GE FHG5SWWW User manual

GE Food Freezers
FHV5SW
FHV7SW
Use & Care Manual
GE Industrial
Consumer Appliances
FHQ5SW
FHQ7SW
FHG5SW
FHG7SW

Contents
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ....................... 10
Preparing to Install the Freezer .................. 10
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS ................................. 11
Normal Operating Characteristics ............ 11
Before You Call For Service .......................... 11
SAFETY INFORMATION ........................................ 2
Safety Precautions ............................................ 2
Proper Disposal ................................................... 3
How to Connect Electricity ............................. 4
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ............................... 5
Starting the Freezer........................................... 5
Features ................................................................. 5
Defrosting Instructions .................................... 7
Care and Cleaning ............................................. 8
To get the full benefit from your new food freezers, please read this Use & Care Manual carefully before operating
the unit.
Thank you for choosing a GE food freezers. Please keep this manual for future consultation.
Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model # ___________________________
Serial # ___________________________
You can find them on a plate on the top-center on the back of the unit.
GE Food Freezers
FHV5SW
FHV7SW
Pub. No. APAS4015E

Safety Information
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
•This freezer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before
it is used.
•Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang on the shelves in the freezer. They could damage the
freezer and seriously injure themselves.
•After your freezer is in operation, do not touch the cold surfaces, particularly when hands are damp or
wet. Skin may stick to these extremely cold surfaces.
•Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
• Unplug the freezer before cleaning, making repairs or changing the light bulb.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed by a qualified individual.
•Turning the control to the OFF position does not remove power to the light circuit on models with interior
light.
•Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.
•The maximum amount of food your freezer is designed to freeze at one time is approximately 3 pounds
(1.5 kg) per cubic foot of freezer capacity. In normal position, your freezer’s temperature control will
maintain sufficiently low temperatures in the freezer to freeze recommended quantities of food.
•Caution should be used when removing the door of a freezer. Particular caution should be used when
removing the lid of a Chest freezer, as most Chest freezer lids are under spring tension. Contact the
manufacturer’s representative for a method of safe removal.

Safety Information
Safety Information
3
ge.com
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE FREEZER
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators and
freezers are still dangerous…even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old
refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old Refrigerator or Freezer:
•Take off the doors.
• Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.
Refrigerants
All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which under federal law must be removed prior to product
disposal. If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration product, check with the company handling the disposal
about what to do.

Safety Information
4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For personal
safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 2-prong plug & an additional earth wiring which mates
with a standard 2-prong wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly
grounded.
The freezer should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating
that matches the rating plate.
This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause
a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from
the outlet.
Repair or replace immediately all power cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not
use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either end.
When moving the freezer away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Operating Instructions
Safety Information/Operating Instructions
5
ABOUT THE OPERATION OF YOUR FREEZER. ge.com
OPERATING YOUR FREEZER
• Once the freezer is in its proper place, plug it in an proper electrical outlet.
•Set the temperature, on the temperature control knob. “min.” being the warmest and “max.” being the
coldest. Initially set the temperature on “4”. Place food inside the freezer (green light will come on
indicating that the freezer is in operation). After using the freezer for 24 hours set the freezer to your
desired setting.
•In case you unplug your freezer or experience an electrical outage, allow 5 minutes before plugging it
back in.
Remarks:
1. "Max" may allows the compressor to run full time so the freezer can reach low temperatures in the
shortest time possible.
2. Use "Max" setting when adding a substantial amount of unfrozen food to the freezer.
3. Be sure to set a kitchen timer when setting at "Max" to remind you to check the freezer. Turn the setting
to normal "4" setting when the temperature reaches freezing.
4. Warning - Allowing setting at "Max" to run for an excessive length of time will cause food to become
too hard (too cold) and would cause high energy consumption.
GENERAL FEATURES
Adjustable temperature dial:
Your freezer will automatically maintain the temperature level you select. The temperature control dial
has 8 settings. “min.” is the warmest, “max.” is the coldest. Turning the dial to min stops cooling the freezer.
Set the dial to “4” and allow 24 hours to pass before adjusting the temperature to your needs.
(Note: If the freezer has been placed in a horizontal or tilted position for any period of time wait 24
hours before plugging the unit in.)

Operating Instructions
6
ABOUT THE OPERATION OF YOUR FREEZER.
Power-On Light
The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to the electrical power.
The light glows even when the temperature control is turned off.
Temperature Alarm Light
The red light will be on if the temperature inside the freezer exceeds -15°C.
Key-Ejecting Lock
The key for the spring-loaded lock is automatically ejected—key will not remain in lock in either the open
or closed position.
Keep the key out of reach of children and away from the freezer.

Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
7
DEFROSTING INSTRUCTIONS. ge.com
In most climates, defrosting will be necessary only about twice a year.
To have your freezer operate most efficiently, do not permit more than 1/2” (13 mm) of frost to accumulate
on the shelves.
To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper.
Do not use an ice pick or sharp-edged instrument as it may damage or scratch the freezer.
Do not use any electrical device in defrosting your freezer.
For Complete Defrosting
1Turn the temperature control to the OFF position and unplug the freezer.
2Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and
newspapers for insulation as needed.
3With the door/lid open, use pans of hot water to speed loosening of frost. Remove large pieces before
they melt.
Chest models have a defrost water drain at the front.
NOTE: Water may drip from the back flange of the lid cover during defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds
up in the lid insulation when the lid is open for adding or removing food, and melts during the defrosting
operation.
4Sponge excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.
5After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
6Replace the drain plug inside the cabinet and the cap on the defrost drain. Fold over and dry the gasket
on the hinge side of the lid.
7Plug in the freezer. Return the temperature control to its previous position and return food to the freezer.

Operating Instructions
8
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE FREEZER.
Cleaning Your 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 stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of appliance polish
wax when the freezer is new and then at least twice a year. Appliance polish wax also works well to
remove tape residue from freezer surfaces.
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with appliance polish wax or mild liquid
dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with a soiled
dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach or cleaners
containing bleach.
CAUTION: Care should be taken in moving the freezer away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can
be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.
•Inside. Clean the inside of your freezer at least once a year. We recommend that the freezer be unplugged
before cleaning. If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning in the
vicinity of switches, lights or controls.
Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Rinse
thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Do not use cleaning powders or other abrasive cleaners.
An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three
months.

Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
9
ge.com
In Case of Extended Power Failure
•Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not
admitted.
•If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large pieces. Add more ice as
required.
WARNING: Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands—gloves or other protection is recommended.
•If dry ice is not available, move food to a frozen food locker temporarily—until power is restored.
Preparing to Move
Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost and clean the freezer. Secure
all loose items such as grille and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.
Be sure freezer stays in upright position during actual moving and in van. The freezer must be secured in
van to prevent movement. Protect outside of freezer with blanket.
Preparing for Vacation
To maintain freezer in operation during vacations, be sure your house power is not turned off. For sure
protection of freezer contents, you may want to ask a neighbor to check the power supply and freezer
operation every 48 hours.
For extended 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. To prevent
formation of odors, place open box of baking soda in freezer and leave freezer 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.

Installation Instructions
10
PREPARING TO INSTALL THE FREEZER.
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
Freezer Location
Your freezer should be conveniently located for day-to-day use in a dry, well-ventilated room.
Do not install the freezer where the temperature will go below 0°F or above 110°F, because it will not
maintain proper temperatures.
Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor if it is to function at its best. Shims may be used to
accomplish this wherever the floor is too uneven. If the place selected for the freezer is damp or moist,
place 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under its entire length to assure adequate support.
Clearances
On all models, allow 3” (76 mm) on top, back and sides for proper air circulation.

Troubleshooting Tips
Installation Instructions/Troubleshooting Tips
11
NORMAL OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS. ge.com
These things are normal and do not indicate a need for service.
•Awarm cabinet exterior as the refrigeration system transfers heat from the inside to the outside through
the exterior cabinet walls.
• The sound of the high-efficiency compressor motor.
BEFORE YOU 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
service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Freezer does not Temperature control •Move the control to a temperature setting.
operate or Power-On in OFF position.
Light is not on Freezer is unplugged. •Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit •Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
breaker is tripped.
Freezer starts/stops Door/lid left open. •Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too frequently Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control •See About the operation of your freezer.
set too cold.
Freezer operates Door/lid left open. •Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too long Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control •See About the operation of your freezer.
set too cold.
Inadequate air circulation • See Preparing to install the freezer.
space around cabinet.
Fast Freeze switch is in the •See About the operation of your freezer.
ON position (on some models)
Noisy operation Floor may be weak, causing •Placing 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under the length of
or cabinet vibrates freezer to vibrate when the freezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
compressor is on.
Cabinet is not positioned • See Preparing to install the freezer. Or use shims for
solidly on floor. uneven floor.
Freezer temperature Door/lid left open. •Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too warm Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.

Troubleshooting Tips
12
BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE...
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Foods defrosting Temperature control •Move the control to a temperature setting.
in OFF position.
Freezer is unplugged. •Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit •Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
breaker is tripped.
Door/lid left open. •Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Freezer temperature Temperature control •See About the operation of your freezer.
too cold set too cold.
Moisture forms on Not unusual during •Wipe surface dry.
outside of cabinet periods of high humidity.
Interior light does No power at outlet. •Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
not work Freezer is unplugged. •Push the plug completely into the outlet.
Light bulb burned out. •Replace bulb.
Door/lid won’t fully Package holding door/lid open.
close by itself
Slow starting time Built-in overload protection.
after being off
Excessive frost Door/lid left open. •Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
buildup Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Not unusual during
periods of high humidity.
NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where you purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home
service. For warranty service, contact GE Distributor locally.