smeg FAB28RDG Refrigerator Instruction Manual

smeg FAB28RDG Refrigerator

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USER: these instructions contain user recommendations, a description of the commands, and the correct procedures for cleaning and maintenance of the appliance.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INSTALLER: these are intended for the qualified technician who must install the appliance, set it functioning, and carry out an inspection test.

Further information about the products can be found at www.smeg.com

DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS – OUR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Our refrigerators are only packaged using non-pollutant, environment-friendly, recyclable materials. We urge you to cooperate by disposing of the packaging properly. Contact your local dealer or competent local organizations for the addresses of collection, recycling, and disposal facilities. Never leave all or part of the packaging lying around. Packaging parts, especially plastic bags, may represent a suffocation hazard for children. Your old appliance must also be disposed of properly.

Important deliver the appliance to your local organization authorized to collect scrapped appliances. Proper disposal allows the intelligent recovery of valuable materials. Refrigeration appliances contain gases that may damage the environment; it is important to ensure that the refrigeration circuit pipelines are not damaged until the competent service has taken delivery of the appliance. Before scrapping your refrigerator it is important to remove doors and leave shelves in position as for use, to ensure that children cannot accidentally become trapped inside during play. Also, cut the power supply lead and remove it and the plug.

NOTICE TO USERS:
PURSUANT TO DIRECTIVES 2002/95/EC, 2002/96/EC, 2003/108/EC, RELATING TO THE REDUCTION OF THE USE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, AND WASTE DISPOSAL, THE BARRED RUBBISH BIN SYMBOL ON THE APPLIANCE INDICATES THAT IT CANNOT BE DISPOSED OF AS HOUSEHOLD WASTE AT ITS END-OF-LIFE. THE USER MUST THEREFORE HAND THE PRODUCT OVER, AT ITS END-OF-LIFE, TO THE APPLICABLE COLLECTION CENTRES FOR THE RECYCLING OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC WASTE, OR RETURN IT TO THE DEALER ON THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER EQUIVALENT APPLIANCE, ON A ONE-FOR-ONE BASIS. CONSIGNING THE END-OF-LIFE APPLIANCE TO THE APPROPRIATE COLLECTION POINT FOR RECYCLING AND ECO-COMPATIBLE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL PREVENTS POTENTIAL NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH, AND HELPS ENSURE THAT THE PRODUCT’S COMPONENT MATERIALS WILL BE RECYCLED. UNLAWFUL DISPOSAL OF THE PRODUCT BY THE USER MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Keep the instruction handbook in a safe place; it contains important information which must be applied when installing, using and servicing the refrigerator. The handbook must be kept so that it can be passed on to any subsequent owners of the appliance.

The manufacturer declines all responsibility in case of failure to comply with the following precautions:

• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a responsible person for their safely.
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• Do not attempt to operate a damaged appliance: in case of doubt, contact your dealer.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service agent, or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.
• The appliance must be installed and connected to the electrical mains in full compliance with the instructions provided in the handbook. The electrical connection conditions must be as specified on the nameplate, which is in the bottom left-hand corner of the body of the refrigerator. The appliance’s electrical safety is only guaranteed if the household electrical system is earthed in accordance with the relevant regulations.
• Make sure that all repairs and servicing are only carried out by authorized engineers from the Smeg after-sales service. Always disconnect the appliance from the electrical mains in case of breakdown and maintenance, when changing light bulbs, or during cleaning. Never defrost using electrical devices or steam cleaners. Never remove frost or ice with sharp items, as this may cause irreparable damage to the walls of the refrigerator.
• Never attempt to move the refrigerator by pulling on the door or the handle.
• High-alcohol drinks must only be stored sealed and vertically.
• Do not use electrical equipment (such as ice cream makers or blenders) inside the appliance.
• To ensure the refrigerator operates correctly, never obstruct or cover the air ducts in any way.
• Never eat or drink foods that look or smell strange.
• Never allow children to play with the refrigerator and use the drawers, shelves, or other parts of the appliance only as described in this handbook; never use them for purposes other than those for which they are designed
• This appliance may be used by children from the age of 8 and by people of reduced physical and mental ability or lacking in experience and knowledge, provided they are supervised or instructed on the safe use of the appliance and if they understand the associated risks. Do not allow children to play with the appliance. Do not allow unsupervised children to perform cleaning or maintenance operations.

