Norcold N10DCBKL Polar N10DC 12V DC 10 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator User Manual

Norcold N10DCBKL Polar N10DC 12V DC 10 Cu. Refrigerator

Specifications

• Models: N10DCX – 10 cubic foot and N8DCX- 8 cubic foot
• Type : DC electric refrigerators
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty

Limited Warranty

NORCOLD DC ONLY Models – One Year Limited Warranty
Norcold, Inc. warrants for one (1) year from the date of purchase that Norcold, Inc. will repair or replace its DC refrigerators.

Limitations of Warranty

1. This warranty is the only warranty for Norcold DC refrigerators. This warranty does not cover glassware, electric light bulbs, or replaceable fuses.
2. This warranty does not apply to refrigerators or parts that have been subjected to misuse, improper installation, abnormal service, transit damage, recharging of cooling unit system, accident, fire, improper repair, tampering, or abuse.
3. The duration of any implied warranty is limited to one (1) year.
4. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

Limitations of Remedy

1. The responsibility of Norcold under this or any warranty is limited to the repair or replacement (at Norcold’s option) of any defective refrigerator or part.
2. In no event and under no circumstances shall Norcold be responsible for any other charge whatsoever, including but not limited to charges or claims for labor, lost business, lost time, lost profits, loss of use, or any kind of incidental or consequential damages, however, denominated or described.
3. Some states do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.

To obtain warranty service, contact Norcold Customer Service at (800) 543-1219 or visit our website at www.norcold.com.

Legal Rights
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other legal rights which vary from state to state.

Norcold DC only and AC/DC Models – Warranty Information

• Your refrigerator is made to provide the ultimate cooling satisfaction and will serve you reliably in the years to come. Norcold refrigerators offer a standard limited one or two-year warranty dependent on the model.
• To activate your one-year limited warranty, complete and mail the warranty registration supplied.
• Help us to help you.
• Write the model number and serial number below for future reference. These numbers are on the serial plate in the refrigerator. The serial plate is located in the fresh food compartment on the top right-hand side. Use these numbers when receiving service or in any correspondence concerning your refrigerator.
• Model number Serial number
• If a problem occurs with your refrigerator, contact any of the service centers throughout the United States and Canada. To find an authorized Norcold Service Center near you, please telephone the Norcold Customer Support Dept. at 800-543-1219 (option-1) or visit our website at www.norcold.com.
• Norcold is committed to providing products that are in harmony with the environment. Your Norcold refrigerator meets all environmental safety standards.

Norcold DC only and AC/DC Models – Warranty Questions

• This warranty is the only warranty for your Norcold refrigerator. There are no other express warranties. The only uses for this product are described in this manual. Part or model specifications are subject to change without notice.

What does this warranty cover?
This warranty covers labor and freight (ground service only) and costs incurred in removing and reinstalling the refrigerator when necessary to replace a defective part and any parts replaced under warranty (including cooling units).

What is not covered by this warranty?

•  Travel expenses for bringing the refrigerator to an authorized Norcold Service Center for warranty coverage.
• Additional costs were caused by the inability to bring the refrigerator to an authorized Norcold Service Center.
• Defects that are caused by transit damage, misuse, neglect, or accident.
• Manufacturing defects found at the time of purchase, parts replaced under warranty, and associated labor, which the original consumer-purchaser does not communicate to Norcold within 30 days.
• Labor, performed without the need for parts replacements, which the original consumer-purchaser does not communicate to Norcold within 30 days.
• Defects in glassware, electric light bulbs, or replacement fuses.
• Defects caused by improper installation, maintenance, or adjustment.
• Normal maintenance of this refrigerator as described in this manual.
• Defects caused by the improper use of parts or parts not manufactured or supplied by Norcold for repairs or replacements to the refrigerator.

Norcold will not be liable for any incidental or consequential loss or damage, due directly or indirectly to the use of this product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.

