DOMETIC Absorption-Refrigerator Instruction Manual

REFRIGERATION RGE SERIES

RGE 2100
Absorber refrigerator
Installation and Operating Manual

Before using the appliance please read the instruction manual carefully. This appliance has to be installed and connected according to the instructions of the manufacturer. The room has to be well ventilated and the appliance has to be protected against rain.

Operating Instructions

Record for future reference:
Model number ………………………………………
Product number ………………………………………
Serial number ………………………………………

General

Introduction

You have made an excellent choice in selecting the Dometic Absorption Refrigerator. We are sure that you will be satisfied with your new refrigerator in all respects. The refrigerator, which works silently, meets high-quality standards and guarantees the efficient utilization of resources and energy throughout its entire life cycle, during manufacture, in use, and when being disposed of.

Guide to these operating instructions

Before you start using the refrigerator, please read the operating instructions carefully.
These instructions provide you with the necessary guidance for the proper use of your refrigerator. Observe in particular the safety instructions. Observation of the instructions and handling recommendations is important for dealing with the refrigerator safely and for protecting you from injury and the refrigerator from damage. You must understand what you have read before you carry out a task.

Keep these instructions in a safe place close to the refrigerator so they may be referred to at any time.

Copyright protection

The information, texts and illustrations in these instructions are copyright protected and are subject to industrial property rights. No part of these instructions may be reproduced, copied or utilised in any other way without written authorisation by Dometic GmbH, Siegen.

Explanation of symbols used in this manual

Warning notices
Warning notices are identified by symbols. A supplementary text gives you an explanation of the degree of danger. Observe these warning notices rigorously. You will thus protect yourself and other people from injury, and the appliance from damage.

DANGER indicates an imminent hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury

CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION (used without the safety alert symbol) indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the ppliance.

Information
INFORMATION gives you supplementary and useful guidance when dealing with your refrigerator.

Environmental Tips
ENVIRONMENTAL TIPS gives you useful guidance for saving energy and disposal of the appliance.

Warranty

Warranty arrangements are in accordance with EC Directive 44/1999/CE and the normal conditions applicable for the country concerned. For warranty or other maintenance, please contact our customer services department. Any damage due to improper use is not covered by the warranty. The warranty does not cover any modifications to the appliance or the use of non-original Dometic parts. The warranty does not apply if the installation and operating instructions are not adhered to and no liability shall be entertained.

Limitation of liability

All information and guidance in these operating instructions were prepared after taking into consideration the applicable standards and regulations as well as the current state of the art. Dometic reserves the right to make changes at any time which are deemed to be in the interest of improving the product and safety.

Dometic will assume no liability for damage in the case of :

• non-observation of the operating instructions
• application not in accordance with the regulations or provisions
• use of non-original spare parts
• improper modifications and interferences to the appliance
• effect of environmental influences, such as
  – temperature fluctuations
  – humidity

Customer services

Dometic offers a pan-European customer service network. Find your authorised customer service centre by calling the phone number indicated in the EuroService Network book, EuroService Network – which accompanies every refrigerator. You can also obtain the address information of the nearest customer service from www.dometic.com. When contacting Dometic Customer Services, please state the model, product number and serial number together with the MLC code, if applicable. You will find this information on the rating plate inside the refrigerator. We recommend that you note this data in the field provided on the front page of this operation manual.

Spare parts

Parts can be ordered throughout Europe from our customer services.
Always give the model and product number when you contact the customer service! You will find this information on the rating plate inside the refrigerator.

Environmental notices

Ammonia (a natural compound of hydrogen and nitrogen) is used in the cooling unit as a coolant. Non-ozone-hazardous cyclopentane is used as a propellant for manufacturing PU foam insulation.

Disposal

In order to ensure that the recyclable packaging materials are re-used, they should be sent to the customary local collection system. The appliance should be transferred to a suitable waste disposal company that will ensure re-use of the recyclable components and proper disposal of the rest. For eco-friendly draining of the coolant from all absorber refrigeration units, a suitable disposal plant should be used. Appliances bearing this symbol must be depo-
sited at the designated local reception point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. It is not permitted that this product be disposed of by way of the normal household refuse collection system. Dometic refrigerators bear this symbol on the data plate to be found in the interior of the unit.

