Frigidaire FDR251RJS0 User manual

Installation Instructions
For the 18”Built-In Dishwasher and Front Color Panels
154384801/8051624PrintedinUSA

2
ItemsYou Will Need (Not Included)
BeforeYou Begin
DO NOT INSTALL DISHWASHER UNTIL YOU HAVE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS. FOR YOUR
SAFETY, PLEASE READ AND OBSERVE ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
Please read this book completely before you begin. These instructions will help you anticipate water,
electrical, and drain connections, and will help you select the best location for your dishwasher. Installation tips
are located on page 3.
NOTE: Observe all local codes and ordinances for electrical and plumbing connections when
installing your new dishwasher. All electrical and plumbing work should be performed by qualified
persons.
Tools You Will Need
Plan the Installation
Locate the dishwasher where there is easy access to existing water, drain, and electrical lines. Be sure the
water inlet valve will be protected from freezing temperatures. If the valve freezes, flooding may occur.
The best location for your dishwasher is on either side of the kitchen sink. This position should provide easy
access to existing plumbing and will be convenient for loading items into the dishwasher once your dishwasher
is installed.
Level
Measuring
Tape
Electric Drill
Keyhole Saw or
1/2”, 1 1/2”, and 2”
Hole Cutters
Slotted and Phillips
Screwdrivers
(magnetic tip
preferred)
Wire Stripper
or Knife
3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, and 3/8”
Socket or Nut Driver
Teflon® Tape
(for iron pipe
plumbing)
2 Pipe Wrenches
(for iron pipe
plumbing)
Pipe Joint compound
(for iron pipe
plumbing)
Flaring Tool
(for copper
tubing)
2 Adjustable
Wrenches
(for copper tubing)
Tube Cutter
(for copper tubing)
Pliers
Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all
safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.” These words
mean: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow
instructions.
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.
All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you
what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
Strain Relief Bushing
Wire Nuts (2)
Drain Hose Clamp -11/4” Inner Diameter (ID)
90° Elbow -3/8” National Pipe Thread “Street L” or
compatible right angle fittings

3
Installation Tips
Read all instructions prior to installation
• Water, electric, and drain connections are not the same for all age, brand, or models of
dishwashers. Check and compare the location and length of your current utilities so you can
plan your new installation
(refer to pages 4 and 8).
• Eachhomeinstallationis different andsome parts may be needed to meet yourindividual
installation needs.You will need a 3/8”National PipeThread“Street L”or compatible right
angle fittings (not included) to make the final water connections to the dishwasher valve
(refer
topage 9).
• Cleandishes requirean adequate supply of hot water.Awater temperature of 140°F (60°C) is
desirable,120°F(49°C)isminimum, 160°F (71°C)ismaximum.
A minimum water supply
lineof
3
/ 8 ”(outsidediameter)coppertubingisrecommended. Reasonablewater
pressureisneeded(15-120PSI[pounds-per-square-inch])flowrateminimum
(2gallons/minute)
(refer topage 9) .
• Aseparate15-20amp,grounded120VAC electrical supplyisrequired foryournew
dishwasher.
Youmayneed astrainreliefbushingand wirenutsorsuitableconnectors
(notincluded)forconnecting house wiring to the dishwasher
(refertopage9).
• If the dishwasher drain hose is connected to a garbage disposer for the first time,
remember to knock out the plug in the disposer inlet.This plug is inside the inlet and you may
not see the plug from the outside
(refer to page 8).
• Thedishwasher drain hoseto the house drain must have a 32” loop above thefloor or a
suitable air gap must be used to prevent water from siphoning out of the dishwasher and
causingwashingproblems
(refer topage7).
• Kinked water or drain lines can cause problems.Run lines with generous curves.Make sure
lines are long enough to allow for generous curves.]
• Flush the water line prior to making final connections. A bunched towel over the end of the
line can help prevent splashing.Let water drain into a bucket or pan.This will prevent
premature clogging of the filter screen in the inlet valve.
• There must be a 1/4” air gap between the bottom of the motor and the floor.If the floor is
carpeted, it will be necessary to cut away the carpeting underneath the motor to allow venti-
lation for the motor (refer to page 10).
• The dishwasher will look, sound, and work better if it is properly leveled.Take time to
adjust the leveling legs so that all of them touch the floor and the dishwasher is level.Use #8
x 5/8”Phillips head screws (supplied) to anchor dishwasher to countertop (refer to pages 10
and13).

