Dometic RM 2652 User manual

INSTALLATIONAND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
REFRIGERATOR FOR LP-GAS AND ELECTRIC OPERATION
RM 2652 RM 2852
USA Corporate Office CANADA
Service Office 2320 Industrial Parkway Elkhart, IN 46515 Dometic Distribution Inc.
Dometic Corporation 866 Langs Drive
509 South Poplar Street Cambridge, Ontario
LaGrange, IN 46761 For Service Center Assistance N3H 2N7 Canada
Phone:[phone] Call:800-544-4881 Phone:[phone]
822 70 12-06
®
®
Contents: Page
Installation 4
Operating Instructions 8
Maintenance & Service 12
FOR YOUR SAFETY
If you smell gas:
1. Open windows.
2. Don’t touch electrical switches.
3. Extinguish any open flame.
4. Immediately call your gas supplier.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
WARNING: Improper installation,
adjustment, alteration, service or
maintenance can cause injury or
property damage. Refer to this
manual. For assistance or additional
information consult a qualified
installer, service agency or the gas
supplier.
Pour votre sécurité
Si vous sentez une odeur de gaz:
1. Ouvrez les fenêtres.
2. Ne touchez à aucun interrupteur.
3. Éteignez toute flamme nue.
4. Avertissez immédiatement votre fournis-
seur de gaz.
Pour votre sécurité
Ne pas entreposer ni utiliser de l’essence ni
d’autres vapeurs ou liquides inflammables à
proximité de cet appareil ou de tout autre
appareil.
Avertissement: Une installation, un réglage,
une modification, une réparation ou un
entretien non conforme aux normes peut
entraîner des blessures ou des dommages
matériels. Lisez attentivement le mode d’em-
ploi fourni avec l’appareil. Pour obtenir de
l’aide ou des renseignements supplémentai-
res, consultez un installateur ou un service
d’entretien qualifié ou le fournisseur de gaz.
RM2652 RM2852
822701206

3
Refrigerator control panel
FIG. 2
CHECK
GAS
AUTO
ON
OFF
AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATORTEMPERATURE CONTROL
12
AB
C
LEGEND
1. Main Power Button ON/OFF
2.AUTO/GAS Mode Selector Button
A.AUTO Mode Indicator Lamp
B. CHECK Indicator Lamp
(GAS Mode Only)
C. Climate Control Switch
12V DC
Cover,
Reigniter
Power module
cover
FIG. 1
Flexible cord
12 volt
Terminal block
Drain water hose
Inlet fitting Manual gas
shutoff valve
Burner jet
Screw for protection cover
Protection
cover
Flue baffle
Heater