How long does this warranty last?
This warranty is effective for a period of one or two years from the date purchased depending on the model.

What will Norcold do?
Norcold will provide free service and replacement of defective parts, at no charge, at all authorized Norcold Service Centers. Norcold has the option of replacing the defective parts or the entire refrigerator. If the refrigerator is replaced, Norcold is not responsible for replacing dealer-installed options.

How do you get service?
Bring the refrigerator to any authorized Norcold Service Center and show proof that the defective item is within warranty coverage. If you are unable to bring the refrigerator to an authorized Norcold Service Center:

• Send a written notice of the defect to Norcold.
• Norcold will promptly advise you on how to obtain warranty service.

What rights do you have?
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Safety Awareness

• Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before you use the refrigerator.
• Be aware of possible safety hazards when you see the safety alert symbol on the refrigerator and in this manual. A signal word follows the safety alert symbol and identifies the danger of the hazard. Carefully read the descriptions of these signal words to fully know their meanings. They are for your safety.

WARNING: This signal word means a hazard, which if ignored, can cause dangerous personal injury, death, or much property damage.
CAUTION: This signal word means a hazard, which if ignored, can cause personal injury or much property damage.

Safety Instructions

WARNING

• The storage of flammable materials behind or around the refrigerator creates a fire hazard. Do not use the area behind the refrigerator to store anything, especially flammable materials (gasoline, cleaning supplies, etc.) This is especially important when converting from a gas absorption refrigerator.
• Do not store any explosive substance, such as aerosol cans with flammable propellant, in this refrigerator.
• A circuit overload can result in an electrical fire if the wires and/or fuses are not the correct size. Use only the wire and fuse sizes as written in the “Installation Manual”.
• Never open or damage the refrigerator circuit of the cooling system at the back or the inside of your appliance. The cooling system is pressurized and contains flammable substances.
• Component parts shall be replaced with like components and servicing shall be done by factory-authorized service personnel, to minimize the risk of possible ignition due to incorrect parts or improper service.
• Risk of Fire and explosion with flammable refrigerant R600a.
• Keep Ventilation openings, in the appliance or in the built-in structure, clear of obstruction.
• Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.
• Handling, moving, and use of the refrigerator or freezer to avoid either damaging the refrigerant tubing or increasing the risk of a leak.
• Risk of child entrapment. Before you throw away your old refrigerator or freezer: Take off the doors and leave the shelves in place so that the children may not easily climb inside.

CAUTION

• Incorrect installation, adjustment, change to, or maintenance of this refrigerator can cause personal injury, property damage, or both. Have service and maintenance work done by your dealer or by an authorized Norcold Service Center?
• Disconnect the DC power source before doing any maintenance work on the refrigerator. All service work on this refrigerator must be done by a qualified service technician.
• Do not bypass or change the refrigerator’s electrical components or features.
• Do not spray liquids near electrical outlets, connections, or refrigerator components. Many liquids are electrically conductive and can cause a shock hazard, electrical shorts, and in some cases fire.
• The rear of the refrigerator has sharp edges and corners. To prevent cuts or abrasions when working on the refrigerator, be careful and wear cut-resistant gloves.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• The build-up of dust on the condenser will reduce the performance of the appliance and increase the risk of overheating the cooling system. Have the condenser and cooling fan cleaned by qualified service personnel if you suspect poor performance?
• Risk of Fire or explosion due to flammable refrigerant used. Follow handling instructions carefully in compliance with U.S. Government Regulations.

About Your Refrigerator

Usage:
This refrigerator is made for use within a recreational vehicle. As such, it is suitable for camping, but do not expose the refrigerator to rain.

Storage Volume:
This refrigerator is made to store fresh and frozen foods and for making ice.

• Total capacity N10DC 9.7 cubic feet Calculated according to ANSI/AHAM-HRF-1-1988
• Total capacity N8DC 8.2 cubic feet Calculated according to ANSI/AHAM-HRF-1-2016

CAUTION: The refrigerator is made to operate within 10° off level in all directions. Operating it at more than these limits can cause damage to the cooling system, increased noise and poor cooling performance. Make sure the vehicle is level before you operate the refrigerator.

