Have you just purchased a new refrigerator, connected it to the network, but it has been running non-stop for several hours? Or, on the contrary, did it turn off too quickly and you doubt that everything is okay? The first switching on is a critical stage on which the further operation of the equipment depends. In this article, we will look at why this time may differ for different models and what to do if the behavior of the equipment seems suspicious. how long should the refrigerator work before the first automatic shutdown, why this time may differ for different models and what to do if the behavior of the equipment seems suspicious.
Manufacturers rarely indicate exact numbers in the instructions, limiting themselves to phrases like “the first cycle can take up to 24 hours.” In practice, the period depends on many factors: type of compressor (inverter or conventional), chamber volume, room temperature and even occupancy products. We have collected data on popular brands (Samsung, LG, Atlant, Indesit) and typical scenarios so that you can compare your situation with the norm.
Important: if the refrigerator does not turn off for more than a day or, on the contrary, turns off after 5-10 minutes, this is a reason for diagnosis. But it’s too early to panic: in 80% of cases the problem is solved by simple actions, which we will describe below.
Time standards before the first shutdown: data on brands and types of compressors
The average time of continuous operation of a new refrigerator before the first shutdown varies from 30 minutes to 8 hours. However, these figures are conditional - they depend on the design of the model and external conditions. Below is a table with indicative values for popular manufacturers.
| Brand and type of compressor | Time to first shutdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (inverter) | 1–3 hours | Smooth start, low noise level. Can be turned off briefly to test systems. |
| LG (linear inverter) | 2–5 hours | Cools longer due to optimization of energy consumption. Pauses of 5–10 minutes are possible. |
| Atlant (regular compressor) | 4–8 hours | Operates at full power until the temperature is reached. Shutdown is accompanied by a click of the relay. |
| Indesit/Beko (normal) | 3–6 hours | Sensitive to room temperature. At +30°C it may not turn off for up to 10–12 hours. |
| Bosch/Siemens (inverter) | 1.5–4 hours | Uses “smart” cooling algorithms. False shutdowns are possible for sensor calibration. |
Please note: refrigerators with the No Frost system can work longer in the first cycle due to the need to cool not only the chambers, but also the evaporator. For example, a model Samsung RB30A3200SA in a hot room may not turn off for up to 10 hours - and this is not a breakdown, but a feature of the algorithm.
If your model is not included in the table, check its characteristics on the manufacturer's website. Look for the parameters:
- 🔹 Compressor type (inverter or conventional)
- 🔹 Climate class (SN, N, ST, T - the higher the letter, the longer it can work when first turned on)
- 🔹 Presence of No Frost (increases cooling time by 20-30%)
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator turns off 5-10 minutes after turning on, check whether it is activatedDemo mode(on some models LG i Samsung it is enabled by default). In this mode, the compressor operates in short cycles and the chambers are not cooled. Turn it off through the menu or by holding the buttonSuper Cool5 seconds.
Why may a new refrigerator not turn off longer than normal?
If more than 8-12 hours have passed and the compressor is still working, the reasons can be both harmless and demanding interventions. Let's consider typical scenarios:
- 🌡️ High room temperature (above +25°C). The compressor takes longer to cool the chambers. In hot regions, the first shutdown may last up to 15–18 hours.
- 📦 The refrigerator is loaded with warm food. Each kilogram of food is +3–5°C to the initial temperature of the chamber. For example, if you put 10 kg of indoor food, the cooling time will increase by 30–50%.
- ❄️ Incorrect installation. If the refrigerator is placed close to a wall or furniture, air circulation is disrupted and the heat exchanger overheats. Minimum clearances: 5 cm at the back, 2 cm at the sides.
- ⚡ Power surges. At low voltage (less than 200 V), the compressor wears out, but does not reach the desired temperature. Check the voltage in the outlet with a tester.
- 🔧 Defect or malfunction. Rarely, but it does happen: a freon leak, a faulty temperature sensor, or a jammed compressor. In this case, the refrigerator will work without stopping and will not cool the chambers even after 24 hours.
How to distinguish “normal” long-term operation from a breakdown? Use a simple test:
- Open the refrigerator door 6-8 hours after turning it on.
