What is a refrigerator cycle?
The main thing in the unit is the compressor . The frequency of turning it on and off helps maintain the set temperature in the refrigerator. There is a sensor mounted inside the device that measures temperature readings.
When the temperature gets higher, the temperature sensor sends a signal to the compressor and it starts working. The temperature reaches the optimal temperature and the engine turns off. After the air in the refrigerator chambers heats up, the motor turns on again to draw in cold.
This is the operating cycle of the refrigerator. As a result of rare compressor shutdowns, the operating and resting time of the unit increases. In this case, the food may freeze. And if the downtime is too long, the evaporator may thaw and ice will form on the walls.
When the engine is turned on/off frequently, the overall efficiency of the refrigerator is reduced. Energy consumption increases , and electricity costs rise accordingly.
After what time should the refrigerator turn off?
Observations by experienced craftsmen and ordinary users show that the operating and resting times of the refrigerator are approximately the same. In both cases it will be 12 hours. The interval between turning on and off the refrigerator is not tied to a specific indicator, but depends on a number of factors :
- Room temperature.
- Volume of freezers and refrigerators.
- Operating compressor power.
- Type of refrigerant.
You can also set the minimum temperature for an empty refrigerator. But this is relative, since the operation of a new unit, even for 24 hours, is not considered a malfunction.
In No Frost two-chamber refrigerators, due to the temperature sensor and evaporator, after turning on and freezing, the “Defrosting” mode is activated. In this case, the average operating time of the refrigerator is from 8 to 15 minutes. Of these, it will take 2-4 minutes for cooling, the rest for defrosting.
How often should the refrigerator turn on?
There are some rules showing how often the refrigerator should turn on and how to turn it off. It is optimal when the unit is turned on 4-8 times per hour. The compressor operation at this time is 2-4 minutes. If the engine turns on only once during this hour, then this indicates a problem.
Users are interested in how long it takes for, for example, a new refrigerator to turn off. Here the unit must work non-stop for 2 to 8 hours.
Increasing the downtime period
It is clear that the more often the refrigerator starts, the more electricity is consumed. To reduce consumption, it is recommended to load the refrigerator and freezer compartments to the maximum. In this case, the products will act as cold generators. If the chambers are empty, the air will heat up faster, which means the device will start up more often.
To increase the refrigerator's operating cycle, especially in summer, it is recommended to open the door as little as possible.
Hot air entering the chambers much faster heats the food, causing the temperature to rise and requiring the freezing mode to be turned on more often.
Refrigerator operating principle: refrigeration cycle diagram
If the norms of operating cycles have changed while observing the operating rules, then it makes sense to check the functionality of the thermostat. Often, failure of this element leads to abnormal operation of the device as a whole. A short circuit in the motor winding is also possible.
Thus
The normal duty cycle coefficient of any refrigeration device is 0.37-0.5. This means that the unit works for 15-30 minutes, and rests for the next 25-30 minutes. If the indicator increases to 0.6 or decreases to 0.2, the device requires repair. In the first case, the integrity of the cameras may be compromised, in the second, adjustment of the working sensors is required. In any case, the adjustment of the functionality of the refrigeration device should be carried out by a specialist.
Can a refrigerator run continuously?
You must immediately answer that it cannot and should not . If the refrigerator cannot turn off for more than 12 hours, then this is a cause for concern. Continuous operation leads to the fact that all components begin to function at the limit, which entails rapid wear of parts.
The reason for continuous operation may be due to incorrect settings. If the refrigerator is not installed correctly, this can also lead to the unit running without stopping. For the refrigerator to work properly, it must be installed:
- at a certain distance from heating systems and heating devices;
- in a room where the air temperature is not lower than 18 °C.
Another reason for the continuous operation of the unit may be a violation of the integrity of the seal on the door. The rubber band has shifted, burst or cracked. But if all of the above is functioning properly, but the refrigerator is running non-stop, it is better to contact a professional.
Installation
After the first cleaning step comes installation. You don't have to do this yourself. You can pay store employees extra and they will carry out the installation. After all, this process also needs to be performed correctly. If you make mistakes, the equipment will work with complaints.
The main thing is that the surface for installing the unit is flat. Otherwise, the refrigerator will wobble and make noise during operation. This will happen even when a person passes by.
But don’t be upset if there is no absolutely flat surface in the house. Refrigerators have feet that help them stand firmly in place. Some craftsmen know how to place the device with a slight tilt back. This is convenient because with a slight push the door closes automatically.
