When you can turn on the Atlant refrigerator after transportation

After purchasing a new refrigerator or moving to a new apartment, owners often wonder about immediately starting up the equipment. The desire to quickly check the functionality of the unit Atlant is quite understandable, because the equipment is already installed in the kitchen. However, haste in this matter can be fatal for the compressor, which is the heart of the entire cooling system.

Many do not know that during transportation, especially in a horizontal position, oil from the compressor flows into the system circuits. If you start the engine right away, it will run dry, which will lead to rapid wear or jamming of the piston group. Therefore temporary interfacing before the first start-up, this is not a whim of the manufacturer, but a technical necessity.

In this article we will analyze in detail exactly how long your refrigerator should stand, how weather conditions influence this process and what actions are strictly prohibited. Following these simple rules will extend the life of your Atlanta for many years without expensive repairs.

The critical importance of the pause before the first start

The main reason why you cannot turn on refrigerator immediately after delivery lies in the compressor design. Inside this unit there is a special compressor oil, which provides lubrication of rubbing parts and seals gaps. During transportation, especially if the unit was tilted or transported lying down, this oil flows from the compressor crankcase into the pipe system and heat exchangers.

If you turn on the Atlant plug in until the oil flows back, the compressor will try to compress the gaseous refrigerant together with the liquid oil This causes water hammer, which can damage the valves or cause the connecting rod to break. In the best case, the thermal relay will work, in the worst, the motor will burn out. Complete drainage of the oil back into the compressor crankcase takes from 2 to 24 hours, depending on conditions.

In addition, with a sharp temperature change, for example, if the refrigerator is brought from cold to warm room, condensation will form inside. Moisture on electrical contacts can cause a short circuit. Therefore, a pause is necessary not only for oil, but also to equalize temperatures and evaporate moisture.

Factors influencing the settling time

The time that should stand Atlant refrigerator before turning on is not a fixed value. It directly depends on several external and internal factors. Ignoring these nuances can negate all efforts for careful transportation.

The first and main factor is the position of the equipment during transportation. If the unit was transported strictly vertically, maintaining an inclination angle of no more than 40 degrees, then the oil could only partially leave the crankcase. In this case, the waiting time is minimal. If Atlant lay on its side or back, the oil is guaranteed to fill the evaporator and condenser, requiring maximum time for return.

The second important factor is the season and ambient temperature. In winter, at low temperatures, the viscosity of the oil increases significantly. It becomes thick and flows back into the compressor much more slowly than in warm weather. In summer, this process goes faster due to the fluidity of lubricants.

The third factor is the compressor model. Some modern models Atlant equipped with compressors with a special valve design, which may be more sensitive to the presence of oil in the circuit. It is always better to play it safe and let the equipment sit longer than specified in the minimum requirements.

Time intervals: how long to wait in winter and summer

For the convenience of users, manufacturers and service center technicians have developed approximate recommendations for settling time. They are based on the physical properties of oils and refrigerants at different temperatures. Let's look at specific scenarios.

In the summer, when the air temperature is above +15°C, the recovery processes are most active. If Atlant was transported vertically, 2-4 hours is enough. If the equipment has been lying, it is recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours. During this time, the oil will have time to drain, and the temperature of the components will stabilize.

Winter operation makes its own adjustments. At temperatures below 0°C the oil solidifies. Even if you bring the refrigerator into a warm place, it needs time not only to heat up, but also for the grease to start moving. In the cold season, the minimum waiting time is 12 hours, and the optimal is a full 24 hours.

Below is a table systematizing these recommendations for various conditions:

⚠️ Attention: The specified time is counted only from the moment the refrigerator is installed in a vertical position in a heated room. The time spent on the road or in an unheated entrance is not taken into account.

Correct installation and preparation for work

Before thinking about connecting to the network, you need to properly prepare the place for refrigerator. Incorrect installation can cause vibration, noise and even damage to the compressor during operation. Atlant - equipment sensitive to distortions.

Choose a place away from heating devices and direct sunlight. The distance to the wall must be at least 5-7 cm to ensure normal air circulation around the condenser. If the radiator overheats, the compressor will work with increased load, which will shorten its life.

After installation in place, it is necessary to level the unit horizontally. Use a building level or adjust the legs by eye to check stability. The doors should close on their own when opened at a small angle. If the door falls or, conversely, does not close itself, adjustment of the support screws is required.

Typical mistakes when starting up for the first time

Even knowing the rules, users often make mistakes that can lead to to breakdown. One of the most common is connecting equipment to the network through an extension cord or tee. Atlant refrigerator requires a direct connection to a grounded outlet. The use of extension cords can cause a voltage drop during startup, which is dangerous for the motor.

Another mistake is loading food immediately after switching on. An empty refrigerator will reach temperature faster and is safer for the compressor. If you immediately fill the shelves with warm products, the unit will work hard, trying to cool a large volume, which is undesirable in the first hours of operation.

Also, do not panic if, after turning on, the refrigerator hums louder than usual or you hear gurgling. These are normal operating sounds of freon circulation and compressor operation. However, if the noise is accompanied by vibration of the case, check that all shipping bolts and gaskets have been removed (if your model had them).

What to do if the refrigerator was turned on immediately?

If you turned on the refrigerator immediately after transportation, immediately unplug it. Let it sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. After that, you can try to turn it on again. If the unit operates normally and cools, you are in luck. If extraneous sounds appear or the cold disappears, call a technician.

Diagnostics: how to understand that everything went well

After the required time has passed and you have turned on Atlant to the network, the stage of primary diagnostics begins. Do not open the doors during the first hour of operation. Allow the equipment to return to operating mode. It is considered normal if the motor operates cyclically: turns on, cools, turns off.

Check the door tightness. Do a test with a sheet of paper: hold the sheet between the seal and the body and try to pull it out. If the sheet is pulled out too easily, it means that the seal does not fit tightly and requires adjustment. This is especially true after transportation, when the seal could be deformed.

Pay attention to the temperature of the case. The side walls or rear grille may become hot - this is normal, the process of heat transfer is in progress. However, if the power cord plug or the wire itself gets hot, this is a sign of poor contact or wiring malfunction, requiring immediate shutdown.

⚠️ Attention: If after 5-6 hours of operation no cold has appeared inside the refrigerator compartment, and the compressor runs continuously, do not wait 24 hours. Turn off the device and contact the service center. It is possible that a freon leak occurred during transportation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to transport an Atlant refrigerator lying down?

Technically it is possible, but it is risky. When transported lying down, oil is guaranteed to flow into the system. If there is no other way out, carry it on the side where the tube coming out of the compressor is located (usually this is the left side when viewed from the rear, but it is better to check the instructions for the specific model). After such transportation, the settling time should be maximum - at least 24 hours.

What to do if the refrigerator has been standing for less time than necessary?

It’s not worth the risk. If you turn on the unit after 1 hour instead of the required 12, and it works, do not turn it off abruptly, let it work. But if possible, it is better to turn it off and let it sit for a little longer. If you are just planning to turn it on and the time is not up yet, wait. Saving time may be worth buying a new compressor.

Do you need to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?

Yes, definitely. Factory dust and the smell of plastic or packaging may remain inside. Wipe the internal chambers with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution or a special refrigerator cleaner. Let the chambers dry and ventilate before closing the doors.

Why does the Atlant refrigerator not turn on after transportation?

There may be several reasons: the thermal protection relay has tripped due to an attempt to start with oil in the circuit, damage to the wiring during transportation, or a power surge in the network. If after settling and checking the socket the device is silent, you need to call a specialist.