Dometic RM4873 User manual

1
Form No. 3106402.005 6/95
TheDometicCorp.
LaGrange,IN46761
Copyright1995TheDometicCorporation
INSTALLATION &
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS
RECORD THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
BEFORE INSTALLING THE UNIT:
Model No._______________ _____________________Serial No.
Date Purchased__________ Place of Purchase______________
USA
SERVICE OFFICE
The Dometic Corp.
509 So. Poplar St.
LaGrange, IN 46761
219-463-4858
CANADA
Dometic Dist.
866 Langs Dr.
Cambridge, Ontario
CANADA N3H 2N7
519-653-4390
For Service Center
Assistance Call:
800-544-4881
INDEX Page
Installation.............................. 2
Operating Instructions.......... 8
Maint. & Service....................13IMPORTANTINSTRUCTIONS
READCAREFULLY
Model RM4873
REFRIGERATOR FOR LP/GAS
AND ELECTRIC OPERATION
FOR YOUR SAFETY
If you smell gas:
1.Shut off gas supply at the
main LP gas tank valve.
2.Openwindows.
3.Don't touch electrical
switches.
4.Extinguish any open flame.
5.Immediately call your gas
supplier or service agency.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
REFRIGERATOR
MODEL
RM4873
3-WAY ELITE
Improperinstallation,adjustment,
alteration, service or maintenance
can cause injury or property dam-
age. Refer to this manual. For assis-
tance or additional information
consult a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
! AVIS
Cet appareil doit être réparé
seulement par un réparateur
autorisé. Modification de l'appareil
pourrait être extrèmement
dangeruse, et pourrait causer mal
ou mort.

1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance is designed for storage of foods and
storage of frozen foods and making ice.
The refrigerators outlined herein have been design certi-
fied by A.G.A. under ANSI
Z21 .19 Refrigerator Standard
for installation in a mobile home or recreational vehicle and
are approved by the Canadian Gas Association.
The certifications are, however, contingent on the
installation being made in accordance with the following
instructions as applicable.
In the U.S.A., the installation must conform with:
1. National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1-(latest edition)
2. Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Stan-
dard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280
3. Recreational Vehicles ANSI Al
19.2-(latest edition).
The unit must be electrically grounded in accordance with
the National Electric Code ANSI/NFPA 70-(latest edition)
when installed if an external alternating current electrical
source is utilized.
4. Any applicable local code.
In Canada, the installation must conform with:
1. Current CGA B 149 Gas Installation Codes
2. Current CSA Standard Z 240.4 GAS-EQUIPPED REC-
REATIONAL VEHICLES AND MOBILE HOUSING
3. Any applicable local code
The unit must be electrically grounded in accordance with
the CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE C 22 Parts 1 and 2.
2. VENTILATION
The installation shall be made in such a manner as to
separatethecombustion system from the living space of the
mobile home or recreational vehicle. Louveropeningsforair
supply or for venting of combustion products shall have a
minimum dimension of not less than 1/4 inch.
Proper installation requires one fresh air intake and one
upper exhaust vent. The ventilation kits shown in this
instruction manual have been certified for use with the
refrigerator model listed in the Table. For “Certified Vent
System Kits” see Section B. The ventilation kits must be
installed and used without modification. An opening toward
theoutsideatfloor level in the refrigeratorcompartment must
be provided forventilation of heavier-than-air fuel gases. The
lower vent of the recommended kits is provided with proper
size openings. The flow of combustion and ventilation air
must not be obstructed.
The lower side 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.
3. CERTIFIED INSTALLATION
Certified installations require one roof vent and one lower
side vent.
For certified vent system kits, see Section B.
For further information, contact your dealer or distributor.
4. METHOD OF INSTALLATION
The method of installation is shown in FIG. 1. It is essential
that all maximum or minimum dimensions are strictly main-
tained as the performanceof the refrigerator is dependent on
adequate flow of air over the rear of the refrigerator.
NOTE: The upper vent should be
centered over the condenser coil
at the
back of the refrigerator.
