FRIDGE MATE FM User manual

&‘FM MODEL’
PORTABLE FRIDGE*FREEZER
Owner’s Manual
WARRANTY
AUSTRALIAN OWNED
AUSTRALIAN MADE
FROM IMPORTED
& LOCAL COMPONENTS
QUALITY & PERFORMANCE - THE LASTING IMPRESSION
by

Thank you for purchasing a FridgeMate fridge freezer.
The unit you have chosen has been proudly designed and manufactured in
Australia by EvaKool combining FridgeMate’s fully insulated tough polyethelene
cabinet with internationally proven compressor technology to produce Australia’s
most ingenious, versatile and user friendly 12V/24V fridge freezer combination.
We strongly recommend that you carefully read this manual prior to operating
your FridgeMate as it contains important information regarding your unit’s
operation, maintenance, care and terms of warranty.
This unit is designed to operate from either a 12V or 24V power source or from a
240V mains supply via an EvaKool approved 12v/24v/240v adaptor. It can also
be operated in remote areas from solar and generator power sources. Please
refer to page 3 for instructions.
All EvaKool products are specifically designed to withstand Australia’s harsh
operating conditions and if treated with care will provide you with many years of
trouble free service.
16 Enterprise Street, Caloundra
Queensland, Australia 4551
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.evakool.com
INSTALLATION................................................ 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
• 12 Volt Operation ................................... 4
• 240 Volt (Mains) Operation ................... 4
SELECTION OF FRIDGE/FREEZER OPTIONS.... 5
OPERATION .................................................... 6
CONTROL PANEL
• Temperature Settings ............................. 6
•Fault Light............................................... 6
• Power Inlet.............................................. 7
• Circuit Breaker........................................ 7
HELPFUL HINTS ............................................. 7
CARE & STORAGE ......................................... 8
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE .................... 8
FAULT FINDING GUIDE ............................. 9/10
TROUBLE SHOOTING FLOW CHART .......... 11
WARRANTY STATEMENT.............................. 12
CONTENTS • O p e r a t i o n a l Settings............................... 6

Page 3
INSTALLATION
Your FridgeMate fridge/freezer is designed to operate from either a 12V or 24V DC power source. It can also operate from a
240V (AC) main supply with the use of a 12V/24V adaptor.
When using solar power or power generators ensure that the fridge is connected through a 12V or 24V battery. We
recommend the use of anti-surge devices when there is a possibility of ‘spikes’ from the power source.
The recommmended mannner to connect your fridge is illustrated below.
Please note: The fridge is set to cut off immediately when the voltage drops below the sustainable level so as to protect your
battery, compressor and internal circuitry. It wil start automatically when adequate power is restored.
For maximum efficiency we recommend the fridge is installed on a level surface, although, if necessary it will operate on
surfaces up to an angle of 30˚.
IMPORTANT
DO NOT block air flow to your fridge. Ventiliation is very important to ensure efficiency and reliability. Poor ventilation will
cause the compressor to overheat and hence reduce its life span and efficiency.
NOTE:
ENSURE SOLAR
REGULATOR FITTED
TO SOLAR PANELS.
NOTE:
ALSO USE THIS
METHOD WHEN
CONNECTING
FRIDGE TO 240V
OUTPUT SOCKET
ON GENERATOR
SOLAR POWER
MAINS CONNECTION
BATTERY