However, the position of the refrigerator does not affect its operation. Installation features are important only for owners. After all, you need to make sure that the device is convenient to use.
Refrigerator in the kitchen
Reasons for continuous operation of the compressor
How often the refrigerator should turn on and off depends on the compressor. Situations can be more serious than a worn seal or incorrect settings - the compressor does not turn off . It all depends on the model of the refrigerator. The old-style device is equipped with a thermostat, while newer versions have high-tech sensors. Both of them can fail as a result of a short circuit or sticking contacts.
may fail . With such a malfunction, the chamber in the refrigerator does not cool the contents. The problem is solved by replacing the microcircuit or flashing it.
No Frost refrigerators have a thermostat that distributes air among the chambers. When it fails, the compressor runs non-stop.
Refrigerant may , which also causes the compressor to function without rest. Heat removal from the chambers is reduced to zero and the motor works to the limit to replenish the necessary supply of cold air. Only a specialist can prevent a leak or replace the refrigerant.
How often should the refrigerator compressor turn on?
It is important to understand that the switching frequency does not directly depend on the operating time of the compressor. For example, in one refrigerator it turns on 4 times an hour and runs for 10 minutes. This does not mean that in another the compressor will turn on 8 times per hour and work for 5 minutes.
Check the effectiveness
Calculating how well your refrigerator is performing is easy. To do this, use the formula:
K = Tr / Tp
- Тп – idle time (when the compressor is turned off);
- Тр – operating time (when the compressor is turned on);
- K – efficiency coefficient.
The normal value of K = 2. The higher it is, the higher the likelihood of problems with the refrigerator. If less, perhaps:
- You have a refrigerator with a high COP (conversion rate);
- The temperature in the cells is too high;
- The unit is located in a cold room.
The frequency of switching on depends on the loss of cold. The faster heat gets inside the chambers, the more often the refrigerator will turn on. The reasons are divided into two types - model features and malfunctions. Let's look at them.
Cold loss
If heat enters the refrigerator quickly, food will heat up faster. The temperature sensor will respond more often and start the compressor. Heat can enter for several reasons:
- Doors do not close tightly;
- The walls of the refrigerator are poorly insulated;
- Place hot foods and dishes in the chamber;
- You often open the refrigerator door.
Temperature sensor settings
The temperature sensor in the refrigerator has a response limit. For example, if you set it to +4, then one sensor will work when the camera heats up to +4.2, and the second at +4.5 degrees. The smaller this difference, the more often the compressor will turn on.
If the compressor starts to turn on more often, the sensor may have started to malfunction. You won't be able to determine this on your own. Diagnosis of the sensor should be carried out by a specialist.
Thermal protection relay malfunction
The refrigerator compressor becomes hot during operation. Each model has a maximum operating temperature. To protect the compressor from overheating, a thermal protective relay is installed in refrigerators. It automatically turns off the compressor when it overheats.
If the relay fails, it will measure temperature incorrectly. That is, when there is a reserve and the refrigerator can still work, the relay will turn it off. As soon as the compressor cools down a little, it will turn on immediately. After all, the refrigerator did not have time to cool down to the required temperature.
Sources
- https://make-a-choice.ru/cherez-kakoe-vremya-dolzhen-otklyuchatsya-holodilnik/
- https://rem.ninja/kuhnya/tehnika/cherez-kakoe-vremya-dolzhen-otklyuchatsya-i-vklyuchatsya-holodilnik.html
- https://expertfrost.ru/ekspluataciya/cikl-raboty-xolodilnika
- https://Freons.xyz/skolko-dolzhen-rabotat-holodilnik-ne-otklyuchayas-problemy-i-ih-resheniya/
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How long should the refrigerator run when first turned on and what is the cycle of its operation?
A new friend and helper has appeared in the house - a cooling and freezing device. Before starting the installation, you need to give it a rest from the road and adapt to room temperature. Remove packaging and remove all foreign objects from refrigerators and freezers (packaging paper, film, cardboard, foam pads, etc.). If you decide to do the installation and connection yourself, you need to know how long the refrigerator should work when you first turn it on before it automatically turns off.
Installing correctly
This moment is quite important, since if installed incorrectly, the operation of the unit will be difficult, more electricity may be consumed, as a result of which the refrigerator will fail faster. Here are a few points to pay attention to:
- Firstly, the plane of the surface on which the refrigerator will stand must be flat.
- Secondly, you need to adjust its legs so that it stands level and does not wobble.
- Thirdly, you can install the device in any convenient place, but preferably not very close to heating objects (battery, gas stove).
