal, loading hot products, high temperature in the room or contamination of the condenser at the back. This may also be a sign of an incipient refrigerant leak.
How to understand that the thermostat is not working correctly?
Main symptoms: the refrigerator does not turn on at all, works without interruption, forming an ice shell, or turns on too often (short cycle). Normally, the work and rest cycle should be approximately equal or the rest period should be slightly longer.