Energy-saving tips

• At an average ambient temperature of 25°C, it is sufficient to operate the refrigerator at middle thermostat setting.
• Where possible, always store precooled products.
• Do not expose the refrigerator to direct sunlight or any other heat source (e.g. heater).
• Ensure that air circulation of the refrigeration unit is not obstructed.
• Arrange the shelves evenly in the refrigerator (in the cooling compartment) in order to achieve the most efficient use of energy.
• Maintain a clearance of approx. 10 mm between chilled products and post-evaporator (“cooling fins”).
• Defrosting at regular intervals saves energy (see section 5.10 “Defrosting”).
• Open the refrigerator door only for a short period of time when removing products. Run the refrigerator for about 12 hours before filling it.

**Declaration of conformity

** Safety instructions

**Application according to regulations

**

The refrigerator is intended for installation in homes, cottages, hunting lodges or similar. The appliance has been certified for this application in accordance with EU Gas Directive 90/396/EEC. It is not designd for installation in leisure vehicles such as caravans or motorcaravans or boats.
The refrigerator is to be used solely for storing foodstuffs

The refrigerator is not suitable for the proper storage of medication. Please observe in addition the instructions in the medication package inserts.

The appliance must not be exposed to rain.

User’s responsibility

Anyone operating the refrigerator must be familiar with the safe handling and understand the advice in these operating instructions.
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 are supervised or have been given instruction concerning 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. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children. [EN 60335-2-24, 7.12]

Protection of children when disposing of the equipment

When disposing of the refrigerator, detach all refrigerator doors and leave the storage racks in the refrigerator. In this way inadvertent entrappment and suffocation is prevented.

Working upon and checking the refrigerator

Work on gas equipment, exhaust system and electrical facilities must be carried out by authorised personnel only. Substantial damage to property and/or injury to persons can arise through unprofessional procedures.

Never use an unshielded flame to check gas bearing parts and pipes for leakage! There is a danger of fire or explosion..

Never open the absorber cooling unit! It is under high pressure. There is a danger of injury!

Information on coolant

Ammonia is used as a coolant. This is a natural compound also used in household cleaning agents (1 litre of Salmiak cleaner contains up to 200g of ammonia about twice as much as is used in the refrigerator). Sodium chromate is used for corrosion protection (1.8% by weight of the solvent).
In the event of leakage (easily identifiable from the strong odour), proceed as follows:
– Switch off the appliance.
– Air the room thoroughly.
– Inform authorised customer services.

For your safety it was ascertained in an expert’s report that no impairment of health exists when the coolant is discharged.

Operating the refrigerator with gas

It is imperative that the operating pressure corresponds to the data specified on the rating plate of the appliance. Compare the operating pressure of the rating plate with the data specified on the pressure reducing valve of the liquid gas cylinder.
The refrigerator is operated using the gases and inlet pressures stated below. The pressure reducing valve between the gas cylinder and cooker to be used must comply with the categories stated in the following table.

Connection pressure and gas categories

If you smell gas :

• Open all windows and leave the room.

• Do not operate any electrical equipment and prevent the use of naked flames.

• Close the gas cylinder valve and leave it closed until the fault has been rectified.

• Contact authorised specialist personnel* for advice.

• authorised specialist personnel
  Authorised specialist personnel are accredited experts who are able, by virtue of their training and knowledge, to vouch that the inspection has been carried out properly.

Safety instructions when storing foodstuffs

Instructions for storing food in a refrigerator:
No refrigerator of any kind can improve the quality of the food; refrigerators can only maintain the food’s quality for a short duration as from the time of storing it.
Please observe the following particular conditions for storing food in a refrigerator that is built into a vehicle:

• A change in the climatic conditions such as temperature fluctuations

• High temperatures inside the room

• A refrigerator built in behind a window and exposed to direct sunlight

• Storing the products too soon, i.e. shortly after starting up the appliance for use
  Under these particular conditions the refrigerator cannot guarantee reaching the temperature needed for perishables. Perishables include all products with a stipulated use-by date and a minimum storage temperature of +4°C or less, especially for meat, poultry, fish, sausages, pre-packed foods.

• Pack raw and cooked foods separately (e.g. in containers, aluminium foil, etc.).

• Only remove the outside packaging of single packs if all the necessary information, e.g. the use-by date, can also be read on the single packs.

• Do not leave cooled goods outside the refrigerator for too long.

• Place the foods with the next use-by date at the front, accordingly.

• Pack away any left-over food and eat at the first opportunity.

• Wash your hands before and after handling any food.

• Regularly clean the inside of the refrigerator.

Please observe the instructions and information regarding the use-by date on the outside packaging of the food.

Please observe section “4.1 Cleaning” of this instruction.