4
INSTALLATION
GENERAL INSTRUCTION
This appliance is designed for storage of foods and
storage of frozen foods and making ice.
This appliance is certified under the latest edition of
ANSI Z21.19•CSA 1.4 Refrigerators using gas fuel.
The installation must conform with local codes, or in
absence of local codes, the following standards as ap-
plicable.
In the U.S. the installation must conform with:
1. National Fuel Gas Code,ANSI Z223.1/NFPA54
(latest edition).
2. Recreational Vehicles Code,ANSIA119.2 (latest
edition)
3. Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280.
If an external electrical source is utilized, the refrigera-
tor, when installed, must be electrically grounded in ac-
cordance with local codes or, in the absence of local
codes,theNationalElectricalCode,ANSI/NFPA70- (lat-
est edition).
In CANADA, the installation must conform with:
1. Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code,
CSAB149.1
2. CSAZ240 RV Series, Recreational Vehicles.
3. Current CSA Z240.4, Gas-equipped Recreational
Vehicles and Mobile Housing.
If an external electrical source is utilized, the refrigera-
tor, when installed, must be electrically grounded in ac-
cordance with local codes or, in the absence of local
codes, the Canadian Electrical Code, CSAC22.1, Parts
Iand II - (latest edition).
VENTILATION
The installation shall be made in such a manner as to
separate the combustion system from the living space
of the mobile home or recreational vehicle. Openings
forairsupplyorforventingofcombustionproductsshall
have a minimum dimension of not less than 1/4 inch.
Proper installation requires one lower fresh air intake
and one upper exhaust vent. The ventilation kits shown
in this instruction manual have been certified for use
with the refrigerator models listed in the Table.
For “Certified Vent System Kits” see page 15.
The ventilation kits must be installed and used without
modification.An opening towardthe outside atfloorlevel
in the refrigerator compartment must be provided for
ventilationof heavier-than-air fuel gases. The lowervent
of the recommended kits is provided with proper size
openings.Theflow ofcombustion andventilating airmust
not be obstructed.
Thelowerside vent is fitted with a panel, which provides
an adequate access opening for ready serviceability of
the burner and control manifold of the refrigerator. This
should be centered on the back of the refrigerator.
GAS CONNECTION
Hook up to the gas supply line is accomplished at the
manual gas valve, which is furnished with a 3/8" SAE
(UNF5/8" -18) maleflareconnection. All completed con-
nections should be checked for leaks with soapy water.
DO NOT use a flame to check for gas leaks.
Thegassupplysystemmustincorporate apressureregu-
lator to maintain a supply pressure of not more than 11
inches water column.
Whentestingthegassupplysystem at test pressures in
excessof1/2psi,the refrigeratoranditsindividualshutoff
valve must be disconnected from the gas supply piping
system.
When testing the gas supply system at pressures less
than or equal to 1/2 psi, the appliance must be isolated
from the gas supply piping system by closing its indi-
vidual manual shutoff valve.
In case detailed instructions on the installation and con-
nection to the gas supply are required, contact your
dealer or distributor.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
120 Volts AC Connection
Therefrigerator is equipped with a three-prong (ground-
ing) plug for your protection against shock hazards and
should be plugged directly into a properly grounded
three-prong receptacle. DO NOT cut or remove the
grounding prong from this plug. The free length of the
cord is 2 feet and therefore recommended that the re-
ceptacle be located to the left side of the refrigerator
(viewed from the rear) and approximately 6 inches from
the floor (see FIG. 3). This allows easy access through
the vent door. The cord should be routed to avoid direct
contact with the burner cover, flue cover or any other
components that could damage the cord insulation.
! WARNING
6”
120 Volt AC
receptacle
FIG. 3

5
12 Volts DC Connection
This refrigerator model is not designed for 12 volt DC
operation of the cooling system; however, a continuous
12 volt DC must be supplied to the refrigerator to oper-
ate the controls. Use a minimum of a 14 gauge wire
between the battery and refrigerator to supply the con-
trol voltage.
The connection is made to the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals located at the rear of the refrigerator. (See
FIG. 1).
Correct polarity must be observed when connecting to
the DC supply.
Do not use the chassis or vehicle frame as one of the
conductors. Connect two wires at the refrigerator and
route to the DC supply.
INSTALLING REFRIGERATOR IN
ENCLOSURE
NOTE: DO NOT install the appliance directly on
carpeting. Carpeting must be removed or
protectedby ametal orwood panelbeneath
the appliance, which extends at least full
width and depth of the appliance.
NOTE: A wood strip must be in place across the upper
openingofthe enclosure.Thetopframeofthe refrigera-
tor will be anchored to the wood strip with screws.
See FIG. 10.
The refrigerator must be installed in a substantial enclo-
sure and must be level. When installing the refrigerator
in the enclosure, all areas within the recess in which the
refrigerator is installed must be sealed.
Make sure that there is a complete seal between the
front frame of the refrigerator and the top, sides and
bottom of the enclosure. A length of sealing strip is ap-
plied to the rear surface of the front frame for this pur-
pose, see FIG. 4.
The sealing should provide a complete isolation of the
appliance’s combustion system from the vehicle interior.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the sealing strip when
the refrigerator is put in place.
Securing the Refrigerator
After the refrigerator is put in place, (ensuring a com-
bustion seal at the front frame), the refrigerator is to be
secured in the enclosure with six screws (not included).
The screws have to be installed in the following order:
STEP1: Two screws installedthrough the front base,
which includes the lower front strip installation.
The refrigerator is provided with a lower front strip
(shippedasa loose part).The front strip is to be attached
after the refrigerator is set into the cutout opening.
1. Install the lower front strip by sliding it under the
bottom hinge plate, as shown in FIG. 5. The hinge
plate can be on the right or left side depending on
the door swing.
2
1
FIG. 5
FIG. 4

