phocos FR-B Series DC Chest Refrigerator Freezers User Manual

: October 27, 2023
: phocos

phocos FR-B Series DC Chest Refrigerator Freezers

phoco-FR-B-Series-DC-
Chest-Refrigerator-Freezers-product

Please read the instructions carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

Dear Customer,
Thank you for choosing this quality Phocos product. The FR-B series DC Refrigerator/Freezer has numerous outstanding features such as:

New Feature: BOOST switch for faster cooling
Works as a refrigerator or freezer with an adjustable thermostat
Works with both 12 / 24 V systems (auto recognition)
Direct DC Battery Operation (Does not require an AC inverter)
Intuitive setup including simple 2-wire DC connection
Environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant
Hanging basket(s) included for better space utilization
Lockable lid

Important Safety Instructions

KEEP/SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

This manual contains important instructions for your fridge/freezer that shall be followed during installation, operation, and maintenance.

Battery Types Supported: Lead acid (GEL, AGM, flooded), Lithium
Nominal Battery Voltage Rating Supported: 12V or 24 V
Suggested Battery Fuse: We recommend a 20 A, slow-acting, melting fuse (e. g. automotive fuses) with a minimum interruption rating capacity of 1000 A be installed as close as possible to the battery terminals.
Deep Discharge Protection: For optimizing battery lifespan, Phocos recommends connecting your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer to a 12/24V solar charge controller with a built-in low-voltage disconnect feature with a maximum load current rating of 20A to prevent deep discharging of batteries.
To view a list of available solar charge controllers from Phocos, please visit www.phocos.com.
Polarity: Ensure that the red cable from the unit is connected to the positive (+) pole and the black cable to the negative (-) pole of the battery or solar charge controller.

Installation and Maintenance Notes

When installing or working on any PV system, please be sure to disconnect the PV (solar) modules from the solar charge controller first to prevent any damage! Please verify that all cable/wire connections are tightly fastened to the connectors/binding posts to avoid any bad or loose connections that could result in excessive heating.
Please install and operate the refrigerator/freezer in a shaded, dry environment at all times for best performance.

Flammability

The cooling circuit of this product contains flammable substances. Do not attempt to disassemble the cooling circuit. If a leak is detected, ensure that there is no source of sparks or heat in the vicinity and contact your Phocos dealer. In accordance with the EN 378 standard, the room of installation for the fridge/freezer must have a volume of 1 m³ per 8 g of R600a refrigerant to ensure safe operation at all times. This is to ensure that if a leak develops in the cooling circuit, no flammable gas-air mixture may result in the room.
Information on the actual refrigerant weight contained in this product can be found on the type plate located on the back of the fridge/freezer.

High Voltage Risks

PV modules can generate high DC voltages! Operation of this device may produce high voltages created by connected PV panels, which can cause severe injuries or death in case of improper installation or operation of currents.
Make sure that cables are always connected to the correct terminals. An electric shock can be lethal!

CE Labeling

The product is CE-compliant.

Getting Started

Before making electrical connections and operating your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer, please follow the below steps:

Unpack the FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer
Leave the FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer door open for 2-3 hours prior to filling with contents.
Use a soft cloth and a mild solution of liquid detergent to clean the interior and exterior of the FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer prior to first use.
Choose a well-ventilated location for installation.
Allow sufficient clearance from the walls to dissipate heat, preferably 20 cm (8 inches) at the back and the sides.
Keep your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer away from direct sunlight and high-temperature sources like ovens and cooking ranges.
Avoid damp, unsheltered locations.
Avoid carpeted areas.
Utilize the integrated adjustable feet to achieve a level installation that minimizes noise and vibration.

CAUTION: Never allow children to play or hide inside the FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer cabinet to avoid the risk of injury and/or suffocation.

Connecting Your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer Electrically

To connect to a 12V or 24 V battery system, please follow the below steps:

Remove the compressor/control access panel with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Locate electrical connection wires inside the compressor/control compartment.
Connect and secure the red (positive) wire to the corresponding positive terminal of the battery/solar charge controller avoiding contact with any other wires or terminals. Ensure the positive wire conductors are secure and undamaged before proceeding to Step 4.
Connect the black (negative) wire to the corresponding negative terminal of the battery/solar charge controller avoiding contact with any other wires or terminals. Ensure the negative wire conductors are secure and undamaged before proceeding to Step 5.
Replace the compressor access panel with a Phillips head screwdriver avoiding compression or damage to electrical wiring.
Please consult the below wiring diagrams for more information:
Wiring Diagram 1: Connection to Solar Charge Controller DC Load Port (Shown with Phocos Model# CML-USB-20 – Common Positive)

NOTE: For positive ground systems, always install the battery fuse on the negative battery wire as shown above.
Wiring Diagram 2: Direct Connection to 12 or 24V Battery – Negative Ground

NOTE: For negative ground systems, always install the battery fuse on the positive battery wire as shown above.

