Follett D18495 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

M
Mark MarshallAug 16, 2025
Why Follett D18495 does not maintain temperature?
- J
  Joseph PorterAug 17, 2025
  Your Follett Freezer may not maintain temperature for several reasons: The condenser or evaporator coil may need cleaning, a faulty door gasket may need replacement, the ambient temperature may be excessively high (above 100 degrees F), there could be a refrigerant leak that needs to be located and repaired, the refrigerant charge may be incorrect and needs adjustment, the expansion valve may be plugged and requires replacement, the compressor could be inefficient, or the evaporator coil might be blocked with ice, requiring you to depress the defrost button on the controller.
P
powellandrewAug 19, 2025
What to do if my Follett D18495 Freezer does not operate?
- R
  Richard HernandezAug 19, 2025
  If your Follett Freezer isn't operating, start by checking if the power switch is faulty or in the OFF position, and ensure it's turned ON and the connections are secure. Verify that the freezer is properly plugged in and that there is power to the cord. If these steps don't resolve the issue, the temperature controller may not be energizing the components, or the probe may not be sensing the cut-in temperature. In this case, check the controller contact terminals for power and consider replacing the controller and/or probe.
J
Justin CarrollAug 22, 2025
Why Follett D18495 Freezer compressor won't run?
- J
  jlunaAug 22, 2025
  The compressor in your Follett Freezer might not be running because the thermal overload is open or defective (allow it to cool or replace it), the capacitor and/or relay could be defective (replace as required), or the compressor itself might be defective (replace the compressor).
D
Duane SuttonAug 25, 2025
What to do if Follett D18495 does not shut off?
- H
  Holly FoxAug 25, 2025
  If your Follett Freezer isn't shutting off, the controller may not be sensing the cut-off temperature, or the controller might be keeping the refrigeration system energized. Consider replacing the controller and/or probe in the first case, and replacing the controller in the second case.
K
Kurt GuerreroAug 27, 2025
Why Follett D18495 evaporator does not defrost?
- D
  Deborah WilliamsAug 27, 2025
  The evaporator in your Follett Freezer may not be defrosting due to a defective defrost heater (replace the defrost heater), a faulty heater safety switch (replace the switch), or no power on terminal 2 of the controller during defrost (replace the controller).
M
Molly RussellAug 30, 2025
Why Follett Freezer compressor and condenser fan do not run?
- M
  Melissa ReedAug 30, 2025
  If the compressor and condenser fan in your Follett Freezer aren't running, it could be due to no power on terminal 5 of the controller during cooling. In this case, replace the controller.
B
Bradley BrowningSep 2, 2025
What to do if Follett D18495 evaporator fan motor does not run?
- R
  Ryan LewisSep 2, 2025
  If the evaporator fan motor in your Follett Freezer isn't running, it might be due to no power on terminal 4 of the controller during cooling. If this is the case, replace the controller.
M
Michael GambleSep 4, 2025
Why is my Follett D18495 Freezer not maintaining temperature?
- R
  rossjordanSep 5, 2025
  If your Follett Freezer isn't maintaining the correct temperature, several factors could be the cause. First, if the fan isn't black, contact Follett for a retrofit kit. Clean the condenser or evaporator coil. Also, check the door gasket and replace it if it's faulty. High ambient temperature or humidity can also affect performance; the maximum recommended ambient temperature is 86 F (30 C). Other potential issues include a refrigerant leak (locate and repair it), incorrect refrigerant charge (recover, evacuate, and weigh in the correct charge), a plugged expansion valve (replace it), or an evaporator coil blocked with ice (depress the defrost button on the controller to defrost the coil). Inefficient compressor may also be the root cause and require consulting technical service.
H
heather11Sep 7, 2025
Why is the compressor not running in my Follett D18495 Freezer?
- R
  randy22Sep 8, 2025
  If the compressor in your Follett Freezer isn't running, the thermal overload might be open or defective; allow it to cool or replace it. Alternatively, the capacitor or relay could be defective and require replacement. In some cases, the compressor itself may be defective, necessitating its replacement.
N
Nicole PenningtonSep 10, 2025
What to do if my Follett D18495 does not shut off?
- R
  Ronald StewartSep 12, 2025
  If your Follett Freezer isn't shutting off, the controller might not be sensing the cut-off temperature, so replace the controller or probe. It's also possible that the controller is keeping the refrigeration system energized, in which case you should replace the controller.

This document is an installation, operation, and service manual for the Follett FZR Series Undercounter Freezer. It is designed to provide comprehensive information for setting up, using, and maintaining the freezer, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Function Description

The Follett FZR Series Undercounter Freezer is a refrigeration unit designed for the storage of temperature-critical items, such as medications, and other applications requiring low temperatures. It features an automatic timed defrost system to manage frost accumulation on the evaporator coils, ensuring consistent performance. The freezer is equipped with a temperature controller that monitors and regulates the internal cabinet temperature, turning the refrigeration system on and off as needed to maintain a preset temperature range.