In case of an electricity blackout, open the door(s) as little as possible. Once partly or completely thawed, frozen foods must not be re-frozen.

• Warning:
  To avoid a hazard due to the instability of the appliance, it must be fixed in accordance with the instructions.

• Warning:
  Keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or in the built-in structure, clear of obstruction.

• Warning:
  Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.

• Warning:
  Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.

• Warning:
  Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.

• Caution:
  this refrigerator contains a small quantity of isobutane (R600a), a CFC-free gas refrigerant. When transporting, installing, cleaning and repairing the refrigerator, take care not to damage any parts of the refrigeration circuit to prevent the risk of gas leaks. In case of damage, do not use naked lights and ventilate the room containing the appliance appropriately.

INTENDED USE OF THE REFRIGERATOR

The appliance is specifically constructed for domestic use and is therefore suitable for the refrigeration and storage of fresh foods. The appliance has not been designed or manufactured for professional use. Smeg declines all responsibility for damage deriving from improper use of the appliance. The refrigerator has undergone all necessary tests regarding the tightness of the refrigeration circuit and complies with the safety regulations for electrical appliances.

• Caution:
  the manufacturer declines all responsibility for injury or damage caused by failure to comply with the above regulations or deriving from tampering with even just one part of the appliance and the use of non-original spare parts.

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION

Choosing the site
Always place the refrigerator in a dry place with satisfactory ventilation. Never expose it to direct sunlight or install it outdoors. Depending on its climate class (stated on the nameplate inside the refrigerator compartment), the appliance can be used in different temperature conditions:

Never place the refrigerator close to heat sources. If this is unavoidable, a suitable insulating panel must be used to allow the appliance to function properly. Otherwise, place the appliance at least 3 cm from electric or gas cookers and at least 30 cm from combustion or radiation heating systems. To allow proper cooling of the condenser, the refrigerator must not be placed too close to the wall. To prevent this, the appliance comes complete with two plastic spacers which must be fitted to the top of the condenser. If the refrigerator is installed underneath a wall cupboard, the distance between the two must be at least 5 cm. Take care not to scratch or damage the floor when installing the appliance on parquet or linoleum. If necessary, when positioning slide the refrigerator over pieces of wood or a mat to the point decided for connection to the electrical mains. Positioning and leveling the appliance

Place the fridge on a stable and level floor. In case the floor is not perfectly level, use the two adjustable feet on the front part of the fridge (pic. 1). To ensure major stability, easier movement, and correct positioning of the product, two additional wheels (pic. 2) are present at the rear. In any case, we recommend moving the fridge very carefully in order to avoid floor damage (especially in the case of a wooden floor).

Electrical connection

Before switching the refrigerator on for the first time, leave it vertical for at least two hours. Then connect the appliance’s power supply lead to a mains socket with earth contact, installed in accordance with electrical safety regulations. The rated voltage and frequency are stated on the nameplate inside the refrigerator compartment. The appliance must be connected to the electrical mains and earthed in compliance with the relevant regulations and requirements. The appliance is able to withstand short fluctuations in voltage of no more than 15% less or 10% more than the rated voltage stated on the nameplate. If the power supply lead has to be replaced, this operation must only be carried out by an authorized Smeg technical service engineer. The socket must be accessible after the appliance has been placed.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

FAB 28

• Refrigerator (A): compartment for storing fresh foods
• Freezer compartment (B): compartment for storing frozen foods and for freezing fresh foods.

To open the door, pull the handle towards you. (see diagram below)To close, push the door towards its hook and check that it snaps shut.