The cooling unit’s performance is influenced by ambient temperatures. Please select the medium setting for ambient temperatures between +15°C and +25°C (refer to Fig. 28, temperature level 3). The unit operates within its optimum performance range. Dometic refrigerators work according to the absorption principle. For physical reasons, an absorption system responds slowly to changes made by the thermostat controller, by loss of cooling energy through opening the door or during storing food. The devices meet the cooling performance requirements of the Climatic Class SN acc. to EN/ISO 7371 in the temperature range of +10°C to +32°C ambient temperature.

Description of model

Model identification

Absorption refrigerator operated with liquid gas and mains power

Refrigerator rating plate

The rating plate is to be found on the inside of the refrigerator. It contains all important details of the refrigerator. You can read off from this the model identification, the product number, and the serial number. You will need these details whenever you contact the customer service centre or when ordering spare parts

Technical data

Gross contents (litres)………………………….100
Freezer compartment(litres)……………………. 9
Gross conten (without freezer comp)………. 106
Dimensions (mm) (H x W x D) …………………………… 859x531x558
Electrical rating (W) ………………………….. 125
Gas consumption (30 / 50 mbar)
g / 24h ……………………………………… 270 / 360
Power consumption
kWh / 24h ……………………………………….. 2.5
Net weight (kg) …………………………………. 32.2
Gas ignition ………………………….. Piezo-igniter

Freestanding
Subject to technical changes.
*Average consumption measured at an average ambient temperature of 25°C in pursuance of ISO Standard.

Description of refrigerator

1. Operating controls
2. Freezer compartment (removable)
3. Insertable grid shelf (available as option, to be used when freezer compartment is removed)
4. Post-evaporator for cooling compartment
5. Condensation water drain channel
6. Vegetable bin
7. Upper door shelf with flap
8. Lower door shelf with bottle holders

Installation

Mounting and connection

This fridge is tested and approved for usage in closed rooms.
Mounting the fridge, please note the following points:

• The room must have a cubic capacity of at least 20m³, has to be well ventilated and have a window, which can be opened or a door, leading outside.
• The fridge has to be mounted free-standing, meaning a minimum space to surrounding walls or furniture of 50mm (no build-in!)
• The space between the fridge and objects (cupboards etc.) has to be at least 100mm.
• The fridge has to be mounted horizontally and on a steady subsurface.
• The fridge must not be exposed to heat radiation of hot objects (e.g. oven, radiator).
• The cooling unit on the backside (covered) has to be well-ventilated continuously. Do not cover the cooling unit (e.g. towels, curtains). Not sufficient ventilation will lead to loss of cooling performance!
• The fridge must be protected from spray water. Please respect, that the fridge is not exposed to rain, before or during the mounting.

 Electrical connection

• The supply voltage must correspond to the value specified on the data plate. Any difference in values may result in damage the appliance.
• The power must be supplied via a properly earthed socket outlet.
• It is advisable to run the incoming supply through an automatic circuit breaker.
• The power cable must be laid in such a way that it does not come in contact with hot components of the unit/burner or with sharp edges.

CAUTION!
The mains plug/socket must be freely accessible.

If the connection cable is damaged it must be replaced by the Customer Service at Dometic, or by respectively qualified personnel, in order to prevent any hazards.

Placing the gas bottle

• Gas bottles have to stand up straight.
• Place the gas bottle well-ventilated.
• Place the gas-bottle, where it can be easily recognized in case of a fire.
• The distance between the gas bottle and the fridge must not exceed 1.5m.
• Only use bottle types and pressure regulation device that are valid in the particular country

Gas connection

The refrigerator should only be operated using liquid gas (propane, butane). Do not use town gas or natural gas.

• The correct connection of the fridge has to be carried out by a skilled specialist.

• Note the particularly valid national rules for usage of LG-driven appliances.
  – Technical Standards EN 732

• A preset pressure regulator (1), Fig. 3, has to be installed within the supplying line to the fridge. The fridge must not be operated with any other pressure than the one indicated on the rating label.

• The fridge has to be connected to the gas bottle with a security hose
  Choose a sufficient length to connect the hose pipe without kinks. The hose must not be longer than 1.5 m.

• The gas connection to the appliance is effected by means of a suitable coupling tube fitting L8, DIN 2353-ST, complying with EN 1949 (e. g. Ermeto).

• The hose has to be replaced within the intervals settled in the particular national rules.

• After having connected the gas bottle, a leak test at all joints and a burner flame test have to be carried out. Use a leak indicating spray or a foaming agent carrying out the leak test. After having opened the bottle valve check the joints for bubbles

Never use a naked flame to check the appliance for leaks.

Assembling the doorgrip

1. Fixing points: use true-to-scale template (1) (see Item 5.14)
   

2. Adjust door handle at the door and screw onto it.
   

3. Attach cover and fix by pushing.

Refrigerator operation

The refrigerator is equipped to operate on three power modes:

• Mains voltage (230V AC)
• Gas (liquid gas propane/butane)
  Select the desired power mode by the energy selector switch (Fig.7).