4
Figure 2
Location and Rough-In
Figure 1
Most of the installation work should be done before
the dishwasher is moved into place. First, select a
location as close to the sink as possible for ready
access to water and drain lines. For proper operation
and appearance of the dishwasher, the cabinet
opening should be square and have dimensions as
shown in Figure 1. If the dishwasher is to be installed
in a corner, there must be sufficient clearance to open
the door as shown in Figure 2. A
minimum clearance
of 2” is recommended.
Rough-in the water, electrical, and drain lines before
proceeding with the installation. The lines should run
straight to their connections on the dishwasher.
Note: Make sure that the lines do not cross in
front of the dishwasher motor or its legs.
90
90
341/4”
Min.
24”
7”
11/2”18”Min.
Hot
Water
Line Electrical Wiring 11/2”
3” From back
ofrear
frameto
wall.
Bottom
of tub
to floor.
Electrical,drainand
watersupplyline
entrances must be
confinedtoshaded
areas to avoid
interferencewith
components.

5
Preparing for Installation
InsertPanel
Trim
Strips
Loosen
Screws
Access
Panel
Door
Panel
Figure 4
LoosenScrews
Changing Color Panels
Select models are equipped with reversible door and
access panel inserts that offer three decorative
colors. To change exposed color panel, proceed as
follows.
It is best to change color panels before
installing dishwasher.
Note: Panels may be sharp. Handle panels
carefully.
1. Remove trim strip from one side of the door panel.
Loosen, but do not remove screws from trim strip
on remaining sides (
see Figure 4 ).
2. Remove trim strip from one side of the access
panel. Loosen, but do not remove screws from
trim strip on remaining side (
see Figure 4 ).
3. Slide insert panels out of frame. Put color panel of
choice to outside and replace panel in frame.
4. Be sure edges of insert panels are under trim
strips on opposite side. Press strips tightly against
panels before securing screws. Replace trim
strips.
For best appearance, remove the protective film
covering the trim strips after installing your
dishwasher.
Access
Panel
Toeplate
Figure 3
1. Remove the two bottom attach screws in the
access panel/toeplate (
see Figure 3 ).
2. Open the dishwasher door and remove the two
top screws.
3. Close the door. The access panel can now be
removed by pulling it forward.
4. Install a 90° elbow (not included) into the water
valve. Use Teflon®tape or joint compound to seal
the elbow into the valve fitting. Valve fitting is 3/8”
National Pipe Thread.
Use two or more people to move and install dishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.
ExcessiveWeightHazard
TipOver Hazard
Donot use dishwasheruntilcompletely
installed.
Do not push down on open door.
Doing so can result in serious injury or
cuts.

6
Wood Door Panels
A panel of up to 3/16” thickness may be used in place
of the aluminum insert panels furnished with your
dishwasher. Wood door panels require the Wood
Door Decorator Trim Kit, not included, which is
available from your dealer or distributor.
Cut wood panels of your choice to match the
dimensions shown in Figure 5.
If panels thicker
than
3
/ 16 ” are used, damage to the trim can result.
In order to balance the weight of the wood panel, the
door springs will need to be adjusted (
see below ).
Adjusting Door Spring
Tension
The door springs are set at the factory to the proper
tension for use with the installed insert panels. If wood
door panels are installed, you will have to adjust the
door spring tension. Adjust the spring tension by
hooking the springs in a frame hole back of their
original settings (
see Figure 6 ).
Door spring tension is correct when the door remains
horizontal in the fully opened position, yet rises to a
close with the slight lift of a finger.
Note: The dishwasher is not provided with a
complete enclosure. If the dishwasher is to be
installed at the end of a cabinet line, be certain
that the sides and back are fully enclosed (
see
Figure 7
).
175/16”
177/16”
Maximum panel thickness 3/16”.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Frontof
Dishwasher
Door
Spring
FrameHoles
Move Spring to Rear of
DishwashertoIncrease
Tension
Figure 7
61/2”

