The Hussmann VRL (120V) Low Temperature Self-Contained Glass Door Merchandisers with R-290 Refrigerant are designed for displaying pre-packaged frozen food or products requiring frozen temperatures for conservation. These units are self-contained cabinets with a controller that automates both the refrigeration and defrost cycles.

Function Description:

The merchandisers utilize R-290 (propane) as the refrigerant, which is flammable and heavier than air, collecting in low areas but capable of being circulated by fans. During refrigeration mode, the discharge line solenoid valve (RSV) is energized and open, allowing gas to flow through the condenser. The refrigerant then becomes liquid and passes through a capillary tube, which acts as an expansion device feeding the evaporator. The hot gas solenoid valve (HGSV) is de-energized and closed during this mode. In defrost mode, the HGSV is energized and open, redirecting hot gas through the evaporator inlet. The evaporator is split and circuited for two refrigeration circuits. The defrost cycle is temperature-terminated with a failsafe of 50 minutes, typically requiring only three defrosts per day. The controller is factory-programmed with a set point of -8°F, maintaining product temperatures between 7°F and -6°F under ASHRAE 72 conditions.

Important Technical Specifications:

Refrigerant: R-290 (propane).
Voltage: 120V.
Electrical Connection: Dedicated electrical circuit with ground, minimum 12AWG wire. NEMA 5-15P plug for 1 and 2-door models, NEMA 5-20P plug for 3-door models.
Operating Ambient Temperature: Recommended between 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C).
Maximum Relative Humidity: 55%.
Clearance: Minimum 36 inches clearance in the front for air circulation. Zero clearance on sides, 1-inch clearance at top and rear.
Shelf Load Capacity: Maximum 150 lbs per shelf.
Case Height: 83.19 inches for 1, 2, and 3-door models.
Case Length (A): 29 5/8 (752) for 1-door, 54 (1372) for 2-door, 78 1/4 (1988) for 3-door.
Power Cord Outlet (B): 14 3/4 (375) for 1-door, 2 3/4 (70) for 2-door, 2 3/4 (70) for 3-door.
Electrical Box (C): Right for 1-door and 2-door, Center for 3-door.
Defrost Termination: Temperature-terminated with a 50-minute failsafe.
Controller Set Point Range: -10°F to -8°F (-23°C to -22°C).
Discharge Air Temperature (Refrigeration Mode): 0°F to 2°F (-21°C to -16°C) for VRL1B1A, -7°F to 2°F (-21°C to -16°C) for VRL2B1A and VRL3B1A.
Defrost Termination Temperature: 55°F (12°C) for VRL1B1A, 47°F (8°C) for VRL2B1A, 60°F (15°C) for VRL3B1A.

Usage Features:

Installation: Requires professional installation by a qualified installer or service agency. The unit must be level from back to front and side to side for proper condensate drainage and door alignment. Adjustable leg levelers are provided.
Product Loading: Merchandiser must operate for 24 hours to reach proper operating temperature before product loading. Only pre-frozen products should be loaded. Product should be within the designated load limit (54.75 inches from the bottom shelf) to ensure proper refrigeration and air curtain performance.
Shelving: Four movable wire shelves and one bottom wire shelf per door are standard. Shelf spacing is adjustable using clips. Solid shelves are available for VRL3B1A models. Adding unauthorized or additional shelving can hamper refrigeration performance.
Doors: Self-closing Innovator doors with a positive seal and torsion-type closure system. Triple-pane thermal insulated glass door assemblies. Magnetic door gaskets are one-piece and removable without tools for cleaning. Door closing torque can be adjusted by turning the bottom hinge pin with a 1/2 inch (13 mm) wrench.
Lighting: Light switch for display and interior lighting is located at the top of the fan plenum on the right-hand side.
Controller: RTN400 family controllers with KDEPlus or KDWPlus keyboards. The display shows temperature, and LEDs indicate operational status (compressor, defrost, fans, energy saving, alarm, temperature readout in °F or °C, AUX output). The keypad can be locked to prevent unauthorized changes. Manual defrost and standby functions can be activated via the keyboard.
Placement: Can be placed against a wall with no air gap required behind the case. Avoid direct sunlight, hot tables, or other heat sources. Air currents from air conditioning, electric fans, open doors, or windows can impair operation.

Maintenance Features:

General Cleaning: Unplug before cleaning. Keep liquids away from electrical components. Do not use mechanical devices to speed defrost. Interior surfaces can be cleaned with most domestic detergents and sanitizing solutions. Do not use ammonia-based products on light shields or acrylic parts, or abrasive cleansers/scouring pads.
Exterior Cleaning: Clean with mild detergent and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, caustic soda, kerosene, gasoline, thinner, solvents, detergents, acids, or chemicals.
Underneath Cleaning: The case can be moved (after unplugging) to sweep and mop underneath. Ensure no dirt buildup around the bottom, intake, or exhaust.
Glass Cleaning: Do not use hot water on cold glass surfaces to prevent shattering. Allow glass to warm before applying hot water.
Condenser Coils: Clean at least once a month using a vacuum cleaner with a wand attachment and a soft brush. Do not use sharp objects or puncture coils. Remove the front grille and holding bracket to slide out the condensing unit for service.
Door Maintenance: Annually check proper door closing torque, gasket performance (tearing, sealing), top hinge pin for excessive movement or bending, bottom hinge plate for excessive wear, and hold-open bracket operation.
Refrigerant Recovery: Only qualified Hussmann service technicians should service R-290 equipment. Ensure a well-ventilated area, disconnect all power, use a hand-held propane leak detector ("sniffer"), and evacuate all persons if a leak is detected. Use line tap valves and a solenoid valve magnet to open valves for complete refrigerant recovery into an evacuated tank. Purge with nitrogen and pull a vacuum to 200 microns or lower.
Charging: Use a calibrated scale with +/-2 gram accuracy. Only R-290 grade refrigerant can be used. Do not overfill. Leak check service ports with a hydrocarbon leak detector (sensitivity of 3 grams/year).
Component Replacement: Replace component parts (inverter, condenser motor, compressor, solenoid valves) with identical, non-incendive, and non-sparking models. Servicing must be done by factory-authorized personnel. Parts can be ordered from Hussmann's Performance Parts e-store or by calling their toll-free number.
Frame Heater Replacement: Turn off power. Remove wireway covers using a putty knife to access and replace frame heaters. Check resistance after connection.
Evaporation Pan Heater Replacement: Remove screws from the fan plenum, tilt it to access the harness, disconnect the evap. fan harness, remove the fan plenum, identify and disconnect heater leads, pass leads through bushing, unscrew hexagonal head screws to release the evaporator pan assembly, remove aluminum foil and old wire heater.

Hussmann VRL - Page 57

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