U-Line Wine Captain UHWC518 Installation manual

USER GUIDE & SERVICE MANUAL
5 Class ●UHWC518 ●18” Wine Captain®

USER GUIDE
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Contents
SAFETY • INSTALLATION & INTEGRATION • OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS • MAINTENANCE • SERVICE
Intro
Safety
Safety and Warning
Disposal And Recycling
Installation
Environmental Requirements
Electrical
Cutout & Product Dimensions
Side by Side Installation
Anti-Tip Bracket
General Installation
Grille Installation
Door Swing
Operating Instructions
First Use
Control Operation
Airflow and Product Loading
Interior Adjustments
Wine Guide
Maintenance
Cleaning
Cleaning Condenser
Extended Non-Use
Service
Warranty

USER GUIDE
Introduction
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WELCOME TO U-LINE
Congratulations on your U-Line purchase. Your product comes from a company with over five decades of premium modular
ice making, refrigeration, and wine preservation experience. U-Line continues to be the American leader, delivering versatility
and flexibility for multiple applications including residential, light commercial, outdoor and marine use. U-Line’s complete
product collection includes Wine Captain® Models, Beverage Centers, Clear Ice Machines, Nugget Ice Machines, Crescent Ice
Makers, Glass & Solid Door Refrigerators, Drawer Models, Freezers, Combo® Models, and more.
U-Line has captivated those with an appreciation for the finer things with exceptional functionality, style, inspired innovations
and attention to even the smallest details. We are known and respected for our unwavering dedication to product design,
quality and selection. U-Line is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has shipped product to five continents for over
two decades and is proud to have the opportunity to ship to you.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Looking for additional information on your product? User Guides, Spec Sheets, CAD Drawings, Compliance Documentation,
and Product Warranty information are all available for reference and download at u-line.com.
PROPERTY DAMAGE / INJURY CONCERNS
In the unlikely event property damage or personal injury is suspected related to a U-Line product, please take the following
steps:
1. U-Line Customer Care must be contacted immediately at +1.800.779.2547.
2. Service or repairs performed on the unit without prior written approval from U-Line is not permitted. If the unit has been
altered or repaired in the field without prior written approval from U-Line, claims will not be eligible.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
U-Line Corporation
8900 N. 55th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223 USA
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST
T: +1.414.354.0300
F: +1.414.354.7905
Email: [e-mail]
u-line.com
SERVICE & PARTS ASSISTANCE
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST
T: +1.800.779.2547
F: +1.414.354.5696
Service Email: [e-mail]
Parts Email: [e-mail]
CONNECT WITH US
Designed, engineered and assembled in WI, USA
3

USER GUIDE
Safety and Warning
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Safety and Warning
NOTICE
Please read all instructions before installing,
operating, or servicing the appliance.
Use this appliance for its intended purpose only and follow
these general precautions with those listed throughout this
guide:
SAFETY ALERT DEFINITIONS
Throughout this guide are safety items labeled with a
Danger, Warning or Caution based on the risk type:
DANGER
!
Danger means that failure to follow this safety
statement will result in severe personal injury or
death.
WARNING
!
Warning means that failure to follow this safety
statement could result in serious personal injury
or death.
CAUTION
!
Caution means that failure to follow this safety
statement may result in minor or moderate
personal injury, property or equipment damage.
DANGER
!
This unit contains R600a (Isobutane) which is a
flammable hydrocarbon. It is safe for regular
use. Do not use sharp objects to expedite
defrosting. Do not service without consulting the
“R600a specifications” section included in the
User Guide. Do not damage the refrigerant
circuit.
WARNING
!
Service must be done by factory authorized
service personnel. Any parts shall be replaced
with like components. Failure to comply could
increase the risk of possible ignition due to
incorrect parts or improper service.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
This product contains chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
www.P65warnings.CA.gov
4

