This document provides operating instructions for TCL Frost-free Refrigerators, specifically models P445BFB, P445BFW, P445BFS, P445BFN, P445BFC, and P445BFG. It covers safety information, product introduction, handling and placement, preparations prior to use, operation keys, food storage, ice-making, door reversal, operation notes, care and maintenance, failure analysis, non-failures, and technical parameters.
Function Description:
The TCL Frost-free Refrigerator is designed for household and similar applications, including staff kitchen areas, farmhouses, hotels, motels, residential environments, bed and breakfast type environments, and catering. It features separate compartments for refrigeration and freezing, allowing for both short-term and long-term food storage. The frost-free design eliminates the need for manual defrosting.
Important Technical Specifications:
All listed models (P445BFB, P445BFW, P445BFS, P445BFN, P445BFC, P445BFG) share the following core specifications:
- Climate Type: T
- Electric Shock Resistance: Class I
- Total Storage Volume: 416L
- Storage Volume of Fridge: 310L
- Storage Volume of Freezer: 106L
- Variable Temperature Volume: Not applicable for these models.
- Power Type: 220-240V~50Hz
- Rated Current: 1.6A
- Power Consumption: 273kWh/y
- Lamp Power: 2W
- Weight: 72kg
- Dimension (mm): 703x689x1725
- Refrigerant and Charge Amount: R600a, 56g (isobutane, a natural gas with high environmental compatibility, but flammable)
- Noise Volume: 39dB(A)
Usage Features:
The refrigerator offers a range of features for convenient and efficient use:
- Electronic Control Panel: The appliance is equipped with an electronic control panel for managing various settings.
- Child Lock Function: Automatically locks the keyboard after 30 seconds of inactivity to prevent accidental changes. It can be unlocked by pressing and holding the "unlock 3 sec" key for 3 seconds.
- Manual Temperature Adjustment: Allows users to manually set the temperature for both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Refrigerator Chamber Temperature: Adjustable between 2°C and 8°C (settings "02" to "08").
- Freezer Chamber Temperature: Adjustable between -24°C and -15°C (settings "-24" to "-15").
- Power Cool Function: Rapidly cools the refrigerator chamber. Activated by repeatedly pressing the "Function" button until the "Power Cool" icon blinks, then stopping key operation for 3 seconds. It automatically quits after 2 hours. During Power Cool, the setting temperature for the refrigerator chamber is displayed as 2°C.
- Power Freeze Function: Rapidly freezes the freezer chamber. Activated similarly to Power Cool, by repeatedly pressing the "Function" button until the "Power Freeze" icon blinks, then stopping key operation for 3 seconds. It automatically quits after 4 hours. During Power Freeze, the setting temperature for the freezer chamber is displayed as -32°C.
- Holiday Function: Designed for periods when the user is away. In this mode, the refrigerator chamber displays "OF" and enters a closed state. Users are advised to remove food from the refrigerator chamber before activating this function.
- Power Off Memory: The refrigerator retains its last working state before a power outage and resumes operation with those settings once power is restored.
- Door Alarm: An audible alarm ("Di, Di, Di") sounds if the refrigerator door is not closed tightly or remains open for more than 1 minute. Pressing any key pauses the alarm.
- Over Temperature Warning (Freezer): If the freezer chamber temperature is higher than -12°C upon power-on, a warning is displayed.
- Display Protection Function: The display enters a protection mode and the keyboard locks after 30 seconds of no key operation. Pressing any key exits this mode.
- Food Storage Recommendations:
- Refrigerator Chamber: Primarily for short-term storage of items like milk, eggs, and bottled drinks. Vegetables, melons, and fruits should be placed in the crisper box to prevent water loss. Cooked foods should be packaged to prevent frosting and energy waste.
- Freezer Chamber: For long-term storage. Fish and meat should be cut into small pieces, packaged separately, and placed in the frozen drawer. Glass or sealed containers with liquid should not be stored in the freezer to prevent bursting. Fresh foods should not be stored with frozen foods. Avoid placing food directly against the inner wall.
- Ice Making: Fill the ice tray with water, place it in the freezer, and twist the tray to release ice into a container once frozen.
- Accessories: Includes refrigerating shelves (3), crisper drawer cover (1), fruit and vegetable drawer component (1), upper freezer drawer (1), middle freezer drawer (1), lower freezer drawer (1), bottle racks (2), half-bottle racks (2), ice-making box (1), and egg box (1). These accessories can be removed to increase storage volume and reduce energy consumption.