Although the instructions always require a level position of the refrigeration appliance on the floor surface, it is better to install it with a slight slope back. In this case, you do not need to make any special efforts to close the door; it will close itself.
How to turn on the freezer correctly?
Do not overload the freezer compartments with food. They should lie freely, allowing air circulation. It is most convenient to pack frozen products in small portions, so that later you can get the required amount of product without defrosting it entirely.
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First connection to the power grid
When preparing to turn on the refrigerator for the first time, you should follow some tips:
- Equipment sellers often advise buying a surge protector to protect the unit from voltage surges. But if there is a good outlet in the house with ordinary grounding contacts, such a filter is not necessary. By the way, if you have a regular extension cord at home, you also don’t have to buy a network adapter. Modern extension cords have all grounding contacts, and they cost an order of magnitude cheaper than a filter.
- If, in addition to the refrigerator, you plan to connect several more devices at the same time, then it is better to use network adapters to protect against possible overload; moreover, they are usually equipped with a large number of sockets.
- If the refrigerator was purchased during the cold season, after delivery home it is strictly forbidden to plug it into the network for the first 3-4 hours. During this time, all parts of the device will warm up well, the resulting condensation will evaporate and it can be safely connected to the network.
- When connecting for the first time, it is not recommended to fill the refrigerator with food. You need to give it the opportunity to reach the desired idle temperature. This may take approximately 5 to 10 hours. Only then fill the refrigerator with a small amount of food. The refrigerator should return to normal operation gradually. In a few hours, the unit will be filled with coolness, the freezer will accumulate a sufficient amount of cold, and the refrigeration unit will be able to start working at full capacity.
Modern freezing devices are mostly equipped with computer control; all sensors are very sensitive to various changes and differences, and, accordingly, can fail faster.
On a note. Do not turn off the refrigerator for a period of time less than 1 minute. The compressor may jam and then you won’t be able to do it without a technician!
So how long should a new refrigeration unit run before its first shutdown?
This question is of great concern to owners of both new devices and devices that have recently been repaired or have been turned off for a long period. The fact is that the first time of its operation usually depends on factors such as:
- Room temperature.
- The volume of the refrigerator itself.
- Compressor performance.
- The number of products loaded into it, their temperature.
- Refrigerant type, etc.
On average, this period can be about two hours. If you wish, in order to determine the standard time before the first automatic shutdown of the new refrigerator, it is best to leave it empty, set the temperature thermostat to the minimum position and do not open the door until it is completely turned off. Depending on the above factors, the time can range from 30-40 minutes to 2-3 hours.
First start
So, having bought a new refrigerator or repaired an old one, the user brings it home and, in most cases, starts the unit. There is no need to do this. Especially if the temperature outside is sub-zero. Any household appliance that has been outside in sub-zero temperatures or hot weather should be left at home for several hours. During this time, the mechanisms will accept the room temperature, which will allow the device to start without harm to the internal parts.
Fridge
Another nuance that affects the operating time after the first launch is the number of products loaded into the chambers. The more products, the longer the refrigeration unit will cool them and reach the desired temperature. Therefore, there is no need to rush to load cameras to capacity. It is better to place some food in the new Atlant refrigerator, start the device and wait for the first shutdown.
If you need to check the performance of Indesit equipment after repair, it is better not to load the chambers with products. The device needs to be started, and without opening the door, wait until it turns off. On average, the first cycle after repair should last:
- about 2 hours for large models,
- for medium-sized LG refrigerators the cycle lasts 60-90 minutes,
- for small ones – 30-40 minutes.
The device of a household refrigerator
What is the cycle of operation of a switched on refrigerator?
Many owners of refrigeration units are also interested in the question of how long the unit can operate and how long it can be off.
A cyclic change in the on/off mode of the device at certain time intervals means normal engine operation.
Moreover, the ratio of the operating time of the electric motor to the total time of the full cycle is called the coefficient of its operating time. And the higher this coefficient, the lower the temperature in the refrigeration chambers will be and, accordingly, the greater the energy consumption will be. The correct cycle of the switched-on refrigerator is set by the built-in thermostat, through which you can set the required temperature in the refrigeration chambers.
What is a refrigerator cycle?
By operating cycles of the device we mean the time when it produces cold, namely the duration of operation of the compressor electric motor. Instruments may operate with short and frequent start-up cycles. If the refrigerator's operating cycle is disrupted, it means that some kind of malfunction has occurred, or it was due to its improper operation.
