When buying a new refrigerator or rearranging old equipment, owners are often faced with a mysterious part that comes with the kit, but does not always have an obvious use. We are talking about back stopwhich in the equipment documentation Atlant can be called a distance limiter from the wall. Many users ignore this detail, considering it secondary, but it plays a key role in the durability of the compressor.
Manufacturers of household appliances, including the Belarusian plant Atlant, are developing the design of refrigerators taking into account stringent requirements for heat transfer. The rear radiator grille should be freely washed by air currents. If the refrigerator is moved close to the wall, the cooling efficiency drops and the load on the engine increases. Ignoring the installation of the limiter can reduce the life of the compressor by 30-40% due to overheating.
In this article we will analyze in detail why you should not neglect the installation of this small part, what functions it performs and how to install it correctly with your own hands without calling a specialist. Understanding the principles of operation of the cooling system will help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
The main purpose of the rear stop
The main function of the back stop is to create a guaranteed gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and a vertical surface (wall or furniture). This gap is necessary for natural air circulation. The heated freon in the condenser (black grille at the back) should release heat to the environment. If the air channel is blocked, the heat remains in a confined space, and the refrigerator begins to operate in emergency mode.
In addition, the stop performs a protective function for communications. In models Atlant cooling system pipes and electrical wires often run in close proximity to the housing. When pressed tightly against the wall, there is a risk of bending the tubes or damaging the insulation, which can lead to freon leakage or a short circuit.
It is also worth noting the aesthetic aspect. The limiter allows you to move the equipment away from the wall at the same distance along the entire width, which is especially important when installed in a niche or kitchen unit. This ensures a neat appearance and prevents the hot grate from touching the wallpaper or furniture.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use homemade objects (books, bars) as stops, as they can shift under the weight of the unit, which will lead to a critical disruption of ventilation.
Design features of the Atlant stops
Depending Depending on the series and model of the refrigerator Atlant, the design of the rear stops may vary. Most modern models use plastic clips that are inserted into special holes in the lower part of the rear side of the case. They are small legs or pins with a wide head that stops the movement of the equipment backwards.
Some models are equipped with metal brackets or rubber shock absorbers that perform the same function. Metal elements are more durable, but require careful installation to avoid scratching the wall. Rubber options, in addition to fixing the gap, partially dampen vibrations transmitted from the compressor to the walls.
It is important to understand that the stops are designed for a certain load. When moving a full refrigerator across the floor (for example, for wet cleaning), the force should not be placed directly on these plastic elements, otherwise they may break off. For transportation, the equipment must be lifted.
Materials for making stops
Plastic stops are most often made of durable polypropylene, resistant to mechanical loads and temperature changes. Metal brackets are coated with an anti-corrosion compound so that rust does not damage the wall covering.
Why is the air gap important?
The operating principle of any refrigerator, be it Atlant, Indesit or Bosch, is based on the cyclic compression and expansion of the refrigerant. In the condenser, the gas turns into a liquid state, releasing a large amount of heat. If this heat has nowhere to go, the pressure in the system increases, and the compressor is forced to work longer and more intensely.
The optimal clearance, which is provided by the back stop, is usually from 5 to 10 centimeters. This distance is sufficient to create a “draft” effect, when cold air is sucked in from below, passes along the hot grate and comes out heated from above. Violation of this process leads to a number of negative consequences.
Among the main problems in the absence of clearance are:
- 🔥 Overheating of the compressor —the motor operates at the limit of its capabilities, which leads to rapid wear of the windings and mechanical parts.
- ❄️ Decreased cooling efficiency —products in the chamber may not reach the set temperature, especially in the hot season.
- 💸 Increased electricity consumption —the refrigerator consumes more energy, trying to compensate for poor heat transfer.
Do-it-yourself installation instructions
Installing the back stop is a simple procedure and does not require special tools or skills. However, it is important to follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage the equipment and ensure reliable fixation. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.
First of all, you need to carefully move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing free access to its rear part. Be careful not to pull the unit by the doors or shelves, or by the sides or bottom. If the floor is slippery, lay down cardboard or a rug to avoid scratching the coating.
Find special holes or grooves in the lower part of the rear side of the housing. Usually there are two of them - left and right. The refrigerator Atlant comes complete with corresponding plastic parts. Insert them into the holes until you hear a characteristic click or stop. If the stops are metal, screw them with self-tapping screws into the provided places using a screwdriver.
After installation, check the reliability of the fastening by lightly pressing on the stops with your hand. Then carefully push the refrigerator against the wall until the stops touch the surface. Make sure that the equipment is level, without distortions.
☑️ Checking the installation of the stop
Table of typical clearance parameters
For different models of refrigerators, ventilation requirements may differ. Below is a table with approximate data for popular equipment. The exact values are always indicated in the passport of your device.
| Type of placement | Minimum rear clearance | Minimum side clearance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-standing | 5 cm | 5 cm | Standard installation |
| In a niche (without ventilation) | 10 cm | 10 cm | Requires enhanced heat dissipation |
| Built-in (in furniture) | According to instructions | According to instructions | Depends on box |
| Near a plasterboard wall | 7-8 cm | 5 cm | Protecting the finish from heat |
Compliance with these parameters is especially critical in the summer, when the room temperature rises. Lack of space for (heat transfer) can lead to the refrigerator working almost non-stop.
Typical installation errors
Often users make mistakes that negate the effectiveness of the stops. One of the most common is an attempt to “squeeze” a refrigerator into a narrow space, ignoring the presence of limiters. People simply break out or do not insert plastic legs, believing that “it will do.”
Another mistake is installing stops on only one side. This leads to skew of the refrigerator and uneven clearance. In this case, the air flow is distributed incorrectly, and part of the condenser remains without cooling. Always use a complete set of parts.
Another point worth paying attention to is the cleanliness of the area behind the refrigerator. Even with the correct clearance, the accumulation of dust and animal hair on the radiator grille and floor behind the unit will drastically reduce heat transfer efficiency. Regular cleaning in this area is mandatory.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Atlant is equipped with a No Frost system, ventilation requirements may be even stricter due to the presence of additional fans and defrost heaters.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a back stop?
Technically, the refrigerator will work without a stop, but this is not recommended. Without a limiter, you risk moving the equipment too close to the wall, which will cause the compressor to overheat and increase energy consumption. In the long run, this will shorten the life of the unit.
What to do if the plastic stop is broken?
If the standard stop is damaged, it must be replaced. You can contact the service center Atlant to order original spare parts. As a temporary solution, you can use rubber furniture legs of a suitable height, gluing them with heat-resistant glue, but this is less reliable than a standard part.
Does the lack of support affect the warranty?
The lack of support itself is rarely a reason for refusal of warranty repairs if the breakdown is not directly related to overheating. However, if the service center diagnoses the failure of the compressor due to violation of operating rules (including ventilation), the warranty may be denied. It’s better not to risk it.
Is it necessary to install stops if the refrigerator is in the middle of the room?
If the refrigerator is in the center of the room and has free air access on all sides, the function of the stop as a limiter of the distance to the wall becomes less relevant. However, if there is a risk that the equipment may be accidentally pushed against the wall (for example, when cleaning or by children), it is better to leave the stops for safety.