Operating
INSTRUCTIONS
Page 4
12 VOLT OPERATION
• Connect the military plug end of the
fridge lead to the fridge,
• Push cigarette lighter plug into 12V or
24V power outlet.
Note: If using a plug other than the
cigarette lighter plug, ensure that the
polarity is correct ie: positive to positive
and negative to negative.
• If required, press button on the
control panel to turn fridge on. The
control panel will light up indicating the
previous temperature setting.
• The compressor will start and about 2
seconds later the fan motor will start.
The display will be illuminated and the
compressor speed indicator light will
come on indicating the fridge is running
and the evaporator plate inside the
fridge will start to cool.
• Set the temperature control to its
desired setting by pressing either or
button on the control panel.
• In order to save power, you may turn
down the temperature setting or even
switch the fridge off when it is not to
be opened for lengthy periods, eg,
overnight.
24OV - MAINS OPERATION
• The unit can also operate from a 240V
mains power source via an EvaKool
approved 12V/24V adaptor.
• Connect the military plug end of the
adaptor to the fridge and plug the 3 pin
plug into the mains.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• DO NOT run your fridge near
flames or sources of heat.
Preferably keep it in a cool position
away from direct sunlight.
• When travelling on rough roads,
place about 50mm of high density
foam under the fridge and secure
the unit using tie-down straps
through the handles.
• To assist in preventing the unit
from reaching the low voltage
threshold and automatically
turning itself off the following
should be remembered:
• DO NOT leave the fridge
running from the car battery (with
engine not running) for extended
periods.
• Without the engine running all
batteries will eventually discharge
enough for the unit to switch itself off.
• Take care with vehicles
with older batteries or smaller
vehicles with lower rated
batteries.

Page 5
see page 6
Heavy Duty Suspension
Fan Assisted
Cooling Tunnel
Nylon Moulded
Handle
Nylon Detachable Hinges
Wide Angle Hinges hold
lid in open position
Circuit Breaker
Control Panel
Adjustable Fridge
Freezer Divider
Easy to use
latchloops Minimum 50mm insulation
Drainage Bung
Robust/tough
polyethelene cabinet
Minimum 50mm insulation
Food Quality Refrigeration Foam
Selection of
FRIDGE/FREEZER OPTIONS
Your FridgeMate fridge/freezer is uniquely
designed to operate as a fridge or freezer
or fridge/freezer combo.
• When you first start the fridge, remove
the insulated internal divider which will
allow the air to circulate and hence
bring down the temperature in the
cabinet quicker
• Once the temperature has reached the
desired level refit the divider between
the baskets.
• To operate the entire unit as a fridge or as a
freezer, remove the divider, slidethebasket
towards the freezer plates and insert the
divider atthefar end of the cabinet. Set the
required temperature.
• To operate as a fridge/freezer combo the
divider can remain between the baskets
or byremoving the fridgesection basket
can be moved within thecabinet thereby
altering thesize of both thefreezer and
fridgecompartments.
See helpful hints - page 7
FRIDGE/FREEZER
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Page 6
OPERATION
CONTROL PANEL
Your Fridgemate fridge is designed to operate at 3 speeds.
High - 3500 RPM
Medium - 3000 RPM
Low - 2000 RPM
The higher the speed, the faster the compressor is operating which will enable the unit
to cool/freeze quicker.
The lower the speed the more economical the unit’s operation and hence a lower power
draw.
ON/OFF Switch
Operation Settings
High, Medium, Low
Temperature Adjustment
- warmer
Temperature Adjustment
- cooler
Fault light (See fault finding guide)
!

HELPFUL HINTS
Page 7
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Your Fridgemate is fitted with a 15
amp circuit breaker.
The purpose of the circuit breaker
is to protect the compressor should
there be:
– a direct short to earth;
– a power surge or faulty power
supply.
If either of the above occur the circuit
breaker will ‘trip’ thereby cutting off all
power to the unit.
As a result all the lights on the control
panel will go out.
To reset simply push down the black
button on the circuit breaker.
If after re-setting, the circuit breaker
continues to ‘trip’. please contact
Evakool or your service agent. (See list
of service agents supplied)
POWER INLET
The military plug (power inlet socket) is
notched so that it can only be connected
in the correct way. The threaded ring
locks the plug into place.
• Pre-chill the fridge before use.
• On particularly hot days raise the
insulated divider by +/-20mm to allow
the cold air quicker access to the
fridge section of the cabinet
For maximum efficiency:
• Regularly rotate contents of fridge
particularly when operating as a
freezer.
• Keep fridge as full as possible, ideally
the freezer section should be at least
50% full.
• Use the baskets provided to ensure
air circulates freely in the cabinet (the
baskets also protect the cooling plate
from potential damage).
• Keep the cover on the freezer section.
• Refrain from unnecessary opening of
the fridge.
• Ensure the air vents are not
obstructed so as to allow maximum
air flow.
• Avoid placing hot or warm goods in
the freezer.

