RCA RFR551 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Model Number:
RFR551
REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER
(UNIT APPEARANCE MAY VARY FROM IMAGE)
BEFORE USE, PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS.
USER MANUAL | 01
CU FT
L
156
5.5
“This product is manufactured and sold by Curtis International Ltd.
RCA, the RCA logo, the two dogs (Nipper and Chipper) logo, are registered trademarks or trademarks of RCA Trademark
Management and are used under license by Curtis International Ltd.
Any other product, service, company, trade or product name and logo referenced herein are neither endorsed nor sponsored by
RCA Trademark Management or its affiliates.”

Refrigerator Safety 3
Important Safe guides 4
Parts and Features 5
Important Safety Instructions 6
Installation Instructions 6
Before Using Your Appliance 6
Installation of Your Appliance 6
Electrical Connection / Extension Cord / Surge Protector 7
Operating Your Appliance 8
Temperature Control 8
Defrosting Your Appliance 8
Freezing Fresh Foods 9
Care and Maintenance 9
Cleaning Your Appliance 9
Power Failures, Vacation Time, Moving Your Appliance 9
Energy Saving Tips 10
Troubleshooting Guide 10
Service for Your Appliance 11
Wiring Diagram 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
USER MANUAL | 02

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual for your appliance.
Always read and obey all safety messages.
This is the Safety Alert Symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that
can kill or injure you and others. All safety messages will follow the Safety
Alert Symbol and either the words” DANGER”, “WARNING” or “CAUTION”.
Danger means that failure to heed this safety
statement may result in severe personal
injury or death.
Warning means that failure to heed this safety
statement may result in extensive product
damage, serious personal injury, or death.
Caution means that failure to heed this safety
statement may result in minor or moderate
personal injury, property or equipment
damage.
All safety messages will alert you to know what potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the
chance of injury, and let you know what can happen if the instructions are not followed.
REFRIGERATOR SAFETY
USER MANUAL | 03

Before the refrigerator is used, it must be properly positioned and installed as
described in this manual, so read the manual carefully. To reduce the risk of fire,
electrical shock or injury when using the refrigerator, follow basic precautions,
including the following:
 Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet, do not remove grounding prong, do not use an adapter,
and do not use an extension cord.
 It is recommended that a separate circuit, serving only your refrigerator be provided. Use
receptacles that cannot be turned off by a switch or pull chain.
 Never clean refrigerator parts with flammable fluids. These fumes can create a fire hazard or
explosion. And do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance. The fumes can create a fire hazard or explosion.
 Before proceeding with cleaning and maintenance operations, make sure the power line of the
unit is disconnected.
 Do not connect or disconnect the electric plug when your hands are wet.
 Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power before cleaning or servicing. Failure to do so can
result in electrical shock or death.
 Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of your refrigerator unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician.
FOLLOW WARNING CALL OUTS BELOW ONLY WHEN APPLICABLE TO YOUR MODEL
 Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator. Failure to do so can result in back or
other injury.
 The tubing shall be protected to the extent that it will not be grasped or handled during moving
of the product. During the movement of the product, should not damage the refrigerant circuit.
 To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, the front of the unit must be completely
unobstructed. Choose a well-ventilated area with temperatures above 60°F (16
°
C) and below
90°F (32°C). This unit must be installed in an area protected from the element, such as wind,
rain, water spray or drips.
 The refrigerator should not be located next to ovens, grills or other sources of high heat.
 The refrigerator must be installed with all electrical, water and drain connections in
accordance with state and local codes. A standard electrical supply (115 V AC only, 60 Hz),
properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes and
ordinances is required.
 Do not kink or pinch the power supply cord of refrigerator.
 The fuse (or circuit breaker) size should be 15 amperes.
 It is important for the refrigerator to be leveled in order to work properly. You may need to
make several adjustments to level it.
 All installation must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.
 Make certain that the pipes are not pinched or kinked or damaged during installation.
 Check for leaks after connection.
 Never allow children to operate, play with or crawl inside the refrigerator.
 Although the unit has been tested at the factory, due to long-term transit and storage, the first
batch of ice cubes must be discarded.
 Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents or abrasives on the interior. These cleaners may
damage or discolor the interior.
 Do not use this apparatus for anything other than its intended purpose.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUIDES
USER MANUAL | 04

