GE APPLIANCES FCM7 Chest Freezers Owner’s Manual

CHEST FREEZERS
OWNER’S MANUAL
AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Manual
Defrost Models:
FCM5, FCM7

FCM7 Chest Freezers

Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model #
Serial #
You can find them on a plate on the top-center on the back of the unit.
49-1000422 Rev. 1 05-22 GEA

THANK YOU FOR MAKING GE APPLIANCES A PART OF YOUR HOME.
Whether you grew up with GE Appliances, or this is your first, we’re happy to have you in the family.
We take pride in the craftsmanship, innovation and design that goes into every GE Appliances product, and we think you will too. Among other things, registration of your appliance ensures that we can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them.
Register your GE appliance now online. Helpful websites and phone numbers are available in the Consumer Support section of this Owner’s Manual. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material.

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or injury when using your freezer, follow these basic safety precautions:

• This freezer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

• Unplug the freezer before making repairs or cleaning.
  NOTE: Power to the freezer cannot be disconnected by any setting on the control panel.
  NOTE: Repairs must be performed by a qualified Service Professional.

• Replace all parts and panels before operating.

• Keep flammable materials and vapors away from the freezer.

• Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.

• Do not use an extension cord.

• To prevent suffocation and entrapment hazards to children, remove the lid from any freezer before disposing of it or discontinuing its use.

• Jo avoid serious injury or death, children should not stand on, or play in or with the appliance.

• Children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge can use this appliance only if they are supervised or have been given instructions on safe use and understand the hazards involved.

• This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as: staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working environments; farm houses; by clients in hotels, motels, bed & breakfast and other residential environments; catering and similar non-retail applications.

CAUTION
To reduce the risk of injury when using your freezer, follow these basic safety precautions.

• Do not clean freezer with warm water when it is cold. Components may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping or dropping.
• Keep fingers out of the “pinch point” areas; clearances between the lid and cabinet are necessarily small. Be careful closing lid when children are in the area.
• Do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment when hands are damp or wet, skin may stick to these extremely cold surfaces.
• Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.

WARNING EXPLOSION HAZARD Flammable Refrigerant
This appliance contains isobutane refrigerant, also known as R600a, a natural gas with high environmental compatibility. However, it is also combustible. Adhere to the warnings below to reduce the risk of injury or property damage

1. When handling, installing and operating the appliance, care should be taken to avoid damage to the refrigerant tubing.
2. Service shall only be performed by authorized service personnel. Use only manufacturer-authorized service parts.
3. Dispose of appliance in accordance with Federal and Local Regulations. Flammable refrigerant and insulation material used require special disposal procedures. Contact your local authorities for the environmentally safe disposal of your appliance.
4. Keep ventilation openings in the appliance enclosures or in the built-in structure clear of obstruction.
5. To remove frost,scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper. Do not use an ice pick or a metal or sharp-edged instrument as it may puncture the freezer liner and then the flammable refrigerant tubing behind it.
6. Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartment of the appliance.
7. Do not use any electrical device to defrost your freezer.

**WARNING FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
** Keep flammable materials and vapors away from freezer. Failure to do so can result in fire, explosion, or death.

CONNECTING ELECTRICITY

WARNING ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
Do not remove the ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire, or electrical shock.

Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.
The freezer should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.
A 115 Volt AC, 60 Hz, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
Immediately discontinue use of a damaged supply cord.
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a qualified service professional with an authorized service part from the manufacturer.
When moving the freezer away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD APPLIANCE

WARNING
SUFFOCATION AND ENTRAPMENT HAZARD
Failure to follow these disposal instructions can result in death or serious injury
IMPORTANT: Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned appliances are still dangerous even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old appliance, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.

Before You Throw Away Your Old Freezer:

• Take off the freezer lid.
• Leave the baskets in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

Refrigerant and Foam Disposal:
Dispose of appliance in accordance with Federal and Local Regulations. Flammable refrigerant and insulation material used require special disposal procedures. Contact your local authorities for the environmentally safe disposal of your appliance.

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

USING THE FREEZER

Starting the Freezer

1. Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).
2. Connect cord to power outlet.
3. Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
4. Allow freezer to operate for at least 4 hours before placing food inside.

Temperature Control
Freezing temperature selection is made by setting the control from “Min” to “Max” (coldest) to.
If you want colder or warmer temperatures, adjust the control one step at a time.
Allow several hours after each one-step adjustment for the freezer temperature to stabilize.
Turning the control to the OFF position stops the cooling process but does not shut off power to the freezer.

Power-On Light (on some models)
The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to the electrical power.
The light glows even when the temperature control is turned off.

Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The lock is spring loaded so the key cannot be left in the lock. To lock or unlock, press the key in while turning. If the key is lost, contact your dealer for a replacement or go to GEApplianceParts.com. Always give the model and serial number of the freezer when requesting a replacement key.