- Put the thermometer on the middle shelf (not next to the walls!).
- Close the door for 30 minutes, then check the readings.
If the temperature below +8°C - everything is fine. If it is above +12°C, there is a problem.
Check the room temperature (optimally +18...+25°C)
Make sure that the products do not overload the chambers (maximum 2/3 of the volume)
Move the refrigerator from the wall by 5–10 cm
Measure the voltage in the outlet (should be 220–240 V)
Call the service center if the temperature in the chamber does not drop below +10°C-->
What to do in the first hours after switching on: step-by-step instructions
To ensure that the first switch-on goes smoothly, follow this algorithm:
- Preparation before switching on:
- 🧹 Wipe the internal surfaces of the cameras with a weak solution of soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water).
- 🌬️ Make sure that the door seals clean and not deformed.
- ⚡ Connect the refrigerator to a grounded outlet (not through an extension cord!).
- First 2 hours:
- ⏳ Do not open the doors unless necessary. Each time you open, the temperature inside rises by 2-3°C.
- 📉 Do not load food! An empty refrigerator will cool faster and the compressor will turn off earlier.
- After 4-6 hours:
- ✅ Check if the compressor has turned off (by sound or indicator on the panel).
- 🥶 If it has turned off, you can load food, but not more than 50% volume.
- 📊 Check the temperature in the refrigerator (+4...+6°C) and freezer (−18...−20°C) compartments.
- 🔄 If the values do not correspond to the norm, start
Super freezing modefor 2-3 hours.
For models with electronic control (for example, LG InstaView or Samsung Family Hub) after the first shutdown, it is recommended to reset the settings to factory settings. This will help avoid sensor malfunctions. Instructions:
Settings → Support → Reset → Yes⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is equipped with the functionSmart Diagnosis(LG) orDigital Inverter(Samsung), the first shutdown may be accompanied by a sound signal or flashing indicators. This is normal - the equipment performs self-diagnosis. For details, see the user manual (section “Sound and light signals”).
Inverter vs conventional compressor: how the type of motor affects the first turn-on
The type of compressor is a key factor that determines how long the refrigerator will work before the first shutdown. Let's look at the differences:
Conventional (linear) compressor:
- 🔊 Operates at full power until the set temperature is reached, then turns off abruptly.
- ⏱️ First cycle time: 4–8 hours (sometimes up to 12).
- ⚡ Consumes more electricity in the first day.
- 🔧 More often found in budget models (Atlant, Indesit, Biryusa).
Inverter compressor:
- 📉 Smoothly regulates power, maintaining the temperature without sudden changes.
- ⏱️ First cycle time: 1-4 hours (can be turned off for 5-10 minutes for calibration).
- 💡 More economical by 20-30%, but sensitive to voltage changes.
- 🏆 Installed in premium models (LG, Samsung, Bosch).
How to determine the type of compressor in your refrigerator?
- 🔍 Look at the sticker on the back: if there is an inscription
Inverter CompressororDigital Inverter—the compressor is inverter. - 🎵 Listen to the sound: normal the compressor operates with noticeable vibration and “growling”, the inverter compressor is almost silent.
- 📄 Check the instructions: the type should be indicated in the “Technical Specifications” section.
The myth about inverter compressors
Many people believe that inverter refrigerators never are turned off. This is not true: they simply operate with variable power. For example, LG GA-B489YDQL when first turned on, it can work for 2 hours at full power, then switch to temperature maintenance mode with short pauses. The compressor is completely turned off every 8-12 hours to “rest” the oil and check the sensors.
Room temperature: how it affects the first. switching on
The climate class of the refrigerator is the temperature range at which the appliance operates correctly. If the room is too hot or cold, the time until the first shutdown may differ greatly from the norm.
| Climate class | Temperature range | Time until the first shutdown |
|---|---|---|
| SN | +10…+32°C | 4–10 hours |
| N | +16…+32°C | 3–8 hours |
| ST | +18…+38°C | 5–12 hours |
| T | +18…+43°C | 6–15 hours |
For example, if you turned on a class refrigerator N (the most common) at a room temperature of +30°C, the time before shutdown will increase by 30–50%. And if the room is less than +16°C (for example, in an unheated country house), the compressor may turn off after 1–2 hours - but this does not mean that it is working properly. At low temperatures, the oil in the compressor thickens, which leads to premature failure! wear and tear.