The gas burner must be inspected and cleaned as necessary at least once a year.Keep the evidence of maintenance work carried out on your refrigerator.
We recommend maintenance following an extended shutdown of the vehicle. Please contact our customer services.

The cooling unit is silent in operation.
When the appliance is first put into operation, there may be a mild odour which will disappear after a few hours.
The refrigerator will take several hours to reach its operating temperature in the cooling compartment. The freezer compartment should be cold about one hour after switching on the refrigerator.

Cleaning

Before starting up the refrigerator, it is recommended that you clean it inside and repeat this at regular intervals. Use a soft cloth and lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Then wipe out the appliance with clean water and dry thoroughly. To avoid material alterations, do not use soap or hard, abrasive or soda-based cleaning agents. Do not allow the door seal to come into contact with oil or grease.

Maintenance

Work on gas and electrical equipment shall be carried out by qualified personnel only.

• The gas burner must be inspected and cleaned as necessary at least once a year.Keep the evidence of maintenance work carried out on your refrigerator.
• We recommend maintenance following an extended shutdown of the vehicle. Please contact our customer services.

Electrical operation

CAUTION!
This option should only be selected where the supply voltage of the connection for power supply corresponds to the value specified on the data plate. Any difference in values may result in damage the appliance.

Gas operation (Liquid gas)

• The refrigerator must be operated using liquid gas (propane, butane) (no natural gas or town gas).
• For physical reasons, gas ignition faults could occur starting from an altitude above sea level of approx. 3280 ft. / 1000 m (No malfunction!)
• On the initial refrigerator start-up or after a cylinder change, air may be trapped in the gas line. To purge the air from the lines, switch on the refrigerator for a short time. The gas ignites without delay.
• Each refrigerator with manual ignition is equipped with an automatic flame safety valve which interrupts the gas supply automatically after approx. 30 seconds when the flame has extinguished.

Operation

Explanation of operating controls Manual energy selection / manual ignition Piezo-igniter:

1. Power On switch / Energy selector switch
2. Temperature controller
3. Piezo-igniter (gas)
4. Flame indicator (galvanometer)

Explanations: Select the desired power supply by turning the energy selector switch (1). The energy selector switch (1) has four settings:

• Off (2)
• Mains voltage (230V AC) (3)
• Off (4)
• Gas (liquid gas propane/butane) (5)
  

Electrical operation

Switch on the appliance by turning the energy selection switch (1) clockwise to position :
230V operation.

Gas operation (Liquid gas)

Prior to starting the refrigerator in gas mode :

• Open the gas cylinder valve.
  

1. Turn the rotary selector switch (1) to position
   gas operation.

2. Turn the temperature selector (2) clockwise and push. Keep the controller button depressed.

3. Activate Piezo ignition (3) several times at intervals 1-2 second.

4. Once the flame ignites, the pointer of galvanometer (4) begins moving into the green range. Keep knob (2) depressed for approx. 15 seconds and finally release it.
   The refrigerator is operational.

Setting of cooling compartment temperature

Select the desired cooling compartment temperature by turning the rotary knob (2) . The scale starts with MIN position (small bar = highest temperature) and climbs up to MAX position (large bar = lowest temperature).
Note: The temperature levels do not relate to absolute temperature values.

Positioning the storage racks

The storage racks may be pulled out by smoothly lifting them and may be positioned as desired.

Removable freezer compartment

To enlarge the cooling compartment, just remove the freezer compartment.

1. Unlock the freezer compartment on both sides.
2. Pull the freezer compartment out. Store the freezer compartment safely in order to prevent damage

Once the freezer compartment is removed, an additional storage rack (3.) may be installed. The storage rack is a piece of extra equipment and may be obtained by Dometic.

Storing food and making ice cubes

Storing products in the cooling compartment

• Switch the refrigerator on approx. 12 hours before filling it.
• Always store pre-cooled foods in the refrigerator. Make sure that the food is well cooled when it is bought and also when transporting it. Use insulated cooling bags.
• Open the refrigerator door only for a short period of time when removing products.
• Products must be packed – best of all in closed containers, wrapped in aluminium foil or similar – and stored separately from each other, in order to prevent drying out or odours.
• Allow foods that have been warmed up to cool down before storing.
• Avoid storing products in the refrigerator that could emit volatile flammable gases.
• Do not overfill the storage grids and compartments to prevent obstructing the internal air circulation. Maintain a clearance of approx. 5 – 10 mm between chilled products and post-evaporator (“cooling fins”).
• Ensure that air circulation of the cooling unit is not obstructed. Keep the ventilation grilles free from obstructions.

