MERMAID MARINE I-3 Original operating instructions

MERMAID MARINE
ICE MAKER
MODELS I-3 AND I-3i
INSTALLATION
&
OPERATIONS GUIDE
CONTROL MASTERS, INC.
Mermaid Air Distributor
11623 Columbia Park Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32258
Phone: [phone]
www.controlmastersinc.com
email: [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 (OVERVIEW)
A. Introduction to Mermaid
SECTION 2 (SAFETY)
A. Safety and Warranty Precautions
SECTION 3 (INSTALLATION)
A. Ice Maker Installation
B. Water Connections
C. Mounting the Unit
D. Built-in Installations
SECTION 4 (START-UP)
A. Initial Start-up
SECTION 5 (OPERATION)
A. Normal Operation
B. Adjusting Temperature Control
C. Adjusting Ice Cube Size
SECTION 6 (MAINTENANCE)
A. Care and Cleaning
B. Defrosting
C. Storage
SECTION 7 (TROUBLESHOOTING)
A. What to check for?

SECTION 1
(OVERVIEW)
A. Introduction:
Congratulations!! You have just purchased one the most dependable Marine Ice Makers
on the market today, a MERMAID.
Mermaid supplies pleasure boat owners, custom boat builders, yacht brokers, boat dealers
and marinas around the world with their ice making needs.
Mermaid icemakers are manufactured to the highest of quality standards using only top
of the line components and materials assembled by long-term qualified technicians. All
of our icemakers are modularized, self contained, prewired, precharged and manufactured
out of 304 and 430 -18 gauge stainless steel. All of our icemaker components, such as
the evaporator, compressor and condensing coil, are manufactured in the USA.
In short, you’re never out on a limb with a Mermaid. Mermaid factory warranty
covers all issues with your machine for a one-year period. After 1 year, any
certified technician, marine, household or commercial, can service any Mermaid Ice
Maker.
IMPRORTANT
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO INSTALL OR OPERATE THE UNIT. ALL ICE MAKERS REQUIRE A
CONNECTION TO THE WATER SUPPLY AND IMPROPER HOOK-UP CAN
RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY DAMAGE! IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF
YOUR ABILITY TO SAFELY CONNECT THE WATER SUPPLY TO THE
UNIT, CONSULT A LICENSED PLUMBER OR TECHNICIAN FOR
ASSISTANCE.

SECTION 2
(SAFETY PRECAUTIONS)
WARNING!
•NEVER ATTEMPT TO INSTALL, REPAIR OR PERFORM
MAINTENANCE ON THE UNIT UNTIL THE ELECTRICITY
HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED.
•ALTERING, CUTTING OF POWER CORD, REMOVAL OF
CORD, REMOVAL OF POWER PLUG, OR DIRECT WIRING
CAN CASE SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH OR SEVERE
PROPERTY DAMAGE/LOSS AND WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.
CAUTION!
•DO NOT LIFT UNIT BY DOOR HANDLE ALONE. THE
DOOR LATCH IS NOT DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE
WEIGHT OF THE UNIT.
•NEVER USE AN ICE PICK OR ANY OTHER SHARP OBJECT
TO AID THE DEFROSTING TIME. USAGE OF SUCH TOOLS
CAN AND WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE COOLING
PORTION OF THE MACHINE AND WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY.
•FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE AIR GRILL (CONDENSER)
LOCATED BEHIND THE FRONT PANEL CAN AND WILL
CAUSE CONDENSER FAILURE. THIS IS NOT A
WARRANTY REPAIR.
•NEVER INSTALL THE UNIT BEHIND NON-VENTED
CLOSED DOORS. OBSTRUCTING FREE AIR FLOW CAN
AND WILL CAUSE THE UNIT TO MALFUNCTION AND
VOID THE WARRANTY.