- Door Reversal: Instructions for door reversal are available by contacting TCL Customer Service.
Maintenance Features:
Regular care and maintenance are crucial for the appliance's longevity and performance:
- Monthly Maintenance: It is suggested to maintain the refrigerator once per month.
- Cleaning:
- Always unplug the power plug before cleaning to prevent electric shock.
- Use a warm, wet cloth and neutral detergent to wipe off oil contamination and dirt. Thoroughly wipe off the detergent afterward.
- Avoid using alkaline detergents, soap powder, gasoline, alcohol, or talcum powder, as these can damage the coatings or plastics.
- Regularly clean the refrigerator body and the ground around it to keep it clean.
- For frost removal in the freezer compartment, use a plastic scraper; do not use sharp objects.
- Regularly examine and clean the drain in the refrigerator for defrosted water to prevent blockages and water accumulation.
- Post-Maintenance Inspection: After maintenance, check for damages to the power cord and plug, dust on the power plug, abnormal heat on the plug, loose sockets, and ensure the plug is fully inserted.
- Power Cord Replacement: If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid hazards.
The manual emphasizes several safety precautions:
- General Safety: Read the user manual carefully before installation and use. Ensure all users are familiar with operation and safety features. Keep packaging away from children to prevent suffocation.
- Children and Vulnerable People: Appliance can be used by children aged 8 and above, and persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities under supervision. Children should not play with the appliance or perform cleaning/maintenance unsupervised.
- Disposal: When discarding the appliance, unplug it, cut the connection cable, and remove the door to prevent child entrapment or electric shock. Make spring locks on older appliances unusable if replacing with this model.
- Ventilation: Keep ventilation openings clear of obstruction.
- Defrosting: Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate defrosting other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
- Refrigerant Circuit: Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
- Electrical Appliances: Do not use other electrical appliances inside food storage compartments unless recommended by the manufacturer.
- Flammable Substances: Do not store explosive substances (e.g., aerosol cans with flammable propellant).
- Refrigerant (R600a): Isobutane is a flammable natural gas. Ensure no components of the refrigerant circuit are damaged during transport or installation. In case of gas leakage, close the leaking valve, open windows for ventilation, and do not unplug the refrigerator to avoid sparks.
- Modifications: Do not alter specifications or modify the product in any way.
- Servicing: All servicing must be carried out by an authorized service agent. In Queensland, Australia, the Authorized Service Provider must hold a Gas Work Authorization for hydrocarbon refrigerants.
- Power Cord: Do not lengthen the power cord. Ensure the supply cord is not trapped or damaged. Ensure easy access to the mains plug. Do not pull the mains cable. Do not insert the power plug if the socket is loose. Regularly check the power cord for damage.
- Moving: The appliance is heavy; take care when moving it.
- Freezer Contact: Do not remove or touch items from the freezer with damp/wet hands to avoid skin abrasions or frost/freezer burns.
- Sunlight: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Hot Items: Do not put hot items on plastic parts or directly against the rear wall. Allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before placing them in the appliance.
- Refreezing: Frozen food must not be re-frozen once thawed.
- Carbonated Drinks: Do not place carbonated or fizzy drinks in the freezer compartment to prevent explosion.
- Ice Lollies: Can cause frost burns if consumed directly from the appliance.
- Installation: Wait at least four hours before connecting to allow oil to flow back to the compressor. Ensure adequate air circulation. Position spacers against a wall to avoid touching warm parts. Do not locate near radiators or cookers. Ensure the mains plug is accessible after installation.
- Placement: Place on a flat, firm, dry, well-ventilated surface, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Adjust leveling legs if the ground is uneven. Do not place in very cold environments where it might freeze. Do not operate on the foam base it was shipped on.
- Handling: Requires at least two people to move. Fix internal accessories with adhesive tape for long-distance moves. Leave sufficient clearance around the refrigerator for heat dissipation.
Energy Saving Tips:
- Avoid putting hot food in the appliance.
- Do not pack food too closely to allow air circulation.
- Ensure food does not touch the back of the compartment(s).
- If electricity goes off, do not open the door(s).
- Do not open the door(s) frequently or for too long.
- Do not set the thermostat to excessively cold temperatures.
- Remove accessories like drawers to get larger storage volume and lower energy consumption.
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