Owners of refrigeration equipment Atlant often face the need to change the standard operating mode of the equipment. Situations where this is required may arise for various reasons: from the desire to use the volume only for storing chilled products to scheduled defrosting or temporary storage of large quantities of fresh vegetables. Understanding the operating principles of your model is the key to proper operation. disable the freezer, can arise for various reasons: from the desire to use the volume only for storing chilled foods to scheduled defrosting or temporary storage of large quantities of fresh vegetables. Understanding how your model works is key to proper operation.
Modern Belarusian-made refrigerators are equipped with various temperature control systems. Depending on how much compressors is installed in your unit, the procedure will be radically different. Erroneous actions can lead not only to product damage, but also to failure of the electronic board or mechanical regulator. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of action for different series of equipment.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of control of your device. This can be a mechanical rotary switch, an electronic panel with a display, or a combination of two independent circuits. Two-compressor models give maximum flexibility in settings, allowing you to completely isolate the operation of one of the compartments, while single-circuit systems require a more careful approach.
Type determination Atlant refrigeration system
Before you begin manipulating the settings, it is critically important to understand the architecture of your refrigerator. Most models Atlant are divided into two main categories according to the type of cooling: single-compressor and double-compressor. This parameter determines whether you can physically or programmatically stop the circulation of refrigerant in the freezer compartment without affecting the main refrigerator.
If you have a model with one motor, then the refrigerant passes sequentially through both circuits. In such systems, completely shutting down the freezer while the main compartment is running is technically impossible without disrupting the cooling cycle. However, there are modes that allow minimize cooling in the lower chamber. In two-compressor units, a separate motor-compressor is responsible for each compartment, which makes them independent of each other.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to mechanically shut off the capillary tube in single-circuit systems without the appropriate qualifications can lead to depressurization of the system and irreversible damage compressor.
To accurately identify the type of your equipment, inspect the back wall of the refrigerator or study the technical data sheet. The presence of two separate temperature controllers or two control panels usually indicates a dual-circuit system. Also, a sign of independence of the circuits is the presence of two separate power plugs or specific markings on the nameplate indicating the power of two compressors.
Setting up two-compressor refrigerator models
Owners of two-compressor models Atlant are the most fortunate, since the design of such devices initially assumes the possibility of autonomous operation cameras To turn off your freezer, you don't have to look for hidden buttons or perform complex combinations. It is enough to simply move the temperature regulator responsible for the freezer to the appropriate position.
Usually mechanical regulators have a scale from 1 to 7 or from Min to Max. To turn off, turn the knob counterclockwise until it stops. In some modifications, the extreme left position is indicated by a number 0 or an inscription OFF. At this moment, you will hear a characteristic click - the contacts of the thermostat open, and the freezer compressor stops receiving power.
If your model is equipped with electronic control, the procedure is performed through the panel interface. You will need to find the freezer control menu and activate the shutdown function. Often this requires holding the temperature control button for a few seconds or selecting the appropriate icon on the display. After activating the mode, an indication of the off state may appear on the screen.
☑️ Algorithm for turning off a two-compressor refrigerator
It is important to note that even after the compressor is turned off, the chamber may remain at a low temperature for several hours. This is a normal physical process due to the inertia of heat transfer. You should not open the door unless necessary if your goal is to quickly increase the temperature inside for defrosting or cleaning.
Features of operating single-circuit systems
The situation with single-circuit refrigerators Atlant is more complicated, since they use one compressor to cool both compartments. The refrigerant first passes through the freezer evaporator and then through the main compartment. Therefore, it is impossible to completely stop cooling in the freezer, leaving cold in the refrigerator compartment, in such systems However, there are ways to significantly reduce the intensity of ice formation and lower the temperature in the freezer compartment, switching it to a mode close to refrigeration. To do this, the temperature controller (thermostat) is set to the minimum cooling position (usually the number.
However, there are ways to significantly reduce the rate of ice formation and lower the temperature in the freezer compartment, switching it to a mode close to refrigeration. To do this, the temperature controller (thermostat) is set to the minimum cooling position (usually the number 1 or Min). In this mode, the compressor will turn on less often, and the temperature in the freezer will rise to values of about -6...-8°C.
Some users try to use the “Super Cooling” or “Super Freezing” mode for the opposite effect, which is a mistake. These functions, on the contrary, force the compressor to work continuously, lowering the temperature as much as possible. For temporary storage of products that do not require deep freezing, it is better to simply reduce the overall temperature in the refrigerator by setting the regulator to medium values.
Why can’t you completely turn off the freezer in a single-circuit refrigerator?
In a single-circuit system, freon circulates in a single circle. It first takes heat from the freezer (where the temperature is lowest) and then passes through the main compartment. If you stop circulation in the freezer, the main refrigerator will also stop cooling. It is impossible to structurally block the flow of refrigerant in only one place without disrupting the operation of the entire system.
