Searching thermostat in Belarusian-made household appliances often becomes a task that requires careful study of the instructions or internal structure of the unit. Model owners Atlant often face the need to change the temperature regime, but cannot find the appropriate control, especially when it comes to old or, conversely, the latest modifications. The location of this important unit directly depends on the type of control system, which can be mechanical or electronic.
In classic models with mechanical controls the regulator is usually hidden from view so as not to disturb the aesthetics of the camera interior, however, in more modern versions, manufacturers display the controls to the front panel. Understanding the design of your refrigerator is the first step to proper operation. If you can't find the knob or buttons, it may be worth looking in less obvious places, such as under the top cover or inside a special compartment.
Incorrect settings temperature conditions can lead to food spoilage or excessive power consumption, so it is important to know exactly where the control element is located. In this article we will analyze in detail all possible options for the location of regulators in various series of refrigerators Atlant, and also consider the nuances of their settings to achieve optimal compressor operation.
Features of mechanical thermostats
Most classic models Atlant, especially two-chamber ones, are equipped with mechanical thermostat. This is a reliable device that physically opens and closes an electrical circuit depending on the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. Externally, such a regulator is a rotary knob, often made in the form of a disk with digital designations from 1 to 7 or from Min to Max.
The main feature of mechanics is that it does not show the exact temperature in degrees Celsius. The numbers on the scale indicate cooling intensity: the higher the number, the colder it will be inside. It is important to understand that the divisions are not linear, and the transition from “3” to “4” can give a greater increase in cold than the transition from “1” to “2”.
⚠️ Attention: Suddenly moving the mechanical thermostat knob to the maximum value (7 or Max) can lead to the formation of a “snow coat” on the rear wall and freezing of products.
The service life mechanical thermostat is quite long, but over time the contacts may oxidize, and the bellows tube of the temperature-sensitive element may lose its tightness. If you notice that the refrigerator stops turning off or, conversely, does not start at all, the problem often lies in this particular unit. In such cases, diagnostics and, possibly, replacement of the part are required.
How does a mechanical thermostat work?
Inside the thermostat there is a bellows (corrugated tube) filled with freon or other refrigerant. As the temperature changes, the gas pressure inside the bellows changes, causing the tube to contract or expand. This mechanical movement is transmitted to a group of contacts, closing or opening the compressor power circuit.
Location of the regulator in single-chamber models
In single-chamber refrigerators Atlant it is easiest to find a temperature regulator, since the design of these models is less complicated. Most often thermostat located inside the refrigerator compartment, directly on the right or left wall, or built into the top lighting panel (shade). In old Soviet and post-Soviet models, the handle could be located outside, above the door, but in modern lines they have moved away from this.
If you open the door and do not see an obvious twist on the wall, carefully inspect lamp shade. In some models, the regulator is combined with the light switch button or located next to it. Sometimes to access it you need to carefully remove the decorative cover, but in most cases the handle is immediately accessible.
In models without the No Frost system (with a drip defrosting system), the thermostat's heat-sensitive element is fixed to the evaporator or pressed against the back wall of the chamber. That is why, when replacing the thermostat, it is important to install and fix it correctly capillary tube, otherwise the refrigerator will not work correctly, taking long breaks or working without stopping.
Where to look for a thermostat in two-chamber refrigerators
In two-chamber models Atlant the situation is a little more complicated, since control can be carried out for both the refrigeration and freezer compartments (in models with two compressors). As standard, with one compressor temperature regulator located in the refrigerator compartment. Usually this is the right wall or the upper corner of the chamber.
If you have a model with two compressors (separate freezer control), then there will be two regulators. The second thermostat, responsible for the freezer compartment, is most often located inside the freezer, on the side wall or on the inside of the door. This allows you to independently configure the modes freezing and storage of chilled products.
In some series, for example, in the line Xtreme or older series MHM, the regulator can be combined with a button "Super Freeze" In this case, pressing the button activates the intensive mode, and the rotary mechanism is used to set the main mode. Be careful: do not confuse the light button with the regulator; they are often located in close proximity.
| Refrigerator series | Location of the regulator | Control type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MHM 1700 | Inside the refrigerator compartment, on the right | Mechanical | Classic round handle |
| Atlant 4008 | Inside, upper right corner | Mechanical | The regulator is combined with the ceiling |
| Atlant 6221 | On the outer panel of the door | Electronic | Touch buttons or display |
| Atlant 1802 | Inside, left wall | Mechanical | Vertical scale |
When replacing the thermostat in a two-chamber refrigerator, it is important to remember the length capillary tube. It should not be tightly stretched, but it should not lie in rings touching the walls where ice may form. Incorrect placement of the tube is a common cause of failure of a new thermostat immediately after installation.