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Disposal and Recycling
Disposal and Recycling
RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT. Before you throw
away your old refrigerator or freezer, take o
the doors and leave shelves in place so children
may not easily climb inside.
If the unit is being removed from service for disposal,
check and obey all federal, state, and local regulations
regarding the disposal and recycling of refrigeration
appliances, and follow these steps completely:
1. Remove all consumable contents from the unit.
2. Unplug the electrical cord from its socket.
3. Remove the door(s)/drawer(s).
DANGER
!
5

USER GUIDE
Environmental Requirements
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Environmental Requirements
This model is intended for indoor/interior applications only
and is not to be used in installations that are open/
exposed to natural elements.
This unit is designed to operate between 50°F (10°C) and
100°F (38°C). Higher ambient temperatures may reduce
the unit’s ability to reach low temperatures and/or reduce
ice production on applicable models.
For best performance, keep the unit out of direct sunlight
and away from heat generating equipment.
In climates where high humidity and dew points are
present, condensation may appear on outside surfaces.
This is considered normal. The condensation will
evaporate when the humidity drops.
CAUTION
!
Damages caused by ambient temperatures of
40°F (4°C) or below are not covered by the
warranty.
6

USER GUIDE
Electrical
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Electrical
WARNING
!
SHOCK HAZARD — Electrical Grounding
Required. Never attempt to repair or perform
maintenance on the unit until the electricity has
been disconnected.
Never remove the round grounding prong from
the plug and never use a two-prong grounding
adapter.
Altering, cutting or removing power cord,
removing power plug, or direct wiring can cause
serious injury, fire, loss of property and/or life,
and will void the warranty.
Never use an extension cord to connect power to
the unit.
Always keep your working area dry.
NOTICE
Electrical installation must observe all state and
local codes. This unit requires connection to a
grounded (three-prong), polarized receptacle
that has been placed by a qualified electrician.
The unit requires a grounded and polarized 115 VAC,
60 Hz, 15A power supply (normal household current). An
individual, properly grounded branch circuit or circuit
breaker is recommended. A GFCI (ground fault circuit
interrupter) is usually not required for fixed location
appliances and is not recommended for your unit because
it could be prone to nuisance tripping. However, be sure
to consult your local codes.
See CUTOUT & PRODUCT DIMENSIONS for recommended
receptacle location.
7

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Cutout & Product Dimensions
Cutout & Product Dimensions
PREPARE SITE
Your U-Line product has been designed for either free-
standing or built-in installation. When built-in, your unit
does not require additional air space for top, sides, or
rear. However, the front grille must NOT be obstructed,
and clearance is required for an electrical connection in
the rear.
CAUTION
!
Unit can NOT be installed behind a closed cabinet
door.
CUTOUT DIMENSIONS
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
REAR
FRONT
TOP
SIDE
4"
(102 mm)
7"
(178 mm)
17-7/8"
(455 mm)
33-7/8"
(860 mm)
to
34-7/8"
(886 mm)
Preferred location
for electrical outlet
is in adjacent
cabinet.
24"
(610 mm)
5/8"
(16 mm)
Power Cord
6 ft (183 cm)
Power Cord
6 ft (183 cm)
Power Cord
6 ft (183 cm)
1 ¾”
(44 mm)
6 ⁄”
(159 mm)
1 ¾”
(44 mm)
8 ⁄”
(225 mm)
1 ⁄”
(35 mm)
11 ¾”
(298 mm)
17 ¾”
(450 mm)
3 ½”
(89 mm)
28”
(711 mm) 33 ⁄”
to 34 ⁄”
(855 mm
to
881 mm)
1 ⁄”
(48 mm)
13 ⁄”
(341 mm)
20 ⁄”
(511 mm)
21 /”
(535 mm)
17 ⁄”
(445 mm)
24 ⁄”
(616 mm)
22 ⁄”
(582 mm)
24 ⁄”
(629 mm)
4 ⁄“ (111 mm)
*
*Add 1⁄2” for integrated models with 3⁄4” panel installed.
*
*
8