Care &
STORAGE
DEFROSTING
• Switch off freezer and open lid.
• Open drainage bung to drain waste as
fridge defrosts.
• A jug of warm water may be poured
over the evaporator plates and inside of
the cabinet to assist cleaning. (DO NOT
FLOOD OR FILL THE CABINET WITH
WATER.)
•DO NOT use sharp objects when
cleaning and defrosting your
Fridgemate. Keep your Fridgemate
clean by wiping both the interior and
exterior with a damp cloth using a mild
non-abrasive household detergent and
dry thoroughly.
• Ensure fridge is completely defrosted
and dry before turning back on.
• Always clean the fridge after use and
before storage.
STORAGE
• When storing your Fridgemate for any
lengthy period prop the lid open a few
millimetres and remove the bung cap to
prevent the build-up of mould or odours.
Spray interior, if necessary, with a food
grade anti-mould/odour product.
• We recommend that your fridge is
operated at regular intervals, ie. for 24
hours once a month, if it is being stored for
any length of time. Remember your
Fridgemate can be used in the home as an
additional fridge or freezer by using your
EvaPower AC adaptor. (see pg 4).
WARNING
Do not place your AC adaptor or any
electrical equipment inside your fridge as
condensation and moisture will cause the
electronics to fuse or burn out, voiding
the warranty.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
As your Fridgemate is a portable unit it
is likely to be subjected to a variety of
different operating conditions.
Accordingly in order to ensure maximum
operating efficiency we recommend
that the unit is regularly inspected by an
approved EvaKool service agent. See
warranty statement.
Prior to commencing any maintenance
ensure the unit is not operating and is
disconnected from a power source.
The unit is designed so preventative
maintenance is easy to undertake.
Simply remove the 6 screws holding
the compressor cover in place, drop
the cover forward and using a small
brush, vacuum or compressed air,
clean any dust or dirt from the
condenser coils.
DO NOT USE WATER TO CLEAN THE
CONDENSER COILS. FAILURE TO
REGULARLY CLEAN THE COILS MAY
VOID THE WARRANTY.
If the unit is exposed to rain or
water, remove the cover and dry as
necessary.
Page 8

Fault Finding
GUIDE
refer to the
TROUBLE SHOOTING
FLOW CHART (PAGE 11)
FRIDGE NOT RUNNING?
Is the control panel display lit up?
• Check power supply.
• Check that the fridge lead is plugged in properly, and that no wires are loose.
• Check that the fridge has been turned on.
• Check the circuit breaker and press to re-set if necessary.
• If the control panel is lit up and the fridge is still not running call our Service
Department on 07 5492 7777.
FRIDGE RUNNING BUT NOT COOLING?
• Is the yellow light flashing? If yes, refer self diagnostic system below.
• Make sure that the compressor is running and not just the fan motor.
• If the compressor is running and the fridge is not cooling call our Service
Department on 07 5492 7777.
FRIDGE IS TRYING TO START BUT KEEPS CUTTING OUT?
• Is the yellow light flashing? - Refer self diagnostic system below.
• Low voltage. Check your supply.
• Voltage drops. Read section on voltage drop.
YELLOW LIGHT FLASHING?
The EvaKool compressor has its own self diagnostic system, if the yellow light is flashing,
count how many flashes in each set. It will flash a series of between 1 and 5 flashes every four
seconds.
1 Flash The fridge is cutting out because the supply voltage is outside the cutout
setting.
• Check your power supply (fridge power lead and vehicle wiring) for voltage drop.
2 Flashes Condenser fan problem. Contact Service Agent.
3 Flashes Blocked rotor or the differential pressure in the system is too high.
Contact Service Agent.
4 Flashes If the system is too heavily loaded the motor cannot maintain speed.
Contact Service Agent.
5 Flashes The compressor is cutting out on its thermal protection.
• Ambient temperature is too high • Condenser coil is blocked with dirt and fluff
• Condenser fan motor failed • Air vents on the side of the unit are blocked
The condensing coil in your refrigerator is like a radiator in your car. If the fan that is cooling it stops, or the fins
in the coil get blocked with dirt and fluff, the compressor will overheat and cut out on its thermal protection.
NO
YES
Page 9