6
2. Once the lower front strip is slipped under the
hinge, the part is possible to swing into place as
shown in FIG. 6.
3. Secure the refrigerator and the lower front strip with
two screws:
One screw through the hinge, and on the opposite
side one screw through the lower front strip. (FIG. 6).
STEP 2: Two screws installed in the top frame.
The top decoration panel must be removed from the re-
frigerator before the screws can be installed.
Open the door and gently push the tabs out of the hole
in the hinge with a flat blade screwdriver, (both sides).
See FIG. 7.
Carefully tilt the top decoration panel and lift up to re-
move from top frame. Be careful not to damage the cir-
cuit board and wires.
Any space between the counter, storage area or ceiling
and top of the refrigerator greater than 1-1/2 inches
should be blocked. The heat produced at the rear of the
refrigerator will become trapped in this space, making
the top of the refrigerator hot and reduce the efficiency
of the refrigerator.
Drain water hose
A hole must be drilled through flooring see FIG. 8.
The installer MUST make sure that the hose does not
kink when run through the floor. Seal around the hose
that goes through the drilled hole. If a longer hose than
supplied is required to get the water to drain outside of
the vehicle, the installer will have to supply the extra
length of hose.
TESTING LP GAS SAFETY SHUTOFF
The gas safety shutoff must be tested after the re-
frigerator is connected to the LP gas supply.
To test the gas safety shutoff, proceed as follows:
1. Start the refrigerator according to the instructions
without connecting to 120 voltsAC.
2. Check that the gas flame is lit. InAUTO mode the
AUTO mode indicator lamp (A) is on.
3. Close the manual gas shutoff valve at the back of
the refrigerator. (See FIG. 1).
4. Wait for one minute. The CHECK indicator lamp (B)
should be on, and the flame extinguished.
5. Remove protection cover (see FIG. 1) and open the
manual gas shutoff valve. Do not change any button
positions on the control panel.Apply a non-corrosive
commercial bubble solution to the burner jet orifice.
6. No bubbles should appear at the opening of the
burner jet orifice. The presence of bubbles indi-
cates a defective gas safety shutoff, and service is
required.
7. If no bubbles were present at the burner jet orifice,
it should be rinsed with fresh water. Be careful not
to damage the burner jet orifice. Replace cover and
press the main power ON/OFF button (1) OFF and
back ON. Normal operation of the burner should
return. Allow the burner to operate for a minimum
of 5 minutes.
3
FIG. 6
FIG. 7
1
2
Install the two screws in the top frame, the holes are
accessible from underneath.
Seal the opening for the screws with aluminum tape.
Replacethe topdecorationpanel. Be carefulnotto pinch
the wires behind the panel.
Makesure the tabs snap back into the holes in the hinge
plate.
STEP 3: Two screws installed in the rear base.
See FIG. 8
Failuretofollowthe sequencein securingtherefrigerator
in the enclosure can cause leakage between the frame
and cabinet.
FIG. 8
Hole for drain water hose

7
CERTIFIED INSTALLATION
Certifiedinstallationsrequire oneroofvent andone lower
side vent.
For “Certified Vent System Kits” see page 15.
For further information contact your dealer or distributor.
CLEARANCES
Minimum clearances in inches to combustible materials
are:
G: Top 0
K: Side 0
L: Bottom 0
M: Rear 0
N: See NOTE: Clearance “N”below.
NOTE: Clearance “M”is between the rearmost part of
the refrigerator and the wall behind the refrigerator.
NOTE: Clearance “N”is the distance between the bot-
tom of the lower side vent to the roof material. For ven-
tilation height, see table VENTILATION HEIGHTS.
See Figures 9 and 10.
METHODS OF INSTALLATION
The method of installation is shown in FIG. 9.
It is essential that all maximum or minimum dimensions
are strictly maintained, as the performance of the refrig-
eratoris dependent on adequate flow of air over the rear
of the refrigerator.
VENTILATION HEIGHTS
Installation with roof Minimum ventilation
vent and lower side vent heights in:
Refrigerator Inches mm
RM 2652 57-3/4 1465
RM 2852 63-3/4 1620
G
KK
FIG. 10 L
N
M
NOTE: Wood Strip
MUST be in place
FIG. 9
NOTE: The upper vent should be
centered over the condenser coil
at the back of the refrigerator.
Condenser
Minimum
ventilation
height

