A refrigerator is an essential element of any kitchen, regardless of the size of the room. Moreover, so-called embedded models are increasingly being used. There are two options for their installation (you need to choose the option before installing the built-in refrigerator): insert into the niche of the cabinet or under the countertop and partial installation, in which the front of the refrigerator is not hidden. The functional features of such large household appliances are no different from ordinary ones. Differences can only be in appearance and connection.
Furniture requirements
Most often, refrigerators are built into special cases that are part of the kitchen furniture set, which is why all the furniture and appliances will be made in a single style design. On one side of the pencil case there is a front door, which is subsequently connected to the refrigerator door.
Regardless of how you decide to install the built-in refrigerator in the kitchen (in whole or in part), certain requirements are imposed on the design. The device of the pencil case must be such as to ensure heat removal from the equipment, for which the following rules must be followed:
- providing a gap between all cabinet walls and the refrigerator;
- the back of the pencil case is better to remove at all;
- there should be ventilation holes in the bottom wall.
Location Requirements
You need to not only know how to install the built-in refrigerator, but also where to put it. In this case, you should pay attention to the general recommendations that are indicated in the instruction manual for this type of equipment:
- the cabinet must be installed so that the gap between the rear wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room is at least 10 cm;
- the chosen place should be such that the doors open freely to the maximum angle;
- the back of the cabinet (it is recommended to remove the wall) should not come into contact with any heating devices, such as a battery.
Rules for connecting to the electric network
Before installing the built-in refrigerator, you need to decide which outlet the device will be connected to. In this case, it is recommended to use a separate access point to the electrical network, it is desirable to equip it with a grounding contact. In some cases, to fulfill this requirement, it will be necessary to install additional wires from the electrical panel or junction box.
Carefully choose the cross section of the conductors. It must match electrical power and load. This is especially important if a group of outlets is mounted, to which other household appliances in the kitchen will be connected, for example, an oven with a hob and a refrigerator. In this case, we are talking about the total power.
It is not recommended to place the outlet on the open parts of the wall, while access to it must be ensured. Many craftsmen prefer to install them under the countertop. The outlet in this place will not interfere, and the equipment can be easily disconnected from the network if necessary.
The first test inclusion of equipment is recommended to be done before properly installing the built-in refrigerator in the pencil case. You need to do this to make sure that the device is working. The second - after placing it in a pencil case. This stage is required in order to make sure that the operation is silent.
Installation procedure
Installation of the built-in refrigerator is performed in the following sequence:
- Unpack the equipment, remove the protective films and parts of the packaging. Before installing the built-in refrigerator, it is recommended to study the instructions. It must be included.
Now you need to compare the dimensions of the equipment and the parameters of the niche. Equipment can only be installed if there is a gap on the sides and in a depth of 3-7 cm.
Before installing the built-in refrigerator, you need to check the base of the niche for slope. If it is detected, a ventilation pad will be required to compensate for the slope.
Now you can install a refrigerator (transportation stops must be removed), but you need to put it not close to the back wall, but rather leave 10 cm gaps, which will simplify the installation of the facade.
The power cord must be passed through the hole in the rear wall.
- You can only move the refrigerator after installing the facades and metal parts. After this, the technique must be fixed.
Installation of facades on the built-in refrigerator
This stage is in the instructions. It describes how to properly install the built-in refrigerator inside the cabinet. If you have a decorative glass door, you can follow a simplified installation diagram.
There are two ways to install facades:
- the use of accessories that ensure sliding of the door on runners, while the fixed fasteners with a hinge system are screwed in;
- installation of the facade, which opens with the door of the refrigerator itself (in this case, the facade is attached directly to the device).
Possible difficulties
Do-it-yourself installation of the built-in refrigerator is better if you have sufficient experience. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the parts, because of which there may be a denial of warranty service.
Beginners may encounter the following difficulties:
- the impossibility of leaving ventilation gaps, for example, if the refrigerator is slightly larger than the cabinet itself, which may result in damage to the device due to overheating;
- the inability to connect equipment to the electrical network in accordance with the rated voltage (this parameter is indicated on the diagram in the instructions);
- the inability to connect to the water supply system and forcing air out of the system, since the purchase did not take into account the presence of an ice generator (some models, for example, Liebherr companies, require a separate water supply line to provide this function);
- the inability to position the shutoff valve for water away from the outlet and the rear wall of the refrigerator;
- the use of heavy decorative panels, as a result of which the load is distributed incorrectly between the refrigerator door and the cabinet;
- installation of equipment near heating appliances.
If it was decided to build in the refrigerator yourself, then first you need to carefully study the instructions and allocate a sufficient amount of time for this. When working, you need to be patient and accurate.