Voltage Drop &
WIRING REQUIREMENTS
Page 10
SIMPLE TESTS
• Fridge does not operate in your vehicle:
Run the fridge from a 240 volt power source via an AC adaptor. If the
fridge starts and runs then the problem is with your vehicle, either the
battery or the wiring.
See section on voltage drop (AC adaptor, minimum of 10 amps at 12
volts or 5 amps at 24 volts).
NOTE: The EvaKool AC adaptor model EP24 delivers 24 volts.
• Fridge does not operate from a 240 volt power source when using
an AC adaptor:
Run the fridge from your vehicle or other fully charged 12 volt battery
source. If the fridge starts and runs, then the problem is with either the
AC adaptor or fridge lead. Check the fridge lead by connecting the
fridge to a 12V battery, if it operates the AC adaptor is faulty.
•NOTE: It is important to ensure in all cases that the voltage at the end of
lead connecting to the fridge is adequate. ie: above 11.0 volts.
VOLTAGE DROP
The majority of our customer inquiries are related to voltage drop, which means the power to
run the fridge is lost between the power supply (the battery) and the fridge compressor.
The fridge’s compressor requires over 10.9 volts (12 volt) and 22.7 volts (24 volt) to operate. If
the voltage drops to these points or below, the fridge will default, you will hear the compressor
trying to start every minute or so and the yellow fault LED light will be blinking once every 4
seconds.
WHEN VOLTAGE DROPS OCCUR:
(a) The cigarette lighter socket in your car or 4WD will have on average 2mm core
wiring. This wiring is too thin and will drop voltage from one end to the other. EvaKool
recommend a minimum of 6mm core cable and if the distance from the power source
is over 6 metres, 10mm core wiring is required. Consult an auto electrician should you
need to upgrade.
(b) Check for dirty or loose connections at the battery and outlet.
(c) Are there any relays or after market voltage protection devices in the line to your fridge.
These also have voltage drops through them.
(d) Check that your battery doesn’t drop voltage under load.

Not Cooling
Fridgemate Trouble Shooting Flow Chart
1 Flash every 4 seconds
Low Voltage
* Try on different power source (vehicle or 240
volt adapter). If changing power source fixed
issue, then possible issue with original power
source.
* New cigarette lead
2 Flashes every 4 seconds
Fan Issue
Fan is drawing too many amps (over 0.5 amps),
replace fan.
4 Flashes every 4 seconds
Low Motor Speed
* Set to LOW SPEED
* Reduce products / items inside unit
* Move so unit is in a lower ambient temperature
Clean vents / ensure clear air flow over compressor
*Fan fault
3 Flashes every 4 seconds
Compressor Start Issue
* Unplug cigarette cable and allow unit to rest for
15 minutes.
* Set to LOW SPEED
* Try on different power source (vehicle or 240
volt adapter).
* Electronic box fault
* Compressor fault
Compressor
and fan running
Compressor
running, no fan Display not lit / on.
Yellow fault
light flashing
5 Flashes every 4 seconds
Over Temperature
* Ambient temperature too high
* Clean vents / ensure clear air flow over compres-
sor
* Fan fault
Make sure vents
and condenser are
not blocked and
there is clear air
flow through the
unit
Possible gas
issue.
Contact Evakool
or service agent.
Clean condenser
and vents with
brush, vacuum or
compressed air.
Make sure not to
flatten the fins.
Faulty fan.
Replace Fan
Partial Display
missing
Faulty display
circuit board. Try on different power source
(vehicle or 240 volt adapter).
If changing power source fixed
issue, then possible issue with
original power source.
Fan running,
no compressor
no Fault LED
Faulty yellow
Fault LED
Electronic Box
Loose wires on top dis-
play circuit board or
bottom circuit board.
Faulty top display or
bottom circuit board.
Electronic Box
If the below options do not help, you are unable to follow them or unable to com- plete the steps please contact Evakool or a service agent for further help.
Valid for Evakool RF, ED and GFM models fitted with digital controls from 2015.
This flow chart details the order in which the various procedures / tests need to be followed in order to diagnose the reason for the fridge’s malfunction.

