Russell Hobbs RH55FZ143 B User manual

Model number(s):
RH55FZ143 B/R/C/SS
For Customer Services & Spare Parts please call 0345 2088750
or visit us at mda.russellhobbs.com
IMPORTANT:
RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Upright 55cm Wide Freezer
Instruction Manual
1

Contents
Safety Instructions ………………………………………. 3-5
Electrical Safety ………………………………………. 5
Transportation & Handling ………………………………………. 5
Installing & Switching on your Appliance ………………………………………. 6-7
Before Switching On ………………………………………. 7
Product Overview ………………………………………. 8
Unit & Spare Parts ………………………………………. 8
Usage ………………………………………. 9
Seasonal Temperature Adjustments ………………………………………. 10
Door Reversal ………………………………………. 11-13
Energy Saving Advice ………………………………………. 14
Food Storage Advice ………………………………………. 14
Freezer Storage Advice ………………………………………. 15
Power Failure ………………………………………. 15
Maintenance & Cleaning ………………………………………. 16-17
When not in Use ………………………………………. 16
Defrosting ………………………………………. 17
Trouble Shooting ………………………………………. 18-19
Connection to the Mains Supply ………………………………………. 20
Guarantee ………………………………………. 21
Technical Specification ………………………………………. 22
Product Fiche ………………………………………. 23
2

Safety Instructions
Important note: Please read this booklet before installing and switching on this
appliance. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for incorrect installation
and usage as described in this booklet.
Warning: When positioning the appliance, ensure the supply cord is not
trapped or damaged.
Warning: Do not locate multiple portable socket-outlets or portable power
suppliers at the rear of the appliance.
•This model uses natural refrigerant gas as part of its cooling system. This
gas is known as R600a (Isobutene) and is environmentally friendly but can be
combustible. Care should therefore be taken when handling or transporting the
product to ensure that none of the refrigeration circuit components are
damaged,
•Do not obstruct ventilation openings in the appliance
•The appliance must not be placed or rested on its power cord.
•Do not use mechanical devices or other artificial means to accelerate the
defrosting process, such as a heater or a hair dryer.
•Do not use electrical appliances in the refrigerator compartment of the
appliance.
•Ifthis appliance is to replace an old refrigerator with a lock, the lock must be
removed as a safety measure before storing it or disposing of it. This is to
protect children from locking themselves inside the appliance.
•Old refrigerators and freezers contain insulation gases and refrigerant, they
must be disposed of properly. Contact your local authority or your dealer if
you have any questions. Please ensure that you do not damage the scrapunit
prior to being picked-up by the relevant waste disposal service.
•Do not use adaptors or extension leads when connecting the appliance to the
electrical power supply
3

•Do not plug in damaged plugs.
•Do not pull, twist or damage the power cable.
•Do not plug-in or un-plug the appliance with wet hands to prevent electrical
shock.
•This appliance can be used by childrenaged from 8 years and above and
persons with reduced physical, sensoryor mental capabilitiesor lack of
experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved. Children should not play with the appliance.
•Children aged from 3 to 8 years are allowed to load and unload this appliance.
•This appliance is designed to be used by adults, do not allow childrento play
with the appliance or letthem hang over the door.
•Do not place explosive or flammable material in your appliance for your own
safety.
•Bottles containing a high percentage of alcohol must be sealedwell and placed
vertically in the refrigerator.
•Do not cover the body or the top of the appliance
•Fix down the accessories in the appliance during transportation to prevent
damage to them.
•To avoid contamination of food, please respect the following instructions
•Opening the door for long periods can cause a significant increase of the
temperature in the compartments of the appliance.
•Clean regularly surfaces that can come in contact with food and accessible drainage
systems.
•Store raw meat and fish in suitable containers in the refrigerator, so that it is not in
contact with or drip onto other food.
•Two-star frozen-food compartments(if they are presented in the appliance) are
suitable for storing pre-frozen food, storing or making ice-cream and making ice
cubes.
•Remove doors & lids of refrigeration appliances before disposal to ensure
safety of children or animals from becoming trapped.
4