It is considered undesirable if the number of motor starts per hour is represented by one cycle. But this failure does not always indicate a malfunction.
With rare shutdowns, the compressor downtime increases, the evaporator has time to thaw, and a layer of ice forms on the walls. Due to frequent switching on and off of the compressor, the rest period and functioning of the refrigerator is reduced. The motor has to consume more electricity, especially when it turns on. As a result, electricity costs rise. When the compressor operates for a long time, the products in the chamber become frozen.
After what time should the refrigerator turn off?
The ratio of minutes of active freezing and rest is approximately the same. How long does the refrigerator work per day? The device works and rests for about 12 hours .
As for the interval between turning on and off the refrigerator, the operating time depends on:
- room temperature;
- volume of the refrigerator and working chambers;
- compressor engine performance;
- freon brands.
This period averages 2-2.5 hours . The design of all devices includes a thermoregulatory device and a special control element. They allow you to set the required temperature. The compressor of a device that has been in use for a long time rarely turns on because the food has already cooled.
How long should the refrigerator turn off when first turned on? In this case, it will work continuously until it reaches the desired temperature, this can last from 2 to 8 hours or more. In two-chamber devices with a No Frost system, after starting and freezing, thanks to the thermostat and evaporator, the defrosting mode is switched on. On average, the frequency of the operating cycle is 9-16 minutes , cooling takes from 2 to 5 minutes , the rest of the time thawing occurs. The cycle is broken after the refrigerator has been defrosted or repaired. How long does it take for refrigerators to reach temperature after defrosting or repairs?
In these cases, the duration of continuous operation is affected by:
- temperature of the products placed in the chambers;
- workload;
- brand and performance of the device;
- freon type.
Experts do not recommend loading cameras, and they recommend setting the thermostat knob to the minimum value.
Then answering the question of how long it takes for the refrigerator to gain cold after defrosting, we can say that it will take about 3 hours. Then you can put more food, but only cooled ones.
How often should the refrigerator turn on?
There are standards regulating how often a refrigerator should be turned on and off. Namely, the exact repeatability of starts and stops of the compressor motor. Household refrigerators are usually turned on 4-8 times in 1 hour , one cycle lasts from 8 to 15 minutes. The electric motor operates for approximately 2-4 minutes at the specified duration of pumping cold air inside the chambers. The compressor should not turn on only once per hour or not turn off at all. This indicates a loss of its performance or a freon leak.
Models No Frost
Today, these units are at the peak of popularity. Thanks to the innovative technique, it is possible to completely defrost the care unit once every 10-12 months. No-frost defrosting system used in refrigerators without ice formation. The peculiarity of the system is the removal of moisture through a special system. As a result, high-quality cooling of the product occurs, and ice deposits do not accumulate inside the chambers.
Refrigerator diagram with No Frost (FNF) system
How does the normal operating cycle occur in Atlant and Samsung refrigerators with the know frost system? After the freezing starts and ends, the defrosting mode starts. This process occurs thanks to the thermostat and the evaporator heating element. The heating element defrosts, then the moisture is removed through the tubes and evaporates. The average operating cycle of Know Frost refrigerators lasts from 9 to 16 minutes. The cold accumulates for 2-5 minutes, the rest of the time is spent on thawing.
If the operating cycles of the refrigerator have changed, it means the user is operating the device incorrectly. The door may have been open for a long period of time, and then the freezing time will be increased.
The principle of operation of the refrigerator
Can a refrigerator run continuously?
Continuous operation of the device leads to the fact that all components and systems begin to function at their maximum, parts wear out . As a result, the compressor overheats and fails . Therefore, if the refrigerator does not turn off for more than half a day, you need to look for the reason why this is happening. To do this, it is not necessary to carry out special diagnostics. First of all, you should check the mode. The device may not turn off for a long time if Super Freeze is active
For it to function normally it is necessary to install it:
Hot conditions have a negative effect on the device. You can't place it close to the wall. If everything is fine with this, you should check the door for leaks. The sealing rubber must fit tightly to the body.
Reasons for continuous operation of the compressor
In addition to the circumstances listed above, there are also more serious ones when the refrigerator compressor cannot turn off, as it should every 15-20 minutes. This may happen due to a broken thermostat. Then a signal is continuously sent to the control module, which indicates that, regardless of the current temperature, additional cooling is needed. Older electromechanically controlled refrigerators have thermostats, while modern ones are equipped with reliable air sensors.
The cause may be a malfunction in the thermostat , broken contacts or a short circuit . The part should be changed.