Setting the Thermostat for Desired Internal Temperature

The FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer is equipped with a wide-range temperature thermostat which allows the unit to operate as either a Refrigerator or a Freezer. To set your FR-B thermostat to the desired temperature, please follow the below steps:

Locate the thermostat knob on the right side of the cabinet near the bottom
Choose your desired internal temperature from the below table:
Periodically check the internal temperature and adjust the thermostat upward or downward to ensure contents are being stored at the desired temperature.
When the refrigerator/freezer is switched on, you may hear a clicking sound, a gas flow sound, and a compressor humming sound. These are normal operation sounds and not a cause for concern.

Remark:

Setting the thermostat does not change the rate of cooling of the FR-B refrigerator. This setting is used to define the temperature the refrigerator/freezer should hold once fully cooled down. Please always adjust and keep the thermostat at the setting required by the goods that you have stored in the fridge/freezer. If unsure what temperature to select, choose a temperature setting from the above table, then check the internal temperature of your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer after 24 hours of operation and re-adjust the thermostat setting as necessary. To accelerate cooling, please utilize the BOOST feature as described in the section below.

Utilizing BOOST Feature for Accelerated Cooling

Your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer includes a unique BOOST feature that accelerates cooling performance to achieve the target internal temperature in the quickest possible time. The BOOST switch is located on the right side of the cabinet near the bottom of the unit.
If adding warm or a large volume of goods, the BOOST switch can be used to help cool down goods faster than when set to default ECO mode. BOOST mode will not make the internal temperature colder. Rather, it shortens the time that it takes to stabilize the temperature inside set by the thermostat.

Remark:

Using BOOST mode will increase energy consumption to rise by up to 20% higher than ECO mode. Therefore, we recommend using BOOST mode on a temporary basis only until the target temperature has been achieved. When the temperature is stabilized, return to ECO mode for maximum energy efficiency.

Maintenance

CAUTION:

Do not place hot (>50°C / 122°F) or heavy (>10 kg / 22 Ibs) objects on top of the Refrigerator/Freezer.
Do not place lit candles or other sources of fire/heat on top of the Refrigerator/Freezer or near the ventilation cover at the right bottom side as this may cause a fire.
Are you moving home or going on vacation?

Before moving, get the Refrigerator/Freezer thoroughly inspected and packed, this will keep it safe during transportation.
The Refrigerator/Freezer should always be transported in an upright position. If Refrigerator/Freezer is set on end when moving, let stand for at least 12 hours in an upright position prior to use.
Remove all food items from the Refrigerator/Freezer when moving/transporting.
When not in use or when you are going on vacation (for more than a week), disconnect the fridge/freezer from the battery and leave the door ajar to avoid a stale odor or mold.

Please take care of the following before cleaning the

Refrigerator/Freezer

Before cleaning, always switch off the power supply and disconnect the fridge/freezer from the battery.
Take out all items from the Refrigerator/Freezer.
Use mild liquid detergent solution or a synthetic detergent to clean all the parts, the inside and the outside of the Refrigerator/Freezer .
Wipe dry with a soft cloth. Leave the door open until fully dried inside.
Connect back the power source and switch it on. Allow the Refrigerator/Freezer to cool for 3 hours.
Optionally to polish the exterior, use liquid silicon or a good quality automotive or appliance wax polish.
Do not use metal or sharp tools or electric heaters to defrost.

Error Description

Please refer to this troubleshooting guide should you encounter any difficulties with your FR-B Refrigerator/Freezer.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution(s)

The fridge/ Freezer does not work

| ● Wires connected to battery/charge controller with the wrong polarity

● Fuse blown

● Supply voltage low (below 10.4 V / 22.8 V)

● Lose electrical connection to the battery.

