GE FCM5 Original instructions

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Safety Information
How to Connect Electricitg ......... 3
Proper Disposal .................... 2
Safetg Precautions ................ 2
Use of Extension Cords ............. 2
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning ............... 6, 7
Defrosting Instructions ............. 5
Features .......................... 4
Starting the Freezer ................ /4
Installation Instructions
Preparing to Install the Freezer ..... 8
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call For Service ...... 9, 10
Normal Operating
Characteristics ..................... 9
Consumer Support
consumer support ............... 16
ProductionRegistrationfor
Customersin Canada ............ 13,14
ProductionRegistrationfor
Customersin the U.S.............. 11,12
Warrantg ........................ 15
Chest-Manual
Defrost Models:
FCM5
FCF17
FCN9
-0
0
0Write the model and serial numbers
here:
Model #
Serial #
You can find them on a plute on the
top-center on the buck of the unit. 197D3355POO5 49-60518-i 10-07 JR

IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION.
READALL INSTRUCTIONSBEFOREUSING.
WARNING!
Use this appliance onlg for its intended purpose as described in this Owner's Manual.
SAFETYPRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, induding the following:
_bThisfreezer must be properlg installed and located
in accordance with the Installation Instructions
before it isused.
_ Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang
on the shelvesin the freezenThegcould damage
the freezer and seriouslginjure themselves.
R;i!Aftergour freezer isin operation, do not touch
the cold surfaces,particularlg when hands are
damp or wet. Skinmag stick to these extremely
cold surfaces.
_ Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinitg of this or ang other
appliance.
5:Unplug the freezer before cleaning, making repairs
or changing the light bulb.
NOTE:Westrongly recommend that any servicing
beperformed by oqualified individual.
it_Turning the control to the OFF position does
not remove power to the light circuit on models
with interior light.
_}Do not refreezefrozen foods which have thawed
completelg.
The maximum amount of food gour freezer is
designedto freeze at one time isapproximatelg
Bpounds (1.5kg)per cubic foot of freezer capacitg.
In normal position,gour freezer'stemperature
control will maintain sufficientlg low temperatures
in the freezer to freeze recommended quantities
of food.
Caution should be usedwhen removing the door
of a freezenParticular caution should be usedwhen
removing the lid of a Chestfreezer,as most Chest
freezer lidsare under spring tension.Contact the
manufacturer's representative for a method
of safe removal.
tL DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
PROPERDISPOSALOFTHEFREEZER
Childentrapment and suffocation are not problems
of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators and
freezersare still dangerous..even if thegwill sit for
".justa few dags."Ifgou are getting rid of gour old
refrigerator or freezer,pleasefollow the instructions
below to help prevent accidents.
Before You ThrowAway Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:
i!i:,Take off the doors.
Refrigerants
All refrigeration products contain refrigerants,
which under federal law must be removed prior
to product disposal.If gou are getting rid of an old
refrigeration product, check with the compang
handling the disposalabout what to do.
;'_Leavethe shelvesin place sothat children mag not
easilgclimb inside.
USEOFEXTENSIONCORDS
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we stronglg recommend against
the use of an extension cord.
However,if SOUmust usean extension cord, it isabsolutelg necessarg that it be a ULdisted(inthe United
States)or a CSAdisted(inCanada),3-wire grounding tgpe appliance extensioncord having a grounding tgpe
plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15amperes (minimum)and 120volts.

AWARNING!
ge,com
HOW TOCONNECTELECTRICITY
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.
For personal safety, this appliance must be proped_l grounded.
Thepower cord ofthis appliance isequipped
with a 3-prong (grounding)plug which mates
with a standard 3-prong (grounding)wall outlet
to minimizethe possibilitg of electric shockhazard
from this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by
a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet
isproperl9 grounded.
If the outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet,
it isgour personal responsibilitgand obligation
to have itreplacedwith a properlg grounded B-prong
wall outlet.
Thefreezershould alwags be plugged into its own
individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating
that matches the rating plate.
Thisprovides the best performance and alsoprevents
overloading housewiring circuitswhich could cause
a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug gour freezer bg pulling on the power
cord. Alwags grip plug firmlg and pull straight out
from the outlet.
Repairor replaceimmediatelg all power cords that
have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not
usea cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage
along its length or at either end.
When moving the freezer awag from thewall, be
careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.
READAND FOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMATIONCAREFULLY.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS
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About the operation ofgour freezer.
Starting the Freezer
[] Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (seeCore and Cleaning}.
[] Connect cord to power outlet.
[] On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the OFF position.
[] Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
[] Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.
]On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the ON position.
Temperature Control
Freezing temperature selection is made bg
setting the control from 1 to 7{coldest}.
If gou want colder or warmer temperatures,
adjust the control one step at a time.
Allowseveral hours after each one-step
adjustment forthe freezertemperature
to stabilize.
Turning the control to the OFF position stops
the cooling process but does not shut off
power to the freezer.
Power-On Light (on some models)
The Power-OnLightindicates that the freezer Thelight glows evenwhen the temperature
isproperlg connected to the electrical power control isturned off.
Keg-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
Thekeg for the spring-loaded lock is
automaticallg ejected-keg will not
remain in lock in either the open or
closed position.
Keepthe kegout of reach ofchildrenand
away from the freeze_