SECTION 3
(INSTALLATION)
SITE PREPARATION:
The icemaker needs to be mounted in an area where it will physically fit, as well as
accommodate an unblocked intake vent. In addition, you need to insure there is
enough space for the water hose to be connected.
A. INSTALLING THE ICE MAKER:
1. Position the unit on a flat, level surface, capable of supporting the entire weight of
the unit. Remember, when the unit has produced its ice, the weight will be
substantially higher. A fiberglass shelf may be necessary for a proper installation.
2. Ensure that there is room behind the unit for your water hose connection and
power supply. It is advisable to leave extra water line to prevent kinking
(described later).
3. Your Mermaid product has been designed for either free standing (I-3 model) or
built-in installation (I-3i model). When built-in, your Mermaid product does not
require additional air space for top, sides, or rear. However, the front grill MUST
NOT be obstructed. It is advisable to have at least a 1/8” to a ¼” size over the
standard unit size. This will aid in the installation and removal of the unit.
DIMENSIONS:
WIDTH HEIGHT DEPTH
14.0” 24.0” 16.0”
4. If your unit was ordered with a mounting flange, the unit should have arrived with
it pre-attached. If you would later like to build the icemaker in, we are able to
provide you with the mounting flange for a later installation. Simply contact the
factory and we would be happy to assist.

B. CONNECTING THE WATER SUPPLY:
1. Locate the ¼” copper water line with the white quick disconnect exiting the rear
of the machine. For your convenience, the water valve connection has been
previously established in the underside of the machine. No additional connections
are necessary behind the front or rear grills of the ice makers.
2. The copper tubing, exiting the rear of the machine, will have a quick disconnect
¼” fitting ready to accept either a ¼” plastic (PVC) line or copper line. This will
depend on the water line established for your vessel. Either line is acceptable.
3. Simply insert the plastic or copper line in the quick disconnect fitting until tight.
No tooling is required for this connection.
4. During built-in installations, ensure that the plastic or copper line does not kink
during your mounting of the unit. It is recommended to leave a few feet of slack
coiled behind the machine (in either the plastic or copper line) for ease of removal
in the event the unit needs to be serviced.
5. To remove the water line from the Mermaid Ice Maker, depress the white or grey
ring on the very end of the coupling fitting at the end with your water line and
pull gently on the plastic or copper line. Ensure that if you disconnect both, that
you re-establish a secure connection on both ends to avoid any water leaks.
Improper connection or removal resulting in water damage is NOT covered by
warranty. Ensure you follow all necessary precautions.
NOTE
AFTER COMPLETING THE WATER CONNECTIONS, TURN ON THE
WATER SUPPLY AND RECHECK THE WATER CONNECTIONS
BEFORE PERMANANTELY INSTALLING THE UNIT. DO NOT USE
TAPES OR SEALANTS ON CONNECTIONS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A
MINIMUM OF 20PSI AND A MAXIMUM OF 120PSI TO OPERATE THIS
UNIT.

C. MOUNTING THE UNIT:
1. The power cord is strapped to the rear of the machine. Plug 6 ft. power cord into
receptacle. DO NOT use an extension cord to connect the power to the unit.
Electrical grounding is required. This unit is specifically designed with a 6ft.
three-prong grounding plug. Be sure that the receptacle it is to be plugged into is
the same. If it is not, consult with an electrician about changing the receptacle to
a proper mate or properly installing one near the machine.
2. Gently push the unit into position ensuring NO kinks have occurred in the water
line.
3. Ensure there is at least 1-1.5 inch clearance behind the unit for electrical
connections. DO NOT push the unit directly into the plug assembly. It is
imperative that the plug assembly is free from contact of the back of the unit.
SECTION 4
(START-UP)
A. INITIAL START-UP:
Once installation is complete, the unit is ready for initial start-up and operation.
1. Ensure the unit is plugged into a proper three-prong 115v polarized grounding
outlet.
2. Move the ON-OFF switch to the ON position.
3. As soon as the icemaker mold reaches the proper temperature, the ice mechanism
will fill the mold with water. It is not uncommon for the first few rounds of cubes
to be smaller than desired. This is due to air in the water inlet line. Subsequent
cubes will be of standard size. Approximate time for first cycle is 45-60 minutes.
Allow a full 24 hours for a full bin of ice.
4. The unit will operate under 3.29-4.0 115 Volt Amps.
NOTE
IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DIRT OR SCALE WILL DISLODGE IN THE
WATER LINE. IT IS ADVISABLE TO DISCARD THE FIRST FULL
ROUND OF ICE CUBES. SHOULD THIS PROBLEM PERSIST, AN
OPTIONAL WATER FILTER MAY WANT TO BE ADDED ON THE
INCOMING WATER LINE TO THE ICE MAKER.