● Temperature control knob at 0 position

|

● Check wires for correct polarity connection to battery

● Replace fuse

● Recharge battery, increase solar PV-panel-size

● Repair electrical connection

● Rotate the knob to desired cooling position

The power is on but the unit is not cooling| ● Supply voltage low (below 10.4 V / 22.8 V)| ● Recharge/replace the battery

● Increase PV-panel/array power

Insufficient cooling

| ● The door is not shut properly

● Temperature of the room is very high or in direct sunlight

● Incorrect setting of the thermostat

● Battery voltage low (below 10.4 V / 22.8 V)

● The Refrigerator/Freezer is too close to the wall or another obstruction

|

● Check and close the door properly

● Move the Refrigerator/Freezer to a cooler/shaded location

● Maintain at least 20 cm / 8 inches

the gap between the Refrigerator/Freezer and the walls

Condensed water accumulating inside the unit

| ● Refrigerator/Freezer not on level ground

● Drain pipe cover is closed (at the front, bottom left of the unit) or clogged

| ● Re-level the cabinets as explained in an earlier section

● Open the drain pipe cover to let out Water. If necessary, clean the drain pipe then close the cover again.

The unit is unstable or vibrating

|

● Cabinet is not leveled properly

|

● Re-level the cabinet by adjusting the position of feet as applicable

Electrical shock through the body

|

● Wiring of the system not properly grounded.

| ● Check the proper grounding of your system

● Replace your charge controller

● Call your Phocos dealer or a qualified electrician for assistance

---|---|---
Excessive cooling/gas flow noise from fridge/freezer|

● Thermostat set too high

● This noise is normal

|

● Set the thermostat to a lower position

Internal temperature is too low|

● Thermostat set too high

| ● Set the thermostat to lower position

Specifications

Type	FR100- B	FR230- B	FR350- B
System Voltage	12 / 24V auto recognition
Temperature Range	-18° to +8°C / -0.4° to 46.4°F

Energy Consumption at 21°C / 70°F

(in Default ECO

Mode)

| 82 Wh/day (Fridge: 4°C/38°F)

433 Wh/day (Freezer:

-18°C/0°F)

| 178 Wh / day (Fridge: 4°C/38°F)

609 Wh/day (Freezer:

-18°C/0°F)

| 202 Wh / day (Fridge: 4°C/38°F)

679 Wh/day (Freezer:

-18°C/0°F)

Energy Consumption at 32°C / 90°F

(in Default ECO

Mode)

| 174 Wh/day (Fridge: 4°C/38°F)

561 Wh/day (Freezer:

-18°C/0°F)

| 193 Wh/day (Fridge: 4°C/38°F)

899 Wh/day (Freezer:

-18°C/0°F)

| 228 Wh/day (Fridge: 4°C/38°F)

981 Wh/day (Freezer:

-18°C/0°F)

Power consumption

at 12 Vdc*

Temperature

(W x H x D)

| 685 x 850 x 590 mm /

27 x 33.5 x 23.2 in

| 1035 x 750 x 850 mm /

40.75 x 29.52 x 33.46 in

| 1475 x 750 x 875 mm /

58.07 x 29.53 x 34.45 in

Inner Dimensions (W x H x D)

| 505 x 640 x 375 mm

19.9 x 25.2 x 14.8 in

(Excludes compressor recess of 190 x 210 x 375 mm/7.5 x

8.3 x 14.8 in)

| 856 x 628 x 498 mm

33.7 x 24.7 x 19.6 in

(Excludes compressor recess of 230 x 250 x 496 mm/9.1 x

9.8 x 19.5 in)

| 1290 x 619 x 498 mm

50.8 x 24.4 x 19.6 in

(Excludes compressor recess of 300 x 240 x 498 mm/11.8 x

9.4 x 19.6 in)

Max. surge for compressor start-up 15 A / 8 A for 12 / 24 V, respectively. All surge durations below 0.2 s.

Liability Exclusion

The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damages caused by use other than as intended or as mentioned in this manual or if the recommendations of the battery manufacturer are neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if there has been service or repair carried out by any unauthorized person, unusual use, wrong installation, or bad system design.
We warranty this product against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of purchase and will repair or replace any defective unit when directly returned, postage paid, to Phocos. This warranty will be considered void if the unit has suffered any obvious physical damage or alteration either internally or externally. This warranty does not cover damage arising from improper use, such as plugging the unit into unsuitable power sources, attempting to operate products that require excessive power consumption, or using in unsuitable environments. This is the only warranty the company makes. No other warranties express or implied including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Repair and replacement are your sole remedies and the company shall not be liable for damages, whether direct, incidental, special, or consequential, even if caused by negligence.

CONTACT US

Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2020 Phocos AG, All Rights Reserved.
Version: 20201216
Made in China
Phocos AG
Magirus- Deutz-Str. 12
89077 Ulm, Germany
Phone +49 731 9380688-0
Fax +49 731 9380688-50

www.phocos.com
info@phocos.com