☑️ Check before replacing the thermostat
Electronic control and display
Modern models Atlant are increasingly equipped electronic control system. In such refrigerators you will not find the usual knob inside the chamber. All settings are placed on an external panel located on the door, or hidden under a decorative cover on the top of the body.
If there is a display on the door, the temperature is adjusted using buttons Temp or arrows Up/Down. However, if there is no display, but the model is declared as electronic, the controls may be located under a “secret” cover at the end of the door or on top. Sometimes you need to press a hidden button or slide a panel to access them.
Electronics allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of 1 degree, which is impossible with mechanical regulation. In addition, such systems are often equipped with a function self-diagnosis. If the refrigerator has stopped cooling, it can report this by flashing indicators or an error code on the display, which greatly simplifies troubleshooting.
⚠️ Attention: Electronic control modules are sensitive to power surges in the network. To extend the life of refrigerators with a display, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer or surge protector.
In models with a system No Frost and electronic control, temperature sensors are located at different points in the chamber (on the evaporator, in the air duct). Adjustment via the control panel changes the target values, which are read by the main controller that controls the operation of the compressor and fans.
How to correctly set the temperature
Correct setting temperature conditions is the key to long life of products and energy savings. For mechanical thermostats, the optimal position of the knob is at number 3 or 4. This corresponds to a temperature of about +4...+5°C in the refrigerator compartment, which is ideal for storing most products.
In the summer, when the kitchen is hot, you can slightly increase the cooling by turning the knob to 4 or 5. In winter, if the refrigerator is in a cool room, the mode can be reduced to 2 or 3. However, if the temperature in the room drops below +10°C, a regular refrigerator Atlant may stop turning on, since the thermostat will “think” that it is cold enough inside.
- 🌡️ For storing meat and fish in the refrigerator In the chamber (not in the freezer), it is better to use the freshness zone or the lower shelf, setting the regulator closer to 4-5.
- 🥛 Dairy products are better preserved at a temperature of +2...+4°C, which corresponds to the average values of the thermostat scale.
- 🍺 Drinks and canned food can be stored at a higher temperature, so when the chamber is fully loaded you can slightly reduce the power (mode 2-3).
Do not chase the maximum values (6-7) unless necessary. Non-stop operation of the compressor with such settings leads to rapid wear of the compressor motor and the formation of a thick ice crust on the evaporator, which will have to be defrosted manually.
Frequent problems and their solutions
One of the most common problems is the situation when the refrigerator does not turn off. This may mean that the thermostat is stuck in the "On" position or the bellows tube has lost its seal. In this case, the compressor works continuously, trying to reach an unattainable temperature, which leads to overheating and high electricity bills.
The opposite problem is The refrigerator does not turn on. If the light is on but the motor is silent, the thermostat may have broken the circuit and is not closing it even when the temperature rises. Sometimes lightly tapping the regulator knob helps, but this is only a temporary measure. In the long term, the part needs to be replaced.
There is also a problem of incorrect readings when the scale shows “3” and the food freezes. This indicates that the thermostat calibration has gone wrong. In mechanical models, there is often an adjustment screw under the handle, but it is not recommended to turn it without special equipment (thermometer) and experience, since you can completely reset the settings.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator get very cold even at minimum?
If food freezes even at the minimum value (1), the thermostat may be faulty and requires replacement. Also, the cause may be a freon leak (in some cases) or a violation of thermal insulation, but most often it is the thermostat that is to blame, which does not open the circuit in time.
Is it possible to replace a mechanical thermostat with an electronic one?
Theoretically, this is possible, but it requires a deep rework of the control system, installation of a new controller and sensors. For ordinary users, such an upgrade is not economically feasible and technically complex. It is easier to replace a mechanical thermostat with a similar one.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
You need to ring the thermostat contacts. At room temperature, the contacts should be closed (the multimeter shows 0 or makes a squeak). If you place the sensitive element in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, the contacts should open (infinity resistance). If this does not happen, the part is faulty.
What to do if the regulator handle is broken?
If the plastic handle (lever) itself is broken, but the thermostat shaft is intact, you can carefully turn the shaft with pliers to set the desired mode. For permanent use, you can glue a new handle or use a universal key, but it is better to order an original spare part using the catalog number.