Shelves
each refrigerator comes complete with several shelves which can be set at different heights by placing them on the runners provided. Each shelf has a safety fitting to prevent it from being pulled completely out or accidentally removed. To remove it from the appliance, lift it at the back and extract it. Then change the position of the shelf or shelves as you require. For easy removal of all internal accessories, the door has to be opened completely.

Bottle shelf
Like ordinary shelves, the bottle shelf can also be set at different heights. It can be fitted into the refrigerator compartment in two different positions: horizontally or with the front part raised so that the bottles can be placed on a slant. To remove the bottle shelf, lift it at the back and pull it outward.
Warning: if you wish to place bottles of above-average length on the bottle shelf, it must be set at a height that will not prevent the door from being closed properly.

Refrigerator compartment defrosting water drain
The rear of the refrigerator compartment, underneath the refrigerating plate, has a channel and a hole for collecting the defrosting water. To ensure the refrigerator can function properly, take care never to block this hole. It is best to check and clean it fairly regularly using a piece of stiff wire.

Fruit and vegetable box
this container is at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, which is fitted with a glass shelf to cover fresh foods that require constant humidity for optimum storage.

Door shelves and containers
The inside of the door is fitted with special shelves and boxes to take eggs, butter, dairy products, tubes, preserves and other small packages. The bottom of the door has a shelf to take vertical bottles. All door shelves and boxes can be removed for cleaning. To remove them from the door, tap them upward with your fist first on one side of the insertion zone and then on the other. Do not place excessively heavy bottles on the bottle shelf, and place bottles on the shelf gently when loading them (Fig.1).

Inside lighting
When the refrigerator door is opened, the light comes on; it remains on until the door is completely closed again. The light comes on even if the refrigerator thermostat is set on “0”, meaning that the refrigerator is switched off.

Fan
The fan helps keep the temperature well distributed and reduces condensation on the shelves.

ARRANGING FOODS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENT **

**

Arrange the foods on the various shelves, taking care that they have an airtight wrapping or cover. This precaution will:

• conserve foods’ fragrance, moisture, and freshness;
• prevent the cross-contamination of foods with different aromas and tastes;
• prevent the humidity level inside the refrigerator from becoming too high because of the normal breathing of food (especially fresh fruit and vegetables). In some operating conditions (rise in ambient temperature and humidity, more frequent opening of the door) this might cause condensation to form on the shelves.

Use only containers approved for food storage. Always allow hot foods and drinks to cool to room temperature before placing them inside the refrigerator.
Never store explosive substances in the appliance and only store high-alcohol drinks firmly sealed and vertically.

SETTING AND SELECTING THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE

The knob in the top right-hand corner of the refrigerator is used to set the operating temperature both in the refrigerator and in the freezer. When the knob is turned to 0, the appliance is switched off. The operating settings are from 1 to 7. There is no direct correspondence between the setting chosen and the temperature in the two sections of the appliance. Increasing the setting number reduces the temperature inside the appliance. Only use the highest settings (6-7) if absolutely necessary: with these settings, the temperatures inside the refrigerator compartment may be close to 0°C and electricity consumption will be higher. In normal operating conditions, a medium-low setting (2-3) is recommended. This will provide effective storage of the fresh foods in the refrigerator compartment and of the frozen foods in the freezer compartment.

Regulation of the internal temperature of the freezer compartment is controlled by the main thermostat.

Important
Changes in weather conditions (temperature and humidity) and the frequency with which the doors of the two separate compartments are opened may affect the refrigerator’s operating temperatures.