USER GUIDE
Side-by-Side Installation
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Side-by-Side Installation
OTHER SITE REQUIREMENTS
Side-by-Side Installation
Units must operate from separate, properly grounded
electrical receptacles placed according to each unit’s
electrical specifications requirements.
Cutout width for a side-by-side installation is the total of
the widths listed under Cutout Dimensions in each unit’s
Installation Guide. Each door can be opened individually
(one at a time) without interference.
However, to ensure unobstructed door swing (opening
both doors at the same time), 1/4" (6.4 mm) of space
needs to be maintained between the units.
Hinge-by-Hinge Installation (Mullion)
When installing two units hinge-by-hinge, 13/16" (22 mm)
is required for integrated models. Additional space may be
needed for any knobs, pulls or handles installed.
Stainless steel models which include the standard stainless
handle will require 4-9/16" (116 mm) to allow both doors
to open to 90° at the same time.
1/4" (6 mm)
13/16" (22 mm)
4-9/16" (116 mm)
9

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Anti-Tip Bracket
Anti-Tip Bracket
Use one of the methods below to secure the unit
CABINET/COUNTER ANTI-TIP INSTALLATION
(For built-in applications)
1. Slide unit out so screws on front of unit are easily
accessible.
2. Remove the two screws from the front of the unit.
3. Bend bracket along one of the perforations to allow
attachment to the desired adjoining surface.
4. Gently push unit into position. Be careful not to
entangle the electrical cord or water line, if applicable.
5. Check to be sure the unit is level from front to back
and side to side. Make any necessary adjustments.
The unit’s top surface should be approximately ”
(3 mm) below the countertop.
6. Secure bracket to adjoining surface.
FLOOR MOUNTED ANTI-TIP INSTALLATION
(For free-standing applications)
1. Locate two anti-tip brackets included with the kit.
2. Place the unit into the area where it will be installed.

test to make sure the door opens and closes freely.
3. 

center of the unit.
4. Remove the unit. Using a square, extend center line
“B” (see chart below). This line serves as the back
edge for the anti-tip brackets. From the center line,

edge of each bracket.
C
L
Back wall
Back of unit
Front of unit
Surrounding
area (Top view)
AA
B
515 518 524
A7  9” 11 ”
B22” 22” 22”
5. 
drawn for the outer edge. Mark spots for the screw
holes.
C
L
Surrounding
area (Top view)
Drill holes and
mount anti-tip
brackets to floor Back wall
Front
of
unit
Back
of
unit
AA
B
6. Use a 1/8” drill to make two starter holes and fasten

provided.
7. Place the unit back into position, making sure the
feet engage the anti-tip brackets properly. Check

3 with the position of the front feet to ensure proper
positioning.
10

USER GUIDE
General Installation
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General Installation
LEVELING INFORMATION
1. Use a level to
confirm the unit is
level. Level should
be placed along top
edge and side edge
as shown.
2. If the unit is not level, adjust the legs on the corners of
the unit as necessary.
3. Confirm the unit is level after each adjustment and
repeat the previous steps until the unit is level.
INSTALLATION TIP
If the room floor is higher than the floor in the cutout
opening, adjust the rear legs to achieve a total unit rear
height of 1/8" (3 mm) less than the opening’s rear height.
Shorten the unit height in the front by adjusting the front
legs. This allows the unit to be gently tipped into the
opening. Readjust the front legs to level the unit after it is
correctly positioned in the opening.
INSTALLATION
1. Plug in the power/electrical cord.
2. Gently push the unit into position. Be careful not to
entangle the cord or water and drain lines, if
applicable.
3. Re-check the leveling, from front to back and side to
side. Make any necessary adjustments. The unit’s top
surface should be approximately 1/8" (3 mm) below
the countertop.
4. Install the anti-tip bracket.
5. Remove interior packing material and wipe out the
inside of the unit with a clean, water-dampened cloth.
1
Turn to Adjust
11

