Frigidaire FDH25J User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
DEHUMIDIFIER
MODELS:
1 Speed 2 Speeds
FDH25J FDD40J
FDH30J FDD50J
FDD60J
P/N 5995334660 May 2000

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFE SERVICING PRACTICES - ALL APPLIANCES............ 3
INTRODUCTION
Uncrating ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Model & Serial Numbers .................................................................................................................. 4
Basic Operation and Initial Startup ................................................................................................. 4
Electrical Information ....................................................................................................................... 5
Compressor Information .................................................................................................................. 5
OPERATION & REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Bucket ................................................................................................................................................ 6
To Remove Bucket ..................................................................................................................... 6
To Remove Front Grille .................................................................................................................... 6
To Remove Top Cover ...................................................................................................................... 6
To Remove Wrapper ......................................................................................................................... 6
Control Assembly ............................................................................................................................. 7
To Remove Control Assembly ................................................................................................... 7
To Remove Humidistat ............................................................................................................... 7
To Remove Full Bucket Pilot Light........................................................................................ 8
To Test Fan Speed Switch ......................................................................................................... 8
To Remove Fan Speed Switch .................................................................................................. 8
Bucket Switch ................................................................................................................................... 8
To Remove Float: ....................................................................................................................... 8
To Remove Bucket Switch ........................................................................................................ 8
To Test Bucket Switch ............................................................................................................... 9
Defrost Thermostat ........................................................................................................................... 9
To Remove Defrost Thermostat ................................................................................................ 9
To Test Defrost Thermostat ....................................................................................................... 9
Motor, Motor Bracket & Blower Wheel ........................................................................................... 9
To Remove Blower Assembly .............................................................................................. 9-10
To Test Motor ............................................................................................................................ 10
To Remove Casters ......................................................................................................................... 10
Compressor ......................................................................................................................................11
Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) Compressor ......................................................................11
Split Phase Compressor ...........................................................................................................11
To Test Compressor Motor .......................................................................................................11
Possible Causes of Compressor Overloading or Overheating ............................................11
Compressor Test Cord for PSC Compressor .........................................................................11
Compressor Test Cord for Split Phase Compressor ............................................................ 12
Running Capacitors ................................................................................................................. 12
To Test Capacitor...................................................................................................................... 12
Compressor Overload Protector ............................................................................................ 12
To Test Overload ...................................................................................................................... 12
To Test Relay (Split Phase Compressor)................................................................................ 12
To Replace Relay (Split Phase Compressor) ......................................................................... 12

2
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Recovery ................................................................................................................................... 13
Recycling .................................................................................................................................. 13
Reclaim...................................................................................................................................... 13
Safety Warnings .............................................................................................................................. 13
Compressor Testing................................................................................................................. 13
Charging Sealed Systems ....................................................................................................... 13
Soldering .................................................................................................................................... 13-14
Sealed System................................................................................................................................. 14
Sealed System Diagnosis
Undercharged System .............................................................................................................14
Overcharged System ............................................................................................................... 14
Pressure Equalizing (System Unloading) .............................................................................. 14
Refrigerant Leaks ................................................................................................................ 14-15
Component Replacement............................................................................................................... 15
Compressor Replacement ............................................................................................................. 15
To Flush The System ............................................................................................................... 15
To Use Refrigerant To Flush The System .............................................................................. 15
Installing a New Compressor ............................................................................................. 15-16
To Remove Evaporator or Capillary Tube .............................................................................. 16
To Remove Condenser ............................................................................................................ 16
Filter Dryer ................................................................................................................................ 16
Evacuating & Recharging .............................................................................................................. 16
Equipment Needed ................................................................................................................... 16
Installing Evacuation & Recharging Equipment ................................................................... 17
Evacuating System .................................................................................................................. 17
Charging The System .............................................................................................................. 17
Final Leak Test.......................................................................................................................... 17
WIRING DIAGRAMS - DATA SHEETS
Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Single Speed Fan - Models with Reciprocating Compressors ............................................ 18
Two Speed Fan - Models with Reciprocating Compressors ................................................ 19
Two Speed Fan - Models with Rotary Compressors ............................................................. 20
Dehumidifier Rating Sheets
Models FDH25J & FDH30J....................................................................................................... 21
Model FDD40J........................................................................................................................... 22
Model FDD50J........................................................................................................................... 23
Model FDD60J........................................................................................................................... 24

