Bushman DC-X Series System manual

Owners Manual &
Operating Instructions
DC-X Series Fridges
CARAVAN – MARINE – RV - OFFGRID
User Manual and
12/24V Fridge/Freezer
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DC 85X & DC 130X

2
Congratulations on your purchase of a Bushman DC-X fridge. Please read these instructions carefully
before installation and use.
Please be safe and use common sense and caution when installing, operating and cleaning this appliance. If you are
unsure about any of these instructions, contact your local stockist before proceeding.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Do not lay your fridge on its back, top or sides or at any angle exceeding 30º. If your fridge has been incorrectly
handled, ensure that the fridge is placed in a level upright position for 12 hours to allow the internal fluids to
redistribute evenly.
Never operate your fridge directly from a 240 V or AC power supply.
Do not use a modified sine wave inverter to operate your fridge.
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
DELIVERY
At delivery, please check that the fridge is complete and is not damaged in any way. Remove all packaging and
securing tapes from the fridge. To avoid injury and causing damage to the appliance, be extremely cautious when
using sharp or pointed tools to complete this task.
Do not connect an appliance that has been damaged, contact your local dealer immediately.
INSTALLATION
Installation of the DC-X range of fridges must be completed by a suitably trained professional only.
POWER SUPPLY
Your fridge must be connected to a stable and regulated 12 V or 24 V DC power supply only. The compressor will
automatically detect which voltage is present adjust accordingly.
If you are using a generator or other power supply, the output must be a pure sine wave. Any fluctuations in
generator current may damage the compressor.
WIRING
For optimum results, you will need the correct sized wire depending on the distance from your power supply to the
fridge. Wiring must be directly from your fridge to your battery and should be continuous without joins. Please also
ensure the earth is wired directly to your battery, not to a chassis. If your wiring is insufficient, your fridge may not
perform correctly or may be even be damaged.
AUTOMOTIVE WIRE
MM
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF WIRE IN METRES
12 V
24 V
2.5
2.5
6
4
4
8
6
6
12
10
10
20
We recommend installing an isolation switch for the fridge circuit as close to your battery bank as possible. Any
switches must have a breaking load not less than 20 A on 12 V or 10 A on 24 V.
The power supply wiring must also be protected with a 15 A fuse.
Ensure the wiring polarity is correct. Connect the red wire to the positive terminal (+) and the black wire to the
negative terminal (-).
Never connect bare electric wires. Use only connections of a size suitable for the cross section of the wire being
used.

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INSTALLATION INTO A CAVITY
DC-X fridges are designed to be installed in a cavity. A gap of minimum 40mm is recommended for the rear. Refer to
the following table for the recommended cut-out dimensions. If you are using the mounting kit, allow an extra 5mm
width for the mounting kit frame and screws.
MODEL
CUT-OUT CAVITY DIMENSIONS (MM)
WIDTH
DEPTH
HEIGHT
DC50-X
385
495
530
DC65-X
455
515
530
DC85-X
480
550
630
DC130-X
530
550
755
MOUNTING KIT
The mounting kit is first affixed to the side and top of the fridge cabinet using the screws provided.
Once the fridge has been connected to the power supply and moved into its final position, the mounting kit can be
affixed to the front of the cavity.
VENTILATION
Ventilation will have a significant impact on the efficient operation of your fridge. A minimum of 2 vents need to be
provided from the rear of the fridge cavity to the outside environment, or to the main room where the fridge is
located. The vents should be located at the bottom and top of the fridge cavity and have a free cross section of
minimum 200cm2each. By providing free air flow to the compressor area your cooling system will remove heat faster
and the fridge will operate more efficiently.
IMPORTANT STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE OPERATION
THERMOSTAT
The thermostat should be set on the lowest number to keep your fridge cold. Do not use setting 7 as this causes
very quick ice build-up. Start the fridge at setting 3 and see how it goes after 24 hours. 7 is the coldest setting and 1
is the warmest.
EQUALISING THE FRIDGE
During the first 24 hours of operation, your compressor will operate for longer than usual. This process allows the
internal air temperature, food, drinks, condenser, and insulation to equalise.
USING THE FRIDGE IN EXTREME HEAT
If you are using your fridge in a very hot area or situation, removing the drip tray baffle will improve cold air
circulation throughout the fridge cabinet. Note the DC130-X and DC85-X models do not have a drip tray.
KEEP HOT / WET ITEMS OUT OF THE FRIDGE
Try and keep hot or wet items out of the fridge as they are a prime source of moisture and ice build-up.
SPACE ITEMS, ESPECIALLY ON THE TOP SHELF
It’s helpful to keep some space between your items in the fridge so that the cold air can circulate. This is critically
important on the top shelf.
RUBBER SEALS ARE CLEAN
Check the rubber seals are clean and free from dirt or grime. If not, clean the rubber seals and the front edge of the
fridge cabinet with warm, soapy water.
HAVE GOODS INSIDE THE FRIDGE
The fridge will not operate preperly if it is empty, as air does not hold temperature well. If you are using a wireless
thermometer the temperature readout will fluctuate significantly with the changes in air temperature, whilst your
drinks inside the fridge will not vary much at all.