The refrigeration system operates by removing heat from the cabinet interior and rejecting it to the surrounding room air. When the internal temperature rises above the set point, the controller activates the compressor, evaporator fan, condenser fan, and door heater. Once the cabinet reaches the desired low temperature, the controller deactivates the compressor and condenser fan, while the evaporator fan continues to run.

The automatic defrost cycle is initiated every 6 hours. During defrost, the refrigeration system is turned off, and a defrost heater is energized to melt any accumulated frost. The controller monitors the evaporator temperature and terminates the defrost cycle when it reaches a specific temperature or after a set time, whichever comes first. A safety switch is also in place to prevent overheating during defrost.

Usage Features

The FZR Series freezer offers several user-friendly features and operational controls:

Temperature Control: The freezer comes pre-programmed with a set point of -25°C (-13°F) for maintaining a cabinet temperature range of -23°C to -25°C (-9°F to -13°F). Users can adjust this cut-out temperature to a higher setting, up to -15°C (+5°F), for applications that do not require extremely low temperatures, such as ice cream storage. The temperature controller displays the current cabinet temperature in degrees Celsius by default, with an option to display in Fahrenheit using a programming key.
Controller Operation: The controller panel features up/down and set membrane switches for programming functions. It can display the current cut-out temperature and allows for easy adjustment of the desired cut-out temperature.
Controller Security: To prevent unintended or unauthorized changes to programming, the controller panel can be locked. In locked mode, it displays only the cabinet temperature and cut-out set point. The controller can be locked and unlocked by simultaneously pressing the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons for a few seconds.
Door Swing Reversal: The door swing can be reversed to accommodate different installation layouts. This involves removing and reinstalling the latch, hinges, and handle on the opposite side, with specific instructions for applying Loctite to screws for secure reassembly.
Adjustable Legs: The freezer is equipped with adjustable legs to ensure it is level in both directions, which is crucial for proper operation and stability.
Interior Shelves: The unit includes interior shelves that can be installed in pilasters, providing organized storage space within the cabinet.
Slide-out Compressor Tray: For ease of service, the condensing unit is mounted on a slide-out tray, allowing technicians to partially pull it out from the back of the freezer without needing to cut refrigerant lines.
Accessory Options: The freezer supports various accessories, including a temperature surveillance module, a temperature alarm accessory, a pedestal base, and a stacking kit, which can enhance its functionality and integration into different environments.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is essential for the FZR Series freezer's performance and longevity. The manual outlines several key maintenance procedures:

Annual Cleaning and Inspection:
- Exterior Cleaning: The exterior should be wiped with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. Stainless steel polish can be used to maintain its finish.
- Interior Cleaning: The interior should be cleaned with a non-abrasive, non-chlorinated, all-purpose detergent using a sponge or soft cloth.
- Condenser Cleaning: The condenser coils, compressor motor, and related parts should be cleaned annually using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This is accessible through both the lower front panel and the lower rear panel.
- Drain Pan Cleaning: The drain pan should be removed and cleaned with a non-abrasive, non-chlorinated all-purpose detergent.
- Evaporator Defrost and Drain Tube Check: The evaporator cover should be removed, and any ice on the evaporator coil and drain pan should be melted using a hair dryer. The drain tube should be checked with a piece of wire to ensure it is free of ice and clear of blockages.
- Evaporator Fan Check: The evaporator fan should be checked for smooth operation.
Door Gasket Replacement: The door gasket can be replaced by removing the old gasket from its mounting track, ensuring the track is clean, and then pressing the new gasket firmly into place. Proper gasket seal should be verified, and the latch and striker adjusted if necessary.
Latch Adjustment: The door latch and striker can be adjusted to ensure proper engagement and a tight gasket seal, which is critical for maintaining internal temperature.
Controller Replacement: Detailed instructions are provided for replacing the temperature controller, including disconnecting power, removing the panel, detaching wiring harnesses, and installing the new controller. Reprogramming the new controller may be required.
Refrigeration System Check: While the refrigeration system is designed for minimal maintenance, access fittings are provided for service. However, Follett recommends that if service hoses are connected, the refrigerant should be recovered, the system evacuated, and recharged by weight to avoid affecting performance. The manual provides a discharge and suction pressure table for verifying correct pressures based on condenser inlet air temperature, but explicitly states not to adjust the system charge based on pressures.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting guide is included to help diagnose common issues, such as the freezer not operating, the compressor or fan not running, or the freezer not shutting off or maintaining temperature. It provides possible causes and corresponding solutions, encouraging users to check basic connections before calling for service.

The manual emphasizes the use of non-chlorine-based cleaners for all cleaning tasks to prevent staining and pitting of stainless steel surfaces. It also highlights the importance of unplugging the equipment before servicing and ensuring adequate storage for products when the unit is offline.