Warranty Statement
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Page 12
Nexberg Pty. Ltd. trading as EvaKool undertakes to the original purchaser that this product is sold free of defect in materials and/
or workmanship under normal use for a period of 5 years. Subject to the following, EvaKool will repair free of charge or replace at
their discretion your EvaKool fridge/freezer iftheunit’s failureis as a direct result of faulty workmanship and/or materials.
• As this is a portable unit subject to a variety
of different operating conditions we strongly
recommend that the unit is regularly inspected by
an EvaKool service agent. Regular maintenance will
ensure that your Fridgemate operates to its
maximum efficiency.
• As your Fridgemate cabinet is a roto moulded product
there may be slight differences between units.
These differences do not constitute a claim
under the terms of this warranty.
• The warranty period commences from the date
of purchase by the original purchaser from an
authorised EvaKool dealer.
• Any claim under this warranty must be made within
five (5) years of the date of purchase of the product.
• EvaKool will honour this warranty on presentation
of proof of purchase of the unit to EvaKool or its
approved service agent. The service agent may be
requested to provide EvaKool with a photocopy of
the proof of purchase to obtain approval to proceed
prior to warranty being honoured.
• Please telephone [phone] for the name of
an authorised service agent or refer to list provided
It is the purchaser’s responsibility to freight the unit
to and from the service agent, Evakool or place of
original purchase.
• EvaKool will not be held responsible for any damage
or loss suffered or cost incurred whilst fridge is in
transit.
• Warranty repairs may only be carried out by an
authorised service agent. EvaKool will not reimburse
repair claims carried out by unauthorised service
agents. Any tampering with any part of the unit by
an unauthorised service agent will automatically
void the warranty.
• If a repair needs to be undertaken and is covered
in terms of this warranty, a warranty authorisation
number must be obtained prior to commencement
of any work.
• Service agents may charge a fee for viewing or
testing the unit. This is not covered by EvaKool or
this warranty and is payable at the service point
unless authorised by EvaKool.
• This warranty is provided in addition to any other
rights and/or remedies you have under law: Our
goods come with guarentees that cannot be
excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.
You are entitled to replacement of refund for a
major faliure and for compensation for any other
reasonably forseeable loss or damage. You are also
entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the
goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure
does not amount to a major faliure.
• EvaKool will not accept a warranty claim if:
1. Modifications have been carried out to the unit
without EvaKool’s written authority.
2. Damage to or failure of the unit has been caused
in EvaKool’s opinion by incorrect, extreme or
unreasonable use.
3. Damage to or failure of the unit has been
caused in EvaKool’s opinion by misuse, neglect,
accident, impact or similar cause. Refer the
preventative maintenance guidelines.
• Failure to follow the guidelines / recommendations
in the owner’s manual may void the warranty.
• EvaKool has total discretion on the variation of the
warranty terms.
• This warranty cannot be varied by others.
COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED WARRANTY CARD AND
RETURN WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF PURCHASE.
This warranty is given by Nexberg Pty Ltd ABN 74 065 386 165
16 Enterprise Street, Caloundra
Queensland, Australia 4551
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone]
www.evakool.com
Email: [email protected]