FIG. 1
2

3
5.VENTILATION HEIGHTS
Refer to FIG 1., Page 2
Installation with roof Minimum Ventilation
vent and lower side vent heights in:
REFRIGERATOR INCHES MM
RM4873 63-3/4 1620
LOWERVENTCUTOUT
UPPERVENTCUTOUT
5-1/2"
21-9/16"
13-3/4"
23-3/4"
NOTE: All cutout dimensions are +/– 1/8".
6.CLEARANCES
Minimumclearancesininchestocombustiblematerialsare:
G: Top 0"
K: Side 0"
L: Bottom 0"
M: Rear 0"
N: SeeNOTE
NOTE:Clearance"M"isbetweentherearmostpartofthe
refrigeratorandthewallbehindtherefrigerator.
NOTE:Clearance"N"isthedistancebetweenthebottom
of the lower vent to the roof material. For ventilation
height,referto SectionA.Installation,Item5.Ventilation
Heights . See FIGS. 1 & 2.
FIG. 2
FIG. 3
Refrigerator Overall Recess Total
Model Dimensions Dimensions Ref. Vol.
Height Width Depth Height Width Depth
RM4873 A B C H W D Cu. Ft.
(Inches) 60-15/16 24-11/16 24-7/8 59-15/16 23-11/16 24
(mm) 1530 627 632 1522 601 608 7.3
NOTE: Wood Strip MUST be in
place. See Page 4, Item 7

4
7. INSTALLING REFRIGERATOR IN
ENCLOSURE
NOTE:DONOT installthe appliancedirectlyon carpeting.
Carpetingmustberemovedorprotectedbyametalorwood
panelbeneaththeappliance,whichextendsatleastthefull
widthanddepth of theappliance.
Anyspacebetweenthecounter,storageareaorceilingcan
trapheatproducedattherearoftherefrigerator.Anyspace
between the top and sides of the refrigerator should be
blockedformaximumrefrigeratorperformance.
CONDENSATEWATERDRAINHOSE:A3/4"holemustbe
drilledthroughtheflooringintheopeningofthebaseplateon
therearofrefrigerator(seeFIG.5D).Theinstallermustmake
surethatthehosedoesnotkinkwhenrunthroughthefloor.
Seal around the hose where it goes through the hole. If a
longerhoseisrequired,followtheillustrationshownbelow:
OPTION A:
1) Remove black water check valve from hose.
2) Addadditionalhose
3) Reinstall black water check valve
OPTION B:
1) Cutdrain hoseatlocation shown below.
2) Install new drain hose between pieces cut.
NOTE: Black water check valve must be reinstalled to
ensureproperrefrigeratoroperation.DONOTKINKHOSE.
OPTION C:
Invehicleswhereroutingthedrainhosethroughtheflooris
not possible, a metal clip is available. The clip is used to
drain water out through the side vent.
Part No. 3106590.007 Clip for plastic side vent (Qty. 50)
Part No. 3106590.015 Clip for plastic side vent (Single)
Part No. 3106559.002 Clip for metal side vent (Qty. 50)
PartNo.3106559.010 Clip formetal side vent(Single)
INSTALLATION: The refrigerator must be installed in a
substantialenclosureandmustbelevel.Wheninstallingthe
refrigerator in the enclosure, all areas within the recess in
whichtherefrigeratorisinstalledmustbesealed.Makesure
thatthereis acompletesealbetweenthe frontframeofthe
refrigeratorandthetop,sidesandbottomoftheenclosure.
Alength of sealingstrip isappliedto therear surface ofthe
frontframeforthispurpose.Alsoapplyasealingstrip tothe
foremostfloor ofthe enclosureand applya secondsealing
striptothebottomofthetrimstriponthefrontbaseasshown
in FIG. 4. The sealing should provide complete isolation of
theappliance'scombustionsystemfromthevehicleinterior.
A wood strip must be in place across the upper opening of
the enclosure. The top frame of the refrigerator will be
anchored to the wood strip with screws. See FIG. 2.
The dimensions shown in FIG. 3 will give you adequate
spaceforproperinstallation.
NOTE: Ifthedoorishingedanditneedsbechangedtothe
opposite side, it must be done before the refrigerator is
installed in the enclosure. See Step. 13.