FREEZING FOODS

For proper storage and freezing, fruit and vegetables should be packed in portions of not more than 1 kg, and meat and fish up to a max. of 2 kg. Small packages of food freeze more quickly, giving better conservation of their nutrients and flavor, even after thawing and preparation. Use only freezer bags, an aluminum film, food-approved polyethylene film, and freezer containers. Do not use paper bags, non-food-approved cellophane bags, shopping bags, or used freezer bags. Pack foods in airtight packs and try to expel all the air. If using bags, close the packs with the elastic bands or plastic- coated wire strips provided. Always cool hot foods to room temperature before placing them in the freezer and do not allow frozen foods to touch fresh foods for freezing. Always mark packs with the date of freezing, quantity, and type of food, and make sure that foods are fresh and in good condition. The max. amount of fresh foods which can be frozen in a 24-hour period is marked on the nameplate. Do not exceed the stated amount: this reduces the freezer’s efficiency and its ability to preserve the frozen foods it already contains.

Storing frozen foods

When purchasing frozen foods, always take care that the pack is not damaged, that the product is not past its sell-by date, and that the thermometer of the freezer in which the products are displayed for sale does not show a temperature above -18°C. Also note the temperature advice, storage period, and modes of consumption stated by the producer. Purchased foods should also be protected using suitable insulated containers during transportation to eliminate the risk of thawing. An increase in temperature might reduce their storage life and adversely affect their quality.

Do not purchase frozen foods which are carrying too much frost; they might already have been thawed.

To prevent the deterioration of frozen foods, do not exceed the permitted storage date, which depends on the type of food.

Thawing frozen foods
Partially thawed foods should be eaten as soon as possible. Low temperatures preserve foods but they do not destroy the micro-organisms which are activated after thawing, which may cause the stored foods to deteriorate. If thawed foods smell and look normal, they can be cooked and if required re-frozen once they have cooled. Depending on their type and intended use, frozen foods can be thawed correctly at room temperature, in the refrigerator, in an electric oven (conventional or fan), or in a microwave oven using the relevant function.

Making ice-cubes
Fill the tray provided 2/3 full of water or any other liquid you wish to freeze. Place it in the freezer compartment, making sure that its bottom is dry so that it will not stick to the shelf of the compartment. To detach the ice cubes, twist the tray slightly or place it under running water for a few seconds.

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING

Defrosting the refrigerator compartment
The refrigerator compartment has automatic defrosting. During normal operation of the refrigerator, frost forms on its back wall when the compressor is working and dissolves when it is not in operation. When the compressor is not working, the frost which has built up on the back wall melts and the water flows into the opening provided in the bottom of the body of the refrigerator. From here, it flows into the tray on the compressor, where it evaporates.

Warning
the amount of ice that forms on the back wall may vary with changes in weather conditions (temperature and humidity), the frequency with which the door is opened, the appliance’s operating temperatures, and the number of fresh foods stored inside (especially fruit and vegetables).

Defrosting the freezer
The freezer compartment has to be defrosted manually. When the thickness of frost or ice on the shelves exceeds 2 cm, the freezer should be defrosted. A few hours before defrosting, use the knob provided to set the thermostat on 7 in order to further lower the temperature of the frozen foods. Then turn the knob to the 0 settings and disconnect the plug from the electrical mains. Remove the frozen foods from the freezer compartment and protect them from thawing while cleaning. Place a container underneath the pipe to collect the defrosted water.

Cleaning the refrigerator
Before cleaning, disconnect the plug from the electrical mains. Clean the outside using only water and a gentle liquid detergent or an ordinary detergent for washable surfaces (such as a window-cleaning product). Never use products containing abrasives or substances which may attack the lacquered or painted parts, acids, or chemical solvents. Use a sponge or a soft cloth. Do not use steam cleaners to clean the inside; we recommend the use of specific disinfectants. Specific SMEG-brand products for cleaning steel are available from our Service Centres. Remove the shelves and accessories, taking care not to apply excessive force when removing them. Follow the instructions provided in the “Door Shelves and Containers” section carefully. Never wash removable plastic parts in the dishwasher; use only warm water and washing-up liquid or water and vinegar. Take care not to wet the electrical lighting components with water or detergents. Clean the gaskets with warm water and then dry them. To allow the refrigerator to operate at full efficiency, periodically also clean the condenser on the rear with a brush or a vacuum cleaner.

