When choosing a new household appliance or repairing a failed unit, one of the first questions that arises among owners is the type of engine installed. Atlant refrigerators they have earned a reputation for reliable and unpretentious equipment, largely due to the use of time-tested components. Understanding what kind of compressor is installed in your model helps not only to assess the energy efficiency of the device, but also to predict the possible costs of its maintenance in the future.
In the lines of the Belarusian manufacturer can be found as classic piston units, as well as more modern inverter solutions. The differences between them concern not only the principle of operation, but also the level of noise generated, as well as the service life. For most users, it is important to know what exactly The Belarusian Atlant plant independently produces compressorswhich is a rare example of vertical integration in the household appliances industry.
This article will help you understand the markings, understand the differences between different series of engines and make the right choice when purchasing or replacing a unit. We will look at technical nuances that are often overlooked in advertising brochures, but are critical for the long life of your refrigerator.
Main types of compressors in Atlant technology
The range of engines installed in refrigeration chambers and freezers of this brand is quite wide. The bulk of the devices are classic piston compressors, which operate on the principle of reciprocating piston motion. This is a technology proven over the years, characterized by high maintainability and availability of spare parts on the market.
In more expensive and modern models, especially in series marked Premium or Inverter, you can find inverter motors. Their key difference is that they are not strictly tied to on and off cycles: they are able to smoothly regulate the shaft rotation speed depending on the current temperature inside the chambers. This allows you to significantly reduce noise levels and energy consumption.
It is also worth noting the division by the number of motors. The single-compressor design implies that one engine serves both cooling circuits at once through a valve system. A two-compressor scheme, where a separate unit is responsible for each chamber, is considered more reliable and allows you to independently control the temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
⚠️ Attention: When trying to replace the compressor yourself, remember that modern refrigerants (R600a) require evacuation of the system and the use of special tools. A simple replacement using the “soldering method” without pumping out air will lead to rapid failure of the new engine.
Own production: Atlant brand compressors
A unique feature of the company is the presence of its own plant for the production of refrigeration compressors. This allows you to control quality at all stages of assembly. Engines produced at Atlanta's own facilities are fully adapted to the design of their refrigerators, which ensures perfect matching of seats and electrical characteristics. Atlanta, are fully customized to the design of their refrigerators, ensuring a perfect match between seating and electrical characteristics.
Serial numbers of such devices often begin with an abbreviation SK or N, followed by numbers, indicating cooling capacity. For example, popular models of the SK 105 or N 110 series can be found in thousands of refrigerators produced over the last decade. These units are famous for their “indestructibility” and ability to operate in a wide range of ambient temperatures.
The use of native components simplifies the search for spare parts in the event of a breakdown. You don’t have to look for analogues from Chinese or European manufacturers, which may not be suitable in terms of dimensions or starting characteristics. The service life of such engines, with proper operation, often exceeds 10-12 years.
Third-party manufacturers: Danfoss, Secop and others
Despite the developed in-house production, in some models, especially in previous years of production or in new series, compressors of third-party brands could be installed. The leader among suppliers for a long time was the Danish company Danfoss (now known as Secop). These engines are considered the standard of reliability and quiet operation.
Also in assemblies you can find products from Chinese factories, such as Embraco (Chinese lines) or Jiaxipera. They are often cheaper to produce, which reduces the final cost of the refrigerator. However, their service life and noise level may vary depending on the specific batch and year of manufacture.
Below is a table that helps identify the main characteristics of popular types of compressors found in Atlant technology:
| Manufacturer | Type | Noise level | Resource (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant (own) | Piston | Average (38-42 dB) | 10-12 |
| Danfoss / Secop | Piston/Inverter | Low (34-38 dB) | 12-15 |
| Jiaxipera | Piston | Medium/High | 7-10 |
| Atlant (Inverter) | Inverter | Low (up to 36 dB) | 10-12 |
It is important to understand that the presence of a third-party compressor is not a sign of defectiveness. On the contrary, at certain periods the plant purchased engines Danfoss for premium lines to ensure maximum quiet operation. You can determine the manufacturer by the sticker on the unit itself, which is visible when you remove the rear protective panel.