NOTE:Becarefulnottodamagethesealingstripappliedto
theflooroftheenclosurewhentherefrigeratorisputinplace.
Therefrigeratorissecuredintheenclosurewithsixscrews.
They must be installed in the following order:
a. First: Two screws are installed in front
decorationstripandthroughthefrontbase.
1) Thefrontstripistobeinstalledaftertherefrigera-
tor is set into the alcove. The strip is shipped as
a loose part.
2) Installthe lower frontstripby sliding it underthe
bottomhingeplateasshowninFIG.5.Thehinge
platecanbeontherightorleftsidedependingon
thedoorswing.
3) Whenthefrontstripisinplace,installonescrew
throughthehingeandintothefloor.Thesecond
FIG.4
FIG. 5

5
screwisinstalled with a washeronthe opposite
side. (See FIG. 5A)
b. Second: Install the two screws in the top
frame.
1) Thetopdecorationpanelmustberemovedfrom
the refrigerator before the screws can be in-
stalled. Open refrigerator door and gently push
thetabsoutoftheholeinthehingewithflatblade
screwdriver. See FIG. 5B.
2) Carefullytiltthetopdecorationpanelandliftupto
remove from top frame. See FIG. 5B.
3) Installthesecondtwoscrewsinthetopframeas
shown in FIG. 5C.
4) Replacethetopdecorationpanel.Becarefulnot
topinchthewires.Makesurethetabssnapback
FIG. 5B
FIG. 5A
into the holes in the hinge plate.
C. Third: Two screws installed as shown in
rear base. See FIG. 5D.
FIG. 5D
Failure to follow the sequence in securing the refrigerator
intheenclosurecancauseleakagebetweentheframeand
cabinet.
Holefor
DrainWater
Hose
FIG. 5C PRESSURE
REGULATOR
LP GAS
CYLINDER
TO
REFRIGERATOR
8.GAS CONNECTION
Hookuptothegassupplylineisaccomplishedatthemanual
gas shutoff valve, which is furnished with a 3/8" SAE (UNF
5/8"–18)maleflareconnection.Abackupwrenchmustbe
used when tightening gas supply fitting. All completed
connections should be checked for leaks with a noncorro-
sive leak detector. (See FIG. 6 – Gas tubing may have a
differentorientationthanshown).
DO NOT USE A FLAME
TOCHECKFOR GAS LEAKS.
Thegas supplysystemmust incorporatea pressureregu-
latortomaintainasupplypressureofnotmorethan13-1/2
inches water column (static) no load.

6
9.TESTING LP GAS SAFETY
SHUTOFF
Thegas safetyshutoffmustbetested afterthe refrigerator
is connected to LP gas supply.
Totestthegassafetyshutoff,proceedasfollows:
A.Start the refrigerator according to the instructions, and
switchtogasmode.See"SectionC.OperationInstruc-
tions."
B.Check that the gas flame is lit.
C.Close the manual shutoff valve at the back of the
refrigerator. (SeeFIG.6)
D.Waitforoneminute.Thecheckindicatorlamp(B)should
nowbelitandthegasmodeindicatorlampshouldbeoff.
E.Remove cover (see FIG. 6) and open the manual gas
valve.Applyanoncorrosivecommercialbubblesolution
to burner jet (see FIG. 6).
FIG.7
Whentestingthegassupplysystematpressureslessthan
orequalto1/2psig,theappliancemustbeisolatedfromthe
gas supply piping by closing its individual manual shutoff
valve.
Incasedetailedinstructionsontheinstallationandconnec-
tion to the gas supply are required, contact your dealer or
distributor.
F.Nobubblesshouldappearattheopeningoftheburnerjet.
Thepresenceofbubblesindicatesadefectivegassafety
shutoff, and service is required.
