Moving a commercial refrigerator safely — and why it needs rest before restart

Plan the route first

• Measure the unit's height, width and depth, including handles and hinges, and every doorway, corridor, stair turn and lift on the route.
• Check whether doors need to come off to fit. Hinged doors can usually be removed and refitted, but on glass doors with heater or light wiring, have a technician do it.
• Arrange enough people and the right equipment: a refrigerator trolley or stair-climber, straps and protective blankets.
• Confirm the new location has the right socket, earthing, ventilation clearance and a level floor.

Prepare the unit

• 1. Move stock to other cold storage.
• 2. Switch off and unplug a few hours ahead. Defrost freezers fully and mop up the water.
• 3. Empty the drip tray and drain line so water does not spill into the machine compartment in transit.
• 4. Remove shelves and loose parts, or secure them with tape so they do not rattle and break.
• 5. Close doors and secure them with straps or tape on painted or steel surfaces — not across the gasket or glass.
• 6. Tie up the power cord so it cannot be stepped on or dragged.

Keep it upright

The compressor sits in a sealed shell partly filled with oil. When a unit is tilted steeply or laid down, oil can flow out of the compressor into the refrigerant pipes. If the compressor is started before the oil has drained back, it can run short of lubrication or try to pump liquid, which damages valves.

Move units upright whenever possible. If a slight tilt is unavoidable on stairs or ramps, keep it as small and brief as you can. Do not lay a unit on its back or front unless the manufacturer's instructions allow it; the back holds the condenser and pipework, and the weight can crush them.

How long to rest before switching on

Follow the manufacturer's instruction for your model first. Where none is given, a common rule of thumb is to let a unit that was kept upright stand for at least a few hours before restarting, and to let one that was tilted significantly or laid down stand for much longer — often a full day. The rest lets oil return to the compressor and the refrigerant settle. Use the time to level the unit, clean it and check the socket.

At the new site

• Position it with the specified clearance at back, sides and top, away from heat sources and direct sun.
• Level it front to back and side to side, and lock the castors.
• Check doors close and seal; hinges can shift during a move.
• Plug into a dedicated, earthed socket — not an extension board.
• After the rest period, switch on empty and let it reach temperature before loading, ideally watching it cycle for several hours.

Moving hydrocarbon-refrigerant units

Units charged with R290 or R600a carry a small amount of flammable gas. Handle them so pipework is not knocked or bent; transport them in a ventilated vehicle, upright and strapped; and never move them past open flames or welding work. If you hear hissing or smell gas after a knock, keep the unit away from ignition sources, ventilate the area, do not switch it on, and call a technician trained to handle flammable refrigerants.

General safety notes

Commercial refrigerators are heavy and top-heavy. Use enough people, lift with your legs, never lift by door handles, doors or grilles, and keep fingers clear of the base on castors. Isolate power before unplugging and keep cables clear of wheels. If doors with wiring must be removed, have a technician do it.