accucold VT,VLT Serise Commercial Manual Defrost Chest Freezer Owner’s Manual

: October 27, 2023
: accucold

Table of Contents

accucold VT, VLT Series Commercial Manual Defrost Chest Freezer
CALIFORNIA CARB/SNAP DISCLOSURE
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Cleaning Your Freezer
TROUBLESHOOTING
LIMITED WARRANTY
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

accucold VT, VLT Series Commercial Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

BEFORE USE, PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.

CALIFORNIA CARB/SNAP DISCLOSURE

This product uses eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerant and fully complies with California CARB regulations. However, we are required by California Law to provide the following disclosure statement in every product sold in California. “This equipment is prohibited from use in California with any refrigerants on the ‘List of Prohibited Substances’ for that specific end-use, in accordance with California Code of Regulations, title 17, section 95374. This disclosure statement has been reviewed and approved by Felix Storch, Inc. and Felix Storch, Inc. attests, under penalty of perjury, that these statements are true and accurate.”This product does not use any refrigerants on the ‘List of Prohibited Substances”

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages. This is the Safety Alert Symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or injure you and others. All safety messages will follow the Safety Alert Symbol and either the words”

DANGER
means that failure to heed this safety statement may result in severe personal injury or death.

WARNING
means that failure to heed this safety statement may result in extensive product damage, serious personal injury, or death.

CAUTION
means that failure to heed this safety statement may result in minor or moderate personal injury, or property or equipment damage.Safety messages will alert you to what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and let you know what can happen if the instructions are not followed. Before your chest freezer is used, it must be properly positioned and installed as described in this manual, so read the manual carefully. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or injury when using the chest freezer, follow basic precautions, including the following:

The VT133, VT183, VT203, and VT252 are CFC- and HFC-free and contain a small quantity of propane (R290). The VT73 and VT103 are CFC- and HFC-free and contain a small quantity of Isobutane (R600a). These are environmentally, but flammable. They do not damage the ozone layer, nor do they increase the greenhouse effect. Care must be taken during transportation and setting up the appliance so that no parts of the cooling system are damaged. Leaking coolant can ignite and may damage the eyes.
In the event of any damage:
- Avoid open flames and anything that creates a spark
- Disconnect from the electrical power line
- Air the room in which the appliance is located for several minutes and
- Contact the Service Department for advice
The more coolant there is in an appliance, the larger the room it should be installed in. In the event of a leakage, if the appliance is in a small room, there is the danger of combustible gasses building up. The amount of coolant in the appliance is stated on the rating label on the appliance. It is hazardous for anyone other than the Authorized Service Person to carry out servicing or repairs to the appliance.
Take serious care when handling, moving, and using the appliance to avoid either damaging the refrigerant tubing or increasing the risk of a leak.
Replacing component parts and servicing shall be done by factory-authorized service personnel so as to minimize the risk of possible ignition due to incorrect parts or improper service.
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Do not remove the grounding prong, do not use an adapter, and do not use an extension cord.
Replace all panels before operating.
It is recommended that a separate circuit, serving only your chest freezer, be provided.
Use receptacles that cannot be turned off by a switch or pull chain.
Never clean chest freezer parts with flammable fluids. These fumes can create a fir hazard or explosion.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. The fumes can create a fire hazard or explosion.
Before proceeding with cleaning and maintenance operations, make sure the power line of the unit is disconnected.
Do not connect or disconnect the electric plug when your hands are wet.
Unplug the chest freezer or disconnect the power before cleaning or servicing. Failure to do so can result in electrical shock or death.
Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of your chest freezer unless it is specifically recommended in this material. All other servicing should be referred to a qualified technician.

This unit is not designed to operate in enclosed spaces. When placing your unit, make sure you allow adequate airflow on all sides.

Use two or more people to move and install the chest freezer. Failure to do so can result in back or another injury.
To ensure proper ventilation for your chest freezer, the front of the unit must be completely unobstructed. Choose a well-ventilated area with temperatures above 55°F (13°C) and below 90°F
(32°C). This unit must be installed in an area protected from the elements, such as wind, rain, water spray or sunlight.
The chest freezer should not be located next to ovens, grills or other sources of high heat.
The chest freezer must be installed with all electrical connections in accordance with state and local codes. A standard electrical supply (115V AC, 60 Hz), properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances, is required.
Do not kink or pinch the power supply cord of the chest freezer.
The fuse (or circuit breaker) size should be 15 amperes.
It is important for the chest freezer to be leveled in order to work properly. You may need to make several adjustments to level it.
Never allow children to operate, play with or crawl inside the chest freezer
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents or abrasives on the interior. These cleaners may damage or discolor the interior.
Keep fingers out of the “pinch point” areas. Clearances between the door and cabinet are necessarily small. Be careful closing door when children are in the area.
Do not use this apparatus for other than its intended purpose.