8
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANCE OF LEVELING A
REFRIGERATOR
In an absorption refrigerator system, ammonia is lique-
fied in the finned condenser coil at the top rear of the
refrigerator. The liquid ammonia then flows into the
evaporator (inside the freezer section) and is exposed
to a circulating flow of hydrogen gas, which causes the
ammonia to evaporate, creating a cold condition in the
freezer.
When starting this refrigerator for the very first time, the
cooling cycle may require up to four hours of running
time before the cooling unit is fully operational.
Thetubing inthe evaporatorsectionis specificallysloped
to provide a continuous movement of liquid ammonia,
flowing downward by gravity through this section. If the
refrigerator is operated when it is not level and the ve-
hicle is not moving, liquid ammonia will accumulate in
sections of the evaporator tubing. This will slow the cir-
culation of hydrogen and ammonia gas, or in severe
cases, completely block it, resulting in a loss of cooling.
Any time the vehicle is parked for several hours with the
refrigerator operating, the vehicle should be leveled to
prevent this loss of cooling.
Thevehicleneeds to be leveled only so it is comfortable
to live in (no noticeable sloping of floor or walls).
When the vehicle is moving, the leveling is not critical,
as the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will
pass to either side of level, keeping the liquid ammonia
from accumulating in the evaporator tubing.
OPERATION
Beforestarting the refrigerator,check that all the manual
gas valves are in the ON position. DO NOT forget the
manual shutoff valve on the rear of the refrigerator see
FIG. 1.
Thisrefrigerator isequipped with acontrol system, which
can be set to automatically select either 120 volt AC or
LP gas operation (AUTO mode), or if desired LP gas
only (GAS mode).
In bothAUTO mode and GAS mode operation, the tem-
perature is controlled by a factory preset temperature
setting.
The refrigerator controls will work down to 9.6 volt DC.
Most LP gas appliances used in recreational ve-
hicles are vented to the outside of the vehicle.
When parked close to a gasoline pump, it is pos-
sible that the gasoline fumes could enter this
type of appliance and ignite from the burner
flame, CAUSING A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, when refueling, shut off all
LP gas appliances which are vented to the out-
side.
! WARNING
Side view View from above
FIG. 11
D
HW
D
C
B
A
Overall Recess
Refrigerator Dimensions Dimensions
Model Height Width Depth Height Width Depth
ABCHWD
inch 54-21/32 24-7/8 26-1/32 53-3/4 23-11/16 24
RM 2652 mm 1388 632 661 1365 602 610
inch 60-51/64 24-7/8 26-1/32 59-15/16 23-11/16 24
RM 2852 mm 1544 632 661 1522 602 610
This method of installation and these clearances will give you adequate space for service and proper installation.