Also, make a periodic check on the tray above the compressor, and clean it if necessary.

Switching off the refrigerator
If the refrigerator is to be out of use for some time, turn the thermostat knob to 0. Then empty the compartments, disconnect the appliance from the electrical mains, and once it has defrosted dry any residual moisture which has collected. Leave the door ajar to prevent the humidity and trapped air from creating unpleasant smells.

Practical advice for saving energy

• Install the refrigerator in a cool, well-ventilated place, protected against direct sunlight and well away from heat sources.
• Do not place hot foods in the refrigerator or freezer sections. Wait for foods and drinks to cool to room temperature before placing them on the shelves;
• Open the door(s) as infrequently and for as short a time as possible to prevent the compartments from warming up too much;
• Clean the condenser (rear of the refrigerator) periodically to prevent the appliance from losing efficiency;
• On models equipped with intensive cooling and rapid freezing, do not leave these functions activated for longer than absolutely necessary;
• If the refrigerator is to be out of use for a long period, it is best to empty it and switch it off;
• Thaw frozen foods in the body of the refrigerator in order to exploit the cold stored in the frozen foods, which will be transferred to the refrigerator if this procedure is used.

Operating noise
The refrigerator and freezer are cooled by means of a compression system. In order to maintain the preset temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer sections, the compressor comes into operation in response to the level of cooling required and may operate continuously if necessary. When the compressor starts up a humming sound will be heard, tending to drop in volume after a few minutes. Another normal refrigerator operating noise is a gurgling due to the coolant flowing through the pipes in the circuit. This noise is perfectly normal and does not mean that the appliance is malfunctioning. If it is over-loud, there may be other causes.
In this case, check that:

• the refrigerator is properly leveled on the floor and does not vibrate when the compressor is in operation: adjust the feet provided as appropriate;
• The drawers, shelves, and door boxes are correctly fitted and securely in place: fit correctly;
• Bottles and containers on the various shelves are stable and not touching: the vibration due to the operation of the compressor may generate some noise;
• Do not place kitchen units or other appliances so that they are touching the refrigerator.

Identifying and Dealing with Malfunctions
Your new refrigerator is designed and built to strict quality standards. This section is intended to enable you to identify the origin of any malfunctions which may occur before contacting the Smeg After-Sales Service.

Changing the inside light bulb
Before replacing the bulb, make sure that its failure to operate is not simply because it has become loose inside the lamp holder. In any case, whether you wish to check that the bulb is inserted correctly or you wish to change it, for safety reasons, you must first remove the plug from the power outlet. Unscrew the bulb (in the direction shown in the figure) to remove it from the lamp holder. Replace it with a bulb that has the same characteristics (E14, max 15 W), screwing it back in the opposite direction to that shown in the figure.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

properly ventilated as explained in point “3.1 Choosing the site” and that the condenser is not over-dirty;
 | rise in outside temperature; doors opened often or for long periods; too much fresh food placed in the appliance| freeze less food at a time;
The compressor does not start up:| temperature regulator on 0. power supply lead not connected to the electrical mains;mains socket not supplying electrical power.| connect the lead to the power supply;

contact the electricity supplier

Refrigerator    section

sufficiently

|  | not    cooled| inside temperature setting thermostat set too low (1-2) (provides a higher temperature inside the appliance); the door opened often or for long periods; door not closing properly rise in outside temperature.| Turn the regulator to an intermediate setting (4-5).

open the door less often and for as short a time as possible;

check that the foods are arranged on the shelves correctly and are not preventing the door from closing properly and that the refrigerator is well leveled on the floor;

check that the gasket is sealing properly and is not damaged.