How to determine the model and characteristics
To accurately identify the engine installed in your refrigerator, you do not need to be an engineer. All necessary information is contained on the technical sticker located on the metal casing of the compressor. To access it, you need to unplug the refrigerator, move it away from the wall and remove the back cover at the bottom of the case.
On the nameplate you are interested in several key parameters. First of all, this is model (for example, SK 105 CY), which speaks of a series. Next, you should pay attention to the type of refrigerant: R134a or R600a. This is critically important, since the oils and pressure in systems with different freons are different, and simply replacing one with another without reworking the system is impossible.
The sticker also indicates the electrical characteristics: voltage (220-240 V), frequency (50 Hz) and consumption current This data is necessary if you are planning to purchase a start relay or the compressor itself. An incorrectly selected relay can lead to the engine not starting or the winding burning out.
What do the letters in the marking mean?
The letters at the end of the marking are often indicate modification. For example, the letter "Y" may indicate the use of R600a refrigerant, and "C" may indicate increased energy performance. It is better to look for the exact decoding in the technical catalogs of the manufacturer.
Features of inverter systems
Modern Atlant refrigerators are increasingly equipped with inverter compressors. Unlike traditional models that operate in a start-stop mode, the inverter motor does not turn off completely. It reduces the speed to a minimum, maintaining the set temperature. This allows you to avoid temperature changes and power surges in the network.
The main advantage of such systems is energy efficiency class A+ and higher. Electricity consumption is reduced by 20-30% compared to classic models. In addition, the absence of constant starting currents significantly extends the service life of the electrical part of the engine and starting equipment.
However, inverters also have their own characteristics. They are more sensitive to the quality of the voltage in the electrical network. Voltage surges can damage the expensive control board (inverter unit), which is located either in the compressor itself or in the electronic module of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: If you live in an area with unstable power supply, installing an additional voltage stabilizer for a refrigerator with an inverter compressor is a mandatory preventive measure.
☑️ Signs of a compressor malfunction
Typical faults and service life
Even the most reliable units have their service life. The most common problem with classic piston compressors is turn-to-turn short circuit windings or mechanical wear of the piston group. Symptoms may include refusal to turn on, constant operation without shutting down, or the appearance of an extraneous metallic knock.
Inverter systems are characterized by problems with electronics. Failure of the power switches on the control board results in the compressor no longer receiving a start signal. Visually, this may look like a complete inoperability of the refrigerator, although the mechanical unit itself may be in good order.
The average service life of Atlant compressors is about 10 years. However, practice shows that under favorable conditions (stable voltage, clean capacitor, no overheating) they work successfully for 15 and even 20 years. A key factor in longevity is timely defrosting and cleaning the rear grille from dust, which ensures normal heat exchange.
FAQ: Often asked questions
Is it possible to replace a conventional compressor with an inverter one in an Atlant refrigerator?
Theoretically this is possible, but it is technically extremely difficult and economically impractical. It will be necessary to completely redo the electrical circuit, install an inverter control unit and reconfigure the automation system. The manufacturer does not support such an upgrade.
Why is the new Atlant compressor louder than the old one?
New models may operate a little louder due to the use of more environmentally friendly, but less viscous oils and R600a refrigerant, which circulates at a higher speed. A “break-in period” (1-2 weeks) is also possible, after which the parts will grind in and the noise will decrease.
Where is the compressor serial number if the sticker is not readable?
If the sticker on the casing is damaged, the engine model is often stamped on the metal pipe or on the housing itself near the place where the pipes are soldered. Information can also be found in the refrigerator passport or on the warranty card, where components are sometimes indicated.
Is the hum of a compressor a sign of a breakdown?
Not always. A slight hum is the normal operating sound of a piston engine. You should be alerted by sharp clicks, grinding sounds, ringing or vibration transmitted to the refrigerator body. In such cases, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
How much does it cost to replace a compressor in a service?
The cost consists of the price of the unit itself (from 4,000 to 12,000 rubles depending on the model) and the cost of vacuuming, soldering and refilling with freon. The exact price can only be found out after diagnosing a specific refrigerator model.