It is also worth considering that in winter, when the room temperature drops below +10°C, single-circuit refrigerators may behave incorrectly. The thermostat installed in the main compartment may “think” that there is enough cold and not turn on the compressor, which is why the ice in the freezer will begin to melt. In such cases, the use of a special winter set or heating of the thermostat zone is required.
Using the Super Cooling and Super Freezing mode
Many models Atlant equipped with intensive cooling functions, which are often confused with the possibility control of individual cameras. The Super Freeze mode is designed to quickly freeze fresh food and is usually activated 24 hours before loading large quantities of food. In this mode, the compressor operates continuously, ignoring the thermostat readings.
There is also a mode that is sometimes called “Super Cooling” of the main compartment, but in the context of our topic, a more interesting function is that it allows you to temporarily change cooling priorities. However, none of the standard modes is designed to completely turn off the freezer. On the contrary, activating these functions leads to maximum utilization of the freezing circuit resource.
If your goal is to prevent food from freezing in the freezer (for example, if you store fruit there), using the super-freezing mode is strictly contraindicated. You should, on the contrary, “weaken” the operation of the unit as much as possible by setting the regulator to minimum. Long-term operation in super-freezing mode (more than 3 days) can lead to overload of the compressor.
| Operating mode | Impact on the freezer | Impact on the main compartment | Recommended use time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (3-4) | -18°C | +4°C | Constant |
| Minimum (1) | -6...-8°C | +6...+8°C | For storing vegetables/fruits |
| Super freezing | -24°C and below | Intensive cooling | No more than 72 hours |
| Shutdown (0/OFF) | Environment temperature | Operates normally (2-compressor) | Defrosting or washing |
Users should carefully read the instructions for the specific model, as the names of the functions may differ. For example, in some series Atlant with electronic control there is a “Vacation” function, which switches the refrigerator compartment to economy mode (+15°C), but the freezer continues to operate in normal mode. This is a useful feature for saving energy, but it does not solve the problem of turning off the freezer.
Full defrosting and cleaning procedure
The most common reason why you need to turn off the freezer is the need to defrost. Ice accumulation greater than 5-7 mm significantly increases energy consumption and reduces cooling efficiency. For two-compressor models, the process is simple: you turn off the freezer, as mentioned above, and wait for defrosting.
In single-circuit systems, you will have to turn off the entire refrigerator completely. To do this, remove the power cord from the outlet. The doors of all cells are left open. Speed up the thawing process using a hairdryer, hot water or sharp objects is strictly prohibited. Mechanical chipping of ice can damage the evaporator, which will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
After all the ice has melted, you must thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution. This will help eliminate unpleasant odors and bacteria. Before turning the refrigerator back on, make sure that all parts are completely dry.
⚠️ Attention: Never use heating devices (fan heaters, heaters) to speed up defrosting, directing hot air inside the chamber. A sharp temperature change can cause deformation of plastic parts and cracks in the evaporator.
Diagnostics of faults when it is impossible to turn off
There are situations when the user tries to turn off the freezer (turns the regulator to 0), but the compressor continues to hum, or, conversely, the refrigerator does not turn on after returning the settings. This may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat. If the control knob scrolls endlessly or does not make a click, the internal spring of the mechanism may have burst.
In electronic models, a sign of a breakdown may be flashing indicators or lack of response to button presses. If you set the shutdown mode, but the temperature in the chamber does not increase and the compressor is running, this may indicate sticking relay contacts or a malfunction of the control module. In such cases, you need to call a specialist.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. If the seal is worn out or the door is warped, warm air constantly enters the chamber. The compressor will work continuously, trying to compensate for heat loss, and create the impression that it is not possible to turn off the freezing mode, although the problem lies in the tightness.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the Atlant freezer be used as a regular refrigerator?
In most models it is not possible to fully use the freezer as a refrigeration compartment (with a temperature of +4°C). Even at minimum settings, the temperature there stays around -6...-8°C. This is suitable for storing some vegetables or freezing, but not for storing ready-made dishes that require above-zero temperatures.
Why is it still cold in the freezer after turning off?
A refrigerator is a thermally insulated volume. After the compressor is turned off, the cold accumulated in the walls and products remains for a long time. It may take from 4 to 10 hours to completely warm up to room temperature, depending on the volume of the chamber and the temperature in the room.
Is it harmful to keep the freezer turned off for a long time?
Leaving the freezer turned off for a long time is not harmful for equipment if it is dry and clean. However, if you turn off only one circuit in a two-compressor refrigerator, the second continues to work, creating a temperature difference across the partition. This is the normal operating mode provided by the manufacturer and does not carry any risks.
What to do if the regulator is stuck in the OFF position?
If the mechanical regulator is jammed and you cannot turn it back, do not use excessive force - you can break the plastic rod. Try turning the handle gently, without jerking. If this does not help, you will need to replace the thermostat, since it is impossible to operate the refrigerator without the ability to adjust the temperature.