Risk of child entrapment
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned freezers are still dangerous, even if they will “just sit in the garage a few days.”

Before you throw away your old freezer: Take off the doors. Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.
Never allow children to operate, play with, or crawl inside the freezer.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Before Using Your Freezer

Remove the exterior and interior packing.
Check to be sure you have all of the following parts:
- 1 or more storage baskets
- Set of pop-out keys (larger models only)
- 1 instruction manual
Before connecting the freezer to the power source, let it stand upright for approximately 2 hours. This will reduce the possibility of a malfunction in the cooling system from handling during transportation.
Clean the interior surface with lukewarm water using a soft cloth.

Installing Your Freezer

This appliance is designed to be free-standing only, and should not be recessed or built-in.
Place your freezer on a floor that is strong enough to support the freezer when it is fully loaded.
Allow 5 inches of space at the back and sides of the freezer, which allows proper air circulation.
Be sure the freezer is absolutely level for proper operation. Check with a carpenter’s level. Place thin wood or metal shims under the freezer if necessary.
Locate the freezer away from direct sunlight and sources of heat (stove, heater, radiator, etc.). Direct sunlight may affect the acrylic coating and heat sources may increase electrical consumption. Extremely cold ambient temperatures may also cause the freezer not to perform properly.
Avoid locating the freezer in moist areas.
Plug the freezer into an exclusive, properly installed, grounded wall outlet. Do not under any circumstances cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. Any questions concerning power and/or grounding should be directed toward a certified electrician or an authorized service center.
After plugging the appliance into a wall outlet, allow the unit to cool down for at least 4 hours before placing items in the freezer.

Electrical Connection

This freezer should be properly grounded for your safety. The power cord is equipped with a three-prong plug that mates with standard three-prong wall outlets to minimize the possibility of electrical shock. Do not under any circumstances cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord supplied. This freezer requires a standard 115Volt / 60Hz electrical outlet with three-prong ground.

To prevent accidental injury, the cord should be secured behind the freezer and not left exposed or dangling. Never unplug the freezer by pulling the power cord. Always grip the plug firmly and pull it straight out from the receptacle. Never handle the cord with wet hands. Do not use an extension cord with this appliance. If the power cord is too short, have a qualified electrician or service technician install an outlet near the appliance.

OPERATING YOUR FREEZER
NOTE: If the unit is unplugged, has lost power, or is turned off, you must wait for 3 to 5 minutes before restarting the unit. If you attempt to restart before this time delay, the freezer will not start.

Digital Thermostat

If you find it necessary to change the temperature setting for your digital thermostat, please refer to the instructions below.

To See the Set Point
The default display for your digital thermostat is the internal cabinet temperature. To view the unit’s set point, push and immediately release the SET key. The display will flash, showing the set point value. If no other actions are taken in 6 seconds, the display will revert to the internal air temperature. Please note the temperature displayed on the digital thermostat is the internal air temperature. Your temperature measurement device/alarm/thermometer provides a temperature readout based on the buffered probe in order to better simulate the temperature of what is actually stored inside the unit (as opposed to the air temperature itself). As a result, these readings may not always display the same temperature reading.

To Change the Set Point
While the set point value is blinking, press the UP or DOWN arrow to change the set point to your desired temperature. Press the SET button again to exit the adjustment. The display will revert to the internal air temperature. The minimum and maximum range of your thermostat is preset and locked by us, so it cannot easily be accidentally moved outside of the recommended temperature range.
NOTES:

If the unit is unplugged, has lost power or is turned off, you must wait 3 to 5 minutes before restarting the unit. If you attempt to restart before this time delay, the freezer will not start.
Adding large amounts of room-temperature items at one time will temporarily lower the cooling efficiency of the appliance.
When loading the freezer, freeze only three pounds of desired product per cubic foot of freezer space at one time.
Distribute packages to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer.
The freezer door is susceptible to breaking due to excessive ice buildup. Be sure to defrost when the ice reaches ¼ to ½ inch thickness.

Thermometer/Alarm (TMD-01)
Your unit is equipped with a NIST calibrated Thermometer/Alarm that simultaneously displays minimum, maximum, and current interior temperatures and provides a visual and audible signal when the temperature inside the unit falls outside the set temperature range.

