Proper start-up of new household appliances is the foundation of its long and hassle-free service. Two-chamber models of the Belarusian brand Atlant have proven themselves to be reliable units, however, they require compliance with a strict algorithm of actions before the first connection to the power grid. Ignoring the rules of transportation and exposure can lead to damage to the compressor, the repair of which will cost a lot of money.
Many users make the mistake of believing that it is enough to simply insert the plug into the socket and wait for cooling. In fact, the preparation process includes several critical steps, from choosing the installation location to the initial calibration of the thermostat. In this article we will analyze each step in detail so that your Atlant refrigerator lasts the maximum period.
Particular attention should be paid to transportation. If the unit was transported in a lying position, oil from the compressor could leak into the refrigerant circulation system. An attempt to start the engine in this condition will lead to water hammer, which is fatal for the equipment. Therefore, the holding time before turning on is not a whim, but a technical necessity.
Preparation for the first launch and choosing a location
Before looking for the power button, it is necessary to provide the device with the correct operating conditions. Two-chamber models Atlant have dimensions that require free space for effective heat removal from the condenser. Installation close to a wall or in a niche without gaps will lead to overheating of the motor and increased energy consumption.
The floor at the installation site must be level and stable. If the refrigerator wobbles, vibrations from the compressor will increase, which may cause noise or movement of the internal shelves. Adjusting the legs allows you to set the case strictly horizontally, which is also important for the correct operation of the system defrosting.
- 📏 Leave a gap of at least 5-7 cm from the back wall to the wall of the room.
- 🔌 Make sure that the outlet is grounded and matches the load.
- 🧹 Wipe the internal chambers with a damp cloth to remove factory dust.
- 🚫 Do not install the unit near heat sources (batteries, stoves).
☑️ Initial inspection of the refrigerator
It is important to check the completeness. Some models may have shipping bolts or drawer clamps that must be removed before use. Also inspect the door seals - they should be clean and fit tightly around the entire perimeter.
Technological break after transportation
The most common question that owners have: how long after can the refrigerator be turned on Atlant after delivery? The answer depends solely on the position in which the transportation took place. The oil in the compressor has a viscous structure and, when shaking or tilting, spreads through the system tubes.
If the unit was transported in a vertical position, it is enough to let it stand for 2-3 hours. This time is enough for the oil to drain into the compressor crankcase and condensate to evaporate if it has formed on the internal elements. In winter, this process may take longer due to low temperatures.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was transported lying down, the holding time before turning on should be at least 8-12 hours, and in winter - up to 24 hours. An attempt to turn on the equipment earlier will result in the compressor operating without lubrication.
Ignoring the exposure rule is one of the main reasons for the failure of motor-compressors in the first year of operation. Even if outwardly it seems that “nothing bad will happen,” microscopic oil particles in the refrigerant can clog the capillary tube, which will require complex and expensive repairs.
The location of controls and interfaces
The control interface for two-chamber models Atlant may differ depending on the series and year of manufacture. In classic mechanical models, the regulators are rotary disks located inside the fridge compartment. In more modern versions with electronic control, the panel is located on the outer door.
Mechanical models are characterized by the presence of one or two regulators. If there is only one regulator, it controls the operation of the compressor, and the distribution of cold between the chambers occurs automatically or through a damper. The presence of two regulators allows you to independently adjust the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
Electronic panels are equipped with a display and touch buttons. Here you can see indicators of compressor operation, modes super freezes or open door alarm. Control is carried out by touching or pressing the buttons under the display.
What do the indicators on the panel mean?
Snowflake indicator - compressor operation. Triangle with exclamation mark indicator - high temperature alarm. “Key” indicator – child lock buttons. Flashing indicators often indicate a malfunction or defrosting process.
When you turn it on for the first time, it is important to find the power switch if it is included in the design of your model. In some older series Atlant the power button is located on the case next to the thermostat. In most modern models, startup occurs automatically when the cord is connected to the network.
Step-by-step algorithm for turning on the refrigerator
The process of activating the device must take place sequentially. First make sure that all shipping materials have been removed and that the doors open freely. Then plug the power cord into a separate grounded outlet. Do not use extension cords or tees, as the compressor creates a high starting load.
