Which side can you put the refrigerator on: safety instructions

Have you bought a new refrigerator or are you planning to transport the old one to your dacha, but don’t know how to place it correctly so as not to break it? This issue worries many - up to 15% of refrigeratorss suffer from errors during transportation, and repairing a compressor costs half the cost of the equipment. In the article we will look at why you can’t put the refrigerator “at random”, which sides are safe and which will lead to breakage, and what to do if the device has already been laid incorrectly.

Manufacturers Samsung, LG, Indesit i Atlant clearly regulate the rules of transportation in instructions, but few people read them before purchasing. Meanwhile, even a short-term stay of the refrigerator on the “forbidden” side can lead to oil leakage from the compressor or damage to the refrigerant tubes. We collected current data from service manuals, interviewed repairmen and prepared step-by-step instructions - with photographs, diagrams and answers to frequently asked questions.

Spoiler: The refrigerator can ONLY be placed on the back wall or in a vertical position - but even here there are nuances depending on the model and type of compressor. If you have already laid it on its side, don’t panic, we’ll tell you how to minimize the risks.

Why you can’t put the refrigerator on its side: the physics of breakdowns

The main danger lies in compressor —the “heart” of the refrigerator, which pumps refrigerant (freon) through the system. If the position is incorrect, oil from the compressor may enter the cooling circuit, and this can lead to:

• 🔧 Clogged capillary tubes —the oil solidifies when turned on, blocking the circulation of freon. The refrigerator stops freezing, and the compressor runs “idle”, overheating.
• ⚡ Short short circuit - if oil gets into the electrical part of the compressor (for example, in models with inverter motors Samsung Digital Inverter).
• 💧 Freon leakage —with a sudden change in position, the tubes may burst at the soldering points (especially in refrigerators with a system No Frost).

The probability of breakage depends on the time spent on its side:

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerators with linear compressors (for example, LG Linear Cooling) are more vulnerable to distortions - they cannot be laid down even for a short time. Check the compressor type in the instructions or on the sticker on the back. device.

Which side can you put the refrigerator on: permitted positions

The only safe position for all models — verticalBut if the height of the device exceeds 1.8 m. (for example, Samsung RB37J5000 or Atlant XM 6025-031), and there is no freight elevator, installation on rear wall subject to the following conditions is allowed:

• 📏 Tilt angle no more than 15° —use wooden blocks or special stands.
• ⏱ Time spent on the side - up to 2 hours (for models with a conventional compressor).
• 🛠 Secure the doors with tape or belts to avoid distortion of the case.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator two-chamber (for example, Indesit DF 5200), it can only be placed on the side freezer. cameras —it is usually located at the bottom and has a more durable frame. Check the location of the chambers in the device passport.

For refrigerators with No Frost system (for example, Bosch KGE39AW25R), additional restrictions apply:

Unplug 12 hours before transportation|Remove ice from the freezer (if yes)|Secure the shelves and drawers inside|Use the original packaging or bubble wrap-->

What happens if you put the refrigerator on the right or left side

The side walls are the most vulnerable place when laying on them:

1. Oil from the compressor (usually located at the bottom back) flows into the circuit, clogging the capillary tubes. In inverter models (for example, Hitachi R-BG410P6this leads to failure electronics.
2. Refrigerant pipes (especially in the evaporator area) can be deformed under the weight of the case. In refrigerators with freshness zones (for example, Liebherr CBNes 4855) this disrupts the operation of individual compartments.
3. Door hinges take on the weight - after transportation the door may sag or stop closing hermetically.

🔍 How to determine which side you can’t put it on? Look where the compressor is located (usually from the bottom back). It is forbidden to put it on the side opposite the compressor —oil is guaranteed to get into the system. For example, if the compressor is on the right, you can’t put it on the left side, and vice versa.

What to do if the refrigerator was already lying on side?

1. Do not turn it on for at least 12 hours (for models with an inverter compressor - 24 hours).

2. Place it vertically and check for oil stains under the compressor.

3 After turning it on, listen: if the compressor hums louder than usual or the refrigerator is not cooling - call a technician to flush the system.