USER GUIDE
Grille Installation
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Grille Installation
REMOVING AND INSTALLING GRILLE
WARNING
!
Disconnect electric power to the unit before
removing the grille.
When using the unit, the grille must be installed.
WARNING
!
DO NOT touch the condenser fins. The condenser
fins are SHARP and can be easily damaged.
Removing the grille
1. Disconnect power to the unit.
2. Loosen the two screws (1).
3. Remove grille (2) from unit.
Installing the grille
1. Align cabinet and grille holes and secure, but do not
over tighten grille screws (1).
2. Reconnect power to the unit.
1
2
12

USER GUIDE
Door Swing
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Door Swing
For Integrated models that are installed adjacent to a wall,
1/2" (13 mm) clearance is recommended from wall on
hinge side to allow the door to open 90°. Allow for
additional space for any knobs or pulls installed on the
integrated panel/frame.
Stainless Steel models that are installed adjacent to a wall
require 2-1/4" (57 mm) door clearance on hinge side to
allow for door handle.
Units have a zero clearance when installed adjacent to
cabinets.
Wall
Wall
90°
Door Swing
90°
Door Swing
Space Required
For any Knobs or Pulls
2-1/4" MIN
(57 mm MIN)
Integrated
Stainless
1/2" (13 mm)
13

USER GUIDE u-line.com
First Use
Temperature displayed reects actual
temperature inside unit.
Initial startup requires no adjustments. When plugged
in, the unit will begin operating under the factory default
settings. If the unit was turned o during installation,
simply press and the unit will immediately switch on. To
turn the unit o, press .
If the temperature displayed is dierent than selected, the
unit is progressing towards the selected temperature. Time
to reach set point varies based upon ambient temperature,
temperature of product loaded, door openings, etc. U-Line
recommends allowing the unit to reach set points before
loading.
NOTICE
First Use
14

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Control Operation
Control Operation
CONTROL FUNCTION GUIDE
FUNCTION COMMAND NOTES
ON/OFF Press and release Unit will immediately turn On or OFF
Adjust Temperature Press or and release
When the display is ashing, press or to
adjust the set point temperature. Note: temperature
displayed is the actual temperature inside unit
Toggle between oF / oC Hold and for 5 seconds The display will change units
Leave interior light on
Press and release to leave interior
light on for 12 hours; press again to
deactivate
After 12 hours, factory default is restored; light will
turn on when door is open
Adjust light color While holding press and release
to scroll through lighting options
Option Open Door Closed Door
00 White White
01 Blue Blue
02 White Blue
Light will be set at full intensity when door is open,
and 50% intensity when door is closed.
Enable Sabbath Mode Press and hold for 5 seconds and
release
The oF / oC symbol will ash briey after 5 seconds.
Interior light and display will go dark and remain so
until user resets mode - unit continues to operate
Disable Sabbath Mode Press and release Display and interior light return to normal operation
This unit is Star-K certied. See www.star-k.org for more details.
DOOR ALERT NOTIFICATION
When the door is left open for more than 5 minutes:
• A tone will sound for several seconds every minute
• will appear in display
• Closed door to silence alert and reset
15

USER GUIDE
Airflow & Product Loading
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Airflow & Product Loading
AIRFLOW
External
• Do not block the front grille - no additional clearance
around sides, top or rear of unit is needed for
ventilation
• Do not install behind a closed door
Internal
• When loading, leave space between internal fans,
vents, and side walls to allow air to circulate freely
PRODUCT LOADING
Bottles and cans come in all shapes and sizes. When
determining capacities U-Line uses the following sizes.
Combinations of red and white bottles are used in Wine
Captain® Models and Beverage Centers.
NOTICE
Restricting airflow may result in poor product
performance, product failure, and uneven
internal temperatures and may freeze contents.
Typical Can
(12 oz)
4
(123 mm)
(66 mm)
2
⁄”
⁄”
Typical Bottle
(12 oz)
9”
5
2
⁄”
⁄”
(135 mm)
(64mm)
(229 mm)
Typical Red
Wine Bottle
11
(302 mm)
8
3”
⁄”
¾”
(222 mm)
(750 mL)
(76 mm)
Magnum Bottle
(1.5 L)
13
10
3
⁄”
(334 mm)
⁄”
(263 mm)
⁄”
(98 mm)
Typical
Champagne Bottle
(750 mL)
3 ⁄”
7
¾”
⁄”
(299 mm)
(94 mm)
(195 mm)
11
Typical White
Wine Bottle
11
(298 mm)
(750 mL)
3
¾”
(184 mm)
(82 mm)
11
¼”
¼”
16