3
WARNING
This service manual is intended for use by persons having electrical and mechnical training and
a level of knowledge of these subjects generally considered acceptable in the appliance repair
trade.Frigidaire cannotberesponsible,norassumeanyliability,forinjuryordamageofanykind
arising from the use of this manual.
SAFE SERVICING PRACTICES - ALL APPLIANCES
To avoid personal injury and/or property damage, it is important that Safe Servicing
Practices be observed. The following are some limited examples of safe practices:
1. DO NOT attempt a product repair if you have any doubts as to your ability to
complete it in a safe and satisfactory manner.
2. Before servicing or moving an appliance:
 Remove the power cord from the electrical outlet, trip the circuit breaker to the
OFF position, or remove the fuse
 Turn off the gas supply
 Turn off the water supply
3. Never interfere with the proper operation of any safety device.
4. USE ONLY REPLACEMENT PARTS CATALOGED FOR THIS APPLIANCE.
SUBSTITUTIONS MAY DEFEAT COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY STANDARDS
SET FOR HOME APPLIANCES.
5. GROUNDING: The standard color coding for safety ground wires is GREEN, or
GREEN with YELLOW STRIPES. Ground leads are not to be used as current
carrying conductors. It is EXTREMELY important that the service technician
reestablish all safety grounds prior to completion of service. Failure to do so will
create a hazard.
6. Prior to returning the product to service, ensure that:
 All electrical connections are correct and secure
 All electrical leads are properly dressed and secured away from sharp edges,
high-temperature components, and moving parts
 All non-insulated electrical terminals, connectors, heaters, etc. are adequately
spaced away from all metal parts and panels
 All safety grounds (both internal and external) are correctly and securely
connected
 All panels are properly and securely reassembled

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INTRODUCTION
This Service Manual may be used to service the following Dehumidifiers:
Uncrating
Uncrating instructions are clearly printed on the shipping
carton. See figures 4a and 4b to remove the unit from the
carton.
Model & Serial Numbers
Model and Serial numbers are found on the Serial Plate
located on the Front Panel directly behind the Bucket.
Basic Operation and Initial Startup
The Dehumidifier consists of a small refrigeration system
and a fan. The fan moves the moisture-laden air over the
evaporator and condenser. The moisture from the air
condenses on the cold evaporator surface where it drips
into a bucket. A drain hose can be connected to the bucket.
The cool air then passes over the warm condenser, raising
its temperature. Since this air contains less moisture and
is warmer, its relative humidity is lower. This drier air is
expelled through the side grille and mixes with the room
air.
Place the Dehumidifier on a level surface with all four
casters resting firmly on a solid floor. Since the
dehumidifier draws in air through the front grille and
exhausts out the left side louvers, the unit may be
positioned against a wall, but care should be taken not to
obstruct this air flow with furniture, walls, etc. Maintain at
least 2 feet clearance at left side and front. Shut all doors
and windows to the area to be dehumidified.
For the first operation, turn the Humidity Control to the
MAX position. This aids moisture removal from
furnishings as well as room air. When you feel a desired
level of dryness has been reached, adjust the Humidity
Control to your particular comfort level.
Prior to emptying the bucket, turn the Dehumidifier OFF
and disconnect the power cord. This eliminates any
possibility of electrical shock if you spill water, and there
is a fault in the grounding system of the unit or your home
wiring. Ensure the area, the Dehumidifier, and you are
dry before reconnecting the power cord.
A light coating of frost on the coil is normal when the
Dehumidifier is first turned "ON". Under normal conditions,
it will disappear in 30 to 45 minutes. If it doesnt disappear,
shut if off, and wait for it to defrost before running again.
Figure 4a Figure 4b
Figure 4c

5
CAUTION: Replacement compressors are charged with oil at the factory. Care should be exercized
when replacing a compressor to avoid spilling any oil.
Rotary compressor hold down nuts must be torqued to 50 in/lbs to prevent loosening.
The motor for the Rotary compressor is a Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC ) motor with Start and Run windings. A
capacitor is wired in series with the Start winding. When power is applied, the capacitor assists in bringing the compressor
motor to optimum speed.
The motor for the Reciprocating compressor is a Split Phase. This compressor has a Start and Run winding, with a
current activated relay or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) relay. When power is applied to the Run winding (on
models with current relay), the high starting current pulls the relay armature up, closing contacts, and completing the
circuit to the Start winding. The motor starts and accelerates to a point where the current is reduced enough to allow
the relay to drop out and disconnect the circuit to the Start winding. This point occurs at about 80% of full speed. The
motor continues to accelerate to full speed on the Run winding alone. On models with PTC relay, current is applied to
both windings at the same time. This starts the compressor. As current flows through the relay to the Start winding, the
relay will increase in resistance . Within a fraction of a second, the resistance will climb high enough for the Start
winding to drop out.
The Dehumidifier power cord is equipped with a three prong grounding plug. It must be plugged directly into a
properly grounded three prong receptacle. The receptacle must be installed in accordance with local codes and
ordinances. A power cord about 6 feet long permits locating a unit suitably in most homes without the use of an
extension cord. An extension cord can become a shock hazard if it rests on a damp floor or if water spills on it. Do not
use an extension cord or an adapter plug.
Compressor Information
There are two types of compressors used on Dehumidifiers:
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Electrical Information
The Dehumidifier must be plugged into a 115 Volt, 60 Hz, AC only electrical outlet. The circuit should be protected by
a 15 Amp circuit breaker or 15 amp time-delay type fuse.
CAUTION: If voltage varies by ±10% of 115 volts, performance of the Dehumidifier may be affected.
Operating the Dehumidifier with insufficient power can damage the compressor.

