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Instructions for operating the refrigerator using a 120V AC power source, including grounding safety.
Guidance on connecting and operating the refrigerator from a 12V vehicle battery, with safety precautions.
Procedure for operating the refrigerator using liquid propane gas, including ignition and safety valve use.
Instructions for connecting the appliance to a 120V AC power source, emphasizing single source operation.
Guidance for connecting the appliance to a 12V vehicle power source, ensuring compatibility and fuse protection.
Details on connecting the refrigerator to a propane gas cylinder, including cylinder specifications and regulations.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting the gas supply, including valve, regulator, and hose fitting.
This document provides comprehensive operating instructions for the Dometic RC 4000 portable refrigerator, designed for use with HD-5 Propane Gas, 12 V DC, and 120 V AC power sources. It emphasizes safe and efficient operation, offering guidance on installation, usage, and maintenance.
The Dometic RC 4000 is a portable absorption refrigerator, meaning it utilizes a heat source (gas or electricity) to create a cooling effect without moving parts, making it quiet and reliable. Its primary function is to keep food and beverages cool or frozen, making it suitable for camping, road trips, and other outdoor activities where conventional refrigeration might not be available. The appliance features an insulated casing and lid, a pull handle, and wheels for easy transport. A control panel allows users to manage its operation, while an evaporator panel inside the unit facilitates the cooling process. A storage net is also included for organizing contents.
Before initial use, the refrigerator must be unpacked and inspected for any transport damage, which should be reported immediately if found. Cleaning the interior and exterior of the appliance is crucial before putting it into operation. This involves using a soft towel, lukewarm water, and a non-abrasive detergent, ensuring no water enters the rear cover grille or control elements. After cleaning, the unit should be wiped dry. Harsh cleaners like soap, soda, or abrasive agents should be avoided to prevent damage.
Proper installation is essential for the refrigerator's safe and efficient performance. The appliance must be placed on a level surface, as indicated by a spirit level, to ensure satisfactory operation of the cooling unit. Adequate ventilation is critical because the absorption cooling unit relies on convection air circulation. Therefore, the air vent openings must always be kept clear. The manual specifies minimum clearances: 4 inches from the rear edge to the outer casing, 6 or 15 inches above the top of the lid, and 0 inches at the sides. It is also vital to keep the appliance area clear of combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors, and to avoid obstructing the flow of combustion and ventilation air.
The Dometic RC 4000 offers versatile power options. For 120 V AC operation, the appliance is equipped with a three-prong (grounding) plug and must be connected to a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. Extension cords should not be used. When first connecting to AC power, the thermostat should be set to maximum for about five hours, then adjusted to a medium position for general refrigeration. For 12 V DC operation, the refrigerator connects to a vehicle's cigarette lighter, which should be protected by a 16A fuse. Some vehicle types may require removing a red plastic ring from the connector. In 12 V operation, the appliance runs continuously without temperature control. It is crucial to disconnect the appliance from the cigarette lighter if the engine is not running to prevent discharging the vehicle battery.
Gas operation involves connecting the refrigerator to a self-contained 14 oz propane HD5 gas bottle using a supplied manual control valve and pressure regulator with a hose. After opening the gas cylinder valve, the safety gas valve on the control panel must be pushed in and held for about 10 seconds, set to the large flame symbol. The piezo-igniting button should then be pressed several times. If the flame does not ignite, the process should be repeated, as air in the gas line may need to be evacuated. Once the burner is working, the flame indicator pointer will be in the green field, and the safety gas valve should be held down for an additional 20 seconds. A flame safety device automatically shuts off the gas supply if the flame extinguishes. After connecting all gas connections, they must be checked for leaks using a soapy solution; an open flame should never be used for leak detection.
Mounting the wheels is a straightforward process: the wheel set, found inside the appliance, slides onto the axle, and the center hub cap snaps into place.
Useful suggestions for optimal performance include pre-cooling food for 24 hours on 120 V AC before departure. Frost will form on the evaporator panel during operation; this water should be wiped off occasionally with a sponge. Fragile items should be avoided in the unit when pulling it on its wheels to prevent breakage. When walking downhill, users should ensure the unit does not roll onto their legs, and on steep slopes, they should proceed behind the unit with the wheels in front. Once the unit is in its permanent position, food should not come into contact with the evaporator panel to prevent freezer burns.
Maintenance includes defrosting, cleaning, and general care. For defrosting, the appliance must always be unplugged from all power sources (electrical and gas). Food should be removed, and the lid left open to allow frost to melt. The collected water should be wiped off, and the appliance cleaned according to the initial cleaning instructions. Leaving the lid ajar after cleaning helps prevent odors. The refrigerator does not require further maintenance. The freset storage net can be removed for cleaning by pressing the center shaft of the plastic rivets inward with a pen, then removing the rivets. To reattach, the center shafts are inserted into the rivets, the net is repositioned, and the center shafts are pushed inward until a click is heard.
For warranty and customer service, users should contact the Dometic Service Network or Dealer, providing the model, product number, and serial number found on the data plate. The warranty does not cover damage from improper use, modifications, non-original spare parts, or failure to follow installation and operating instructions. Troubleshooting tips are provided, such as checking ventilation, power connections, gas cylinder status, and ensuring only one energy source is connected at a time. Connecting multiple energy sources simultaneously will cause appliance failure.
General| Gas pressure (DIN900) | 30 mbar |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 462 x 495 x 487 mm |
| Type | Absorption |
| Power Source | AC/DC/Gas |
| Input voltage (DC) | 12 V |
| Climate Class | T (Tropical) |
| Installation | Freestanding |
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