G.If no bubbles were present at the burner jet, the gas
safety valve is working properly. Rinse jet thoroughly
with fresh water before proceeding. Be careful not to
damage burner jet. Replace cover and turn the main
FIG.6
10.120VOLT AC ELECTRICAL
CONNECTION
Therefrigerator isequipped withathree-prong (grounded)
plug for protection against shock hazards, and should be
pluggeddirectlyintoaproperlygroundedthree-prongrecep-
tacle.DONOTcutorremovethegroundingprongfromthis
plug.Thepowercordshouldberoutedtoavoiddirectcontact
withtheburnercover,fluecoverormanualgasshutoffvalve
knob. The free length of the cord is two feet and therefore
recommendedthatthereceptaclebelocatedtotheleftside
oftherefrigerator(viewedfromtherear)andapproximately
six inches from the floor (see FIG. 7). This allows easy
access through the vent door.
switch OFF and back ON. (See "Section C. Operation
Instructions,Item2.ControlPanel").Normaloperationof
theburnershouldreturn.Allowtheburnertooperatefor
a minimum of 5 minutes.
! WARNING
DO NOT USE A FLAME
TO CHECK FOR GAS LEAKS.

7
11. 12 VOLT DC CONNECTION
All refrigerator models require a DC supply to maintain the
automaticenergysystem).TheDCleadconnectionsareat
terminalslocatedattherearoftherefrigerator.(SeeFIG.6).
Oneleadis marked positive(+)and the othernegative(–).
Correct polarity must be observed when connecting to the
DCsupply.
Do not use the chassis or vehicle frame as one of the
conductors.Connecttwowiresattherefrigeratorandroute
to the DC supply.
Thedistancethecurrentmusttravelfromthebatterytothe
refrigerator dictates the AWG wire size to be used. Should
the wire be too small for the distance, a voltage drop will
result.
The voltage drop affects the wattage output of the 12 volt
cartridgeheaterandresultantrefrigeratorperformance.Rec-
ommendedwiresizesareshownbelow.
MAXIMUM TOTAL CONDUCTOR WIRE LENGTH
(In Feet and Meters)
RM4873
AWG 215Watts
10 17 FT.
5M
8 27 FT.
8M
Thewiresfromthebatterytotherefrigeratormustbeoflarge
enough size to handle the load. The connections must be
clean,tightandfreefromcorrosion.Ifnot,aresultingvoltage
dropwillcauseadecreasedcoolingcapacity.TheDCsupply
must be fused. The maximum fuse size is 25 amps.
CleanDirectCurrent(DC)powerismandatoryforhigh-
techcircuitstooperateasdesigned.ThesourcesforDC
powerare a batteryand aconverter.
A battery will provide straight line DC power, but ex-
tended operation will require recharging of the battery
bythe converter or the alternator.
The converter and alternator produces DC power by a
seriesofdiodesthatrectifyalternatingcurrenttoDC.A
battery or capacitors can be used to clean up the AC
ripplethatispresentafterACvoltagehasbeenrectified.
13. CHANGING DOOR SWING TO
OPPOSITE SIDE
Therefrigeratorisequippedwithconvertibledoors.To
changethe doorswing,consulttheparts manualfor
theConversionKitPartNumber.Forfurtherinforma-
tion,pleasecontacttheDometicCorporationlistedon
thefront page.
screws. See FIG. 8.
B. Locate the 2 pins in the end frame of the door. If they
arein thetopframe, relocatethe pinsintothe holesin
the bottom door frame to support the panel. See FIG.
8.
C. Slide panel into grooves on vertical edges of the door
untilitslipsintothegrooveontheoppositeendofdoor.
D. Replace trim strip and screws.
12.INSTRUCTION FOR INSTALLING
DOOR PANEL
Therefrigeratorisnormallydeliveredwithoutthedoorpan-
els.Beforestartingthemountingwork,checkthatthepanel
dimensionsareincompliancewiththosegivenintheTable
onthispageandtheinstructionsarereadthoroughly.When
mounting the panel, proceed as follows. (See FIG. 8)
A. Removethetrimstripfromthedoorbytakingoutthe3
FIG. 8
Refr. Models HEIGHT WIDTH
TYPE MAX. MIN. MAX. MIN.
RM4873
upper mm 403 400 527 524
inch 15-7/8 15-3/4 20-3/4 20-5/8
lower mm 987 984 527 524
inch 38-7/8 38-3/4 20-3/4 20-5/8
PANEL DIMENSIONS
MAX. THICKNESS 5/32" (4 mm)

8
SECTION B. CERTIFIED VENT SYSTEM KITS
REFRIGERATOR KIT
MODEL NO. COMPONENTS PART NO.