•One-, two- and three -star compartments (if they are presented in the
appliance) are not suitable for the freezing of fresh food.
•If the appliance is left empty for long periods, switch off, defrost, clean,
dry and leave the door open to prevent mount developing within the
appliance.
Electrical Safety
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE PLUGGED INTO AN EARTHED SOCKET
•Before switching on, make sure that the voltage of your electricity supply is the
same as that indicated on the rating plate. This product is designed to operate
on 220 –240V AC; 50Hz. Connection to any other power source may damage
the unit.
•This product may be fitted with a non re-wireable plug. If it is necessary to
change the fuse in the plug, the fuse cover must be refitted. If the fuse cover
becomes lost or damaged, the plug must not be used until a suitable
replacement is obtained.
•If the plug has to be changed because it is not suitable for your socket, or
becomes damaged in any way, it should be cut off and an appropriate plug
fitted following the wiring instructions. This should be carried out by a qualified
electrician. The plug removed must be disposed of safely, as insertion into a 13
Amp socket is likely to cause an electrical hazard.
Transportation and Handling
For safe lifting, tilt the appliance backwards by no more than 45 degrees, hold the
base and rear corners of cabinet. Lift the refrigerator carefully. Never use the door
handles for lifting. To move the refrigerator on a flat level surface, tilt it slightly
backwards and push backwards.
This unit is heavy and could cause injury –ensure there are adequate people
present to move the appliance.
5

Installing and Switching on Your Appliance
•Operating voltage for your appliance is 220-240Vat 50Hz.
•Before plugging in the power supply, ensure that the voltage on the rating label
corresponds to the working voltage of your electrical system in your home.
•Insert the plug into an efficient Ground (Earth) connection. If the socket hasno
Ground (Earth) contact or the plug does not match, we suggestyou call an authorised
electrician for assistance.
•Place your appliance in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
•Your appliance should be placed at least 10cm away from stoves, ovens and other
heating cores.
•This appliance should never be used outdoors or left in the rain.
•When your appliance is placed nextto achest freezer or freezer, there should be at
least 10cms betweenthem to prevent humidityon the outer surface.
•Do not place anything on your appliance and install the unit in a suitable place so that
there is at least 30cm clearance above the appliance.
•If placing your appliance nextto kitchen cabinets, leave 5cm betweenthem.
•The rear of the appliance should be at least 6cm away from the back wall.
•The appliance must be used in the vertical position and on a flat surface.
•To level the appliance, use the adjustable feet on the appliance.
•Do not place your appliance on a carpeted surface as this will prevent adequate
ventilation.
•This appliance is not intended to be built-in to worktops or other units, unless
specifically outlined in this instruction manual. All vents must remain clear of
obstruction to ensure safety and performance..
•This appliance should only be placed on a flat, firm surface.
•Choose a dry and well-ventilated space.
•The appliance should be positioned so that the plug is easily accessible.
•Suitable for storage in a garage, outbuilding or shed (can operate in a ambient
temperature up to -15⁰C).
•If you need help or are unsure how to install the unit, please contact Customer
Services on 0345 208 8750 or visit mda.russellhobbs.com.
6

