Nova Kool Fridge/Freezer Use and care manual

2 YEAR WARRANTY
Terms and limitations
Nova Kool refrigeration systems are
warranted to be free from defects in
materials or workmanship. If any part of
the unit proves to be defective in the first
two years from the date the unit is
purchased by the end user, Nova Kool
will supply without charge a replacement
part to rectify the problem. Replacement
parts are designed for simple replacement
by removing the four frame screws under
the caps on the left and right side of the
door frame and sliding the fridge from the
cabinetry. All parts are accessible from the
rear of the fridge.
This warranty does not cover problems
out of the control of Nova Kool Mfg.
Inc. including but not limited to acts of
God, acts of government or misuse.
Before calling for warranty service please
read the trouble shooting guide at the
back of the Nova Kool installation
manual.
For repair information have the fridge
model and serial number ready and call
604-984-7764.
NOVA KOOL
Visit our site at www.novakool.com
Fridge/Freezer Installation
and Repair Manual

8 NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL 1
Index
Introduction ............................................................................... 1
Operation............................................................................2 & 3
• Defrosting
• Cleaning
Ventilation...........................................................................3 & 4
Electrical Hook-up...............................................................4 & 5
• Fuses
Trouble-Shooting Guide .................................................. 6, 7 & 8
• Refrigerant Charge & Sealed System
• Operational Sequence
Introduction
Nova Kool’s refrigeration systems are designed to run
efficiently from AC Shore Power, Battery Power, or Solar
Electric Power.
The refrigerator door is shipped right hinged. This can
easily be changed by removing the door pins and latch pin and
re-installing them on the opposite hinge
bracket. The decorative panel can be easily
changed to match the interior of the boat.
The unit is charged with a CFC free
R134A. This refrigerant is a Zero Ozone
Depleter.
Our unit features a reciprocating
compressor which is very efficient; while
running it uses less than 60 watt hrs. / hr.
All our refrigerators and freezers have
built in battery protection. This feature is
designed to help protect the battery from damage due to
accidental Deep discharge.
Typical AC/DC Refrigerator
Refrigerant Charge & Sealed System
Your Nova Kool is charged with R134a. This is a environ-
mentally safe refrigerant with a “O” Ozone Depletion Potential.
It is used by most of the domestic refrigeration and appli-
ance repair companies and manufacturers.
If you need to repair the closed sealed system, use a quali-
fied appliance refrigeration person. This is seldom necessary so
be sure first, and before any arrangement is made contact Nova
Kool.
Operational Sequence
When the thermostat is turned on (you should hear a click)
the compressor should try to start. It is not uncommon to hear
a small squeak when it tries to start. If it does not start on the
first attempt it will continue to try every 40 seconds. If, for
some reason, the compressor becomes overloaded it will go
through this cycle and the fan will continue to run during the 40
seconds. When the thermostat is satisfied, the compressor and
fan (optional) shut down.
Before doing warranty work contact your dealer
or Nova Kool at 604-984-7764 / www.novakool.com
Field Wiring
Factory Wiring
9
10
1- Electronic Unit
2- Battery
3- Main switch (optional)
4- Power Supply (optional)
5- Fan (optional)
6- Thermostat
7- Resistor for pre-setting
speed
8- Resistor for pre-setting
battery protection
voltage (optional)
9- Fuse
10 - Terminal Block
11- Light (optional
12 - Door Switch (optional)
(Control module is connected
to compressor)
11 12

6 NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL 3
Operation (continued)
The condenser is located
behind the refrigerator and
can be cleaned by using a bot-
tle brush and brushing verti-
cally from top to bottom on
the face of the condenser. An
alternative method is to vac-
uum the condenser.
Ventilation
All refrigerators, regardless of the make, are heat-
transfer machines. They transfer the heat from the inside
of the fridge to the outside of the fridge. If adequate ven-
tilation is provided, the compressor will operate more
efficiently, and use less
power.
The minimum total area
required for ventilation
openings depends on the
size of the fridge. All single
door Nova Kools require 60
square inches of total venti-
lation area. It is recom-
mended that the vents are
located at the bottom (30
square inches) and the top
of the fridge (30 square
inches); this supports the
natural convection of heat
from cold (bottom) to warm
(top).
Condenser at back of fridge
Trouble-Shooting Guide
YES NO
1
Turn power on and turn thermostat to
“7” position
Go To 2
2
Is the compressor running? (put your
hand on top to feel slight vibration to be
sure).
Go To 14 Go To 3
3
DC Breaker is in the “on” position &
optional fuse is good?
Go To 5 Go To 4
4
Replace fuse or turn breaker “on”. Does
fuse or breaker blow?
Go To 6 Go To 5
5
Check voltage at the refrigerator “+” &
“-” terminals on the black module. Is it
over 12 VDC?
Go To 7
Go To 6
Go To 17
on AC/DC
models
6
Check batteries, wiring and connections
to the refrigerator for fault, corrosion,
proper wire sizing and correct the
problem.
Go To 1
7
Put a jumper wire between terminals
“C” & “T”. Is the compressor running
now?
Go To 11 Go To 8
8
Disconnect power. Remove electronic
module (philips screw beside terminal
designation label will require removal).
Disconnect the plug. Measure resistance
(ohms) between each of the three
compressor terminal pins. Is the
measured resistance APPROXIMATELY
the same?
Go To 9 Go To 10
9
Replace Electronic Module. Go To 1
10
Have compressor replaced by qualified
appliance technician who has the ability
to evacuate and recharge the system.
This is seldom necessary so please be
sure and if possible contact Nova Kool
for further instruction beforehand.
11
Check wiring to thermostat with ohm
meter to ensure there is continuity. (No
broken or damaged wires or
connectors). Is the wiring okay?
Go To 13 Go To 12
12
Disconnect power. Repair or replace
wiring as necessary
Go To 1