If the control unit , the compressor will also run without stopping. This special chip is responsible for processing sensor signals and sending commands to the compressor and fan. If the control unit breaks, the refrigerator will stop freezing. A specialist can fix minor malfunctions on the spot; in case of serious malfunctions, a refurbishment or, in some cases, a replacement of the microcircuit will be necessary.
In a modern refrigeration unit with the No Frost function, sometimes the automation that regulates the process of distributing cold air flows fails. In this case, continuous operation of the device is observed.
Another reason is a freon leak. If there is not enough refrigerant, the amount of heat removed from the system decreases. This circumstance leads to the fact that the control unit tries to compensate for the decrease in volume by intensive work of the hydraulic system. An experienced technician should fix the leak and refill the refrigerant.
Prolonged operation of the compressor leads to its gradual wear, so it should be replaced with a new one.
How long will it take for the refrigerator to reach temperature after being idle or defrosted?
The time it takes for the refrigerator to cool sufficiently depends on many factors. The main ones:
- Compressor power;
- Camera workload;
- Freon type;
- The difference between the temperatures inside and outside the refrigerator;
- Refrigerator serviceability;
- Correct installation.
An empty and powerful refrigerator will cool down quickly. The compressor will stop after 5-20 minutes. If there are a lot of products inside, and the unit itself is of low power, then the compressor can operate for more than 6 hours. And if there are malfunctions - even longer.
Why does the refrigerator turn off immediately after turning it on?
If the device turns on and turns off almost immediately, the reason must be sought in the start-up protection relay . Its malfunction can be judged by characteristic clicks. This also happens when the engine jams, a winding breaks, an interturn short circuit occurs, or the compressor fails, which begins to get very hot and hum, making clicking sounds. If there is a failure in the control unit at any time, the device can turn off with pauses of varying duration.
If the refrigerator is not operating correctly, it is necessary to find the reason why this happened as quickly as possible. Failures not corrected in time lead to serious problems. If everything is normal with the operating mode of the refrigerator and the evaporator, then you should call a specialist. The technician will diagnose and qualitatively repair expensive household appliances.
Results
The relationship with very frequent starts of household refrigeration equipment and increased energy consumption is clear. To reduce such expenses, it is recommended to load the unit - the refrigeration compartment and the low-temperature chamber only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. In this embodiment, these products will play the role of cold accumulators.
In the summer, to reduce energy consumption and prevent excessively frequent starts of the electric motor-compressor, it is recommended to open the shutter as little as possible. This way, the temperature in the chambers will not increase rapidly, and the motor-compressor will not wear out, which will prevent premature failure of the refrigerator.
When the norms of operating cycles have changed, provided that the operating rules of the refrigeration equipment are strictly followed, this indicates some kind of malfunction of the unit. In this case, they call a refrigeration equipment repair specialist, who will first check the serviceability of the temperature regulator.
Top 6 most reliable refrigerator models
Indesit ITF 118 W
The model of the Italian company Indesit is considered to be an excellent combination of price and quality. Dimensions - 60 x 185 x 64 cm . The refrigerator is equipped with a super-freezing function, a freshness zone, and the No Frost system. The total useful volume is 298 l, of which the freezer compartment is 75 l and the refrigerator compartment is 223 l. The model has a laconic, elegant design with a top display.
low energy consumption;
convenient arrangement of shelves.
ATLANT ХМ 4423-080 N
A premium model at a very affordable price. The dimensions of the unit are 60x63x197 cm. A fairly large and roomy option with a useful volume of 320 liters, where 186 liters are the refrigerator compartment and 134 liters are the freezer.
good freezing power;
you can rehang the door.
Bosch KGV36XW2AR
An excellent single-compressor refrigerator that will fit perfectly into the kitchen interior of a large family. Unit dimensions - 70x73x195 cm . The total usable volume is 317 l, of which 223 l is the refrigerator compartment, 94 l is the freezer. The model has a drip defrosting system, but has good freezing power.
low level of electricity consumption;
Samsung RT-43 K6000EF
A single-compressor unit with dimensions of 70x72.60x178.50 cm and a useful volume of 440 liters, where 329 liters are the refrigeration compartment and 111 liters are the freezer. A special feature of the model is its stylish, laconic design.
low energy consumption;
ATLANT XM 4026-000
A chic model, in the opinion of many buyers, with dimensions that will fit into a medium or spacious kitchen - 60x63x200 cm . The volume of the unit is 393 l, where the freezer compartment is 115 l, the refrigerator compartment is 278 l.
does not consume much electricity;