NOTE ABOUT CALIBRATION
All units ship with a two-year certificate of calibration in the alarm/thermometer box that comes inside your unit. Keep this certificate stored safely for your records. Accucold offers re-calibration services through their ISO 17025:2017 certified calibration laboratory. It is recommended to have your probe re-calibrated every two years (or one year, depending on your state’s health department guidelines). For more information on how to have your device re-calibrated, contact us at [email protected].

The temperature sensor, or probe, is enclosed in a glycol-filled bottle that you insert into the location to be monitored once the unit has been programmed. The thermometer/alarm itself can be attached to the door of the unit with the magnet on the back.
NOTE: A slight variation in temperature is often seen from one thermometer reading to another, even when the thermostat is set at a particular temperature. This is normal. If the thermometer reading does not fluctuate at all over several readings, temporarily remove the thermometer from the storage unit and place it outside the unit at room temperature. Check whether the temperature reading rises. If no change in the temperature reading occurs, the thermometer is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Programming the Alarms
The thermometer displays the internal temperature of the unit being monitored, as well as the maximum and minimum temperatures reached. The maximum and minimum readings reflect the highest and lowest temperatures since the battery was inserted or since the MODE/RESET key was last pressed. If the temperature rises above or falls below the set temperature range, the alarm will sound. By default, the high alarm temperature setting is -15°C (5°F) and the low alarm temperature setting is -50°C (-58°F). To reset these limits, follow these instructions:

High Alarm Temperature Setting: Press the HIGH ALARM key ONCE. HI-SET will appear on the display. Use the ▲ and ▼ keys to increase or decrease the value. Press the HIGH ALARM key again to confirm the setting. The display will return to the current temperature.
Low Alarm Temperature Setting: Press the LOW ALARM key ONCE. LO-SET will appear on the display. Use the ▲ and ▼ keys to increase or decrease the value. Press the LOW ALARM key again to confirm the setting. The display will return to the current temperature.

By default, the low and high alarms should be audible. To turn alarms on/off:

Press any key ONCE to stop the beeping sound. The beeping sound lasts for 60 seconds, but the high and low indicators will remain on display even when the unit gets back in range. Pressing any key will silence the beeping sound, but it will be reactivated every 30 minutes if the alarm event still exists.
For further information about how your alarm work, please read the User Instructions, which come packaged with your alarm. Press the keys simultaneously to clear the LO-ALARM/HI-ALARM indicators. The alarm will not be clear if the alarm event still exists.

Defrosting your Freezer

For the most efficient operation and minimum energy consumption, defrost the freezer when the frost on the freezer walls is excessive or ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Choose a time when the stock of frozen items is low.

CAUTION
Do not use boiling water because it may damage the plastic parts. In addition, never use a sharp or metallic instrument to remove frost as it may damage the cooling coils and will void the warranty. We recommend using a plastic scraper.

To Defrost

Remove the stored items from the freezer and place them in another cooling device while your appliance defrosts.
Unplug the freezer.
Remove the drain plug on the floor of the freezer by pulling it straight out. During defrosting, the ice melts into the cabinet. Leave the door open.
Place a shallow pan outside the drain outlet. The defrost water will drain out.
Check the pan occasionally so the water does not overflow.
Clean and thoroughly dry the interior of the freezer.
Replace the drainage plug on the inside floor.
Close the door and plug in the freezer.
Reset the thermostat to the desired setting.
Allow several hours for the cabinet to cool down.
Return food to the freezer, wiping off packages if they are covered with moisture.

Key Eject Lock
To lock or unlock the appliance, you must hold the key in the lock while turning. The lock is spring-loaded, so the key cannot be left in the lock.
If the key is lost, contact your dealer or Accucold for a replacement. Always give the model and a serial number of your appliance when requesting the replacement key. Keys for most models can be ordered online at www.accucold.com/support.

Cleaning Your Freezer

Upon installation of your new appliance, we recommend that it be cleaned thoroughly.
Unplug the freezer, and remove the stored items and storage basket(s).
Wash the inside with a damp warm cloth moistened with water and baking soda solution. (Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a quart of water.)
Wash the storage basket with a mild detergent solution.
To keep the unit running efficiently, be sure to keep the door gasket (seal) clean.
The outside of the freezer should be cleaned with mild detergent and warm water.
Dry the interior and exterior with a soft cloth.
The condenser coils at the back should be vacuumed when they are dusty or dirty.
It is recommended that the unit be cleaned each time it is defrosted to help keep the unit odor-free and running efficiently.