Water    in    bottom| of| refrigerator| “Condensation blocked or frozen| drain”| |
compartment:|  |  |
Door hard to open just after closing:|  | if you attempt to open the doo again just after closing it (especially the freezer door), considerable strength is required. This is because of the vacuum caused by the cooling of the warm air that has entered the appliance.
PROBLEM| POSSIBLE CAUSE| PROBABLE SOLUTION
---|---|---
Temperature inside freezer not low enough to freeze foods properly| inside temperature setting thermostat set too low;

door opened often or for long periods;

door not closing with an airt
too much sugar in foods for freezing

| Turn the regulator to an intermediate setting (4-5).

open the door less often and for as short a time as possible;
check that the foods are arranged on the shelves correctly, that the gasket is sealing properly and is not damaged, and that the refrigerator is well leveled on the floor;
some foods can only be completely frozen at very low temperatures (ice cream, concentrated fruit juices)

Too much condensation forming in refrigerator section| check that the door gaskets are providing an airtight seal on the refrigerator;
door opened often or for long periods
too much fresh food (fruit and vegetables) placed on the shelves.
Foods not properly covered or stored in airtight containers| In case of cracks, try to soften the gasket by pulling it with one hand and sliding your closed fingers along the inside
open the door less often and for shorter times, especially when the appliance is working in warm, humid conditions;

place less food inside the refrigerator section;

Cover the containers and seal foods.

Temperature inside      refrigerator section too cold – fresh foods are freezing:| –  cooling  temperature  regulator device set too high (meaning lower temperature inside the appliance)| Turn the regulator to a lower setting (1-2)
cover foods using suitable bags and containers;
do not place fruit and vegetables inside when too wet
do not place foods inside touching the back of the refrigerator.
PROBLEM| POSSIBLE CAUSE| PROBABLE SOLUTION
---|---|---
Too much ice forming on the back wall of refrigerator section (layer of frost more than 1 cm thick):| Cooling  temperature  regulator device set too high (meaning lower temperature inside the appliance);the
door opened often or for long periods;| Turn the regulator to a lower setting (1-2) to increase the temperature inside the appliance slightly;
check    that    the    gaskets    are providing an airtight seal;
open the door less often and for shorter times;
rise in atmospheric temperature and humidity;
do not place hot food or drinks inside the refrigerator;
Too much ice forming in the freezer| inside temperature setting thermostat set on too low a temperature;| Turn the regulator to a lower setting (1-2) to increase the temperature inside the appliance slightly;

check that the gaskets are providing an airtight seal: If they are cracked, try to soften the gasket by pulling it with one hand and sliding your closed fingers along the inside;
open the door less often and for shorter times;
rise in atmospheric temperature and humidity;
do not place hot food or drinks inside the freezer;

Front of cabinet hot to the touch| –| the refrigerator is operating
normally. Inside the cabinet, there is a surface cooling system designed to restrict the formation of condensation in the area where the door gasket closes.
PROBLEM| POSSIBLE CAUSE| PROBABLE SOLUTION
---|---|---
Condensation forming on the gasket of the freezer compartment door (FAB28) or on the wall of the freezer compartment next to the door| The gasket is not providing an airtight seal on the freezer compartment.| Adjust the hinge if necessary: undo the two screws and raise or lower the hinge slightly as required. Then tighten the screws to fix it in place. If the condensation is on the top, raise the hinge; if it is on the bottom, lower it.
open the door less often and for
shorter times, especially in warm, humid weather conditions;
AFTER-SALES SERVICE – READING THE NAMEPLATE.

IF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE PRODUCT YOU HAVE PURCHASED ARE NOT AMONGST THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE AUTHORISED AFTER-SALES SERVICE. YOU WILL FIND THE ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE IN YOUR LOCAL TELEPHONE DIRECTOR UNDER SMEG.

__ TO SPEED UP THE SERVICE, PLEASE BE READY TO INFORM OUR CALL SERVICE OPERATORS OF THE MODEL OF THE PRODUCT YOU HAVE PURCHASED AND THE SERIAL NUMBER MARKED ON THE NAMEPLATE INSIDE THE BODY OF THE REFRIGERATOR. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

References

• Smeg - Technology with style | Smeg.com

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