WARNING
To prevent a child from being entrapped, keep the key out of reach of children and away from the freezer.

Defrosting Instructions
In most climates, defrosting will be necessary only about twice a year.
To have your freezer operate most efficiently, do not permit more than 1/2″ (13 mm) of frost to accumulate.

WARNING
Risk of fire or explosion.
Flammable refrigerant used.
To remove frost,scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper. Do not use an ice pick or a metal or sharp-edged instrument as it may puncture the freezer liner and then the flammable refrigerant tubing behind it. Do not use any electrical device to defrost your
freezer.

For Complete Defrosting

1. Turn the temperature control to OFF setting and unplug the freezer.

2. Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and newspapers for insulation as needed.

3. With the door/lid open, use pans of hot water to speed loosening of frost. Remove large pieces before they melt.
   Chest models have a defrost water drain at the front.
   Remove the defrost drain cap from the outside and the drain plug inside the cabinet.
   NOTE: Water may drip from the back flange of the lid cover during defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds up in the lid insulation when the lid is open for adding or removing food, and melts during the defrosting operation.

4. Sponge excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.

5. After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).

6. Replace the drain plug inside the cabinet and the cap on the defrost drain. Fold over and dry the gasket on the hinge side of the lid.

7. Plug in the freezer. Return the temperature control to its previous position and return food to the freezer.

CARE AND CLEANING

Cleaning Your Freezer
◼ Outside. Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of the freezer is a high quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it will stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of appliance polish wax when the freezer is new and then at least twice a year. Appliance polish wax also works well to remove tape residue from freezer surfaces.
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with appliance polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a Clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach, or cleaners containing bleach.
NOTICE: Care should be taken in moving the freezer away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.

◼ Inside. Clean the inside of your freezer at least once a year. We recommend that the freezer be unplugged before cleaning. If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning in the vicinity of switches, lights or controls.
Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Do not use cleaning powders or other abrasive cleaners. DO NOT wash removable parts in a dishwasher.
An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three months.

In Case of Extended Power Failure

• Keep freezer lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not admitted.

• If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large pieces. Add more ice as required.
  CAUTION
  Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands—gloves or other protection is recommended.

• If dry ice is not available, move food to a frozen food locker temporarily—until power is restored.

Preparing to Move
Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost and clean the freezer.
Secure all loose items such as baskets by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.
Be sure freezer stays in upright position during actual moving and during transportation. The freezer must be secured during transportation to prevent movement. Protect outside of freezer with blanket.

Preparing for Vacation
To maintain freezer in operation during vacations, be sure your house power is not turned off. For sure protection of freezer contents, you may want to ask a neighbor to check the power supply and freezer operation every 48 hours.
For extended vacations or absences, you may prefer to move your frozen foods to a storage locker temporarily.
If your freezer is to be left empty, disconnect power cord plug from wall outlet. To prevent formation of odors, place open box of baking soda in freezer and leave freezer door/lid open.

INSTALLATION

Preparing to Install the Freezer

Read these instructions completely and carefully.
Freezer Location
Your freezer should be conveniently located for day-to-day use in a dry, well-ventilated room.
Do not install the freezer where the temperature will go below 0°F (-18°C) or above 110°F (43°C), because it will not maintain proper temperatures.
Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
Do not install the freezer in a location exposed to rain water or direct sunlight.
The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor if it is to function at its best. Your freezer has adjustable leveling legs that can be turned to be solidly positioned wherever the floor is too uneven. If the place selected for the freezer is damp or moist, place 2 x 4’s (51 mm x 102 mm) under its entire length to assure adequate support.

Clearances
On all models, allow 3″ (76 mm) on top, back and sides for proper air circulation. Allow sufficient space on top for lid to open.

Lid Removal
CAUTION
LIFTING HAZARD
The lid is heavy. Use both hands to secure the lid before lifting.

CAUTION
HINGE SPRING UNDER TENSION
If it is necessary to remove the lid, follow these steps:

1. Remove each upper hinge cover by grasping on the sides and pulling upwards. Remove each lower hinge cover by grasping on the sides and pulling down.
2. Open the lid to the maximum position. (The hinges are loosest at this position.)
3. Loosen, do not remove, the 4 screws from the lower part of the hinge that are mounted to the cabinet.
4. Raise/lift the lid until the screws align with the larger slotted openings in the bottom of the hinge. Each hinge is still attached to the lid with 4 screws.
5. To reinstall lid follow steps in reverse. Tighten all hinge screws but avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping. Reinstall hinge covers.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Before you call for service
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