RM4873 OPTION #1 ROOF BASE 3103633.XXX *
ROOF COVER 3103634.XXX *
LOWER SIDE VENT 3102277.XXX *
OPTION #3-A POWER VENT ASM. 3104131.002 **
POWER VENTILATOR ROOF BASE 3103633.XXX *
(Island/throughfloor) ROOF COVER 3103634.XXX *
* Fill in "XXX" with color code numbers. For color codes, contact your supplier.
** Alternate instructions forwarded with the Ventilator Kit.
SECTION C. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1.IMPORTANCE OF LEVELING A REFRIGERATOR
Any time the vehicle is parked for several hours with the
refrigerator operating, the vehicle should be leveled to
preventthislossofcooling.Thevehicleneedstobeleveled
only so it is comfortable to live in (no noticeable sloping of
floors or walls).
Whenthevehicleismoving,thelevelingisnotcriticalasthe
rolling and pitching motion of the vehicle will pass to either
sideoflevel,keepingtheliquidammoniafromaccumulating
intheevaporatortubing.
MostLPgasappliancesusedinrecreationalvehiclesareventedtotheoutsideofthevehicle.Whenparked
close to a gasoline pump, it is possible that the gasoline fumes could enter this type of appliance and
ignite from the burner flame, CAUSING A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION.
FORYOUR SAFETY,whenrefueling,shutoffallLP gas applianceswhichareventedtotheoutside.
Inanabsorptionrefrigeratorsystem,ammoniaisliquefiedin
the finned condenser coil at the top 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.
Thetubingintheevaporatorsectionisspecificallyslopedto
provide a continuous movement of liquid ammonia down-
ward by gravity through this section. If the refrigerator is
operated when it is not level and the vehicle is not moving,
liquidammoniawillaccumulateinsectionsoftheevaporator
tubing.Thiswillslowthecirculationofhydrogenandammo-
niagas, orinsevere cases,completely blockit,resultingin
a loss of cooling.

9
2. CONTROL PANEL
3-WAY DISPLAY PANEL
FIG.10
LEGEND 3-WAY MODEL
1. Main Power Button ON/OFF
2. AES/AUTO Mode Selector Button
3. AC\GAS Mode Selector Button
4. GAS Mode Selector Button
5. TEMPERATURE Selector Button
A. AES/AUTO Mode Indicator Lamp
B. AC/GAS Mode Indicator Lamp
C. GAS Mode Indicator Lamp
D. AC Mode Indicator Lamp
E. GAS Mode Indicator Lamp
F. DC Mode Indicator Lamp
G. CHECK Indicator Lamp
(GAS Mode Only)
H. Temperature Indicator Lamps
J. Climate Control Switch
J
3. START-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Beforestartingtherefrigerator,checkthatallthemanualgas
valves are in the ON position. DO NOT forget the manual
shutoff valve on the rear of the refrigerator. See FIG. 6.
This refrigerator is equipped with a control system, which
can automatically select the most suitable energy source
which is available, either AC, DC or LP gas operation. The
system can be set by the user to be fully automatic, or if
desired, LP gas only.
A. A12voltDCsupplymustbeavailablefortheelectronic
controltofunction. Therefrigeratorcontrols willwork
down to 9.6 volts DC.
B. PressthemainpowerON/OFFbutton(1)totheDOWN
position.
C. PresstheTEMPERATURESELECTORBUTTON(5)
until the lamp at the desired setting is illuminated.
1 2 3 4 5
1
23 4
5
A B C D E
H
F
F
G
G

10
A. AES/AUTO MODE
The AES/AUTO mode of operation takes priority over all
other operating modes. If more than one mode selector
button(2),(3)or(4)isinthedownposition,thepriorityisfrom
left to right.