7
Locating Drain, Water, and Electrical Supplies
Before you begin, review this section in detail. Check your location to make sure you have the right drain, water,
and electrical supplies to make these connections.
Refer to the dimensional details in Figure 8 to help you decide where to run the drain, water, and electrical
lines. All connections must be made in the shaded area as shown in Figure 1 on page 4.
NOTE: Make sure that no lines cross in front of the dishwasher’s motor or legs.
Drain
Review Figures 9 and 10 to determine where you will connect the dishwasher to the drain system. Cut a 2”
diameter drain hose hole in the shaded area shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Check both sides of the area
BEFORE cutting to avoid interference. If the cabinet wall is wooden, sand the edges of the hole until it is
smooth and rounded. If the cabinet wall is metal, all sharp edges
MUST be covered by a protective material
such as electrical tape or duct tape to avoid cutting the drain hose.
Local codes may require the drain line to be connected to house plumbing with a drain air gap. If the drain hose
is to be connected to a separate drain trap, the trap must be vented with a drain air gap to prevent siphoning.
A drain loop must be fixed (with a suitable clamp or support) at a minimum height of 32” from the floor. When
routing the drain hose, be sure there are no sharp bends or kinks that might restrict drain flow. Proceed as
follows:
1. Route the hose from the dishwasher cabinet through the 2” drain hose hole you have cut for it.
2. Support or clamp the drain hose so that the loop is at a minimum height of 32”.
3. Use a drain hose clamp (not included) to connect the hose to the sink drain or disposer.
Do not
connect the hose to the horizontal pipe between the sink drain and the garbage disposer. Entry
into sink drain must be above trap. Be careful not to over tighten the clamp or you may damage
the end of the hose.
FrontView
173/4”477/8”221/2”
To Tub Flange
FloorLine
18”
Right Side View
34”
to
35”
Max.
11”
CenterLine
ofMotor
Left Side View
241/2”
CenterLineof
WaterValve
Figure 8
DoorinOpen
Position
13”
Centerof
WaterValve
21”
From rear to Electrical
Junction Box.

8
Figure 9
Entry Must be
AboveTrap
Sink at Left Sink at Right
“Y” Branch
Tailpiece
2” Drain Hose Hole
Connecting to a Sink Drain
Figure 10
DrainAirGap
Sink at Right
Remove
Knockout
Plugin
Disposer 2” Drain Hose Hole
Alternate
DrainThrough
Floor into
SeparateTrap
• If you connect to a sink drain, using the “Y” Branch Tailpiece and Connector Kit, available at plumbing and
hardware stores, will make this connection easier. The kit includes all of the necessary fittings and
complete installation instructions.
• If you connect to a disposer, use the larger end of the corrugated hose which has been designed to fit the
disposer without any special connectors (
see inset of Figure 9 ).
NOTE: Be sure to remove the knockout plug from inside the disposer inlet fitting before attaching the
drain hose.
If the drain hose is to be routed through the floor to a separate trap, the trap must be vented to prevent
siphoning. To provide proper venting, install the Air Gap Kit, available at plumbing and hardware stores, into
the countertop. Route the drain hose up to the inlet side of the air gap. Continue drain line from outlet side of air
gap down through floor to separate trap (
see Figure 10 ).
Do not cut the corrugated drain hose. Excess corrugated hose should be placed flat on the floor in the
dishwasher cabinet.
Make sure the hose does not come into contact with any sharp edges.
Connecting to a Disposer
Sink at Left