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DEFROSTING
Defrosting needs to be carried out when the ice layer reaches a thickness of 5mm.
Turn off the power to the fridge and move your food and beverages to another cool place. Do not use any objects to
remove the ice or frost, it must be allowed to melt naturally. Once the ice has melted, thoroughly dry the inside of the
fridge and freezer compartment. Re-start the fridge on setting 4 and monitor after 24 hours.
CLEANING
Always keep the inside of the fridge clean and dry. Wash the inside of your fridge with luke warm water and a mild
soap. Never use abrasive or corrosive cleaning agents, steel wool or scouring sponges. A soft sponge, towel, or soft
brush is recommended.
STORAGE
Keep the door of the fridge ajar when the fridge is not in use, to allow fresh air to circulate inside the fridge
compartment.
REMOVING THE FRIDGE DOOR - MOVING THE HINGES TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE
REMOVE THE DOOR
To remove the fridge door, position the fridge on a bench with the front edge overhanging so you can access the
bottom hinge screws.
1. Take the top hinge off first
2. Gently lift off the main door
3. Unscrew the bottom hinge. There is a small washer on the bottom hinge, make sure this doesn’t stick to the
bottom of the fridge door!
4. Reposition the bottom hinge and screw into place
5. Sit the main door onto the bottom hinge (and washer)
6. Affix the top hinge screws finger tight only.
7. Align the door so it is square to the cabinet and closes freely without rubbing.
8. Tighten the top hinge screws fully.
MOVING THE DOOR HANDLE
1. Remove the 2 screws which hold the door handle in place. Access is provided under the logo sticker. You can
more easily remove the sticker by applying moderate heat from a hair dryer.
2. Gently lift the door handle off.
3. Reposition the door handle on the preferred side.
4. Drill 2 small (2mm) pilot holes through the door handle for the original screws.
5. Reaffix the door handle using the original screws.
6. Reapply the logo sticker onto the door handle by applying moderate heat to the sticker.
7. Use the supplied DC-X Series sticker to cover the old screw holes.
REPLACING THE FRONT DOOR PANEL
1. Follow steps 1 to 2 under “Moving the door handle” above.
2. Gently remove the bottom door profile which supports the door panel. Using a screwdriver gently lever the
bottom door profile outwards only. Do not lever it down.
3. Gently slide the original door panel down and out of the door.
4. Slide the new door panel upwards and into place.
5. Reposition the bottom door profile to be flush.
6. Continue from steps 3 to 8 under “Moving the door handle” above.

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ADJUSTING THE DOOR LATCH
Whenever the door or hinges have been moved, please adjust the top metal rail that the door latch clips under.
Loosen the screws and move the top metal rail towards the rear of the fridge cabinet until the plastic door latch just
makes light contact. If there is more than 1mm of movement, this will need adjusting.
See diagram below:
CORRECT 0-1MM GAP INCORRECT 2MM+ GAP
RUBBER DOOR SEALS
1. It is important that the rubber door seals are making contact 100% of the way around the fridge cabinet.
2. There are magnets inside the rubber seal which pull towards the metal fridge cabinet to keep it airtight.
3. After you have adjusted your door latch, check to see that the rubber seal is making contact with the fridge
cabinet on all 4 sides. If there is even a small gap, this will affect the performance of your fridge.
4. Starting from a corner, gently heat up the rubber seal with a hair dryer or light heat from a heat gun (be careful
not to overheat the rubber or it will melt). As the rubber heats up, the magnets inside will pull the seal towards
the fridge cabinet. Slowly work your way along the rubber from one corner to the other until it is fully sealed.

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7

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VENTILLATION
OPTIONS DC-X
Exterior Ventilation
Interior Ventilation Option 1
Interior Ventilation Option 3
min 200cm2
min 40mm
min 40mm
min 40mm
min 40mm
min 40mm
Interior Ventilation Option 4
Interior Ventilation Option 2
min 200cm2
min 150mm
min 150mm

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WARRANTY
DP Refrigeration Pty Ltd trading as Bushman Fridges ABN 94 615 295 255 (Bushman) warrants, to the original
owner, that this product is free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of three (3) years from the
purchase date. This warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing, at Bushman’s option and without charge to
the purchaser, defective components. All warranty work shall be performed at a Bushman approved facility. Shipping
charges related to returning the product to the Bushman facility are not covered under this warranty. However, this
warranty covers shipping charges related to returning the repaired product to the customer. This warranty does not
apply to damage or wear to the product caused by accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, unauthorized alteration or
repair, or if the product was not used in accordance with Bushman printed installation and operating instructions. To
obtain service under this warranty, the defective product must be returned to Bushman together with a copy of the
original purchase receipt. Any product repaired or replaced under this warranty will be warranted for the balance of
the warranty period with respect to the original purchased product. Bushman is not liable for any incidental or
consequential loss or damages whatsoever as a result of use or misuse of this product. Any statutory warranty also
applies.

