Hotpoint RLA31 User manual

LARDER FRIDGE - MODELS RLA31,RLA33,RLM31,RLM33
INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION & USE
GETTING STARTED:
To ensure that your fridge runs reliably and efficiently follow these steps.
Choose a location for your
fridge, away from any
heat sources and
allow adequate
ventilation - 30mm
(11/4inch) gap above.
Level the fridge by
adjusting the front feet.
This will stop rocking or
vibration and keep the
door aligned.
Plug in and switch on.
Allow the fridge to cool
before placing food
inside.
All food in the fridge
should be covered.
Move the fridge into
position, using the sides
of the cabinet. Take care
to avoid damaging the
refrigerant circuit pipe
work on the rear.
Before plugging in and
switching on, leave the
fridge in its final
location for at least 15
minutes to allow it to
settle.
Your fridge is now
working.
If after 24 hours your
fridge is not operating as
you want, refer to the
Troubleshooting section.
Read the rest of these instructions to get the best from your appliance
and remember to fill in your guarantee registration.
Keep this Book in a safe place for quick reference.
STEP 1 STEP 2
STEP 3 STEP 4
STEP 5 STEP 6
SAFETY &
INSTALLATION CONTROLS USEFUL ADVICE
CLEANING &
MAINTENANCE
SERVICE &
GUARANTEE
TROUBLESHOOTING

For Your Safety
For your safety, read the following advice:
The fridge cooling system contains a small amount of gas which is environmentally
friendly but flammable. To avoid any risk :-
●Install the fridge following the installation instructions and ensure
that ventilation openings are kept clear of obstruction.
●Take care when installing or moving the fridge to avoid damaging
the pipes on the rear.
●If you suspect a leak, do not switch on the fridge, but open the
windows and doors to ventilate the room.
●Do not use any mechanical or electrical devices inside the fridge, for
instance for manual defrosting.
●Only use this fridge for storing domestic foodstuffs.
When installing your fridge :-
●Ensure that the mains cable is not trapped underneath or behind the fridge
when you install or move it.
●Do not stack any other appliance on top of this fridge as they may
damage the fridge or become unstable.
When using your fridge :-
●Do not sit or stand on top of your fridge.
●Do not store poisonous, flammable or dangerous substances in your fridge.
●Do not use aerosol sprays for defrosting or cleaning your fridge.
If you sell the fridge, pass on this booklet to the new owner.
2
SAFETY &
INSTALLATION

Installation
Location & Air Circulation
Locate your fridge away from sources of heat e.g.
cookers, radiators, direct sunlight as extreme temperature
will affect its performance.
Allow a minimum 30mm (11/4inch) between the top of
the fridge and the underside of the worktop.
Providing you follow the recommended ventilation requirements you will :-
●Prolong the life of the fridge.
●Minimise the risk of condensation on the outside of the fridge.
●Minimise the running costs.
●Minimise operating sounds caused by vibration.
3
Minimum space required to open door
The fridge needs a space of 600mm (24 inches) in front to allow the door to open.
When positioning the fridge next to a unit, a gap of 30mm (11/4inch) can be left
at the hinge side of the door to allow the easy removal of furniture. If preferred
the fridge can be positioned so that a gap is not left.This will restrict how far the
door can be opened but the furniture can still be removed (see diagram below).
The door hinge side can be changed to make it easier to open (see ‘Door Reversal’
in the CLEANING & MAINTENANCE section).
SAFETY &
INSTALLATION
30mm (11/4inch)
TOP VIEW TOP VIEW
less than 30mm
30mm or more
600mm
600mm

Installation
Levelling:
Level the fridge when it is in its final location by adjusting the front feet, until firm
contact is made with the floor. This will stop rocking or vibration and keep the door
aligned which helps the fridge run reliably and efficiently.
Before plugging in and switching on, leave the fridge standing in its final location for
at least 15 minutes to allow it to settle.
Fitting a Fridge under a Work Top
To minimise running costs Hotpoint recommend fitting a vent to the rear of your
worktop, which is available from Hotpoint Genuine Parts & Accessories Mail Order
Hotline (see KEY CONTACTS, back page).
WARNING: If there is less than 30mm clearance above the fridge, a vent must be
fitted to provide adequate ventilation above your fridge.
4
SAFETY &
INSTALLATION
Bottle Retainer:
To fit the bottle rack retainer:
Locate the retainer groove at one end of
the bottle rack and then gradually press
down along the top edge until the
retainer is fully in the home position.