SECTION 5
(OPERATION)
A. NORMAL OPERATION:
The icemaker is designed to create between 20-25lbs of ice within a 24-hour time
frame. It is not uncommon for the machine to make less ice if the door is open
frequently during this time. The core temperature needs to stay within 14-16 degrees
Fahrenheit to create the maximum quantity of cubes. Frequent door opening
occurrences will inhibit this temperature from being reached.
The production may also be interrupted by raising the bin arm into an upright and
locked position (the unit will still maintain temperature for ice storage). By raising
the bar you are simply deactivating the ice production module.
NOTE
IT IS ADVISABLE WHEN ICE PRODUCTION IS NOT DESIRED TO RAISE
THIS ARM. WHEN THE MACHINE IS ON AND POWER IS SUPPLIED,
THE UNIT WILL MAKE CONSTANT ICE. DO NOT SIMPLY TURN THE
MACHINE TO THE OFF POSITION WITH ICE IN THE TRAY. THE UNIT
WILL COME TO ROOM TEMPERATURE – MELTING THE ICE – AND
MAY CAUSE SEVERE WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR BOAT.
It is normal for certain sounds to be heard. At times, you may hear the compressor
turn on/off, the fan turn on/off, the water solenoid valve activating, and most
common, the ice falling into the ice bucket.
CAUTION
DURING PERIODS OF LIMITED USE OR HIGH AMBIENT
TEMPERATURES, IT IS COMMON FOR CUBES TO FUSE TOGETHER.
NEVER USE AN ICE PICK, KNIFE, OR OTHER SHARP INSTRUMENT TO
SEPARATE THE CUBES. DAMAGE TO THE CORE OF THE UNIT CAN
OCCUR. SIMPLY SHAKE THE ICE BUCKET TO LOOSEN THE CUBES.
If the icemaker is not used regularly, the ice bucket should be emptied periodically to
ensure fresh cubes.

It is normal for cubes to appear cloudy. This is caused by air being trapped in the
water due to fast freezing. It has nothing to do with health, taste or chemical make-up
of the water. It is the same air that is in every glass of water you drink
To provide for higher ice rate (production of more cubes), adjust the temperature
control to a warmer setting. If hollow cubes result, adjust temperature somewhat
colder. For less cube production, adjust to a colder setting.
While the machine is operating, it is necessary to keep the ice bucket fully inserted as
much as possible to avoid cubes falling in the core of the unit. Should this occur,
simply remove the ice cubes carefully. DO NOT use a pick or a sharp object should
they be stuck. If necessary, thaw the ice machine.
B. ADJUSTING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL:
Model I-3 has an adjustable temperature dial located behind the louvered air intake
vent on the front of the machine.
1. Remove the air intake vent.
2. Locate the black or grey dial mounted next to the condensing unit.
3. To create more cubes, turn the dial to the left (counterclockwise) one or two
digits. All the way to the warmest setting will not drastically aid the ice
production time.
4. To create less cubes, turn the dial to the right (clockwise) one or two digits. All
the way to the coldest setting will not drastically aid in the ice production time.
C. ADJUSTING ICE CUBE SIZE:
On the Mermaid I-3 and I-3i models, the size of the cubes may need to be adjusted
based on personal preference and water pressure coming to the unit.
1. Open the front of the icemaker.
2. Locate the icemaker mechanism in the upper left corner of the unit.
3. Carefully remove the white mechanism cover. No tools are necessary to
accomplish this.
4. Locate the adjusting screw on the icemaker assembly control box. The adjusting
screw is just below the minus (-) and plus (+) signs on the control box.