Operation during travel
While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle is stopped, performance during travel is not usually affected.

Food compartment
Start up the refrigerator and let it cool for eight hours before loading it with food. If the refrigerator does not start to cool down after about two hours, contact your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center.
For the best cooling performance:

• Let air move freely inside the entire food and freezer compartments.

To decrease the amount of ice that collects on the rear wall of the refrigerator freezer and fresh food.

• Cover all liquids and moist foods.
• Let all hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
• Do not open the door any longer than necessary.

Freezer compartment
The freezer compartment is made to keep pre-frozen food frozen and not to quickly freeze food. Keep pre-frozen foods in the freezer compartment.

NOTICE: When making ice, put the ice cube tray directly on the bottom of the freezer. Do not put other items on the ice cube tray while the water is freezing. The water freezes more rapidly if the power switch/thermostat is at the coldest temperature setting.

Door latch for travel:
During travel, the door latch prevents the door from opening. When closing each door, push the door toward the refrigerator until you hear a “click” sound. To open each door, pull the handle away from the refrigerator.

Interior light:

• The interior light is located on the top of the fresh food compartment.
• The interior light comes on when the refrigerator is ON and the door is open.

To replace the bulb:

1. Use tape to hold the light switch down, which removes power from the light circuit.
2. Remove the cover by pulling it toward the front of the refrigerator (See Art02734).
3. Unplug the wire harness connector.
4. Install the replacement light
5. Install the cover.
6. Remove the tape from the light switch.

Crisper(s):
The crisper(s) are located at the bottom of the fresh food compartment and supply a storage area to preserve fruit and vegetable freshness. Make sure that you always push the crispers fully in.

NOTICE: Do not wash the crispers in a dishwasher. The crispers are not dishwasher safe.

Door bins:
You may put the door bins of the freezer and fresh food compartment in a location that best meets your needs. To remove the bins, lift them over the locator and pull them away from the door. To install the bins, push them onto the locator.

NOTICE: Do not wash the door bins and bin slides in a dishwasher. The door bins and bin slides are not dishwasher safe.

Adjustable shelves:
The shelves in the freezer and the fresh food compartment are made so you can remove them or move them. To remove or move each shelf of the fresh food compartment and freezer: (ART 02733)

• Remove the screw from the retainer of each shelf at the side of the refrigerator.
• Slide the retainer out of the slot (cabinet shelves only)
• Pull each shelf forward out of the slot.
• Push each shelf fully into the slot that you wish.
• Slide the retainer into the slot (cabinet shelves only)
• Attach the retainer with the screw.

Operation

Controls

• Touch and release the ON/OFF [1] button to turn the refrigerator on. (ART02735)
• If the indicator light, below the button, glows solid blue, it means the refrigerator is operating correctly.

NOTICE: The freezer compartment and cabinet compartment work independently of each other and both must be adjusted to their desired temperature setting.

• Touch the FREEZER COMPARTMENT [5] button to set the compartment temperature setting.
• Use the + [4] or – [2] buttons to adjust the temperature setting.
• The mode [3] will display the temperature setting
• 0 is off
• 1 is the warmest setting
• 5 is the coldest setting

• Touch the CABINET COMPARTMENT [6] button to set the compartment temperature setting.
• Use the + [4] or – [2] buttons to adjust the temperature setting.
  • The mode [3] will display the temperature setting
  • 0 is off
  • 1 is the warmest setting
  • 5 is the coldest setting
• Press any button to return the control to activate the mode, and the mode [3] will illuminate. The display will return to standby mode after 5 seconds.
• Touch the NIGHT MODE [7] button to set the refrigerator to night mode. The blue indicator will illuminate.
• Night mode will turn off automatically after eight hours or if you push the night mode button again to turn the blue indicator light off.
• This 8-hour night mode setting can be changed by pressing the night mode button for 3 seconds. After the 3 seconds, the default 8 hours will be shown in the display. To change this setting, press the “+” or “-”, then press the night mode button to make the setting go into effect.
• The new setting is archived in the memory until it is changed.