4 NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL 5
Electrical Hook-Up
To determine the size of the wire to be used, measure the
maximum length of wire to connect one of the leads from the
electronic unit (on the back of the refrigerator) to the battery.
Using the chart below, size your wire accordingly. The table is
based on a 3% voltage drop.
** Length is the distance between the electronic unit and the battery
The circuit breaker must be a 20 amp capacity on the DC
side and a 5 amp capacity on the (optional) AC side. Failure to
size the wire or breaker correctly (too small) may cause a pre-
mature shut down of the refrigerator by the Battery Protection
Device.
On our double door models, 120 square inches is required
(60 at the top and 60 at the bottom).
The cold air intake at the bottom of the fridge can be from
the left or the right side, and if possible should be at a level
below the fridge.
The warm air opening at the top of the refrigerator should
be above the fridge if possible.
All openings can be of any configuration (long and narrow ,
square or round) as long as the 60 or 120 square inches is cut
out.
If you are using grills, take into account the restriction they
will give, and adjust the opening accordingly.
Ventilation (continued)
wire size max. lead length in feet**
AWG
14
12
10
8
12VDC units
8
12
25
40
24VDC units
16
25
50
80
Electrical Hook-Up (continued)
FUSE
Nova Kool recommends the use of a
15 Amp Fuse (12 VAC) and a 7.5 Amp Fuse
(24 VDC) as near as possible to the DC
Source.
On the optional AC power supply a 4
amp (110 volt) or a 2 amp (220 volt) glass
fuse, can be found under the black fuse
holder cap on the power supply.
We recommend that the refrigerator have its own circuit,
without any other appliances connected to the same wires.
Using the COMMON BUSS for the refrigerator wir-
ing can sometimes cause radio frequency noise and interfer-
ence.
Power supply for AC/DC Refrigerators
Standard battery protection settings
12V cut-out
V
12V cut-in
V
24V cut-out
V
24V cut-in
V
10.4 11.7 22.8 24.2
11 0 VA C
Fuse
1- Electronic Unit
2- Battery
3- Main switch (optional)
5- Fan (optional)
6- Thermostat
7- Resistor for pre-setting speed
8- Resistor for pre-setting battery
protection voltage (optional)
9- Fuse (Field Installed)
10 - Terminal Block
11 - Light (optional)
12 - Door Switch (optional)
Wiring diagram for DC only Refrigerators.
Field Wiring
Factory Wiring
10
(Control module is connected
to compressor)
11
12

2 NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL NOVA KOOL FRIDGE/FREEZER INSTALLATION & REPAIR MANUAL 7
Operation
Defrosting
The frequency of defrost depends on the usage,
(door openings) and ambient (outside)
temperatures. It is time to defrost when the
refrigerator builds up 1/4 inch of ice on each side
of the cold plates.
The best way to defrost the refrigerator is to
remove all the food, and place a towel inside the
fridge, on the bottom of the cabinet(s). Turn the
thermostat to the “O” position.
Never use a knife to scrape ice from the cold
plate. This will rupture the cold plate and let the
refrigerant escape.
Cleaning
The best time to clean the fridge is after a defrost. Wipe the
inside clean using a non abrasive
cleaner(watered down) for the hard to
clean stains. We recommend baking soda
as the first choice for a cleaner.
If you notice your refrigerator running
longer than normal, clean the condenser
(usually required every few years).
Our units are easy to operate. We use one
thermostat, whether you have a single door or two-door
model.
This thermostat is a full range thermostat that will
maintain your unit at the temperature you desire. Turning
the control all the way to the right (clockwise) will give
you the coldest position, and turning to the left will give
you a warmer temperature in the fridge. The control is
also an on/off switch when you turn it to the “O” position
(hard left). A good setting to start with is #2.
YES NO
Trouble-Shooting Guide (continued)
13
Replace thermostat. Go To 1
14
Have refrigerator in a well ventilated area
(ie. on cabin floor). After an hour is it
refrigerating?
Go To 15 Go To 16
15
Check that adequate ventilation has been
provided. 60 sq. in. for single door
models and 120 sq. in. for 2-door
models. See ventilation suggestion on
Page 3 of this manual. Add ventilation as
required.
16
Have a qualified appliance technician
determine if there is a refrigerant leak or
a compressor with a mechanical
problem.
17
Switch DC breaker off and AC breaker
on. Does the refrigerator run?
Go To 18 Go To 19
From 17-24 applies to AC/DC models Only!
18
Turn DC breaker on and check DC
voltage on Terminal Block located on side
of grey AC power supply. Is it above 12
VDC (or 24 VDC)?
Go To 24 Go To 6
19
Check fuse on grey AC power supply (4
amp 110V and 2 amp 220V). Is the fuse
good?
Go To 22 Go To 20
20
Remove power supply and determine if
there are any indications of a short
circuit. If no, replace fuse. Does fuse
blow again?
Go To 24 Go To 21
21
Check DC voltage output of power
supply at black module terminals “+” &
“-”. Is it above 12 VDC (or 24 VDC)?
Go To 18 Go To 24
22
Is 110V (or 220V) available at the AC
plug?
Go To 21 Go To 23
23
Check plug, wiring, breaker, shore power
or genset for damage or fault. Repair or
replace as required.
Go To 17
24
Replace grey AC power supply.

Dual Voltage Electrical Hookup
DC Only Electrical Hookup
15 Amp Fuse must be Field Wired for 12 volt.
7.5 Amp Fuse must be Field Wired for 24 volt
15 Amp Fuse must be Field Wired for 12 volt.
7.5 Amp Fuse must be Field Wired for 24 volt