Whenoperatinginthismode,theAES/AUTOmodeindicator
lamp(A) willilluminate.In thismode thecontrolsystemwill
automatically select the energy source with AC having top
priority, DC second priority and GAS third priority. If the
controlsystemhasselectedaparticularenergysourcesuch
asAC,andthenitbecomesunavailable,itwillautomatically
seek out the next available energy source.
PresstheAES/AUTOmodeselectorbutton(2)totheDOWN
position.Indicatorlamp(A)shouldilluminate.Indicatorlamp
(D),(E)or(F)shouldalsoilluminateindicatingwhich energy
source the control has selected.
PresstheTEMPERATURESELECTORbutton(5)untilthe
lamp at the desired position is illuminated.
B. AC/GAS MODE
Press the AC/GAS mode selector button (3) to the DOWN
(ON)position. Modeindicator lamp(B)shouldilluminate.
In this mode of operation the control system will automati-
cally select between the AC and GAS energy sources with
AC having first priority.
TheAES/AUTOmodeselectorbutton(2)mustbeintheUP
(OFF)position.
Indicator lamp (D) or (E) should also illuminate indicating
whichenergysourcethecontrolhasselected.IftheCHECK
indicator lamp (G) illuminates, see GAS MODE for further
instructions.
PresstheTEMPERATURESELECTORbutton(5)untilthe
lamp at the desired position is illuminated.
C. GAS MODE
WhenoperatingintheGASmode,theGASmodeindicator
lamp (C) and (E) will illuminate.
TheGASmodeprovidesLPgasoperationonly.Thecontrol
system will activate the ignition system and will attempt to
lighttheburnerforaperiodofapproximately45seconds.If
unsuccessful,theCHECKindicatorlamp(G)willilluminate
and the GAS mode indicator lamp (C) will turn off.
5.HOW TO USE THE REFRIGERATOR
To restart GAS operation, press the main power ON/OFF
button(1) totheOFF thenON position.Thecontrolsystem
will attempt a new 45 seconds ignition sequence.
TheAES/AUTO(2)andAC/GAS(3)modeselectorbuttons
must be in the UP (OFF) position.
PresstheGASmodeindicatorbutton(4)totheDOWN(ON)
position.
Indicatorlamps(C)and(E)shouldilluminateindicatingGAS
operation.After45secondstheburnershouldbeignitedand
operatingnormally.
Ontheinitialrefrigeratorstart-up,itmaytakelongerthan45
secondstoallowairtobepurgedfromthegasline.Ifthegas
doesnotignitewithin45secondstheCHECKindicatorlamp
(G)willilluminateandtheGASindictorlamp(C)and(E)will
go off.
ToresetwhentheCHECKindicatorlamp(G)isilluminated,
pressthemainpowerON/OFFbutton(1)totheOFFthenON
position.
NOTE:DonotcontinuetoresetGASoperationiftheCHECK
indicatorlampcontinuestobeilluminatedafterseveraltries.
IfrepeatedattemptsfailtostarttheLPgasoperation,check
tomakesurethattheLPgassupplytanksarenotemptyand
allmanualshutoffvalvesinthelinesareopen.Iftheproblem
isstillnotcorrected,contactaservicecenterforassistance.
PresstheTEMPERATURESELECTORbutton(5)untilthe
lamp (H) at the desired position is illuminated.
IfthecontrolisswitchedtotheAES/AUTOorAC/GASmode
ofoperationwhiletheCHECKindicatorlampison,ACorDC
willfunctionproperly,buttheCHECKindicatorlampwillnot
gooffuntilthemainpowerON/OFFbuttonispressedtothe
OFF then ON position.
D.THERMOSTAT
Thethermostatontherefrigeratorcontrolsboththegasand
electric operation, thereby eliminating the necessity of
resetting each time a different energy source is employed.
After the initial start-up, the thermostat should be moved
from"COLDEST"tothedesiredtemperaturesetting,usually
aboutmid-setting.
E. TO SHUT OFF THE REFRIGERATOR
The refrigerator may be shut off while in any mode of
operationbypressingthemainpowerON/OFFbuttontothe
UP (OFF) position. This shuts off all DC power to the
refrigerator.
1 2 3 4 5
1
23 4
5
A B C D E
H
F
F
G
G
3-WAY DISPLAY PANEL