breaker.
Freezer starts/stops too frequently| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Temperature control set too cold.| See Using the Freezer
Freezer operates too long| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Temperature control set too cold.| See Using the Freezer
Inadequate air circulation space around cabinet.| See Preparing to install the freezer
Noisy operation or cabinet vibrates| Floor may be weak, causing freezer to vibrate when compressor is on.| Placing 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under the length of the freezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
Cabinet is not positioned solidly on floor.| See Preparing to install the freezer. Or use shims for uneven floor. uneven floor.
Freezer temperature too warm| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Foods defrosting| Temperature control set to OFF position.| Move the control to a temperature setting.
Freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.| Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Freezer temperature too cold| Temperature control set too cold.| See Using the Freezer
Moisture forms on outside of cabinet| Not unusual during periods of high humidity.| Wipe surface dry.
Interior light does not work
(on some models)| No power at outlet.| Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
Freezer is unplugged.| Push the plug completely into the outlet.
Light bulb burned out.| Replace bulb.
Door/lid won’t fully close by itself| Package holding door/lid open.| Move package to a different location.
Slow starting time after being off| Built-in overload protection.| This is normal after being off.
Excessive frost buildup| Door/lid left open.| Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long lid openings.| Open the lid less often.
Not unusual during periods of high humidity.| Wipe surface dry.

NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where you purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home service.
For warranty service, contact us at GEAppliances.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), or 1.800.561.3344 (Canada).

Normal Operating Characteristics
These things are normal and do not indicate a need for service.

• A warm cabinet exterior as the refrigeration system transfers heat from the inside to the outside through the exterior cabinet walls.
• The sound of the high-efficiency compressor motor.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Staple your receipt here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

Freezer Limited Warranty
GEAppliances.com
For US Customers, all warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service, on- line, 24 hours a day, visit us at GEAppliances.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). Please have serial number and model number available when calling for service.
In Canada, call 800.561.3344.

One Year
From the date of the original purchase| Any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
During this period of One Year from the date of original purchase, GE Appliances will choose, at its option, to replace or service the defective unit. During this limited one-year warranty, should GE Appliances choose to service the unit, GE Appliances will provide any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship and free of charge, all labor and related service costs to replace the defective part. During this limited one-year warranty, should GE Appliances choose to replace the unit, it may do so by providing you with a certificate redeemable at a retailer for a replacement product.

What GE Appliances Will Not Cover:

• Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
• Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.
• Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
• Loss of food due to spoilage.
• Damage caused after delivery.
• Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
• Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
• Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance.
• Product not accessible to provide required service.
• Associated costs when GE Appliances chooses to issue the consumer a certificate as a form of product replacement.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
Your sole and exclusive remedy is product repair as provided in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.

For US Customers: This limited warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Appliances Authorized Servicer is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to an Authorized GE Appliances Service location for service. In Alaska, the limited warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.
some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor US: GE Appliances, a Haier company
Louisville, KY 40225
For Customers in Canada: This limited warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased in Canada for home use within Canada. In-home warrant service will be provided in areas where it is available and deemed reasonable by Mabe to provide.
Warrantor Canada: MC Commercial, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 5B6

CONSUMER SUPPORT

Consumer Support

GE Appliances Website
Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! You can also shop for more great GE Appliances products and take advantage of all our on-line support services designed for your convenience. In the US: GEAppliances.com In Canada: GEAppliances.ca

Register Your Appliance
Register your new appliance on-line at your convenience! Timely product registration will allow for enhanced communication and prompt service under the terms of your warranty, should the need arise. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material.
In the US: GEAppliances.com/register
In Canada: Prodsupport.mabe.ca/crm/Products/ProductRegistration.aspx

Schedule Service
Expert GE Appliances repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at your convenience any day of the year. In the US: GEAppliances.com/service or call 800.432.2737 during normal business hours.
In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/en/support/service- request or call 800.561.3344

Extended Warranties
Purchase a GE Appliances extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available while your warranty is still in effect. You can purchase it on-line anytime. GE Appliances Services will still be there after your warranty expires.
In the US: GEAppliances.com/extended-warranty or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours.
In Canada: GEAppliances.ca/en/support/purchase-extended- warranty or call 800.290.9029

Parts and Accessories
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today 24 hours every day.
In the US: GEApplianceparts.com or by phone at 877.959.8688 during normal business hours.
Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally should be referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.
Customers in Canada should consult the yellow pages for the nearest Mabe service center, visit our website at GEAppliances.ca/en/products/parts- filters-accessories or call 800.661.1616.

Contact Us
lf you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE Appliances, contact us on our Website with all the details including your phone number, or write to:
In the US: General Manager, Customer Relations | GE Appliances, Appliance Park | Louisville, KY 40225 GEAppliances.com/contact
In Canada: Director, Consumer Relations, Mabe Canada Inc. | Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane | Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3 GEAppliances.ca/en/contact- us

49-1000422 Rev. 1

References

• Appliance Parts, Accessories & Water Filters | GE Appliances
• GE Appliances Canada | Homepage
• Contact Us or Get Help with Questions | GE Appliances
• GEAppliances.com/register
• Appliance Repair Service and Support | GE Appliances

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>