9
Water
Determine where you will connect the dishwasher to the hot water supply. Review Figure 8 on page 7 and note
the location of the water valve. Incoming water temperature should be approximately 140°F (60°C). Water
temperature limits are 120°F minimum and 160°F maximum (49°C - 71°C).
The dishwasher water inlet valve has a 3/8” National Pipe Thread female fitting. Determine how much copper
tubing will be required. Copper tubing must have a minimum outside diameter of 3/8”. High-pressure rated
plastic tubing with a minimum inner diameter of 1/4” may be used where local plumbing codes permit.
It is recommended that a shut-off valve be installed outside the dishwasher cabinet. Water pressure should be
between 15 and 120 PSI (pound per square inch).
Cut the water access hole in the shaded area as shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Complete the plumbing rough-in
before putting the dishwasher into place.
Note: The furnished drain hose must not be used as a water supply line. Do not use a rubber garden
hose for water supply line. Either one of these hoses will burst.
Electrical Power Supply
The dishwasher operates on a 120VAC 60Hz fused electrical supply. Provide a separate circuit with a fuse or
circuit breaker rated for at least 15 amps, 20 amps if connected with disposer, but not more than 20 amps.
Grounding Instructions
This appliance must be connected to a grounded metal fixture or to a permanent wiring system, or an equip-
ment grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment grounding
terminal or lead on the appliance. Do not connect the dishwasher to the electrical supply until the appliance is
permanently grounded. Grounding must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes
and ordinances.
Note: This unit is provided with stranded copper wire with coating to prevent corrosion. Connect with
copper wire only.
Determine where you will connect to the electrical supply. Note the location of the electrical junction box in
Figure 8 on page 7. Cut the access hole in the shaded area shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Pull electrical cable
through into the cabinet area through the access hole.
After the dishwasher has been positioned inside the cabinet, the electrical connections can be made.
ElectricalShockHazard
Electricallygrounddishwasher.
Connectgroundwire to green ground connector
in terminal box.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to do so can result in death, fire, or
electricalshock.

10
Position, Align, and
Level the Dishwasher
TipOver Hazard
Do not use dishwasher until
completelyinstalled.
Do not push down on open door.
Doing so can result in serious injury
orcuts.
2. Move dishwasher to front of installation area.
3. Loosen the front and rear leveling legs by
turning counterclockwise. Refer to chart for
number of turns. See Figure 11. Front
levelers should allow 1/4” below underside of
countertop.
4. If levelers have to be removed, make sure
floor is free of obstructions.
5. Place dishwasher inside cabinet area so that
it is centered in opening. Use caution when
moving dishwasher to prevent damage to
dishwasher, floor, and cabinets.
6. Check that dishwasher is level from side to
side by placing a level against the top front
section of the tub. See Figure 12a.
7. Check that dishwasher is level from front to
back by placing a level on side of opened
door. See Figure 12b.
8. Adjust levelers up or down until dishwasher is
level.
You are now ready to proceed with the final drain,
water, and electrical connection.
Leg Leveler Adjustment Chart
Numberof Turnsto
AdjustLevelers
HeightofCabinet
Opening
34”(86.4cm)
345/16”(87.2cm)
341/2”(87.6cm)
0
2
6
9
341/8”(86.7cm)
Figure 12a Figure 12b
Foradditional heightadd shimsunderlevelers.
1. Measure height of cabinet opening from
underside of countertop to floor. Check chart
for height opening and suggested adjustment.
3/16” Socket
FrontLeveler
3/16” Socket
RearLeveler
Figure 11
Wrench