Before Switching On
•Before using your appliance, add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to warm
water and with a damp cloth wipe down all parts of the new appliance, then
repeat the process with a clean damp cloth and dry. (ensure the appliance is
not connected to the power when performing this task).
•Remove all transport tapes and foam protection pieces . Clean the interior with
a cloth dampened in lukewarm soap and water. Wipe with clean water and
wipe dry.
•There may be an odour when you first switch on the appliance, it will disappear
when the appliance starts to cool.
•When the appliance has been positioned, adjust the feet to ensure the unit is
stable. This is essential to ensure quiet running and proper door opening
/closing.
•Connect to the electrical socket but do not switch the power to the refrigerator
on for at least 3 hours. The coolant within the product needs time to settle after
it has been transported and put in to position, failure to do this will affect the
cooling performance of your appliance.
•Once the appliance has settled, locate the thermostat dial on the product and
set to “Mid" position and switch on the power. The compressor will begin to
work. Close the door.
•You may hear faint gurgling or bubbling sounds when the refrigerant is pumped
to the cooling system and through the coils or tubing at the rear of the
appliance. When the compressor is in operation you may hear a slight whirring
sound or pulsating noise. The thermostat controls the operation of the
compressor, and you may hear a slight click as it cycles in and out (this is
normal).
•To save energy, you should minimize the frequency and duration of door
opening.
7
WARNING! During use, service and disposal of the appliance,
please pay attention to symbol similar to the one shown, which is
located on rear of the appliance (rear panel or compressor) and
with a yellow or orange colour. It’s risk of fire warning symbol.
There are flammable materials in refrigerant pipes and
compressor. Please be far away from fire source during use,
service and disposal.

Unit Parts & Spare Parts
Before installation, check that all parts detailed in the product overview are
present. If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service team on
0345 208 8750 or visit us at mda.russellhobbs.com
Product Overview
1. Thermostat
2. Top freezer flap (4 star rating)
3. Freezer drawers (4 star rating)
4. Adjustable Feet
2
3
1
4
8

Allow to stand for a minimum of 3 hours before plugging in to the mains
The temperature in the appliance is controlled by the temperature control dial
located on the door frame above the freezer drawers. Rotate the control dial
left or right to regulate the temperature inside the freezer.
On the temperature control, MIN is the warmest setting and MAX is the coldest
setting. Under normal conditions the temperature control should be set at the
NORMAL position. Once the temperature control has been set, close the door
and plug in the appliance. We recommend that the door is not opened for a
minimum of 4 hours to allow the appliance to reach the standard operating
temperature.
Note: The standard operating temperature for the 4 star freezer compartments
should be between -18°C and -25°C.
Usage
9

Allow to stand for a minimum of 3 hours before plugging in to the mains
We recommend that the temperature of the appliance is adjusted during
exceptionally hot or cold periods.
Seasonal Temperature Settings
10
It is not recommended to use this appliance in outhouses or garages due to
the regular working temperature.
Normal Operation Summer/Hot Weather
Impact on Food Storage
- We recommend food is stored in the freezer for no more than 3 months.
- Different settings other than normal operation may impact food storage
times.

Door Reversal
Please note that the product is supplied as standard with the hinge on the right
hand side (left opening). Should you wish to change the door opening to the
right hand side then please follow the below instructions:
You will need to tilt the freezer backward to access the lower hinge which holds
screws. Do not tilt more than 45 degrees and do not lay the freezer flat on its side.
We advise to put a block under the freezer to stop it falling and posing a danger.
For your own safety, a minimum of 2 people should lift or tilt this product.
Tools Required: Cross headed screwdriver, flat headed screwdriver and hexagonal
spanner.
1. Remove the right top hinge cover with a flat headed screwdriver.
2. Remove the left top hinge cover and the screws that fix the right top hinge in
place with a cross headed screwdriver. Remove the hinge and the door.
Right top hinge cover
Left top
hinge
cover
11
Right top
hinge
cover

Door Reversal
6. Using an adjustable spanner, unscrew the bolt from the bottom hinge on the
right side. Turn the hinge 180° and affix the removed screw to the opposite hole.
7. Refit the hinge on the opposite side using a screwdriver leaving it slightly loose,
and refit the feet.
You must ensure you change the axis of the hinge
12
3. Remove the plug from the left top of
the door to the right hole where the
door hinge was in place.
4. Unscrew the feet from the
appliance, and place them to one side.
5. Using a screwdriver, remove the
screws from the lower hinge.
Unscrew & remove the stopper from the bottom of
the door. Replace on the opposite side with the
spare stopper in the accessory bag.
8. Remove the door gasket, rotate 180°, and refit.
Note: Ensure that the gasket is fitted securely to
ensure that there are no issues in operation.