6
Bucket
The bucket is mounted to the front of the chassis and is
located beneath the cooling coil to catch the condensate.
A float mounted on the bucket is used to activate a switch
to shut off the unit when the bucket is full of water.
If the unit is to be installed near a floor drain, a permanent
drain hose may be attached to the threaded hose
connection on the bucket. If you want water to flow directly
into the drain, place the hose connection of the bucket
directly over the drain. When using either method of
draining, a plastic membrane in the hose connection of
the bucket must be cut out in order to permit the water to
flow into the hose or drain. To return to bucket collection,
the hose connection may be closed with a standard
threaded cap.
To Remove Bucket
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Pull bucket toward you, releasing actuator from
float assembly. (See Figures 6a and 6b.)
3. Reverse procedure to complete repairs.
To Remove Front Grille
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Remove two screws at lower front of grille. (See
Figure 6b.) Note: Bucket must be removed to gain
access to these screws.
3. Remove two screws in upper holes in rear of
cabinet flange. (See Figure 6d.)
4. Pull grille toward you so the two pins on each side
of grille will pull free of holes in cabinet. (See
Figure 6c and 6d.)
5. Pull grille down to release from top cover.
6. Reverse procedure to reassemble.
To Remove Top Cover
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2.Remove front grille.
3. Remove two screws on rear of dehumidifier
holding top cover to cabinet. (See Figure 6d.)
4. Slide cover to rear to release tabs from flange.
NOTE: The Control Assembly is attached to the top
cover. This must be removed before the top cover
can be lifted up and off of the unit.
5. To release the Control Assembly from the top cover,
press in on the four tabs, on the underside of the
top cover. (See Figure 6g.) Electrical wires are still
connected to assembly, so be careful.
6. Lift cover up and off.
6. Reverse procedure to reassemble.
OPERATION & REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 6a Figure 6b
Figure 6c Figure 6d
To Remove Wrapper
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Remove front grille and top cover.
3. Remove 14 screws from wrapper as shown in
Figures 6e and 6f.
Figure 6e Figure 6f
4. Grasp wrapper on its left and right sides, pulling
outward, then pull toward you and lift free of
dehumidifier.
5. Reverse procedure to reassemble.
Figure 6g
Tabs
Tabs

7
Control Assembly
The overlay of the Control Assembly for the two speed
models displays an Humidity Control Switch,
(humidification min. to max. range), Fan Speed Switch
(HI and LO), and a Bucket Full LED. (See Figure 7a1.)
On the single speed model, there is no Fan Speed Switch.
(See Figure 7a2.) A Humidistat cycles both the fan and
compressor ON or OFF to maintain humidity at the set
level. The humidity sensing element is a nylon film which
stretches with increased humidity and contracts with
decreased humidity. This action turns a switch in the
control ON and OFF to cycle the unit.
Figure 7a1
Figure 7b
To Remove Control Assembly
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
NOTE: See Figure 7b for location of electrical wires.
2. Disconnect one red and two white wires connected
to Bucket Full Light. (One of the white wires is
pigtailed to the red wire on one of the terminals.)
3. Disconnect two black wires connected to
Humidistat.
Figure 7a2
To Remove Humidistat
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Remove control knob from front of control
assembly.
3. Disconnect three black wires connected to two
terminals on Humidistat.
4. Pull back on four tabs to release the humidistat.
(See Figure 7c.) Pull back on top tabs first, tilting
humidistat towards you, then pull back on bottom
tabs and pull humidistat free from assembly.
5. Reverse procedure to reassemble.
4. Disconnect two black wires and one red wire
connected to Fan Speed Switch. (Only on two
speed models.)
5. Remove control assembly.
6. Reverse procedure to reassemble.
Figure 7c