1 Decorative Countertop
2 Freezer Section
3 Freezer Door
4 Freezer Top Drawer
5 Freezer Bottom Drawer
6 Leveling Leg
7 Interior Light
8 Light Switch Cabinet
9 Door Wire shelf I
10 Refrigerator Shelves (Total 3)
11 X Shape Cola Shelf
12 Door Wire Shelf II
13 Vegetable Crisper
14 Cabinet
PARTS AND FEATURES
USER MANUAL | 05

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
 WARNING 
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or
injury when using your refrigerator
-freezer, follow these basic precautions:
 Read all instructions before using the refrigerator-freezer.
 DANGER or WARNING : Risk of child entrapment.
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned
refrigerator-freezers are still dangerous. . . even if they will “just sit in the garage a few
days.”
 Before you throw away your old refrigerator-freezer: Take off the doors. Leave the
shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.
 Never allow children to operate, play with, or crawl inside the refrigerator-freezer.
 Never clean refrigerator-freezer parts with flammable fluids. The fumes can create a fire
hazard or explosion.
 Do not store or use gasoline or any other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other refrigerator-freezer. The fumes can create a fire hazard or explosion.
-Save these instructions-
 BEFORE USING YOUR APPLIANCE
 Remove the exterior and interior packing.
 Check to be sure you have all of the following parts:
 3 Glass Refrigerator Shelves
 2 Freezer Drawers
 1 Vegetable Crisper
 1 Instruction Manual
 Before connecting the unit to the power source, let it stand upright for approximately 2
hours. This will reduce the possibility of a malfunction in the
cooling
system from
handling
during
transportation.

Clean the interior surface with lukewarm water using a soft cloth.
 INSTALLATION OF YOUR APPLIANCE
 Place your
refrigerator-freezer
on a floor that is
strong enough
to support the
refrigerator-
freezer when it is fully loaded. To level your
refrigerator-freezer,
adjust the
leveling legs
at
the bottom of unit.
 Allow 5 inches of space between the back and sides of the unit, which allows the proper air
circulation to cool the compressor and condenser.
 Locate the unit away from direct sunlight and sources of heat (stove, heater, radiator, etc.).
Direct
sunlight
may affect the acrylic
coating
and heat sources may increase electrical
consumption. Extreme cold ambient temperatures may also cause the
refrigerator-
freezer
not to perform properly.
 Avoid locating the unit in moist areas.
 Plug the unit into an exclusive properly installed-grounded wall outlet. Do not under any
circumstances cut or remove the third
(ground) prong
from the power cord. Any questions
concerning
power and/or
grounding
should be directed toward a certified electrician or an
authorized
Igloo
service center.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
USER MANUAL | 06