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Please check each of these 4 points. All 4 need to be right for your fridge to operate correctly.
1. VOLTAGE
The most common cause of an incorrectly functioning fridge, or a fridge that starts and stops and doesn’t get cold, is
a lack of consistent voltage. Danfoss compressors have built in battery protection and need the following minimum
voltage for the compressor to start (Cut-in) or stop (Cut-out).
VOLTAGE
CUT OUT
CUT IN
12 V
9.6 V
10.9 V
24 V
21.3 V
22.7 V
Note that when the compressor starts it will draw approximately 8A for 1⁄2 second to turn the compressor over.
When this 8A load is applied, the voltage can drop by 2V - 3V, causing the compressor to turn off again.
This often happens at night when the battery gets a bit lower (no solar input) or when the car alternator hasn’t been
started for a while (no alternator input) or if there is a weak spot somewhere in the electrical system (weak join, weak
solder, undersized wire, worn battery).
To isolate this problem, use a different, direct power supply
Connect the red and black power wires from the compressor directly to a different 12V power source (for example a
fully charged deep cycle 12V battery). It is important to run these two wires directly to the power source, without any
unnecessary connections, plugs, solar, battery management, power distribution or buss bars. If the fridge now runs
correctly, there is a power supply issue somewhere.
Get an electrician to check
• The polarity of the connections are correct
• The wiring between the fridge and battery is correctly sized – see page 2
• Any connections or joins in the wire between the fridge and the power source are 100%
• The battery is not wearing out and is capable of consistently providing 12 volts when a 10 amp load is placed on it
• The voltage to the compressor is still 12V when a 10 A load is placed on the wires
2. VENTILATION AND AIR-FLOW
• There is adequate ventilation and free air flow to the compressor area – see page 6 + 7
• The fridge is not installed in a sealed cavity, container or canopy
• The condensor fan is operating
3. ICE BUILD UP
Ice will slowly build up on the freezer section over many weeks. This is a normal part of the operation of a low-power
cooling system. Excessive ice build-up is a problem as the ice eventually insulates the cooling element and hinders
the fridge’s ability to cool. In this instance, turning the thermostat up to flat out (6 or 7) will cause ice to build up even
faster. Therefore, slowing the ice build-up from the start is the key.
Check
• The rubber door seal is touching the fridge cabinet all the way around on all 4 sides – see page 5
• The door latch has a tight fit when closed – see page 5
• The door closes freely without rubbing on anything – see page 4
• Defrost the fridge and start again see page 4
5. OPERATING THE FRIDGE
• Space items in the fridge – see page 3
• Set the thermostat to the lowest number possible – see page 3
• Only open the fridge or freezer door for short periods of time and when necessary
• Do not place hot or wet items inside the fridge

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RED LED ERROR LIGHT
From mid 2021 onwards all Bushman DC-X series are fitted with a red LED error light attached to the compressor. If
your fridge cuts out or will not operate, look inside the compressor compartment for a flashing red LED light. The
number of flashes corresponds to the following error type.
NO. OF
FLASHES
ERROR CODE
1
BATTERY PROTECTION CUT-OUT
The voltage is outside the cut-out setting.
2
TOO MAY START ATTTEMPTS (OR FAN OVER CURRENT)
This generally indicates the compressor has had too many start attempts due to battery
protection cut-out. It could also indicate fan overload of more than 0.5A but this is extremely
rare.
3
MOTOR START ERROR
The rotor is blocked or the differential pressure in the refrigeration system is too high (>5 bar)
4
MINIMUM MOTOR SPEED ERROR
Refrigeration system is overloaded, and motor cannot maintain minimum speed (1850 rpm)
5
THERMAL CUT-OUT
Refrigeration system overloaded or ambient temperature is too high.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DC50-X
DC65-X
DC85-X
DC130-X
COMPRESSOR
Secop
BD35
Secop
BD35
Secop
BD35
Secop
BD35
VOLTAGE
12 V / 24 V
DC
12 V / 24 V
DC
12 V / 24 V
DC
12 V / 24 V
DC
WATT RATING
60 W
60 W
60 W
60 W
EXTERNAL
DIMENSIONS
(mm)
W 380
D 495
H 525
W 450
D 515
H 525
W 475
D 550
H 625
W 525
D 550
H 750
NETT WEIGHT
16.4 kg
18 kg
22.5 kg
27.2 kg

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NOTES
For after sales service and enquiries, please contact:
Bushman Fridges
3 Contour Close Research VIC 3095
[phone]
[e-mail]