Question of proper transportation of large household appliances faces everyone who moves or buys a new unit. The dimensions of modern models often do not allow them to be placed in a truck bed in a vertical position, which forces one to look for alternative storage options. Improper transportation can be fatal for expensive equipment, so this process should be approached with maximum responsibility.
There is a common belief that putting the refrigerator on a shelf not allowed under any circumstances. However, engineers and manufacturers allow a horizontal position if strict rules are followed regarding which side the device should be laid on. Understanding the internal structure of the refrigeration unit will help to avoid costly repairs in the future.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physical principles of the compressor, the risks of oil getting into the circulation system and a step-by-step algorithm for safe installation. You will learn why it is important to fix the doors and how to properly prepare the equipment for the journey.
Design features and risks of horizontal transportation
To understand why there is a limitation on the sides of the stacking, you need to look inside the structure. The main unit that requires careful handling is compressor, which is mounted on shock-absorbing springs or rubber suspensions inside a metal casing.
When transported in a vertical position, the oil located in the compressor crankcase remains at the bottom, as provided by the design. However, when tilted or laid on its side, there is a risk of oil leaking into the system circuits. If oil gets into the evaporator or condenser, this can lead to blockage of the capillary tube and system failure.
In addition, shock-absorbing springs engines are designed for vertical load. If there is a strong tilt or shaking in a horizontal position, there is a risk of the suspension jumping off the mounts, which will lead to impacts of the rotor on the walls of the casing during subsequent startup.
Which side to put it on: determining the correct side
The main rule is: you can put the refrigerator only on one of sides, but not on the back and not on the door. However, the sides are not equal either. Manufacturers recommend laying the unit on the side from which the discharge tube compressor exits.
Why is this so? The discharge tube directs freon under pressure from the compressor to the condenser. If you place the refrigerator on the side where the suction tube is located, oil from the compressor may flow into the discharge circuit, where it is more difficult to remove. When laid on the side of the discharge tube, the oil will flow back into the compressor or remain in a safe area.
How to determine the right side without calling a technician? Go to the back wall of a running (or recently running) refrigerator and gently touch the tubes. The tube that will be hot is the discharge tube. It is on this side (where the hot tube is on top) that the device should be placed.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the refrigerator on the door or on the rear radiator grille. The grille may break off, and the door may deform under the weight of the unit itself, breaking the tightness of the seal.
Preparing equipment for transportation
Before proceeding with physical manipulations, it is necessary to properly prepare the device. Ignoring the preparation stage can negate all efforts for proper installation. The first step should always be defrosting. Even if your model has a system No Frost, condensation or ice may remain inside in hard-to-reach places.
The second critical stage is fixing the moving elements. Doors must be tightly closed and secured. Masking tape or stretch film, which is used to wrap the body in a circle, is ideal for this. Do not use regular office tape, as it may leave traces of glue or damage the coating when removed.
You must also remove all shelves, drawers and removable elements. They must be shipped separately, wrapped in soft cloth or bubble wrap. This will not only prevent them from fighting, but will also reduce the weight of the structure, reducing the load on the body during possible impacts.
☑️ Preparing the refrigerator for transportation
Technology for correct installation and fixation
The installation process requires the participation of at least two people. One person controls the position of the compressor, and the second ensures smooth lowering. The unit is placed on a previously prepared surface - thick cardboard, a blanket or special transport foam inserts.
After the refrigerator is laid on the desired side, it must be fixed. It should not be able to move in the body of the car. Use straps to secure loads, but do not over-tighten them to avoid deforming the thin metal of the case. Be sure to lay soft material between the belts and the body.
It is important to consider the direction of movement. It is desirable that the refrigerator lies perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle, so that the inertial forces during braking and acceleration act on a large area of the body, and not on a narrow edge.
| Parameter | Vertical transportation | Horizontal transportation | Carrying on the back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk for the compressor | Low (when fixed) | Medium (depending on the side) | Critical |
| Risk for tubes | Minimum | Medium (vibration) | High (kink) |
| Required settling time | 2-4 hours | 8-24 hours | Not recommended |
| Recommendation | Optimal | Acceptable | Prohibited |
Features of transportation of different types of refrigerators
Different models and brands may have their own design nuances. For example, two-chamber refrigerators with two compressors require special attention. In such models, it is important to determine which compressor is located below and consider its weight when distributing the load.
System refrigerators No Frost often have a more complex duct system, which can be fragile. When laid on its side, there is a risk of displacement of the internal plastic elements, so horizontal transportation is less desirable for them than for drip systems.
Built-in equipment is transported only in the original packaging or with securely fastened facades. If you are transporting the refrigerator in a wooden box, make sure that it does not have distortions that could crush the case when laid on its side.
⚠️ Attention: Warranty conditions may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some brands (for example, Liebherr or Bosch) may refuse warranty repairs if it is proven that the equipment was transported lying down. Always check the official manual of your model.
What to do if the refrigerator is placed on the wrong side?
If you find that the refrigerator was lying on the “cold” tube or back while traveling, do not panic. The main thing is not to turn it on right away. Place vertically and let sit for at least 24 hours (preferably two days). This will give the oil time to slowly drain back into the compressor crankcase by gravity. If you turn it on immediately, water hammer is possible.
Adaptation after transportation: when can you turn it on?
The most common mistake is trying to turn on the refrigerator immediately after delivery. This is absolutely impossible to do. During shaking and tilting, oil inevitably splashes throughout the system. It needs time to return to the compressor under the influence of gravity.
The settling time depends on exactly how you transported the equipment and what the temperature was outside. If the transportation was vertical, 2-4 hours is enough. If the refrigerator was lying on its side, the minimum waiting time is 8 hours, and ideally a full day.
It is also worth considering the temperature factor. If you bring a cold refrigerator from outside into a warm room, condensation may form on the internal parts. Turning on a wet electrical appliance may cause a short circuit. Let the equipment warm up to room temperature.
- 🕒 For vertical transportation: wait 3-4 hours.
- 🛌 For horizontal transportation (summer): wait 8-12 hours.
- ❄️ For horizontal transportation (winter): wait 24 hours + time to warm up to room temperature.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to carry a refrigerator in a passenger car?
Yes, this is possible if the dimensions of the interior or trunk allow it. However, in a passenger car it is more difficult to ensure the absence of shaking and sudden tilts. Be sure to use a soft base and securely secure the body with seat belts or ropes. The driving speed should be minimal, without sudden braking.
What will happen if you turn on the refrigerator immediately after transporting it lying down?
There is a high probability of water hammer. Oil entering the circuit will create a plug, and the compressor will work with overload, trying to push freon. This can lead to burnout of the motor winding or jamming of the piston group in the first minutes of operation.
Do you need to remove the doors during transportation?
It is not necessary to remove the doors if you have secured them securely with tape. However, if the door hinges look fragile or the body is very wide, removing the doors will make loading easier and will reduce the risk of distortion of the body geometry when climbing to the floor.
Can an old Soviet refrigerator be placed on either side?
Old models (for example, "ZIL", "Saratov") often have heavier and more massive compressors attached tougher. The risks for them are even higher due to the wear and tear of the metal tubes, which can burst due to vibration. The principle of choosing a side (according to the hot tube) is equally relevant for them.