Door Reversal
9. Place the door back on the lower hinge so the freezer is closed, ensuring a tight
seal around all the edges.
13
10. Align the top hinge and screw into the
bracket using a screwdriver.
If necessary, a spanner an be used to tighten
the screws.
11. Replace the hinge cover and screw hole
cover.
12. With the doors closed, ensure the doors
are aligned vertically and horizontally, and
that there is an air tight seal before tightening
the bottom hinge.
13. Adjust the feet to the required height to
level the appliance.

Energy Saving Advice
•Do not install the appliance close to sources of heat, such as a cooker,
dishwasher or radiator.
•Locate the appliance in a cool well-ventilated room and make sure that the air
vents are clear.
•Try to avoid keeping the doors open for a long time, warm air will enter the
cabinet and may cause a build-up of ice as well as affecting the energy
consumption. Ensure there are no obstructions preventing the doors from
closing properly.
•Ensure that the door seals are clean and there are no tears or splits.
•Do not overload the appliance: the cooling air that circulates to keep the
appliance cold gets blocked and pockets of warm air form.
•Do not put hot food into the freezer –let it cool down first.
Refrigerator compartments
Type of food
Freezer drawer(s)/shelf
Foods for long
-term storage.
Bottom drawer/shelf for raw meat, poultry, fish.
Middle drawer/shelf for frozen vegetables, chips.
Top drawer/shelf for ice cream, frozen fruit, frozen
baked goods.
Food Storage Guidelines
14

Freezer Storage Advice
•Store fresh food in airtight boxes or wrap in bags or foil which are suitable for
freezing.
•Do not allow frozen food into direct contact with food to be frozen.
•Pre-frozen food must be placed in the freezer as quickly as possible after
purchasing.
•To prevent frost damage to fresh vegetables or fruits they must be processed
appropriately before being placed into the freezer compartment.
•You must always follow the storage guidelines printed on all food packaging.
However, below is some suggested maximum storage times at -18°C (4 star
freezer rating) for a variety of foods:
•Fresh meat & poultry –up to 12 months
•Cooked meat –up to 2 months
•Fresh fish –up to 6 months
•Fruit & vegetables –up to 12 months
•Bread & cakes –up to 6 months
Power Failure
If there is a power failure during the storage of frozen foods, keep the door closed.
If the temperature within your freezer should rise, do not refreeze the food
without checking it's condition.
•Ice Cream: Once thawed should be discarded.
•Fruit and Vegetables: If soft should be cooked and used up.
•Bread and Cakes: Can be refrozen without danger.
•Shellfish: Should be refrigerated and used up quickly.
•Cooked Dishes: i.e. casseroles should be refrigerated and used up.
•Large Pieces of Meat: Should be refrigerated and used up quickly
•Small Joints: Should be refrigerated and used up quickly
•Chicken: Should be refrigerated and used up quickly
15

Maintenance & Cleaning
Disconnect the appliance from the power supply before cleaning.
Internal Cleaning
•Do not pour water over the appliance.
•The cavity should be cleaned periodically using a solution of bicarbonate of
soda and lukewarm water (5ml to 0.5 litre of water)
•Clean the accessories separately with soap and water. Do not put them in the
dishwasher.
•Do not use abrasive products, detergents or soaps.
•After washing, rinse with clean water and dry carefully.
•When you have finished cleaning reconnect the plug with dry hands.
External Cleaning
•Wash the outer cabinet with warm soapy water. Do NOT use abrasive products.
•There are sharp edges on the underside of the product so care should be taken
when cleaning.
•Once or twice a year dust the rear of the appliance and the compressor at the
back of the appliance, with a brush or vacuum cleaner, as an accumulation of
dust will affect the performance of the appliance and cause increased energy
consumption.
When the appliance is not in use
When the appliance is not in use for long periods, disconnect from the electricity
supply, empty all of the food and clean the inside. Leave the door open to prevent
the build-up of odours.
16