Installation
Electrical Supply
WARNING: This appliance must be earthed.
The fridge must be positioned so that the plug is accessible after
installation.
Fuses
Your appliance comes fitted with a plug and a 13A fuse. If you need to replace the
fuse, only use those rated at 13A and ASTA approved to BS1362.
Changing the Plug
Cut off and dispose of the supplied plug if it does not fit your socket.
WARNING: To avoid a shock hazard do not insert the discarded plug into a socket
anywhere else.
IMPORTANT WIRES IN THE MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
FOLLOWING CODE :
Green/Yellow - Earth
Blue - Neutral Brown - Live
If you change the plug, the colour of wires in the mains lead may not correspond with
the colour of the markings identifying terminals in the plug. You should therefore
wire it as shown above.
Changing the Mains Lead
This fridge is fitted with a special mains lead. If you need to replace the mains lead
due to damage, one can be bought from Hotpoint Service (see KEY CONTACTS, back
page). It is strongly advised that this work is carried out by a qualified electrician.
CE Marking certifies that this appliance conforms to the following EEC
directives : Low Voltage Equipment - 72/23/EEC & 93/68 EEC
Electromagnetic Compatibility 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC & 93/68/EEC
5
SAFETY &
INSTALLATION

Controls
Controlling the Temperature of the Fridge Compartment
The control wheel on the front of the worktop adjusts the internal fridge
compartment temperature. The internal temperature should be 5˚C or colder
although some sections, such as the salad bin, will be slightly warmer.
The setting of the control wheel will depend on the location of the fridge, the room
temperature and how often the door is opened. The normal set point (marked by a 3
and N on the dial) is usually suitable. If you need to adjust the temperature turn the
control wheel:
Clockwise (higher number) - Colder
Anti-clockwise (lower number) - Warmer
6
You can check the temperature of the fridge compartment by using a Fridge Freezer
Thermometer available from Hotpoint Genuine Parts and Accessories Mail Order
Hotline (see KEY CONTACTS back page).
WARNING: Do not use a mercury filled thermometer, as breakage would cause a
health hazard.
Your fridge must NOT be placed in a room where the temperature goes below 6˚C or
above 38˚C for prolonged periods, as the internal fridge temperature will not be
maintained.
CONTROLS

Useful Advice
7
STORAGE ZONES
Zone Type Food Storage
A Cool Dairy products, Cheese, butter, margarine,
Low fat spreads, cooking fats / lards
Preserves - Jam, curd, marmalade,
spread, salad dressing or sauces.
B Colder General food storage
C Coldest Meat fish & poultry
Pre-cooked / chilled food
D Salad Vegetables, fruit and salad items
Bin (Not recommended for the storage of
bananas or onions).
Note:
The Rating Plate, which lists the appliance Model Number and Serial
Number can be found near the bottom of the left hand internal wall.
USEFUL ADVICE
D
C
B
B
B
A
A

Making the best use of your Fridge
Note : Always use the handle provided to open the fridge door.
To ensure that your fridge operates as efficiently as possible :
●Follow food packaging “best before/use by” instructions or your suppliers
advice on a suitable maximum storage time.
●Keep foods covered to retain moisture and prevent flavour/odour
transference. Plastic bags, aluminium foil, plastic stretch wrap and containers
with lids are ideal.
●Avoid opening the doors unnecessarily or for longer than needed.
●Allow hot or warm food to cool down in covered containers before placing in
fridge, as placing hot food inside reduces efficiency.
Storing Food in a Fridge
●Pack and store cooked and fresh food separately.
●Wrap raw or defrosting meat and poultry in polythene or foil and store
below cooked foods and dairy products to avoid contamination of dripping
food juices.
●Wrap cheese in greaseproof paper and place in an airtight container or
polythene bag.
Bring to room temperature before consuming.
●Empty left over canned food into a covered storage containers before
placing in the fridge.
●Position food to allow cold air to circulate freely, ensuring nothing comes
into contact with the interior back wall of the fridge, or covers the defrost
gutter drain hole below this.
●Use the different storage zones inside your fridge compartment to store a
wide variety of food items.
Useful Advice
8
USEFUL ADVICE
Microban® is a unique antibacterial technology which is built into interior
components of your fridge during manufacture. Microban® protects against growth
of potentially harmful and odour causing bacteria on the interior fridge surfaces,
thereby keeping your fridge fresher and more hygienically clean during use.
Microban® will not wash out or wear out and will provide continuous protection
against bacteria for the life of your fridge. Microban® technology has been proven
safe, durable and effective over many years of use in personal care and household
consumer products. In addition, Hotpoint operate a rigorous antibacterial testing
programme through approved independent testing laboratories.
Note : You should continue to clean your fridge as recommended (see CLEANING
& MAINTENANCE section). Microban® provides an extra level of hygiene
protection in your fridge in between cleanings.