After connecting to the network, the device may make a clicking sound - this means the starting relay has tripped. If you have a model with mechanical control, turn the thermostat knob to the position recommended by the instructions (usually the middle of the scale or the value “2”-“3”). Do not turn the regulator to the maximum immediately.
| Action | Mechanical control | Electronic control |
|---|---|---|
| Network connection | Automatic start or button on the body | Automatic display backlight |
| Temperature setting | Rotary control inside the chamber | Buttons on the external panel |
| Operation indication | Sound click, vibration | Compressor indicator lights up |
| Lock | Absent | Child lock can be activated |
In the first minutes of operation, listen to the sounds. Let's assume a slight hum, gurgling of the refrigerant and periodic clicks. If you hear a loud knock, grinding or whistling sound, immediately unplug the device and contact a service center.
Setting temperature modes and functions
After successful startup, you need to set the optimal temperature mode. For a two-chamber refrigeration chamber Atlant the recommended temperature is from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius. In the freezer for long-term storage of food, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of -18 degrees or lower.
If you have loaded a lot of warm foods, it makes sense to activate the mode super freezing. This feature causes the compressor to run continuously for several hours, quickly freezing the contents. However, you should not keep this mode turned on constantly, so as not to overload the unit.
- ❄️ For daily storage, set the thermostat to average values.
- 🥩 When loading a large volume of meat, turn on “Super freezing” for 2-3 hours.
- 🌡️ Do not set the minimum temperature unless necessary - this will increase energy consumption.
- 🧊 Control the formation of ice in the freezer (for No Frost systems this is not relevant).
In models with electronics, the setting is made by pressing the corresponding buttons on the panel. The digital value on the display will flash, allowing you to select the desired temperature using the Up or Down buttons. After confirmation, the setting is saved in memory.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of controls may vary slightly depending on the specific modification of your model. Always check the paper instructions included in the kit, or find the version on the manufacturer’s official website using the exact model number.
Initial loading with products and control of operation
The refrigerator is ready to be loaded with products only after it reaches working conditions temperature. Typically this process takes from 4 to 12 hours depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature. An empty unit will cool faster, but having some food (or water bottles) helps stabilize the temperature.
Do not load all the shelves with warm food at once. This will cause the temperature inside the chambers to spike and force the compressor to work at its limit for a long time. It is better to cool the unit empty or with a minimum amount of water, and add food gradually.
During the first day of operation, pay attention to cyclicity. The compressor must be turned on and off periodically. If it works without stopping for more than 12 hours or, conversely, does not turn on at all when defrosted, this is a sign of a malfunction or incorrect setting.
Frequent startup problems and their solutions
Sometimes users encounter situations where the refrigerator Atlant hums, but does not get cold, or makes strange sounds. Often the reason lies in trivial things: incorrect position, blocked ventilation holes or power surges.
If after turning on the emergency temperature indicator (red flashing symbol) is on, but it is cold inside, the door may not have been closed tightly or you have just loaded a lot of warm food. Give the technique time to get into mode. If the alarm does not disappear after a day, diagnostics are required.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator hum immediately after being turned on?
A hum in the first minutes of operation is normal. The compressor picks up speed and the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system. If the humming becomes a vibration, check to see if the pipes are touching the back of the cabinet or the walls. Also make sure that the refrigerator is level on all four legs.
What to do if water forms inside the refrigerator?
In two-chamber models with a drip defrosting system, water on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment is a normal process. It should flow into the groove and evaporate. If water is pouring onto the shelves, check whether the drainage hole is not clogged with food crumbs or ice.
Is it possible to turn on the Atlant refrigerator through an extension cord?
Manufacturers categorically do not recommend using extension cords, especially cheap or twisted ones. The compressor's inrush current is high, and poor contact in the extension cord can cause heating, sparking, and even fire. Use only a separate outlet with grounding.
How long should the refrigerator operate when first turned on?
When first started, the refrigerator can operate non-stop for up to 12-24 hours until it reaches the set temperature at all points in the volume. After entering the mode, it should begin to turn off cyclically. If the motor does not stop for the second day, this is a reason to contact the service.