Never use sharp metal tools as it may damage the appliance.
Never use an electrical heater, this may cause an electric shock.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Defrosting
Note: Care must be taken when performing the following procedure.
Defrost twice a year or when a frost layer of approximately 7 mm (1/4”) has
formed.
•6 hours before the defrosting process, set the thermostat knob at the “MAX”
position to make sure the food is at the lowest temperature before removing
the frozen foods. All food should be wrapped in several layers of newspaper
and stored in a cool place (e.g. fridge or larder).
•Place several layers of new paper or towels underneath and next to the freezer
door/compartment
•Switch off the appliance at the socket outlet and pull out the mains plug.
•Remove all drawers, baskets, etc. and leave the door or lid open. Containers of
warm water (not hot) may be placed carefully in the freezer to speed up the
defrosting process.
•Never use hairdryers, electrical heaters or other such electrical appliances for
defrosting.
•When the ice has melted, clean and dry the interior. Wipe up any spillages that
may have occurred.
•Switch the appliance on and replace any frozen food
17

Trouble shooting
Problem
Solution
The freezer doesn't work
Check that the appliance is switched on.
Check that there has not been a power cut.
Check that the plug is not
faulty.
Check that the fuse has not blown.
Check that the voltage is correct for the appliance.
Are there any faults with the socket? For this purpose,
try the plug of your appliance by connecting it to a socket
which you are sure is working.
The temperature inside the
appliance is not cold enough
Check that there is not too much food in the appliance.
Check that the thermostat is set to a suitable
temperature.
Check that the appliance is not placed in direct sunlight,
or too near to a heating source.
Check that the ambient temperature is within the
operation limits of the appliance.
Are the doors of the appliance opened frequently? Once
the door is opened, the humidity found in the air in the
room enters the appliance, especially if the humidity
levels in the room are very high. The more frequently the
door is opened in humid conditions the more chance of
the build up of moisture.
The temperature within the
appliance is too cold.
Increase the working temperature by adjusting the
thermostat to a lower setting.
The inner surfaces of the
appliance are wet
Caused by condensation
-
dry the inside of the appliance.
The outer surfaces of the
appliance are wet
Caused by condensation
-
dry the outer of the appliance
carefully.
Excess ice or frost has built up
inside the appliance
Check that the door has not been left open.
Check that the door gasket is clean and undamaged.
18

Trouble shooting
Problem
Solution
Smell/odour
Check all
the food and drink that is in the freezer is
correctly packaged. If it isn’t then it should be removed
immediately or repackaged.
Check for spillages on each shelf, flap and drawer. You
may need to remove the drawers to check that no
spillages have settled underneath them. As spillages that
have not been cleaned and have been left can cause
smells and unwanted odours.
The doors do not close properly
Ensure there are no obstructions preventing door
closure.
Check the door compartments and shelves are correctly
in place.
Check the door seal is not warped or torn.
Check the appliance is level.
Unusual noises
Check that the appliance is on a flat, level surface and is
stable.
Check the spacing's around the appliance and ensure it is
not touching other items.
Bubbling and gurgling sound:
• This noise is emitted as
the coolant fluid flows through the pipes within the
system. This is normal.
Water flowing sound:
• This is the normal sound of
water flowing into the drain trough during the defrosting
process.
If the appliance is operating noisily (compressor noise):
This is normal. This noise indicates that the compressor is
operating normally.
As the compressor is being
energized, it might run a bit more noisily for a short
period of time.
19

WARNING- THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED
This appliance is designed to operate from a mains supply of AC220V - 240V; 50HZ.
Check that the voltage marked on the product corresponds with your supply voltage.
For UK use only –Plug fitting details (where applicable):
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond
with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The GREEN/YELLOW wire is the EARTH and must be connected to the terminal which
is marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol or coloured GREEN or
GREEN/YELLOW.
The BLUE wire is the NEUTRAL and must be connected to
the terminal marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The BROWN wire is the LIVE wire and must be connected
to the terminal marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Always ensure that the plug cord grip is fastened correctly.
If a13A (BS1363) fused plug is used it must be fitted with a 13amp fuse conforming
to BS1362 and be BSI or ASTA approved.
Connection to the Mains Supply
20