Salad Bins
For the storage of fruit, vegetables and salad items.
When storing vegetables, remove unusable leaves and soil and leave lettuce, cabbage
and cauliflower on the stem.
It is advisable to clean the salad bin regularly, it can be removed by sliding it out from
position.Note : Care must be taken to ensure that the salad bin is closed before
shutting the fridge door.
Useful Advice
9
USEFUL ADVICE
Advice on Adjusting Shelves
Make the most of the interior storage
space by repositioning shelves to suit the
various heights of individual items you
wish to store.
Note : Only the front half of the
shelf can be repositioned, the back
half must remain in its original
position.
Split glass shelf
The split shelf can be used as a standard shelf but also as
two half shelves.
The front half can be repositioned above or below to
enable storage of larger items.
Commodity and Bottle Racks
Commodity racks can be repositioned in the door to suit your storage requirements.
The lidded commodity rack is recommended for the storage of dairy items, such as
butter, margarine and cheese.
To remove, lift rack vertically to release from fixing supports.
To replace, align grooves on either side of the rack above fixing supports and push
down until secure.
In order to get the best results from the bottle retainer it is advised that it be
positioned centrally on the bottle rack.
Egg Rack
The egg rack can be used in conjunction with any commodity rack and is easily
removed for cleaning.
Note: Wipe, don’t wash eggs.
To remove, ensure that the door is open fully.
Slide the shelf forward and tilt from position.

No manual defrosting required
The fridge compartment will defrost automatically. During defrost periods water
droplets form on the interior back wall of your Larder Fridge and refreeze afterwards.
Note : if your kitchen becomes exceptionally warm, your Larder Fridge may not
defrost regularly.
WARNING: Ensure the defrost drain hole is kept clear and that stored food does
not come into contact with the interior back wall of your Larder Fridge.
Cleaning
WARNING: Switch off electrical supply and pull out mains plug before cleaning.
Interior
1. Remove food and wrap or cover to keep it cool.
2. Remove salad bins, racks and shelves from the fridge compartment and wash
in warm water and washing up liquid using a soft cloth, dry thoroughly.
Note : It is important to ensure that cleaned shelves, baskets and bins are
thoroughly dried before refitting to the fridge compartment.
3. Wipe interior and fitting with a clean cloth wrung out in a solution of either
one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to one pint of water or Milton™
sterilising fluid, diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Dry interior thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing fittings and food.
Exterior
Use a clean soft cloth wrung out in warm water and washing up liquid to wipe the
exterior surface, dry thoroughly.
WARNING: Do not use abrasive powder, household cleaner, bleach or wax polish
to clean your fridge, they leave a smell in the fridge and can damage the exterior.
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from underneath the fridge and
from the compressor and condenser situated at the back of the fridge.
WARNING: Do not damage the pipework.
Door Seal
Use warm water and a clean soft cloth to wipe along and in between the creases of
the door seal, dry thoroughly. Take care not to damage the seal and avoid using
sharp objects.
WARNING: Do not use detergent, it will damage the seal.
Defrosting and Cleaning
10
CLEANING &
MAINTENANCE

Going Away
If you are going away and don’t want to use your fridge, switch off the socket outlet
and pull out the mains plug. Remove food and follow the cleaning instructions on
the previous page.
Note : Leave the door ajar to prevent an accumulation of odours.
Changing the Light Bulb
WARNING: Switch off at socket outlet and pull out the mains plug
Obtain a replacement SES 15W bulb from the Hotpoint Genuine Parts and
Accessories Mail Order Hotline (see KEY CONTACTS back page) and fit as follows :
1. Remove any shelves from directly below the interior light, to make access
easier.
2. Squeeze the side of the lamp guard lightly to unclip. Remove and retain.
3. Remove old bulb and fit new one.
4. Refit lamp guard.
5. Plug in and switch on electrical supply.
Defrosting and Cleaning
11
CLEANING &
MAINTENANCE