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Interior Adjustments
Interior Adjustments
All 5 Class models feature side mounted rack supports with
19 adjustment positions.
All Wine Captain®models ship with 7 racks designed
to hold the maximum number of typical white and red
wine bottles. Remove and reposition racks as desired to
accommodate a variety of bottle sizes and shapes.
WINE RACK ADJUSTMENT
Wine Rack Removal
1. Fully extend empty rack
2. Firmly grasp both sides of rack and lift front end of

3. Pull rack towards you until all pins are clear of the
slots. If only repositioning the rack, do not remove

4. 
remove rack from unit.
Note: Take care when removing rack to avoid
scratching interior of unit.
5. Once removed, retract the slides.
Note: The slides on the rack have a thin coating which
is used to block moisture and provide lubrication. Use
care when handling.
Wine Rack Installation
1. Insert empty rack into unit with one side tilted slightly
downward until back pin is between front and rear rail
supports.
2. Tilt rack back to horizontal and line up 2 back pins
with back slots.
3. Line up 2 back pins with 2 back slots and 2 front pins
with 2 front slots.
4. Continue inserting rack until all four pins are fully
inserted. Front of rack will set down slightly into the
front slots and be locked into position.
Center
the pins
Front Pin
Back Pin
Center
the pin
Center
the pins
Front Pin
Back Pin
Center
the pin
Center
the pins
Front Pin
Back Pin
Center
the pin
Center
the pins
Front Pin
Back Pin
Center
the pins
Front Pin
Back Pin
Center
the pin
17

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Interior Adjustments
Wine Storage Options
WINE RACK BOTTLE POSITION

the bottles so the wine remains in contact with the cork,
which ensures the cork does not become dry.
Racks are designed to accommodate typical 750ml wine
bottles as follows:
UHWC515 15” Wine Captain Models
UHWC518 18” Wine Captain Models
UHWC524 24” Wine Captain Models 5 Class