Defrosting instructions, ge.com
In most climates, defrostingwill be necessary
onlgabout twice a gear
Tohavegout freezeroperatemost efficientlg,
do not permit more than 1/2 "_13ram)
of frost to accumulate on the shelves.
Toremove frost, scrape with a plastic
or wood spatula or scraper
Do not use an icepick or sharp-edged
instrument asit may damage or scratch
the freezer.
Do not use ang electrical device
in defrosting gour freezer,
For Complete Defrosting
[_ Turnthe temperature control
to the OFFposition and unplug
the freezer.
[_ Removeall food and place it in
corrugated boxes,insulated bags,
picnic coolers,etc. Usetowels and
newspapers far insulation as needed.
[_ With the door/lid open, use pans of
hot water to speed loosening of frost.
Remove large pieces before theg melt.
Chestmodels have a defrostwater drain
at the front.
NOTE: Water may drip from the back
flange of the lid cover during defrosting.
This is normal lee builds up in the lid
insulation when the lid is open for adding
or removing food, and melts during
the defrosting operation.
[_ Sponge excesswater from the bottom
of the freezer asit collects to prevent
overflowing.
[]After defrosting, clean the inside
of the freezer (seeCoreand Cleaning}.
[_ Replacethe drain plug inside
the cabinet and the cap on the defrost
drain. Foldover and drg the gasket on
the hinge side of the lid.
[_ Plug in the freezen Return the
temperature control to its previous
position and return food to the freezen
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Careand cleaning ofthe freezer.
Cleaning Vour Freezer
_'_Outside. Protect the paint finish. The finish
on the outside of the freezer is a high
quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper
care, it will stag newdooking and rust-free
for gears. Apply a coat of appliance polish
wax when the freezer is new and then at
least twice a gear Appliance polish wax
also works well to remove tape residue
from freezer surfaces.
Keepthe finish clean. Wipe with a clean
cloth lightly dampened with appliance
polishwax or mild liquid dishwashing
detergent. Dry and polishwith a clean, soft
cloth. Do notwipe the freezerwith a soiled
dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Donot use
scouring pads, powdered cleaners,bleach
or cleaners containing bleach.
CAUTION:Careshould be taken in moving
the freezeraway from the wall. All types
of floor coveringscan bedamaged,
particularly cushionedcoverings
and those with embossedsurfaces.
_flnside. Cleanthe insideof your freezer
at least once a gear.We recommend that
the freezer be unplugged before cleaning.
Ifthis isnot practical, wring excess
moisture out of spongeor cloth when
cleaning in the vicinity of switches, lights
or controls.
Usewarm water and baking soda
solution-about a tablespoon of baking
sodato a quart of waten Rinsethoroughlg
with water and wipe drg. Donot use
cleaning powders or other abrasive
cleaners.
An open box of baking soda in the freezer
will absorb stale freezerodors. Change
the box every three months.