Storing products in the freezer compartment

Do not keep carbonated drinks in the freezer. The freezer compartment is suitable for making ice cubes and for short-term stora ge of frozen food. It is not suitable as a means of freezing foods.

When ambient temperatures are lower than +10°C and the refrigerator is exposed to these temperatures for extended periods of time, an even regulation of freezer temperature cannot be guaranteed for systemrelated reasons. This can cause the temperature in the freezer to rise and the stored goods to melt.

Making ice cubes

1. Freezer compartment : already frozen food (deep-frozen food)
2. Middle compartment: Dairy products, convenience food
3. Bottom compartment: Meat, fish, food for defrosting
4. Vegetable compartment: Salads, vegetables, fruit
5. Top door shelf: Eggs, butter
6. Middle door shelf: Cans, dressings, ketchup, jam
7. Bottom door shelf (drinks compartment): Drinks in bottles or bags

Making ice cubes

Ice cubes are best frozen overnight. At night, the refrigerator has less work to do and the unit has more reserves.

1. Fill the ice cube tray with drinking water.
   

2. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer compartment.

Only use drinking water!

Shutting off the refrigerator

• Set energy selector switch (1) to position “OFF”. The appliance is switched off
• Leave the door open. It shall be slightly ajar. This is to prevent mould from forming inside the appliance.
• If the refrigerator is to be taken out of service for an extended period of time, close the onboard shut-off valve and the cylinder valve .

Defrosting

As time goes by, frost builds up on the fins inside the refrigerator. A layer of frost thicker on one side may occur and does not represent a malfunction. When this layer of frost is about 0.118 inches (3 mm) thick, the refrigerator should be defrosted..

• Switch off the refrigerator, as described in section 5.9 Shutting of the refrigerator.
• Remove all food and the ice cube tray.
• Leave the refrigerator door open to allow air to enter and to prevent formation of mildew.
• After defrosting (freezer compartment and fins free of frost), wipe both cooling compartments dry with a cloth.

Note: Water thawing in the main compartment of the refrigerator runs into an appropriate container at the back of the refrigerator. From there, the water evaporates.

CAUTION!
The layer of ice must never be removed forcibly, nor may defrosting be accelerated using a heat source!

Changing the doorhang

If it is necessary to tilt or lay the fridge onto the side, wait for one hour, before taking the fridge into operation. The cooling agent runs back into the reservoir of the cooling unit. Thus a correct operating of the fridge is guaranteed.

• Open the door, unscrew the hinge screw and keep it to hand.
• Take off the door by moving it in your direction.
• Loosen hinge pin and screw it in at opposite side.
• Transfer distance washer on lower hinge.
• Shove door into upper hinge pin and put it on lower hinge.
• Screw in hinge screw.
• Check that the door moves freely and the gasket seals completely when the door is closed.

Changing the decor panel

• Remove the lateral ledge (1) the door (ledge is attached, not screwed).
• Shift decor panel (2) away from the door and insert the new decor panel. Re-attach ledge (1)

Decor panel dimensions :

max. 1.7 mm

Trouble-shooting

Before notifying the authorised Service Center, please check whether:

• the instructions in section “Operating the refrigerator” have been observed.
• the refrigerator stands level.
• it is possible to operate the refrigerator with any available power source.

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently.

– Inadequate ventilation to the unit.
– Thermostat setting is too low.
– The condenser is heavily frosted.
– Too much warm food has been stored inside within short period of time.
– The appliance has been running for only a short period of time.
– Ambient temperatures too high.| – Check that the ventilation grille of the cooling unit  is not covered.
– Set thermostat to a higher level.
– Check that the refrigerator door closes properly.
– Allow warm food to cool down before storage.
– Check whether the cooling compartment works after approx. 4 – 5 hours.
– Ventilate room.

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in gas operation mode.

– Gas cylinder empty.
– Is the upstream shut-off device open ?
– Air in the gas pipe ?| – Change gas cylinder.
– Open shut-off device.
– Switch off the appliance and start again. Repeat this procedure 3- 4 times, if necessary

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in 230V operation.

– On-board fuse defective.
– No connection to mains supply voltage.
– Heating element defective.| – Fit new fuse.
– Make a connection to a mains power supply.
– Please inform the Dometic Customer Service.

References

• Dometic | Dometic Australia
• Contact Us | Support for You | Dometic USA
• Find a Dealer | Dometic USA
• Service locator | Dometic USA
• Home

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