Features of transporting refrigerators of different brands

Manufacturers often indicate unique requirements for transportation Here are the key differences:

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator built-in (for example, Electrolux EBC 2400), it cannot even be placed on the back wall - the box may be deformed and the device will not fit into the niche. Transport only vertically!

How to properly prepare a refrigerator for transportation

Even if you have chosen a safe position, you need to complete 5 mandatory steps:

1. Thaw refrigerator 12-24 hours before transportation. In models with No Frost (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R), it is enough to turn off the power for 6 hours.
2. Secure the moving elements:

   Shelves and containers (with tape or belts)|Door handles (wrap with a rag)|Freezer drawers (remove and pack separately)|Compressor tubes (using foam gaskets)-->

3. Use the original packaging or substitutes:
   • 📦 Bubble film - to protect from scratches.
   • 🧊 Foam corners —for shock absorption.
   • 📐 Wooden bars —for fixation in the cargo compartment.

Check the compressor fastenings —in some models (for example, Gorenje NRK 6191) it is suspended on springs that can break when shaking.

Transport in cool weather (optimally +10...+20°C). At temperatures below 0°C, rubber door seals become brittle.

🔧 For refrigerators with a display (for example, Samsung Family Hub) additionally:

• 📱 Disable the function SmartThings in the settings to avoid accidental activation during transportation.
• 🔋 Remove the batteries from the remote control (if any).

Common errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes during transportation. Here are the top 5 errors and their consequences:

1. Transportation in a horizontal position for more than 2 hours → warranty repairs are not covered compressor breakdowns. Manufacturers (for example, Beko) directly indicate this in warranty cards.
2. Use of ropes instead of belts → tightening the body leads to dents on metal models (for example, Smeg FAB32).
3. Turning on the refrigerator immediately after delivery → no oil. manages to drain into the compressorwhich causes water hammer. Symptoms: loud knocking at start-up, cooling failure.
4. Ignoring the sticker indicating the top → in models with autonomous door cooling (for example, Liebherr CBNes 5755) this leads to refrigerant leakage from the additional circuit.
5. Transportation in the trunk of a car → vibration and shock damage the condenser tubes. The risk is higher for compact models (for example, Midea MRF-99).

⚠️ Attention: If a refrigerator was transported in a supine position for more than 3 hours, and then turned on, but does not freeze - do not try to repair it yourself. In 90% of cases, professional refilling with freon and flushing of the system is required, which costs 8-15 thousand rubles.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to put a refrigerator on its side if it is new and has not been turned on yet?

Yes, but for no more than 1 hour and only for back wallNew refrigerators (for example, Whirlpool ART 9810) have factory-preserved oil in the compressor, but the risk of it getting into the system remains. After transportation, let stand upright for 6-8 hours.

What to do if the refrigerator has already been lying on its side for 5 hours?

1 Place it vertically and not. turn on for 24 hours.

2. Check the compressor for oil leaks.

3. After turning on, listen: if you hear any extraneous sounds (knocking, humming), turn off the device and call a technician. In 60% of cases, an oil change and flushing of the system are required (cost - from 5 thousand). rubles).

Is it possible to transport the refrigerator in the subway or bus?

Technically it is possible, but only vertically and taking into account the dimensions:

• In the metro: devices up to 1.5 m in height are allowed (for example, Birusa 101).
• In the bus: maximum height - 1.8 m (check with the carrier).

Prohibited put the refrigerator on the seats or floor - vibration and sudden braking will damage the compressor. Use a freight elevator or order courier delivery.

How to transport a refrigerator to the dacha if the journey takes 3 hours?

The best option is rent a truck with a lift (for example, Gazelle). Algorithm of action:

1. Pack the refrigerator in the original box or wrap it in bubble wrap.
2. Secure it in the body with belts at an angle of 10-15° (back wall down).
3. Stop every 30 minutes to check the fixation.
4. Upon arrival, let the refrigerator sit for 12 hours before turning it on.

Do not use trailer - impacts when driving on a dirt road will damage the tubes.

Is it true that refrigerators No Frost can be placed on their side without consequences?

No, this is a myth. The system No Frost only prevents the formation of ice, but does not protect the compressor from oil getting into the circuit. in such models (for example, Electrolux ERN 1400a fan is added, which can move during transportation on its side, which will lead to noise or damage.