First start-up after transport: how long to wait and what to check

Why a unit needs to stand

A hermetic compressor sits in a bath of lubricating oil. When a cabinet is tilted, laid down or shaken over a long road journey, some of that oil can move out of the compressor into the pipework, and liquid refrigerant can settle where the compressor would take it in. Starting immediately can mean the compressor runs short of oil or tries to compress liquid, both of which cause wear or damage.

Standing the unit upright and leaving it switched off lets oil drain back and the refrigerant settle.

How long to wait

Follow the manual for your model; it is the only reliable figure. As a general guide, units moved upright often need a few hours, while units that were tilted significantly or laid on their side typically need much longer — commonly up to a full day. If you are unsure how the unit was handled, take the longer wait.

Use the time productively: clean the interior, fit shelves, check the level and confirm the socket and earth are ready.

Before switching on

• Remove all transport packaging, including blocks or ties inside the machine compartment and under shelves.
• Check that the unit is level, so doors close and defrost water drains correctly.
• Confirm clearances around the condenser intake and exhaust.
• Check the plug, cable and socket for damage; the socket should be a dedicated, earthed point installed by a licensed electrician.
• Measure supply voltage and compare it with the operating range on the specification sheet.
• Wash the interior with mild detergent and warm water, then dry it.

Switching on

Switch on and confirm the controller display lights. Many controllers have a built-in delay before the compressor starts; this is normal. Listen for the compressor and fans starting, and for any rattles that suggest something shifted in transit. Check that the evaporator fan runs (if fitted) and that cool air begins to move inside the cabinet.

Leave the setpoint as set at the factory for the first pull-down unless you know it needs changing for your product.

The first hours: run it empty

Let the cabinet reach its set temperature empty with doors closed. Pull-down time depends on the unit, the room temperature and the setpoint; freezers take longer than refrigerators. Once it reaches temperature, watch it through at least one full compressor cycle and, ideally, one defrost cycle.

Check the reading with an independent thermometer placed in the middle of the cabinet, not only the controller display. Some difference between the two is normal because they measure in different places.

• Doors close and seal on their own; gaskets touch evenly all round.
• No unusual noise, vibration or smell.
• No water on the floor around or under the unit.
• Condenser air feels warm, which shows heat is being rejected.
• The unit cycles off once it reaches setpoint rather than running continuously.

Loading for the first time

Load product that is already at or near its storage temperature. Loading large amounts of warm stock into a new cabinet makes it work very hard and can take hours to recover. Leave space between items and the walls so air can circulate, and do not block the evaporator fan or air return.

When to call the installer

Switch off and call the supplier or a qualified refrigeration technician if the compressor does not start, hums and trips, the cabinet does not cool after a reasonable time, you smell burning or see oil stains, or the breaker or RCD trips. Do not open panels or electrical boxes yourself.