ge.com
In Case of Extended Power Failure
i!!_Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your freezer
will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided
warm air is not admitted.
!_fIf freezer isout of operation for 2/4hours or
more, add drg ice.Leaveicein large pieces.
Add more ice as required.
WARNING:Handling of dry ice concause
freezingof the hands-gloves or other
protection isrecommended.
i!i:,If dry ice is not available, move food to
a frozen food locker temporarily-until
power isrestored.
Preparing to Move
Disconnect the power cord plug from
thewall outlet. Removefoods, defrost
and cleanthe freezer.
Secureall looseitems such as grille and
shelvesbg taping them securely in place
to prevent damage.
Besure freezer stays in upright position
during actual moving and in van.
Thefreezer must be secured in van
to prevent movement. Protectoutside
of freezerwith blanket.
Preparing for Vacation
Tomaintain freezer in operation during
vacations, be sureyour house power is not
turned off.Forsure protection of freezer
contents, you may want to ask a neighbor
to check the power supply and freezer
operation every 48 hours.
Forextended vacations or absences,you
may prefer to move your frozen foods to a
storage locker temporarily. If your freezer is
to be left empty, disconnect power cord plug
from wall outlet. Toprevent formation of
odors, placeopen box of baking soda in
freezer and leavefreezer door/lid open.
When the freezer is not operating, it can be
left in an unheated house or room without
damage to cabinet or mechanism.
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Preparing to install the freezer.
Read these instructions completelg and carefullg.
FreezerLocation
Your freezer should be conveniently located for
dag-to-da 9 use in a drg, well-ventilated room.
Do not install the freezer where the temperature
will go below O°For above 110°F,because it will
not maintain proper temperatures.
Besureto install gour freezer on a floor strong
enough to support itwhen itisfullg loaded.
Thefreezer must be solidlgpositioned on the floor
if it isto function at its best.Shimsmag be usedto
accomplish thiswherever the floor istoo uneven.
If the place selectedfor the freezer isdamp or moist,
place 2 X4's {51 mm X 102 mm) under its entire
length to assure adequate support.
Clearances
On all models, allow 3" (76 ram) on top, back
and sides for proper air circulation.

Normal operating characteristics.
These things ore normal and
do not indicate a need for service.
_'_Awarm cabinet exterior asthe refrigeration sgstem transfers heat from the insideto the outside through
the exterior cabinet walls.
i!i:,Thesound of the high-efficiency compressor moton
ge,com
Beforeyou call for service...
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following
pages first and you may not need to call for serdce.
Possible Causes What To Do
Temperature control • Hove the control to a temperature setting.
in OFFposition.
Freezer is unplugged. •Pushthe plug completelg into the outlet.
Thefuse is blown/circuit •Replacefuse or resetthe breaker
breaker istripped.
Door/lid left open. •Checkto see if package is holding door/lid open.
Toofrequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control • SeeAbout theoperation ofyour freeze_
set too cold.
Door/lid left open. • Checkto see if package is holding door/lid open.
Toofrequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control • SeeAbout theoperation ofyour freeze_
set too cold.
Inadequate air circulation • SeePreparing to install the freeze_
space around cabinet.
Fast Freezeswitch is in the • SeeAbout theoperation ofyour freeze_
ON position (on some models).
Floor mag be weak, causing • Placing2 X4's (51mm X 102 mm) under the length of
freezer to vibrate when the freezer will help support it and mag reduce vibration.
compressor ison.
Cabinet is not positioned • SeePreparingto install the freeze_Or useshimsfor
solidlg on floor, uneven floor.
• Checkto see if package is holding door/lid open.
Door/lid left open.
Toofrequent or too long
door/lid openings.
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Beforeyou coil for service...
Possible Causes What To Do
Temperaturecontrol • Movethe control to a temperature setting.
in OFFposition,
Freezer is unplugged. • Pushthe plug completely into the outlet.
Thefuse is blownlcircuit * Replacefuse or reset the breaker.
breaker is tripped.
Door/lid left open. * Checkto see ifpackage isholding door/lid open.
Toofrequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control * SeeAbout the operationof gout freezer.
set too cold.
Fast Freezeswitch isin the * SeeAbout the operationofgour freezer.
ON position or hasrun for too
long (on some models),
Not unusualduring ° Wipe surface drg.
periods of high humiditg,
No power at outlet, * Replacefuse or reset the breaker.
Freezer is unplugged. • Pushthe plug completelg into the outlet.
Light bulb burned out, * Replacebulb.
Package holding door/lid open.
!_et
Built-in overload protection.
Door/lid left open. • Checkto see ifpackage isholding door/lid open.
Toofrequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Not unusual during
periods of high humiditg.
NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where gou purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home service.
For warrantg service, contact us at ge.com, or call 800.GE.CARES(U.S.),or 1.800.561.3344 (Canada).
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