9
GAS MODE
1. MovetheAUTO/GASmode selector button (2) to the
UP position. TheAUTO mode indicator lamp (A) will
gooff.Within45 secondstheburnershouldbe ignited
and operating normally.
2. Ifthe CHECK indicator lamp (B) illuminates, the con-
trol has failed to ignite the burner on GAS.
To reset when the CHECK indicator lamp (B) is illu-
minated, press the main power ON/OFF button (1)
to the OFF then ON position.
3. On the initial refrigerator start-up on gas, it may take
longerthan 45 seconds to allowairtobe purged from
the gas line. If the refrigerator has not been used for
a long time or the LP tanks have been refilled, air
may be trapped in the supply lines. To purge the air
from the lines may require resetting the main power
ON/OFF button (1) three or four times. If repeated
attempts fail to start the LP gas operation, check to
makesure thattheLPgas supplytanksarenot empty
and all manual shutoff valves in the lines are open. If
the problem is still not corrected, contact a service
center for assistance.
NOTE: Donot continue to reset GAS operation if the
CHECK indicator lamp continues to be illuminated
after several tries.
4. InGAS modeoperation, the temperatureis controlled
by a factory preset temperature setting.
TO SHUT OFF THE REFRIGERATOR
The refrigerator may be shut off while in any mode of
operation by pressing the main power ON/OFF button
to the UP (OFF) position. This shuts off all DC power to
the control system.
START UP INSTRUCTIONS
A. A continuous 12 volt DC supply must be available
for the electronic control to function.
B. Press the main power ON/OFF button (1) to the
DOWN position.
C. In AUTO mode operation, the temperature is con-
trolledby a factory preset temperature setting, onthe
energy source selected by the control system.
D. InGAS modeoperation,the temperatureiscontrolled
by a factory preset temperature setting.
AUTO MODE
1. Press the AUTO/GAS mode selector button (2) to
the DOWN position. TheAUTO mode indicator lamp
(A) will illuminate. If 120 volts AC is available, the
control system will select AC operation. If 120 volts
AC is not available, the control system will automati-
callyswitch to GAS operation. Within 45 seconds the
burner should be ignited and operating normally.
2. Ifthe CHECK indicator lamp (B) illuminates, the con-
trol has failed to ignite the burner on GAS.
To reset when the CHECK indicator lamp (B) is illu-
minated, press the main power ON/OFF button (1)
to the OFF then ON position.
3. On the initial refrigerator start-up on gas (120 volts
AC is not available), it may take longer than 45 sec-
onds to allow air to be purged from the gas line.
If the refrigerator has not been used for a long time
or the LP tanks have just been refilled, air may be
trapped in the supply lines. To purge the air from the
lines may require resetting the main power ON/OFF
button (1) three or four times. If repeated attempts
fail to start the LPgas operation, check to make sure
that the LP gas supply tanks are not empty and all
manual shutoff valves in the lines are open. If the
problem is still not corrected, contact a service cen-
ter for assistance.
NOTE: Donot continue to reset GAS operation if the
CHECK indicator lamp continues to be illuminated
after several tries.
4. In AUTO mode operation, the temperature is con-
trolled by a factory preset temperature setting.
Refrigerator control panel
CHECK
GAS
AUTO
ON
OFF
AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
AB
12

10
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATING MODES
AUTO MODE
When operating in the AUTO mode, the AUTO mode
indicator lamp (A) will illuminate.
Thecontrol system will automatically select betweenAC
and GAS operation withAC having priority over GAS. If
the control system is operating with AC energy and it
thenbecomes unavailable, the system willautomatically
switch to GAS.As soon asAC becomes available again
the control will switch back toAC operation.
Gas operation (120 voltsAC is not available). The control
system will activate the ignition system and will make
three attempt to light the burner for a period of approxi-
mately 45 seconds with two minutes interval. If unsuc-
cessful, the CHECK indicator lamp (B) will illuminate.
To restart an ignition attempt with the CHECK lamp illu-
minatedortoclear (turn off)theCHECKlamp,pressthe
main power ON/OFF button to the OFF and then ON
position. The control system will attempt a new ignition
sequence.
If 120 voltsAC becomes available while the CHECK in-
dicator lamp is on, the CHECK lamp will not turn off until
the main power ON/OFF button is pressed to the OFF
then ON position.
GAS MODE
When operating in the GAS mode, the AUTO mode
indicatorlamp (A) will be off.ThismodeprovidesLPgas
operation only. The control system will activate the igni-
tionsystemandwillmake threeattempt tolight theburner
for a period of approximately 45 seconds with two min-
utesinterval. If unsuccessful, the CHECK indicator lamp
(B) will illuminate.
To restart GAS operation, press the main power ON/
OFF button (1) to the OFF and then ON position. The
control system will attempt a new ignition sequence.
If the refrigerator has not been used for a long time or
the LP tanks have just been refilled, air may be trapped
in the supply lines. To purge the air from the lines may
requireresettingthe mainpowerON/OFFbutton(1)three
orfourtimes.Ifrepeatedattemptsfailto startthe LPgas
operation, check to make sure that the LP gas supply
tanks are not empty and all manual shutoff valves in the
lines are open. If the problem is still not corrected, con-
tact a service center for assistance.
LIMP MODE OF OPERATION
This control system contains a feature where it will con-
tinue to operate the cooling system in event of a failure
of a major operating component.
If the control cannot read the temperature sensor and
control to the preset temperature, then the control will
run the cooling unit continuously at the energy source
available.
The refrigerator will continue to operate in this mode in-
definitely or until a new sensor is installed and the sys-
tem is reset.
Refrigerator control panel
CHECK
GAS
AUTO
ON
OFF
AUTOMATIC REFRIGERATOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
AB
12