Starting new or transported Coca-Cola refrigeration equipment - This is a process that requires strict adherence to time intervals and sequence of actions. Many retail outlet owners make the mistake of plugging in the device immediately after unpacking or transporting it, which can lead to failure of the compressor.
Before looking for the power button, you need to let the device stand in an upright position. This time is needed so that the oil that gets into the cooling system during shaking flows back into the compressor crankcase. Ignoring this rule often becomes the cause hydraulic hammer at start.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for the safe start of equipment. You will learn how to check the integrity of the circuits, set the temperature correctly and make sure the system is tight before loading products.
Preparing equipment for the first start
The first stage is always a visual inspection. The refrigerated display case or cabinet may have received damage during delivery that is not visible at a quick glance. Carefully inspect the housing for dents, especially in the area of the compressor compartment and condenser grill.
Pay special attention to the integrity of the hoses and electrical cable. If traces of melting, kinks or damage to the insulation are visible on the power cord, turn on the device strictly prohibited. Also check the condition of the evaporator inside the chamber - it should not have signs of corrosion or mechanical punctures.
⚠️ Attention: If you find oil stains under the device or on the back wall, this may indicate depressurization of the system. In this case, starting the compressor is useless and dangerous.
Make sure that the refrigerator is installed on a flat surface. Misalignment can lead to improper operation of the door mechanism and disruption of refrigerant circulation. Use a building level to check the horizontal position, adjusting the height of the legs.
☑️ Initial inspection
Settling time intervals after transportation
The issue of settling time is critical for longevity (durability) compressor. The refrigerant and compressor oil are in equilibrium when turned off, but during transportation the oil actively migrates through the system tubes.
If the Coca-Cola refrigerator was transported in a vertical position, the minimum settling time is 2-3 hours. However, experts recommend increasing this period to 4–6 hours to ensure complete stabilization of the liquids inside the system.
The situation changes dramatically if the device was transported lying down. In this case, oil could flow deep into the evaporator circuits. The minimum standing time in a vertical position should be at least 8–12 hours, and ideally a full day.
Why can’t you turn it on right away?
The oil that gets into the evaporator creates a tight plug. When starting, the compressor begins to pump only gas, trying to push liquid. This causes overheating and mechanical destruction of the piston group valves.
Do not try to speed up the process by heating the housing or other traditional methods. Natural gravity is the only safe way to return oil to the crankcase. Violation of this rule often leads to expensive repair of the compressor.
Location of controls and switching on
After the settling time has expired, you can begin connecting. Controls on Coca-Cola refrigerators may be located differently depending on the model and year of manufacture. Most often, the power button or toggle switch is located on the top panel or inside the camera.
In modern models with electronic control, startup occurs automatically after voltage is applied, if the demo display mode is not activated in the settings. In mechanical models, it is necessary to turn the temperature regulator from the "0" or "Off" position to the operating range.
| Control type | Location | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Inside the chamber (thermostat) | The relay clicks, the lamp lights up |
| Electronic (Digital) | On the external panel or on top | LED display |
| Combined | Network switch + regulator | Camera lighting lamp |
Plug the device into the network. If an extension cord is used, make sure that the cord size matches the wattage of the refrigerator. For powerful Coca-Cola display cases, the use of cheap household extension cords with thin wire is unacceptable due to the risk of overheating.
Immediately after turning on, you may hear gurgling or hissing - this is normal, the refrigerant begins to circulate. However, a loud knocking or clanging sound should alert you. In the first minutes of operation, listen to the sounds of the motor.
Temperature settings
Correct temperature settings are the key to high-quality preservation of drinks. For Coca-Cola products, the optimal range is considered to be from +2 to +6 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the soda remains tasty, but does not freeze.
In mechanical thermostats, adjustment is carried out by turning the handle. Typically the scale has divisions from 1 to 5 or from Min to Max. Do not immediately set the maximum cooling. Start from the middle position and observe the operation of the device throughout the day.
Electronic controllers allow you to set the exact temperature in steps of 0.1 degrees. Entering setup mode usually requires (holding) a button or key combination. Instructions for your specific model Coca-Cola Freestyle or display case may differ, so check your data sheet.
⚠️ Attention: Setting the temperature below 0 degrees will cause the liquid in the bottles to freeze. As the water expands, it will tear the container, causing contamination of the chamber and loss of presentation.
It is important to take into account external factors. If the refrigerator is kept in a hot room or in direct sunlight, it will need to work harder. In such cases, a slight increase in the mode is allowed, but with caution.
First cooling cycle and loading
An empty refrigerator cools faster, but this does not mean that it needs to be immediately filled with products. Let the machine run idle for at least 2-4 hours. During this time, the chamber walls and shelves will gain the necessary cold.
Loading with warm drinks immediately after switching on will create an excess load on the compressor. It will run continuously trying to cool a large volume of liquid, which can cause the motor windings to overheat.
Load product evenly without blocking the ventilation holes. Air circulation within the chamber is critical to maintaining a uniform temperature. If you cover all the racks with bottles, some areas will be warm, while others will be too cold.
Watch the first compressor shutdown cycle. If the device operates for more than 12 hours without stopping, this is a signal of a malfunction or incorrect setting. Normally, the refrigerator should gain temperature and go into standby mode.
Diagnostics (Common problems) at startup
Even if you follow all the instructions, nuances may arise. Understanding the nature of the sounds and behavior of the device will help you avoid panic and unnecessary calls to the technician. Let's look at the main symptoms.
If the refrigerator is humming but not cooling, there may be a break in the capillary tube or a freon leak. If it is cold, but clicks too loudly, the problem may be in the start relay or the compressor itself.
Condensation on the walls or floor is a sign of high humidity or a loose door fit. Check the rubber seal around the perimeter. It should fit snugly to the body along its entire length.
The table below shows the main symptoms and their possible causes:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The lamp is on, no cold | Faulty compressor or thermostat | Call a technician |
| Strong vibration | Transport bolts not unscrewed | Check fasteners compressor |
| Ice freezes on the back wall | The defrost sensor or heating element is faulty | Defreeze and check |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator Coca-Cola immediately after purchase?
No, you can’t. Even if it was transported carefully, it is necessary to let it sit for at least 2-3 hours for the oil to drain into the compressor. Ignoring this rule can lead to breakdown.
Why does the refrigerator take a long time to turn off for the first time?
When it first starts, it needs to cool the entire internal volume, shelves and walls. This process can take from 6 to 12 hours. If after this it continues to work without interruption, this is a malfunction.
What should you do if, after switching on, a burning smell appears?
A slight odor may come from the heating of new electrical components or dust on the heater. If the smell is strong and does not go away after 30 minutes, immediately unplug the device and contact service.
Do you need to defrost a Coca-Cola refrigerator?
Most modern models have a No Frost system or automatic drip defrosting. However, if you see ice thicker than 5 mm, the device must be defrosted manually by unplugging it for 12-24 hours.
How can you tell that the temperature is set correctly?
Use a regular outdoor thermometer, placing it in a glass of water on the middle shelf. Check the readings after a few hours. For drinks, +3...+5°C is optimal.