Moving a fridge laying on its side: What are the rules When moving a refrigerator, it is always best to keep them upright. Yet there are cases in which you might need to take it on its side. But: This is a common quirk of the practice — here are some key things to think about.Refrigerator Transport (ad)
The Potential Dangers of Reclining your Refrigerator
Likely Harm: The most typical worry if their refrigerator is set onto its part would be that the oil will flow out from your compressor to some of those refrigerant plumbing. This can cause blockages in the system and result in problems when the appliance is switched on again15.
Manufacturer Guidelines — Most refrigerators have their own set of instructions across variants. For example, while some top-freezer and side-by-side models can be laid on their sides, built-in and compact models always need to be upright24. Always check the manufacturer’s manual before relocating.
Precautions: While Transporting
Preparation : Turn off and empty your fridge at least a few hours before moving. This helps to prevent leaks during transport6 and enables it to thaw. Empty all food items and wash the inside to prevent them from smelling.
Locking Things Up: Make sure to tape the doors closed and remove glass shelves to avoid damage. 86) Blanketing also helps in protecting the outer body of the unit34.
Post-Transport Protocol
After laying on its side, let the fridge stand upright for an equal amount of time to standing time. Leave it for 24 hours before you plug it again if the refrigerator was on its side for over one day38. This period ensures that the oil comes back to the compressor so it is not harm.
Though transportation of a fridge on its side is not recommended, these steps can help reduce risks that would otherwise occur during moving. And with this mod always put a premium on safety and get the best results by referring to model specific instructions.