12
You will need a selection of small hand tools, screwdrivers, spanners etc. to carry out
this procedure.
Our Service Department can arrange for an Engineer to do the conversion for you but
a charge will be made.
Door Reversal
WARNING: Switch off electrical supply and pull out the mains plug.
Remove loose items/fittings from inside the fridge and place food into insulated
containers whilst carrying out this operation.
1. Open the door as wide as possible.
Note : You may require assistance to do this:
2. Support the door and using a screwdriver, remove the screw
securing the top hinge.
3. Carefully tilt the door to remove the hinge from the cabinet
and lift the door off the bottom hinge.
4. Remove the spacing washers from the bottom hinge.
Note : You may require assistance to do this:
5. Using the packaging from the appliance or a suitable substitute to support
the back of the appliance. Lay the appliance on it’s back ensuring the
pipework at the back is not damaged or bent. Be careful that the appliance
does not run away from you when the wheels touch the floor.
6. Unscrew the foot plate and hinge bracket fitted to the bottom right hand
side of the appliance. Unscrew the foot and footplate fitted to the bottom
left hand side of the appliance.
7. Refit the hinge bracket and the footplate to the opposite sides of the
appliance. Screw in the feet until there is approximately 35mm projecting
from the bottom front edge of the appliance.
8. Lift the appliance onto it’s feet. You may require assistance to do this:
Lift the appliance from the rear of the tabletop and stand it on it’s feet and
wheels. Be careful that the appliance does not run away from you when
the wheels touch the floor.
9. Using a thin blunt instrument, remove the hinge
bush cap from the top left of the door and refit on
the top right.
10. If applicable - using a screwdriver, remove the door
stop from the bottom right of the door and refit on
the bottom left.
Note : You may require assistance to do this:
11. Replace the top hinge onto the door, slide the door onto the bottom hinge
pin and support the door whilst screwing the top hinge into position. Ensure
that the top hinge bracket is positioned correctly.
12. Adjust the front feet (see ‘Levelling’ SAFETY & INSTALLATION section).
Note : Let the appliance stand upright in it’s final location for at least 15
minutes before plugging in and switching on the electricity supply.
Maintenance
CLEANING &
MAINTENANCE
door stop

Troubleshooting
IS THE FRIDGE WORKING AS YOU
WANT?
Have you read through the instruction
book ?
If you still have a problem, before calling
our service organisation see if any of the
tips below help.
The appliance will not work
1. Check plug is firmly positioned in the
socket outlet and the power supply is
switched on.
2. Check power supply with another
appliance.
3. Check fuse/circuit breaker.
4. Check the door is closed properly.
The appliance is making a lot of noise
1. Check that the rear pipe work is clear
of the wall, skirting board and other
obstacles.
2. Check that all feet/wheels are firmly
in contact with the floor and the
fridge is level.
3. See OPERATING SOUNDS below.
The temperature is too warm
1. Turn the control wheel to a higher
number. See CONTROLS section.
2. If the appliance is close to a heat
source, move it to another location.
3. Check that there is enough
ventilation around the appliance.
4. Check that the door has been closed
properly.
The temperature is too cold
1. Turn the control wheel to a lower
number. See CONTROLS section.
There is water beneath the salad bin
and on the floor
1. Check defrost gutter drain hole is not
covered.
2. Check that nothing has come into
contact with the interior back wall of
the fridge.
The interior light doesn’t work
WARNING: Switch off the socket outlet
and pull out the mains plug.
1. Check bulb is screwed in correctly. If
still not working then see ‘Changing
the Light Bulb’ in the CLEANING &
MAINTENANCE section.
Ice builds up rapidly inside the fridge
1. Check that nothing is stopping the
door from closing properly.
2. Check that foods and liquids are
covered to avoid the build up of
moisture inside.
3. See ‘Defrosting’ in the CLEANING &
MAINTENANCE section for advice.
If there is still a problem contact
Hotpoint Service (See KEY CONTACTS,
back page, for contact details).
OPERATING SOUNDS OF A FRIDGE
These are the normal types of sound that
your fridge will make:
The fridge motor (compressor) makes a
buzzing or humming sound when it is
running. This can be louder when it is
first switched on. This sound will reduce
over the first few months.
Gases flowing through the pipes can
produce gurgling, bubbling, roaring or
humming noises.
The temperature control can make a
clicking noise when it turns the motor on
and off.
Expansion and contraction of parts
inside the fridge can produce a cracking
noise as they rapidly change
temperature.
13
TROUBLESHOOTING