8
Figure 8b
Figure 8c Figure 8d
To Remove Full Bucket Pilot Light
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Disconnect three wires connected to two
terminals on pilot light. (See figure 7b.)
3. Using needle nose pliers, squeeze plastic tabs
against pilot light and push light through hole in
assembly. (See Figure 8a.)
To Test Fan Speed Switch (2 speed models only)
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Disconnect three wires connected to three
terminals on fan switch.
3. Using a multimeter on resistence scale, take
following readings: (See Figure 8b.)
With fan switch in HI:
Terminals 1 & 2 0 ohms
Terminals 1 & 3 max resistence
Terminals 2 & 3 max resistence
With fan switch in LO:
Terminals 1 & 2 max resistence
Terminals 1 & 3 0 ohms
Terminals 2 & 3 max resistence
To Remove Float:
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Remove bucket. (See procedure To Remove
Bucket on page 6.)
3. Drain any condensate
that may be in the
bucket.
4. Remove pin holding float
to bucket. (See Figure 6e.)
5. Remove float through top
access hole in bucket.
6. Reverse procedure to
reassemble. Figure 8e
To Remove Fan Speed Switch (2 speed models only)
The Fan Speed Switch is very difficult to remove without
destroying it. Do not attempt to remove the switch unless
it is faulty. Then, it really doesnt matter if the switch is
damaged during removal. However, do be careful not to
damage the control assembly during removal. The new
switch will fit into place nicely once the faulty switch has
been removed.
Bucket Switch
The bucket switch is a Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT)
device that shuts off the dehumidifier when the bucket is
full. The switch is activated by a float (see Figure 8c)
mounted inside the bucket. The switch is mounted to the
frame directly behind the bucket. (See Figure 8d.)
NOTE: This unit will not operate with the bucket
removed.
NOTE: When reinstalling float into bucket, ensure
the float is positioned so the tongue protrudes
through the front hole in the bucket. Then the pin is
inserted through the hole in the tongue and snapped
into the slot in the bucket.
To Remove Bucket Switch:
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
2. Remove three electrical leads from terminals on
bucket switch.
3. Squeeze tabs together and push up on switch from
bottom. (See Figure 8f.)
Figure 8f
Figure 8a

9
Figure 9a
To Test Bucket Switch:
1. Test resistance between three terminals on switch.
(See Figura 9a.)
2. Using Multimeter on resistance scale, with switch in
AT REST position, resistance readings should be
as follows :
Common - Normally Open = Max. resistance
Common - Normally Closed = Zero resistance
With switch arm DEPRESSED, readings should be
as follows:
Common - Normally Open = Zero resistance
Common - Normally Closed = Max. resistance
3. Replace switch if readings are not within range.
Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat is mounted on the suction line close
to the compressor. When the ambient temperature drops
below 65°F, the evaporator coil temperature also drops
and frost begins to form on the evaporator surface. When
the suction line temperature reaches 37°F at the location
of the defrost thermostat, the thermostat opens the circuit
to the compressor. When the accumulated frost melts and
the suction line has warmed to 59°F, the defrost thermostat
closes, allowing the compressor to restart. The fan motor
will continue to run when thermostat is open.
To Remove Defrost Thermostat:
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
NOTE: Refer to procedures on page 6 to remove
bucket, front grille, top cap and wrapper.
2. Remove bucket, front grille, top cap and wrapper.
3. Locate defrost thermostat just above compressor
on suction line.0
4. Disconnect two wire leads from thermostat.
5. Remove insulation from around Defrost Thermostat
so spring clip is exposed.
6. Press on spring clip with thumb and raise thermo-
stat free from evaporator coil.(See Figure 9b.)
7. Reverse procedure to reassemble.
Figure 9b
To Test Defrost Thermostat:
1. Using Multimeter on resistance scale, read
resistance of thermostat between the two leads. At
room temperature (above 60°F), resistance should
be zero (0), indicating the thermostat is closed.
2. To see if thermostat opens when temperature drops
to 37°F, bury thermostat in bucket of ice. With
multimeter still connected to two thermostat leads,
watch resistance scale to see if it goes to maximum
when temperature drops to 37°F. (Place
thermometer in ice bucket to monitor exact
temperature at which thermostat opens.)
3. Replace thermostat if readings are not within limits.
NOTE: When replacing the thermostat, make sure
the insulation is wrapped firmly around the
thermostat to prevent heat loss.
Motor, Motor Bracket and Blower Wheel
The shaded pole Fan Motor can be single or two speed,
depending on the model. The motor turns a Blower Wheel
(7 L x 2 W) rather than a fan blade.This motor does not
have a Start winding, but instead employs a shading coil
in the stator to produce starting torque in the proper
direction. When the motor speeds up, the shading coil
does not affect the motors operation.
The fan motor is permanently lubricated. However, some
motors have oil ports and should be oiled after two years
of service.
Figure 9c Figure 9d
To Remove Blower Assembly
1. Disconnect dehumidifier from electrical supply.
NOTE: Refer to procedures on page 6 to remove
bucket, front grille, top cap and wrapper.
2. Remove bucket, front grille, top cap and wrapper.
3. Remove four screws from motor bracket. (See
Figure 9c.)
4. Pull blower assembly towards you and lift up and
out of unit. (See Figure 9d.)