 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
This appliance should be properly
grounded
for your safety. The power cord of this appliance is
equipped with a
three-prong plug
which mates with standard three
prong
wall outlets to minimize
the possibility of electrical shock.
Do not under any circumstances cut or remove the third
ground prong
from the power cord
supplied. For personal safety, this appliance must be properly
grounded.
This appliance requires a standard 115/120 Volt AC ~/60Hz electrical
ground
outlet with
three-prong.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the
outlet is properly
grounded.
When a standard
2-prong
wall outlet is encountered, it is your
responsibility and
obligation
to have it replaced with a properly
grounded 3-prong
wall outlet.
The cord should be secured behind the appliance and not left exposed or
dangling
to prevent
accidental injury.
The appliance should always be
plugged
into its own individual electrical outlet which has a
voltage rating
that matches the
rating
label on the appliance. This provides the best performance
and also prevent
overloading
house
wiring
circuits that could cause a fire hazard from
overheated. Never
unplug
the appliance by
pulling
the power cord. Always
grip
the
plug
firmly
and pull
straight
out from the receptacle. 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 appliance, be careful not to
damage
the power
cord.
 EXTENSION CORD
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, it is
strongly
recommended that you
do not use an extension cord with this appliance. However, if you must use an extension cord it is
absolutely necessary that it be a UL/CUL-Listed, 3-wire
grounding
type appliance extension cord
having
a
grounding
type
plug
and outlet and that the electrical
rating
of the cord be 115 volts and
at least 10 amperes.
 SURGE PROTECTOR
Most electrical appliances use a series of electric control boards to operate. These boards are very
susceptible to power
surges
and could be
damaged
or destroyed.
If the appliance is
going
to be used in an area or if your city / country is prone to power
surges
/
outages;
it is
suggested
that you use a power
surge
protector for all electrical devices / appliances
you use. The
surge
protector that you select must have a
surge
block
high enough
to protect the
appliance it is connected to. If you have any questions
regarding
the type and size of
surge
protector needed contact a licensed electrician in your area.
Damages
due to power
surges
are not considered a manufacturer covered defect and will void
your product warranty.

Warning

I
mproper use of the
grounded plug
can result in the risk of electrical shock. If the power cord is
damaged,
have it replaced by an authorized
Igloo
service center.
USER MANUAL | 07

 SETTING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
T
he temperature control is located in the
refrigerator
section.
This
control will adjust the temperature for both the
refrigerator
and
freezer
sections.
 The first time you turn the unit on, set the temperature control to “7”
the
coldest.
 The range of the temperature controls are from position “0” or NO COOLING to “7” the coldest.
After 24 to 48 hours, adjust the temperature control to the
setting
that best suits your needs.
The
setting
of “5” should be correct for home or office
refrigerator
use.
NOTE:
 IF THE UNIT IS UNPLUGGED, HAS LOST POWER, OR IS TURNED OFF, YOU MUST WAIT 3 TO 5
MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE UNIT. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO RESTART BEFORE THIS
TIME DELAY, THE REFRIGERATOR-FREEZER WILL NOT START.

TURNING THE REFRIGERATOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL TO “0” POSITION STOPS THE
COOLING CYCLE BUT DOES NOT SHUT OFF THE POWER TO THE UNIT.
I NTERIOR LIGHT
When you open the door the light will be ON automatically. When you close the door the light
will turn OFF automatically.
 DEFROSTING YOUR APPLIANCE
 When?: For the most efficient operation and minimum energy consumption, defrost the
freezer compartment when the frost on the appliance walls is excessive or ¼ inch thick.
There is no need to defrost the
refrigerator
compartment, because ice
depositing
on the inner
back wall is defrosted automatically. Ice may deposit on the inner back wall
during
the
compressor operation; later on, when the compressor is not
operating
the ice will defrost and
the water drops collect and drain
through
the outlet in the inner back wall into the drain pan
situated above the compressor, from where is evaporates.
 How?:
CAUTION
Do not use
boiling
water because it may
damage
the plastic parts. In addition, never use a
sharp or metallic instrument to remove frost as it may
damage
the
cooling
coils and will void
the warranty. We recommend
using
a plastic scraper.
 Reset the thermostat to the “0” position and disconnect the power supply.
 Remove the frozen food from the appliance and place it in a cooler to protect the food.
 Leave the door open for a while so that you can easily scrap off the frost.
 Use a plastic scraper but be careful not to damage the inner surfaces of the freezer.
 Wipe up the scraped off frost and ice before it is completely defrosted.
OPERATING YOUR APPLIANCE
USER MANUAL | 08

