i heard that if it is sideways in the box then like it loses its gas or something? i just bought a mini fridge for college and it was in the car on its side for 5 hours or so. Someone said it might be ruined. is this true?
2006-09-13 16:04:29 · 15 answers · asked by dsfsdg d 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Two things can happen to a refrigerator if it is laid over in transport. The pump and motor inside the shell of the compressor are suspended on springs that can be stretched or broken if you hit a hard bump. The oil that is inside the compressor can run out into the tubing of the condenser or evaporator. The oil will gravitate back into the compressor if you wait at least an hour or so before you plug it in. If you did not hit any hard bumps in transit no damage was done to the compressor.
The only way the refrigerant comes out of the unit is if any tubing was damaged. The refrigerant is not affected in any way other than a leak from damaged tubing.
2006-09-13 17:10:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I learned this the hard way... while bringing my small fridge home from wally world, we lay it on it's side . When we got home we plugged it in , within 2 hours it caught fire and had to call the fire dept...
What happens is all the oil runs out of the compressor while it is laying sideways and when restarted , without waiting for an hour or so in the upright position...presto call the fire dept...LOL, but true.
2006-09-13 23:45:13 · answer #2 · answered by bartender101dd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It must be in the upright position before plugging it in long enough for the refrigerant, either R12: R22 or HFC134A and the compressor lubricant (oil) to all settle back out of the condensor coil and back into the compressor. If it is not in the compressor it could damage it, the compressor. Let it sit upright overnight and then plug it in. The orifice that the refrigerant and oil must pass through to cause the cooling effect, is fairly small. So you would be wise to err toward longer rather than shorter adjustment period.
2006-09-13 23:16:58 · answer #3 · answered by scubadiver50704 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As long as it's not running, it won't hurt to have it on it's side or upside down. Just make sure it has been right side up for a while before plugging it in. This lets the oil get back to where it belongs. Otherwise you do risk ruining it.
2006-09-13 23:08:25 · answer #4 · answered by wires 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not ruined. Put upright for a few hours before plugging in. The gases in the compressor need to settle to the bottom.
2006-09-14 00:39:02 · answer #5 · answered by deg4853 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should'nt be ruined, the fluids just get moved around in it too much and need to settle before you use it.
It's the same with a water cooler or air conditioner. Leave it right side up overnight to let the fluids settle again - then plug it in - it should be fine.
2006-09-13 23:07:06 · answer #6 · answered by LukeK 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, not true. After it's been moved and sat on its side for a while, wait an hour or two before plugging it in. You'll be fine!
2006-09-14 00:08:58 · answer #7 · answered by fibreglasscar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You only have to leave it rightside up when you plug it in! However, if it's in the container and unplugged, then you can even put it backwards if you want and no harm will be done to it. Good luck in college!
2006-09-13 23:06:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, this is bad for the refrigerator. It needs to remain right side up. It strains the compressor and also causes it to run hot.
2006-09-13 23:14:58 · answer #9 · answered by lizzybit64 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its called freon. I would stand it up in the right position for about 1 hour before you plug it in to make sure the freon is balanced and settled.....
2006-09-13 23:16:16 · answer #10 · answered by Carol H 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