5. Turn the adjusting screw toward the minus (-) sign (clockwise) for smaller cubes
or toward the plus (+) sign (counterclockwise) for larger cubes.
6. Install the white mechanism cover.
SECTION 6
(MAINTENANCE)
A. CARE AND CLEANING:
Periodic cleaning and proper maintenance will ensure efficiency, top performance,
and a longer operating life of the Mermaid I-3 Icemaker. We would recommend the
following:
1. Periodically clean the interior with mild soap and warm water.
2. Avoid use of solvent cleaners or abrasives on the interior. These chemicals could
transmit to the ice cubes.
3. The exterior may be cleaned with “Sheila Shine” or WD-40. Use a small amount
of each as overuse of these products will create a film on the exterior of the
machine. This will not hurt the machine but will create a greasy feeling to you.
4. The intake grill needs to be clear of all debris. Free air needs to be able to flow
through the louvered vents. The condensing coil located behind the vent should
be cleaned three to four times a year by using a small brush or vacuum. Be sure
not to damage the coils in the process.
CAUTION
THE CONDENSOR FINS ARE SHARP!! DO NOT RUN HANDS OVER THE
CONDENSOR FINS.
B. DEFROSTING:
CAUTION
DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE, ICE PICK, KNIFE, OR
ANY OTHER SHARP OBJECT TO ATTEMPT TO AID IN THE DEFROSTING
PROCESS. THIS WILL DAMAGE THE CORE OF THE MACHINE AND WILL
VOID THE WARRANTY.
Manual machines should be defrosted every eight weeks. However, this may not be
practical in areas of high heat/humidity and heavy usage. In these circumstances, it
will be necessary to defrost your unit whenever the frost thickness exceeds ¼”. To

defrost, turn the unit to the OFF position, remove the remaining cubes and prop door
open. It would be advisable to use a towel to absorb the melting frost to ensure it
does not escape the unit and create water damage.
C. STORAGE:
If the unit is to be stored or not used for a prolonged period of time, it is advisable to
drain the water system. Please follow these steps:
1. Shut the water supply off to the machine.
2. Disconnect the water supply from the water connection at the back of the
machine. Or, you may simply disconnect the water supply line behind the front
grill. The water valve has a ¼” copper tube with a compression fitting located on
top of the valve. Carefully disconnect this line. This is only advisable if you are
not willing to remove the installed icemaker. I3 models are not built-in and
disconnecting the quick disconnect fitting is advised.
3. Allow the unit to operate for approximately one hour or so until the unit has
discharged all the ice in the mechanism.
4. Dry out any remaining water left in the icemaker mechanism.
5. Prop the door open.
6. Disconnect the unit from the 115v power supply.
SECTION 7
(TROUBLESHOOTING)
A. WHAT TO CHECK FOR?
Before calling for service, please review the troubleshooting checklist below. Should
you still need attention, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
1) The unit is not
cold enough Door gasket not sealed properly Inspect the latch and gasket on door for proper seal
Dirty condensing coil Clean condensing coil. Refer back to
“Care and Cleaning” section

Airflow to front grill is
obstructed
Remove item(s) blocking intake
Temperature not set cold enough Turn dial to colder setting. Refer back
to “Adjusting The Temperature
Control.”
2) The unit frosts
up Unit is a manual defrost product Refer back to “Defrosting”
3) Water is
leaking out the
back of the unit
Water supply connection is
leaking Inspect all water connections and tighten fittings.
4) Ice cubes are
sticking together Door gasket not properly sealed Or infrequent use of cubes Adjust door gasket/latch or break apart cubes by shaking the bucket. DO NOT
use sharp objects.
5) Noise during
operation Tubing lines are touching or rubbing Inspect plumbing connections under machine to ensure they are not touching
any other components.
6) No ice Bin arm is locked in the upright
position Manually lower bin arm
7) Not enough
ice Control setting too cold or ice cube size too large Adjust temperature control. Refer to “Adjusting The Temperature
Control” or Refer to “Adjusting Ice
Cube Size.”
8) Water leaks
into ice bucket Water level set too high Set cube size smaller. Refer to “Adjusting Ice Cube Size.”
Should the above information not be sufficient, please contact CMI at 904-260-9756 or you
may contact Mermaid for direct factory support during normal business hours of 8:00AM to
5:00PM EST Monday through Friday at 800-330-3553.
We hope you enjoy your Mermaid I-3 or I-3i Product and we thank you for your
business!