What to do if the room is too hot or cold?
- 🌡️ At temperatures above +30°C: move the refrigerator away from heat sources (radiators, stoves), provide ventilation.
- ❄️ At temperatures below +16°C: use heater (but do not point it at the refrigerator!) or move the equipment to a warmer room.
- 🔄 For models with
Climate control(Liebert, Electrolux) activate the modeHoliday—it adapts the operation to extreme conditions.
Common mistakes when starting up for the first time: what not to do
Many users accidentally worsen the operation of the refrigerator already at the first start. Here are the most common errors and their consequences: If the refrigerator was transported at −5°C and below, the oil in the compressor thickens. You need to wait 6-12 hours at room temperature before. switching on.
- 🚫 Switching on immediately after delivery in winter. If the refrigerator was transported at −5°C or lower, the oil in the compressor thickens. You need to wait 6-12 hours at room temperature before turning it on.
- 🚫 Connecting via an extension cord. Voltage surges or insufficient power of the socket can lead to failure of the control board. Use only a straight socket with grounding.
- 🚫 Loading warm food in the first hours.. 30–70%. Wait until the compressor turns off for the first time.
- 🚫 Ignoring. levelIf the refrigerator is tilted more than 2°, the door may not close tightly and the compressor will work without stopping!
- 🚫 Self-adjustment of temperature. On the first day, do not change the factory settings (usually +5°C in the refrigerator and −18°C in the freezer).
If you make one of these mistakes, do not panic. In most cases, it is enough:
- Unplug the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Correct the error (for example, align the legs or remove the extension cord).
- Turn it on again and observe the operation for 4-6 hours.
⚠️ Attention: If after correcting the errors the refrigerator still does not turn off more than 24 hours do not try to disassemble it yourself. Modern models (especially with electronic control) require diagnostics using service equipment. Contact an authorized center - warranty repairs usually cover such cases.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the first start-up.
My refrigerator turned off after 10 minutes - is this normal?
No, if it is not a model with an inverter compressor in self-diagnosis mode Possible reasons:
- Activated
Demo mode(check the instructions). - The temperature sensor is faulty (replacement is required).
- The overheating protection has triggered (if the refrigerator was close to the wall).
Turn off the equipment for 1 hour, then turn it on again. If the situation repeats, call. technician.
The refrigerator has been running for 18 hours without stopping. What should I do?
First check:
- The temperature in the room (if above +30°C - this may be the norm for classes ST/T).
- The voltage in the outlet (should be 220–240 V).
- Temperature in the chambers (if below +8°C in the refrigerator and −16°C in the freezer, everything is fine).
If the parameters are normal, but the compressor does not turn off, there may be a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction.
Do I need to defrost a new refrigerator before using it for the first time?
No! Modern models (especially those with No Frost) do not require defrosting. It is enough to wipe the internal surfaces with a damp cloth. Defrosting is only necessary if:
- The refrigerator was stored in a damp room and the inside became damaged. ice.
- You purchased used equipment with signs of icing.
Why does a new refrigerator make a lot of noise when it is first turned on?
This is normal for the first 1-2 hours Sources of noise:
- Refrigerant circulation through the pipes. (gurgling sounds).
- Fan operation in models with No Frost (buzzing).
- Compressor vibration (especially in budget models).
The noise should subside after the first shutdown. If the hum or knocking continues, check that it is not. does the refrigerator touch furniture or walls.
Is it possible to turn on the refrigerator immediately after transportation?
Depends on the conditions of transportation:
- If transportation was in a horizontal position (lying down) - wait 6–12 hours (oil could get into the cooling circuit).
- If the refrigerator was transported vertically and at above-zero temperatures, you can turn it on after 2–3 hours.
- If it is −10°C or lower outside, keep 12–24 hours at room temperature.