Moving or buying new household appliances often puts owners in a dilemma: how to deliver large-sized equipment to the apartment, if Vertical loading is not possible? This issue arises especially acutely with refrigerators of the brand Atlant, which are famous for their reliability, but require careful handling when moving. Many users are afraid to place the unit horizontally, believing that this is guaranteed to lead to compressor failure or freon leakage.
In fact, horizontal transportation is permissible if you follow a number of strict technical rules and time intervals. Manufacturers recommend a vertical position for a reason: in this case, the oil remains in the compressor crankcase, and the tubes do not experience critical loads. However, with proper preparation, the risk of damage is minimized, which is confirmed by many years of practice of service centers.
In this article we will look at why there is a risk when transporting on its side, how to properly prepare the device Atlant for the road and, most importantly, after what time it can be plugged into the network. Understanding the physical processes occurring inside the refrigeration system will help you avoid costly repairs.
Why do manufacturers recommend vertical
The main reason for recommendations for vertical transportation lies in the design compressor. Inside this unit there is motor oil, which lubricates the rubbing parts. If there is a sharp tilt or horizontal position, liquid oil may leak from the crankcase into the refrigerant circuit. If you turn on the unit at this moment, the compressor will run “dry”, which will lead to its rapid wear or jamming.
The second factor is the mechanical pressure on the tubes and housing. The weight of the compressor itself and other heavy elements when shaking in the back of a truck creates a load on the mounting points, in which the risk of broken pipes or damage to the engine mount increases significantly. The vertical position distributes weight evenly and minimizes vibration loads. An inclination of more than 40 degrees is considered a critical threshold., in which the risk of pipe breakage or damage to the engine mount increases significantly. The vertical position distributes weight evenly and minimizes vibration loads.
The third aspect concerns door hinges and seals. When laid horizontally, the weight of the case presses on one of the sides, which can deform the plastic or disrupt the tightness of the rubber. Although modern models Atlant are quite durable, long-term static load combined with road vibration does not benefit the geometry of the case.
⚠️ Attention: If you are transporting a device with the No Frost system, make sure that the internal plastic elements are securely fixed, as they are more fragile than in drip systems.
Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Before making a decision about the position of the equipment in the body, it is necessary to carry out thorough preparation. The first and most important step is complete defrosting. Even if the model supports the No Frost function, condensation or ice may remain inside in hard-to-reach places. Humidity inside the circuit, when entering the cooling system, can cause the formation of an ice plug or corrosion.
After defrosting, all removable elements must be removed. Shelves, drawers, containers for vegetables and eggs must be removed, washed, dried and packaged separately. If left inside, shaking may cause them to break or damage the inside of the cameras. The doors must be secured in the closed position using masking tape or standard fasteners, if they are provided for by the design Atlant.
To protect the body from scratches and chips, it is recommended to wrap the unit with stretch film or soft blankets. Pay special attention to protruding parts: handles, decorative panels and control unit. Proper packaging will not only preserve its presentation, but will also prevent doors from opening spontaneously during movement.
☑️ Preparation for transportation
Rules for laying on its side: which side to put it on
If vertical transportation is not possible, it is important to know which side the refrigerator can be laid on. There is a golden rule: you need to install the unit only on the side opposite the tube exit compressor. Usually the tubes come out on the left side when looking at the refrigerator from the back, but for different models Atlant the configuration may differ.
Why is this so important? If you place the refrigerator on its side where the tubes come out, they may not be able to withstand the weight of the compressor itself and the housing, which will lead to them breaking or being torn off from the motor. In addition, in this position, oil is more likely to flow into the circuit through the open holes of the tubes. Laying on the opposite side minimizes these risks, since the tubes are on top.
When laying under the unit, be sure to lay thick cardboard, foam plastic or an old blanket. This will create a shock-absorbing cushion that will dampen vibrations from the road. It is not allowed to place the refrigerator on sharp corners or metal protrusions of the body without additional padding.
Dwelling time before switching on
The most critical stage after delivery is waiting. Many users make the mistake of turning on the equipment immediately after unpacking. This is absolutely impossible to do. Any oil that may have entered the circuit or shifted in the crankcase must completely drain back into the compressor under the influence of gravity.