Shut down

• To shut down the refrigerator, touch and hold the ON/OFF button [1] for 5 seconds and release.
• Once the refrigerator is turned OFF there is a 5-minute wait cycle before the refrigerator can be turned ON. The refrigerator will not turn on again until the 5-minute wait is up.

CAUTION: Do not operate the refrigerator when the ambient temperature is above 140°F operation above recommended ambient temperatures can cause permanent damage to the compressor. Operation when the ambient temperature is higher than 110°F can result in poor cooling performance.

DC Operation Guidelines

• Refer to the Installation Manual for DC Operation requirements and guidelines.

Refrigerator Care Checklist

Your refrigerator will give you years of trouble-free service if you do these simple checks every three to six months:

• Keep the food compartment and the freezer clean. See “Cleaning”.
• Defrost the refrigerator as necessary. See “Defrosting”.
• Make sure the door seals correctly. See “Door Sealing“.
• Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of weather, loading, or thermostat changes. If changes occur, contact your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center.
• Make sure the airflow in the lower intake vent, through the refrigerator condenser and coils, and out the upper exhaust vent is not blocked or decreased.

Defrosting:
The freezer walls of the refrigerator operate at below-freezing temperatures and will naturally form frost from humidity, which is always present in the air. The humidity inside the refrigerator increases:

• with higher outside temperatures and humidity.
• with the storage of non-sealed fresh foods or warm foods.
• with the amount of time that the door(s) are open.
• with any air leakage into the refrigerator.

It is normal for frost to collect inside the refrigerator. Excess frost decreases the cooling performance of the refrigerator. Defrost the refrigerator as necessary:

• Remove all food from the refrigerator.
• Turn the refrigerator OFF.

NOTICE: Defrosting the refrigerator makes excess water inside the refrigerator, which falls onto the drip tray and flows to the outside of the refrigerator through the drain tube.

• Put dry towels (etc.) inside the refrigerator to help remove the excess water.

CAUTION: High temperatures can cause the inside surfaces of the refrigerator to warp or melt. Do not use pans of HOT water, a hair dryer, or any other high-temperature devices to defrost the refrigerator. Do not use any hard or sharp objects to remove frost. Damage to the interior of the refrigerator can occur.

• To increase the speed of defrosting, put pans of WARM water in the refrigerator.
• Remove the wet towels (etc.) and dry the interior.
• Start up the refrigerator.
• Allow the refrigerator to cool down.
• Return all food to the refrigerator.

Cleaning:

• A good time to clean the refrigerator is just after you defrost it.

Clean the inside of the refrigerator as often as necessary to avoid food odors:

• Remove all food from the refrigerator.

NOTICE: Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemicals, or scouring pads because they can damage the interior of the refrigerator.

• Wash the interior with a mild cleaner or a solution of liquid dish detergent and warm water.
• Rinse with a solution of baking soda and clean water.
• Dry with a clean cloth.
• Put all food back into the refrigerator.

Door sealing
If the door does not seal correctly, excess frost will collect inside the refrigerator. Make sure the door seals correctly:

• Close the door on a piece of paper that is about the size of a dollar bill (See Art00980).
• Gently pull the paper.
• You should feel a slight drag between the gasket and the cabinet.
• Do this on all four sides of the door.
• If you do not feel a slight drag on the paper, the door is not sealing correctly.
• Have your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center correct the seal of the door.