Vacations

Short vacations: Leave the freezer operating during vacations of less than three weeks.
Long vacations: If the appliance will not be used for several months, remove all items and unplug the power cord. Clean and dry the interior thoroughly. To prevent odor and mold growth, leave the door open slightly, blocking it open if necessary, or have the door removed. Use extreme caution in the case of children. The unit should not be accessible to children at play.

Power Failure
NOTE: Do not open the freezer door unnecessarily if the freezer is off for several hours.
If a power failure occurs, frozen items will stay frozen for at least 24 hours if the freezer is kept closed. If the power failure continues, pack seven or eight pounds of dry ice into the freezer every 24 hours. Look in the Yellow Pages under Dry Ice, Dairies, or Ice Cream Manufacturers for local dry ice suppliers. Always wear gloves and use caution when handling dry ice.

Moving Your Freezer

Remove all the stored items.
Securely tape down all loose items inside the freezer.
Tape the door shut.
Be sure the freezer stays in the upright position during transport.

Energy-Saving Tips

The freezer should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat-producing appliances or heating ducts, and out of direct sunlight.
Let hot items cool to room temperature before placing in the freezer. Overloading the freezer forces the compressor to run longer. Items that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil.
Be sure to wrap all items properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on frost build-up inside the freezer.
The freezer’s storage bin or baskets should not be lined with aluminum foil, wax paper or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, making the freezer less efficient.
Organize and label all stored items to reduce door openings and extended searches. Remove as many items as needed at one time and close the door as soon as possible.

TROUBLESHOOTING

You can solve many common freezer problems easily, saving you the cost of a possible service call. Try the suggestions below to see if you can solve the problem before calling the service agent.

Problem	Possible Causes
Freezer does not operate.	Not plugged in.

Circuit breaker tripped or fuse blown.

Compressor turns on and off frequently.| The room temperature is warmer than usual.

A large number of items has been added to the freezer. The door is opened too often.

The door is not closed completely.

The temperature control is not set correctly. The door gasket does not seal properly.

The freezer does not have the correct clearances.

The freezer has recently been disconnected for a period of time. Four hours are required for the freezer to cool down completely.

Temperature inside the freezer is too warm.| Temperature control is set too warm. Adjust to a cooler setting and allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.

Door is kept open too long or is opened too frequently. Warm air enters the freezer every time the door is opened. Open the door less often.

The door is not closed completely.

The door gasket does not seal properly.

A large number of warm or hot items might have been stored recently. Wait until the freezer has had a chance to reach its selected temperature.

The freezer has recently been disconnected for a period of time. Four hours are required for the freezer to cool down completely.

Temperature inside the freezer is too cold.| Temperature control is set too cold. Adjust to a warmer setting and allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
Temperature of external freezer surface is warm.| The exterior freezer walls can be as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature. This is normal while the compressor works to transfer heat from inside the freezer cabinet.
Vibrations| Check to be sure the freezer is level.

Floor is uneven or weak. Freezer rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly. Be sure floor can adequately support freezer. Level the freezer by putting wood or metal shims under part of the freezer.

The freezer is touching the wall. Move it from the wall and re-level the freezer. See Installation Instructions.

The door will not close properly.| The freezer is not on a level surface. The gasket is dirty.

The storage basket is out of position.

If you’ve checked the table above and find that you still need help with your appliance, call our Customer Service facility at 800-932-4267 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET. We will do our best to answer your questions.

LIMITED WARRANTY

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Within the 48 contiguous United States, for one year from the date of purchase, when this appliance is operated and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product, the warrantor will pay for factory-specified parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship. Service must be provided by a designated service company. Outside the 48 states, all parts are warranted for one year from manufacturing defects. Plastic parts, shelves, and cabinets are warranted to be manufactured to commercially acceptable standards and are not covered from damage during handling or breakage.

5-YEAR COMPRESSOR WARRANTY

The compressor is covered for 5 years.
The replacement does not include labor.

ITEMS THE WARRANTOR WILL NOT PAY FOR

Service calls to correct the installation of your appliance, to instruct you how to use your appliance, to replace or repair fuses or to correct wiring or plumbing.
Service calls to repair or replace appliance light bulbs or broken shelves. Consumable parts (such as filters) are excluded from warranty coverage.
Damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, fire, flood, acts of God, improper installation, installation not in accordance with electrical or plumbing codes, or use of products not approved by the warrantor.
Replacement parts or repair labor costs for units operated outside the United States.
Repairs to parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications made to the appliance.
The removal and reinstallation of your appliance if it is installed in an inaccessible location or is not installed in accordance with published installation instructions.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES – LIMITATION OF REMEDIES
CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR. WARRANTOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LIMITATIONS ON THE DURATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS, SO THESE EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.