7 Bottles
5 Class

4 Bottles
5 Class

5 Bottles
18

USER GUIDE u-line.com
Wine Guide
To most, wine is a delicious mystery. We purchase it,
uncork it, and savor its taste and beauty. But there is so
much more to true wine appreciation. Many secrets are
simply too good to keep bottled up.
Although there are no hard fast rules for matching wine to
food, observe some guidelines. Delicate dishes should be
accompanied by lighter more delicate wines. Full-avored
foods should be matched with fuller-bodied wines.
As a general rule, one should aim to ascend in avor and
quality of wines served.
Any step back in quality will be noticed. If a ne wine is
tasted prior to a lesser wine, many of the ne wine’s subtle
qualities may be missed.
Selecting the right wine for the right occasion can
sometimes be a seemingly awkward or dicult task for
the beginning wine enthusiast. We would therefore like to
present you with a few suggestions which may provide a
little more condence and enjoyment when choosing and
serving your wines.
When selecting wines, keep an open mind and do not be
afraid to be adventurous. Do not view the subject of wine so
seriously it discourages you from learning and discovering
for fear of embarrassment if something is incorrect. Wine is
best viewed as a hobby and enjoyed.
When assembling your collection, try not to become
obsessed with “Vintages.” Although a chart can be a useful
tool, generalizations about a specic year have led more
than one collector to disappointment. Often an “O Year”
will provide a better value and more drinking enjoyment.
The primary guideline to the subject of wine is your own
palate. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Experiment,
discover, but most of all, enjoy yourself and your new
U-Line product.
LOOKING BEHIND THE LABEL
Guide To Common Styles Of Wine
Matching Food and Wine
WINE SELECTIONS SUGGESTIONS
Wine Guide
Red Wines
Full-Bodied Dry California
French
Italian
Zinfandel, Cabernet
Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-
Pape Barbaresco, Barolo
Medium-Bodied Dry California
French
Pinot Noir Bordeaux,
Burgundy
Light-Bodied Dry French
Italian
Beaujolais Chianti,
Bardolino
White Wines
Full-Bodied Dry California
French
Chardonnay Montrachet,
Meursault Puligny-
Montrachet
Medium-Bodied Dry California
French
Sauvignon-Blanc
Pouilly-Fuisse, Sancerre,
Vouvray, Graves
Light-Bodied, Dry French Chablis, Muscadet,
Pouilly-Fume
Full-Bodied, Very
Sweet
Germany
French
Hungary
Beerenauslese Sauternes
Tokay
Medium-Bodied,
Semi-Sweet
California
Germany
Gewurtztraminer
Liebfraumilch
Light-Bodied O Dry Germany Rhine, Mosel Riesling
Serve a: Before a:
DRY wine SWEET wine
WHITE wine RED wine
YOUNG wine OLD wine
LIGHT-BODIED wine FULL-BODIED wine
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USER GUIDE u-line.com
Wine Guide
Foods Wines
Fish, Shell Fish, Crab, Oysters Dry White Wines, Light
Sparkling or Extra Dry
Champagne
Beef, Venison Full-Bodied Red Wines
Pork, Veal, Lamb and Poultry Light-Bodied Red Wines
Fruit Sweet White and Sparkling
Wines
Common Food and Wine Matches
A Toast to Wine Truths
Like the grapes themselves, many wine myths have been
cultivated over the centuries.
Myth 1: Most wines taste better when aged.
Truth: In fact, less than 5% of wines produced today are
meant to be aged. Most wines are crafted to be consumed
within the rst one to two years.
Myth 2: Wines should be uncorked and decanted allowing
them to “breathe.”
Truth: To breathe or not breathe? While it is better to
allow a young tannic Red to breathe in a glass or decanter
to soften the tannins, an old Red reaches a stage in its
life where it should be enjoyed soon after opening. Allow
an old Red to breathe for a short time to dissipate any
o odors. Most white wines can be served, ideally, 10-15
minutes after opening.
Myth 3: When age worthy wines peak, they must be
consumed almost immediately.
Truth: Most great wines reach a plateau period rather
than a peak. Great Bordeaux’s may have as much as a
10-year plateau before fading.
Myth 4: Wine color does not change with aging.
Truth: As red wines age they get lighter in color while
whites get darker.
The Cork: A Mystery on Its Own
Cork Presentation. The ritual of the presentation of the
cork has a rich and fascinating history dating back to
the late 1800’s. A phylloxera (root louse) devastation to
the vineyards severely limited the supply of great wines.
Restaurateurs would remove labels on inferior wines and
replace them with labels from superior wines. This made it
necessary for patrons to protect themselves by checking
the branding on the cork to ensure that what they ordered
was, in fact, what they were served.
When presented with a cork today, feel it to check for its
integrity, read and match the branding on the cork to the
bottle and set it aside. There is little to be learned from
the cork. The proof is in the wine.
“Corked” wines. If you’ve ever had a wine that smelled or
tasted of mold, you’ve experienced a wine that may have
been “corked.” Today, between ve and eight percent
of wines are tainted with Trichloroanisole (TCA). This
substance, found naturally in plants and trees, is imparted
to the wine through the cork. Corked wines are a major
concern for winemakers as it destroys millions of cases
per year and puts reputations at stake. Amazing as it may
seem, twist-o caps may oer a better alternative; many
great wineries in California, Australia and New Zealand are
pioneering the trend.
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