Recycling & Disposal Information
“Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back”
We give you a unique ‘satisfaction guaranteed’ promise - valid for 90 days - after you have
purchased your Hotpoint appliance. If there is a technical problem simply call Hotpoint
Repair service or visit our web-site at www.hotpointservice.co.uk and where necessary, we
will arrange for an engineer to call. If the technical problem is not resolved under this
guarantee, we will replace your machine or, if you prefer, give you your money back.
Hotpoint guarantee
All Hotpoint appliances carry a fully inclusive 12 month parts and labour guarantee as well
as free replacement parts for the first 5 years (except microwaves, selected integrated
appliances and cooker hoods, which have a one year guarantee) provided that they are
fitted by a Hotpoint engineer.
Guarantee terms and conditions
Your guarantee is only applicable in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland
and is subject to the following provisions that your appliance:
● Has been installed and used correctly in accordance with this instruction booklet.
● Has been used solely for domestic purposes and is located on domestic
premises (ie. not for commercial or trade use).
● Has been properly connected to a suitable electrical supply voltage as stated on
the appliance rating plate.
● Has not been subject to misuse, accident, modified or repaired by anyone other
than a Hotpoint service engineer.
For pre purchase information on any other Hotpoint product call: 08701 50 60 70
or visit: www.hotpoint.co.uk
As part of Hotpoint’s continued commitment to helping the environment,Hotpoint reserves
the right to use quality recycled components to keep down customer costs and minimise
material wastage.
Please dispose of packaging and old appliances carefully. Old refrigerant and oil must be
disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, using suitably qualified
personnel.
To minimise risk of injury to children, remove the door, plug and cut mains cable off flush
with the appliance. Dispose of these parts separately to ensure that the appliance can no
longer be plugged into a mains socket, and the door cannot be locked shut.
14
SERVICE &
GUARANTEE

After Sales Service
SERVICE &
GUARANTEE
15
“No company is better positioned to offer an after sales service on a
Hotpoint appliance than us - the manufacturer”
As part of our commitment to you, all Hotpoint appliances have the added benefit of a fully
inclusive parts and labour guarantee for the first 12 months. In addition to this you also have
the advantage of free replacement parts for the first 5 years when fitted by a Hotpoint
engineer. When the 12 months parts and labour guarantee expires we offer the following after
sales service options:
Repair Service and Information Help Desk
UK: 08709 066066
www.hotpointservice.co.uk
Republic of Ireland: 1850 302 200
Note: Our operators will require the Model number and the Serial number of your appliance
(see USEFUL ADVICE SECTION for rating plate position).
Available 364 days a year with a fast, effective and value for money service.We have the largest
white goods repair service in the UK with over 1100 of our own fully trained engineers. All
repairs include a parts and labour guarantee for 12 months from the date of the repair.
If you require any information or have any questions about your appliance, our operators are on
hand with help and advice.
All this ensures that you will receive the best available after sales service possible.
Extended Warranties
UK: 08709 088 088
www.hotpointservice.co.uk
Republic of Ireland: 1850 502 200
Whether you have just one or a number of Hotpoint appliances in your kitchen, we offer two
service cover plans to give you total peace of mind.
● Repair Protection Plan - FREE service repairs for a single Hotpoint appliance during the
period of cover.
● Kitchen Cover - FREE service repairs for all your Hotpoint appliances less than 8
years old.
Genuine Parts and Accessories
UK: 08709 077 077
www.hotpointservice.co.uk
Republic of Ireland: [phone]
A wide range of genuine parts and accessories are available from our hotline or through
our web site.
Genuine parts and accessories, extended warranties and service repairs are all
available on our web-site at:
www.hotpointservice.co.uk

PRINTED BY SIMLEX .FOUR ASHES,WOLVERHAMPTON. 01/2005 195045106.01
Indesit Company UK Limited, Morley Way, Peterborough, PE2 9JB
Key Contacts
After Sales Service
Over 1100 trained specialists, directly employed by us, ensure that you can have
complete confidence in both the appliances and services we offer.
Repair Service and Information Help Desk
UK: 08709 0 0
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7.30pm
Saturday, 8.30am to 5.30pm
Sunday, 9.30am to 3.30pm
www.hotpointservice.co.uk
Republic of Ireland: 1850 302 200
Note: Our operators will require the following information:
Model number
Serial number
See USEFUL ADVICE SECTION for rating plate position
Extended Warranties
UK: 08709 088 088
Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm
www.hotpointservice.co.uk
Repu lic of Ireland: 1850 502 200
Genuine arts and Accessories
UK: 08709 077 077
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
Saturday, 8.30am to 12noon
www.hotpointservice.co.uk
Repu lic of Ireland: [phone]
www.hotpoint.co.uk