11
Motor Dishwasher Leg
Drain Hose Routing
Important: Make sure that the water supply line,
drain hose and wiring are routed as illustrated.
Be sure the hose is routed behind the dishwasher
motor and legs ( see Figure 13 ). Place the excess
hose flat on the floor in the dishwasher opening.
NOTE: Be sure there are no sharp bends, kinks,
or twists in the drain hose.
Figure 13
Drain Hose
Figure 14
▼
Install accessible
in-line shutoff valve.
▼
Through
Wall
ThroughCabinet
Through
Floor
Water Line Connection
Route the water pipe or tubing as shown (see Figure
14), straight forward from the back to the inlet valve.
Pipe or tubing must not be kinked. It must be free of
scales, chips, lubricants, etc. before it is connected to
the inlet valve.
Flush the water line before
connecting it to the valve.
If the water valve clogs with foreign material, turn off
the water supply, then remove the four (4) screws at
the inlet end of the valve for access to the filter
screen.
Note: Do not solder too close to the water valve.
Overheating of the valve will damage plastic parts
in the valve.
Use care that no sealer, dirt, or foreign material
can enter valve.
The furnished drain hose must not be used as a
water supply line.
Be sure the dishwasher is placed where the water
valve is protected from freezing temperatures. If
the valve freezes, flooding may occur.

12
ThroughWall
ThroughFloor
Figure 15
Green Grounding
Wire and Screw
Strain Relief Connector
Junction Box Cover
Junction Box
Black Wire to
Black Wire (Hot)
White Wire to White Wire (Neutral)
Relief Bushing
Connect Dishwasher to
Electrical Supply
The appliance MUST be permanently grounded in
accordance with the National Electrical Code and local
codes and ordinances.
1. Remove the junction box cover (
see Figure 15 ).
2. Pull the house wiring in the cabinet area forward to
the junction box. Be sure the electrical cable is
behind the dishwasher motor and rear legs. Use a
UL listed strain relief connector (not included) at
the box.
3. In the junction box, connect the incoming black
lead to the dishwasher’s black lead with wire nuts
or suitable connectors (not included). Next,
connect the incoming white lead to the
dishwasher’s white lead with wire nuts or suitable
connectors (not included).
4. Attach grounding wire under head of green
grounding screw and tighten screw.
5. Replace the junction box cover.
Disconnectelectricalpoweratthefuse
box or circuit breaker box before
installingdishwasher.
Failure to do so can result in death or
electricalshock.
ElectricalShockHazard
ThroughCabinet
JunctionBox

13
Secure Dishwasher in Opening
The dishwasher must be secured to keep it from tilting when the door is opened. Choose one of the two
methods described below for securing the dishwasher.
Countertop Anchoring:
1. If necessary, adjust leveling screws so mounting brackets touch the underside of the countertop (see
Figure16).
2. Screw the mounting brackets firmly to the countertop using #8 x 5/8” Phillips head screws (supplied).
Note: Check levelers to make sure weight of dishwasher rests on floor.
3. Open and close the dishwasher door slowly. If the door hits the mounting bracket screw heads, adjust
front leveling legs.
Floor Anchoring :
This is a difficult procedure. Use only where the countertop mounting brackets cannot be used.
1. Screw 1/4” lag screws (not included) through the holes provided in the frame rail
(see Figure 16).
2. Use expansion fasteners if the floor is concrete.
Hex End
Wrench or 3/16”
Socket Floor Anchoring with
1/4”Lag Screws
Countertop Anchoring
MountingBrackets
Use #8 X 5/8” Phillips
headscrews(supplied).
Figure 16

14
Operate the Dishwasher
Before you start your dishwasher, check the following:
• Dishwasher is level and securely fastened in place.
• Water supply is turned on.
• No leaking from joints.
• All wire connections are tight.
• Electricity is turned on.
• No kinks in water or drain lines.
• All packing material and customer literature have been taken out of the dishwasher.
Operate the machine through at least one fill and pump-out.
• Check water level after dishwasher has filled completely. Water should fill to the heating element.
• Check for satisfactory pump-out. At end of pump-out, a small amount of water in the bottom of the tub is
normal.
• Check for leaks.
If operation is satisfactory, replace the access panel/toeplate.
NOTE to INSTALLER: Put installation instructions back in the literature packet and leave with
dishwasher so all information will be readily available to user.
NOTE to OWNER: Please read the dishwasher Use and Care Manual. It contains important safety
information for those operating the appliance. It also contains many suggestions for obtaining
the best results from your dishwasher.

15
Notes

16
Notes