 FREEZING FRESH FOODS
 Proper use of the appliance, adequately packed food, correct temperature and
taking
into
account
hygienic
precautions will substantially influence the quality of
freezing
the food or
storing
of the frozen foods.
 This compartment is designed for the long-term storage of frozen food.
 The storage life of frozen foods varies and the recommended storage time should not be
exceeded.
 Pre-packed commercially frozen food should be stored in accordance with the frozen foods
manufacturer’s instructions for a three star frozen food storage compartment or home freezer.
 Place frozen food into the freezer as quickly as possible after purchase. If there are
instructions on the packet, carefully follow these instructions regarding storage times.
 Carefully select food you intend to freeze, it should be of adequate quality and suitable for
freezing.
 Use correct
packaging
and wrap it
tight.
 The
packaging
should be
airtight
and shouldn’t leak since this could cause substantial vitamin
loss and dehydration of foods.
 Foils and bags should be soft enough to tightly wrap around the foods.
 When preparing foods to be frozen, consider sanitary precautions.
 Mark packages with following data: kind and amount of foods and the date of loading.
 It is extremely important that the food is frozen as quickly as possible.

If the loading amount is too large, the quality of freezing is reduced which affects the quality of
frozen foods
.

CLEANING THE APPLIANCE
 Turn the temperature control to "0", unplug the unit, and remove the food and baskets.
 Wash the inside with a warm water and baking soda solution. The solution should be about 2
tablespoons of
baking
soda to a quart of water.
 Wash the baskets with a mild
detergent
solution.
 The outside of the unit should be cleaned with mild
detergent
and warm water.
CAUTION
Failure to
unplug
the
refrigerator-freezer
could result in electrical shock or personal
injury.
 Power Failure
Most power failures are corrected within a few hours and should not affect the temperature of
your refrigerator-freezer if you minimize the number of times the door is opened. If the power is
going to be off for a longer period of time, you need to take the proper steps to protect your food.
 Vacation Time
Short vacations: Leave the unit
operating during
vacations of less than three weeks.
Long
vacations: If the appliance will not be used for several months, remove all food and
unplug
the power cord. Clean and dry the interior
thoroughly.
To prevent odor and mold
growth,
leave
the door open
slightly: blocking
it open if necessary
Moving Your Appliance
 Remove all the food.
 Securely tape down all loose items inside your unit.
 Turn the leveling screws up to the base to avoid damage.
 Tape the doors shut.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Be sure the unit stays in the upright position during transportation.
USER MANUAL |
09

 Energy Saving Tips
 The unit should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat producing
appliances or heating ducts, and out of direct sunlight.
 Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing them in the unit. Overloading the unit
forces the compressor to run longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality, or spoil.
 Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the unit. This
cuts down on frost build-up inside the freezer.
 Organize and label food to reduce door openings and extended searches. Remove as many
items as needed at one time, and close the door as soon as possible.
You can solve many common
refrigerator-freezer
problems easily,
saving
you the cost of a
possible service call. Try the
suggestions
below to see if you can solve the problem before
calling
for service.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE
Unit does not operate. Not plugged in.
The circuit breaker tripped or there is a blown fuse.
The refrigerator-freezer temperature control is set at
"0".
Compressor turns on and off frequently. The room temperature is hotter than normal.
A large amount of food has been added to the
refrigerator - freezer.
The doors are opened too often.
The doors are not closed completely.
The temperature control is not set correctly.
The door gaskets do not seal properly.
The refrigerator -freezer does not have the correct
clearances.
Vibrations. Check to assure that the refrigerator - freezer is level.
The unit seems to make too much noise. The rattling noise may come from the flow of the
refrigerant, which is normal.
As each cycle ends, you may hear gurgling sounds
caused by the flow of refrigerant in your refrigerator -
freezer.
Contraction and expansion of the inside walls may
cause popping and crackling noises.
The unit is not level.
The doors will not close properly. The unit is not level.
The doors are reversed and not properly installed.
The gasket is dirty.
The crisper is out of position.
PROBLEMS WITH YOUR APPLIANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
USER MANUAL |10

WIRING DIAGRAM
USER MANUAL |
11