The holding time depends on several factors: ambient temperature, duration of transportation and angle of inclination. If transportation was carried out in summer in warm weather, the oil is more liquid and drains faster. In winter, especially if the equipment is frozen, the process takes longer. It is also important to allow the electronics and plastic to warm up to room temperature to avoid condensation on the contacts.
Service center specialists Atlant recommend adhering to the following time intervals to ensure the safety of the compressor. Violation of these rules may lead to refusal of warranty service, since the breakdown will be classified as a result of improper operation.
| Conditions of transportation | Dwell time (Summer) | Dwell time (Winter) |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical, without tilt | 2–4 hours | 4–6 hours |
| On the side (less than 30 minutes travel time) | 6–8 hours | 10–12 hours |
| On the side (prolonged shaking) | 12 hours | 24 hours |
| At negative temperatures | At least 24 hours | At least 24 hours |
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is brought in from frost, do not turn it on until it has completely warmed up to room temperature. Condensation inside the electrical circuit can cause a short circuit.
What will happen if you turn it on ahead of time?
If you turn on the refrigerator immediately after horizontal transportation, the compressor may start without lubrication. This will lead to a sharp jump in current, overheating of the windings and jamming of the piston group. In the best case, the thermal relay will work, in the worst, the motor will need to be replaced.
Features of Atlant models with different systems
Different lines of refrigerators Atlant have their own design features. Models with a classic drip system are more forgiving when it comes to transportation, as they have a simple evaporator design. However, dual-compressor models require double attention: they have two motors, and the risk of oil getting into the circuit doubles.
Devices with the system No Frost are equipped with a complex system of air channels and fans. When transporting on its side, it is important not to damage plastic ducts, which may be more fragile. Also, such models often use more viscous oil, which requires a longer time to flow back into the crankcase.
Built-in refrigerators Atlant are more difficult to transport due to the presence of a decorative panel and fasteners. They are strongly recommended to be transported only in an upright position or in the original packaging, which provides for rigid fixation of all components. Removing decorative facades before transportation may disrupt the geometry of the doors.
Frequent errors during independent transportation
One of the most common mistakes is fixing doors with regular office tape. It cannot withstand the load and bursts along the way, leaving the doors open. This leads to impacts on the sides of the body and damage to the hinges. Use only reinforced construction tape or special belts.
Another mistake is trying to carry the refrigerator by holding the doors or handles. The doors are not designed to support the weight of the entire body and may come off along with the hinges. The unit Atlant needs to be carried only by the bottom or by special technological recesses in the rear part of the housing, if provided.
Ignoring weather conditions also plays a cruel joke. Transportation in an open body in rain or snow without reliable moisture protection may result in water entering the electrical control unit. Even short-term wetness of the contacts can damage the electronics.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and transportation requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific series of the refrigerator. Always check the official instructions included with your device.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to transport the Atlant refrigerator on the roof of a passenger car?
It is strictly not recommended. The roof of a car will not support the weight of the refrigerator, and vibrations during movement will damage the compressor and pipes. In addition, there is a high risk of the load falling and creating an emergency situation on the road.
What to do if, after turning on, the refrigerator does not freeze?
If you have followed all the rules for settling, but the cold does not appear within 2-3 hours, the refrigerant may have leaked or the compressor has broken down. Check if the light inside is on and if the fan is running (if any). If the equipment is silent or hums, but does not cool, call a technician.
Do you need to remove the doors when transporting through a narrow opening?
Yes, if the width of the opening is less than the width of the refrigerator with the door open (for maneuver). The doors of most models Atlant are removable. However, it is better to carry out this procedure carefully, marking the hinges so that the seal is not broken after installation.
Is short-term transportation on its side (15 minutes) dangerous?
Short-term transportation is less dangerous, but the risk still exists. The oil may have time to leak. The main rule remains the same: after such transportation, the device must be left in an upright position for at least 4-6 hours before the first start.
Is it possible to use a shipping case instead of a box?
A thick case with a soft inner layer is a good alternative to a cardboard box if you need to protect the case from scratches. However, it will not provide such a rigid fixation as the factory packaging with foam inserts, so it must be placed in the body with extreme care.