Refrigerator Storage
Before the refrigerator is stored for an extended (seasonal) period:

• Defrost and clean the interior of the refrigerator
• Leave doors open or cracked

Troubleshooting

If the refrigerator does not cool correctly in DC mode:

• Make sure the power switch is not in the OFF position.
• Make sure the compartment control is at the temperature setting that you wish.
• Make sure that the power source to the refrigerator is serviceable.
• Make sure that the fuse or circuit breaker is intact (See “Over current protection system”)
• Make sure that the refrigerator is correctly installed and that the built-in vents are not blocked.
• Make sure that the ambient temperature is not unusually high (more than 110° F. / 43° C.) (See “Overheating shut-off device operation”).
• Make sure that the doors are closed.
• Make sure that the door gaskets are sealing correctly.
• Make sure that the air circulation inside the refrigerator is not decreased by foods or by shelves that are covered with plastic, paper, etc.
• Make sure that hot foods are not placed in the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator.- Make sure that the freezer is defrosted.

After you make these checks, if the refrigerator does not operate, contact your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center.

Overheating shut-off device operation
Operating the refrigerator in high ambient temperatures can overheat the cooling unit and cause premature failure of the compressor (See the label inside the refrigerator).
To protect the cooling unit from overheating, the refrigerator will automatically shut off when the temperature of the power module is higher than 212° F (100° C). The refrigerator will not restart until the temperature of the power module is lower than 176° F. (80° C).

Low voltage protection system
The voltage required to start the refrigerator initially is 10.9 volts. To prevent completely draining the battery, the refrigerator will automatically shut off when the DC supply voltage becomes too low. The refrigerator will not restart until the DC supply voltages increase. These shut-off and restart voltage levels are:

• 12VDC Operation
• Shut-off 10.4 VDC
• Restart 1 1.8 VDC

Over-current protection system
Your refrigerator has an over-current protection system in the electronic circuit to prevent damage to the inverter which may occur due to a reverse polarity connection.
If the refrigerator does not operate and the blue power light does not come on, check the fuse, which is located in line with the DC connector, and the polarity of the DC power supply. If the refrigerator still does not operate, another problem can exist in the power module. Have an authorized Norcold Service Center check the refrigerator.

Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist
Read and understand the following maintenance sections of this manual.

NOTICE: Norcold is not responsible for installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance performed by anyone other than an authorized Norcold Service Center.

Have an authorized Norcold Service Center do these annual safety and maintenance checks:

• Make sure the DC voltages are correct (See the “Electrical current necessary” section).
• The wire connections must be clean, tight and free of corrosion. If any of these items are not correct:
• A voltage drop to the refrigerator will occur.
• The voltage drop will decrease the cooling performance of the refrigerator.

CAUTION: Disconnect the positive (+) DC power supply wire from the battery before you do a “fast charge” of the battery. Failure to disconnect the positive (+) power supply wire from the battery during a “fast charge” can cause damage to the refrigerator or other 12 volt DC appliances.

• Make sure the area at the rear of the refrigerator is free of anything, especially combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors and liquids.

Replacement Parts

You may purchase replacement parts through your dealer or an authorized Norcold Service Center.
CAUTION: If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.

• The LED lamps can only be replaced by the manufacturer, together with part of the appliance.

Wiring Pictorial

The parts of the wiring pictorial are (See Art2739):

• User Interface Control Board
• Input Power 12VDC
• Fuse 15A
• Compressor Power Module
• Exterior Fan
• Freezer Thermistor
• Fresh Food Refrigerator Thermistor
• Interior Light
• Interior Fan
• Interior Light Switch
• Diverter Valve

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How do I activate the warranty for my Norcold refrigerator?
  • A: To activate your warranty, complete and mail the warranty registration form included with your refrigerator.
• Q: Where can I find the model and serial number of my refrigerator?
  • A: The model and serial numbers are located on the serial plate inside the fresh food compartment on the top right-hand side of the refrigerator.
• Q: What should I do if I experience issues with my refrigerator?
  • A: Contact Norcold Customer Support at 800-543-1219 for assistance or visit their website for authorized service centers.

References

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