Dometic NDA1402 User Manual

INST ALLATION AND

®

®

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

REFRIGERATOR FOR LP-GAS AND ELECTRIC OPERATION

NDA1402

autodefrost

Contents:
Installation 5

Operating Instructions 9
Icemaker 15
Maintenance & Service 16

Page

FOR YOUR SAFETY

If you smell gas:

1. Open windows.

2. Don’t touch electrical switches.

3. Extinguish any open flame.

4. Immediately call your gas supplier .

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.

W ARNING: Improper installation,
adjustment, alteration, service or
maintenance can cause injury or
property damage. Refer to this
manual. For assistance or additional
information consult a qualified
installer, service agency or the gas
supplier.

Pour votre sécurité
Si vous sentez une odeur de gaz:

1. Ouvrez les fenêtres.

2. Ne touchez à aucun interrupteur.

3. Éteignez toute flamme nue.

4. Avertissez immédiatement votre fournis­seur de gaz.

Pour votre sécurité
Ne pas entreposer ni utiliser de l’essence ni

d’autres vapeurs ou liquides inflammables à
proximité de cet appareil ou de tout autre
appareil.

Avertissement: Une installation, un réglage,
une modification, une réparation ou un
entretien non conforme aux normes peut
entraîner des blessures ou des dommages
matériels. Lisez attentivement le mode d’em­ploi fourni avec l’appareil. Pour obtenir de
l’aide ou des renseignements supplémentai­res, consultez un installateur ou un service
d’entretien qualifié ou le fournisseur de gaz.

USA Corporate Office CANADA

Service Office 2320 Industrial Parkway Elkhart, IN 46515 Dometic Distribution Inc.
Dometic Corporation 866 Langs Drive
2320 Industrial Pkwy . Cambridge, Ontario
Elkhart, IN 46516 For Service Center Assistance N3H 2N7 Canada
Phone: [phone] Call: 800-544-4881 Phone: [phone]

Form No. 825123401 MO-FO 0513 (French 3309981.003)
©2005 Dometic Corporation Lagrange, IN 46761

NDA 1402

Rear view equipment used for text reference

FIG. 1

Heaters
12V DC

Burner control

Protection cover
Flue baffle

Thermofuse

Burner jet

Manual gas shut off valve

Inlet fitting

Flexible cord Ice maker

Thermostat

12V DC

Flexible cord
Refrigerator

Power module
and fuses

12V DC

Drain water hose

Heating cabel

Water hose Ice maker

Water solenoid valve

12 Volt DC Terminal block

GENERAL INSTRUCTION

This appliance is designed for storage of foods and
storage of frozen foods and making ice.

This appliance is certified under the latest edition of
ANSI Z21.19•CSA 1.4 Refrigerators using gas fuel.

The installation must conform with local codes, or in ab­sence of local codes, the following standards as appli­cable.

In the U.S. the installation must conform with:

1. National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54
(latest edition).

2. Recreational Vehicles Code, ANSI A119.2 (latest
edition)

3. Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
St andard, T itle 24 CFR, Part 3280.

If an external electrical source is utilized, the refrigera­tor, when inst alled, must be electrically grounded in ac­cordance with local codes or, in the absence of local
codes, the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFP A 70 - (lat­est edition).

In CANADA, the installation must conform with:

1. Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code,
CSA B149.1

2. CSA Z240 R V Series, Recreational V ehicles.

3. Current CSA Z240.4, Gas-equipped Recreational
Vehicles and Mobile Housing.

If an external electrical source is utilized, the refrigera­tor, when installed, must be electrically grounded in ac­cordance with local codes or, in the absence of local
codes, the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1, Parts
I and II - (latest edition).

3

Refrigerator control panel

12 3 4

LEGEND 2-WAY Model

Panel Controls:

1. Main Power ON/OFF key

2. AUTO/STORE key/ Combined energy mode selection and store
key

PM AUTO AC GAS

3. LED Display Panel

FREEZER FRIDGE

FIG. 2

The LED panel displays preferably temperatures in the refrigera­tor and current modes of operation. However, also other useful
status messages are displayed.

Note: The displayed temperature values reflect the storage
temperatures of the food in the two compartments. A delay
function prevents rapid changes due to door openings etc.

Panel Indications:

• Actual temperature of food in frozen food compartment

• Actual temperature of food in fresh food compartment

• AUTO mode indication

• AC operation indication

• GAS operation indication

• Thermostat setting indication (temporary during setting)

• Real time clock/ PM indication (temporary during setting)

• V arious st atus and error messages

4. SET key/ Combined temperature range and real time clock
adjustment.

Store function:
When setting the real time clock as well as the thermostat, the

desired setting can be stored by either, automatically after 5 sec.
of inactivity or by pressing the STORE key .

4

INSTALLATION

VENTILATION

The installation shall be made in such a manner as to
separate the combustion system from the living space
of the mobile home or recreational vehicle. Openings
for air supply or for venting of combustion products shall
have a minimum dimension of not less than 1/4 inch.

Proper installation requires one lower fresh air intake
and one upper exhaust vent. The ventilation kits shown
in this instruction manual have been certified for use with
the refrigerator models listed in the table. For “Certified
Vent System Kits” see page 19.
The ventilation kits must be installed and used without
modification. An opening toward the out side at floor level
in the refrigerator compartment must be provided for
ventilation of heavier-than-air fuel gases. The lower vent
of the recommended kits is provided with proper size
openings. The flow of combustion and ventilating air must
not be obstructed.
The lower side vent is fitted with a panel, which provides
an adequate access opening for ready serviceability of
the burner and control manifold of the refrigerator. This
should be centered on the back of the refrigerator.

GAS CONNECTION

Hook up to the gas supply line is accomplished at the
manual gas valve, which is furnished with a 3/8" SAE
(UNF 5/8" -18) male flare connection. All completed con­nections should be checked for leaks with soapy water.

! WARNING

DO NOT use a flame to check for gas leaks.

The free length of the cord is 2 feet and therefore rec­ommended that the receptacle be located to the right
side (opposite side of refrigerator burner assembly) of
the refrigerator (viewed from the rear). The receptacle
should be 3” (from the bottom of the plastic receptacle)
above the refrigerator mounting floor. (see FIG. 3). This
allows easy access through the vent door. The cord
should be routed to avoid direct contact with the burner
cover, flue cover or any other components that could
damage the cord insulation.

120 Volt AC
receptacle

3’’

FIG. 3

12 Volts DC Connection

The refrigerator model NDA 1402 require a continuous
12 volt DC supply to maintain the automatic energy se­lector system and the auto defrost control system to func­tion.
The connection is made to the positive (+) and negative
(-) terminals of the terminal block on the back of the re­frigerator. (See FIG. 1). Correct polarity must be observed
when connecting to the DC supply .

The gas supply system must incorporate a pressure regu­lator to maintain a supply pressure of not more than 11
inches water column.
When testing the gas supply system at test pressures in
excess of 1/2 psi, the refrigerator and its individual shut
off valve must be disconnected from the gas supply pip­ing system.
When testing the gas supply system at pressures less
than or equal to 1/2 psi, the appliance must be isolated
from the gas supply piping system by closing its indi­vidual manual shut off valve.
In case detailed instructions on the installation and con­nection to the gas supply are required, contact your
dealer or distributor.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

120 Volts AC Connection

The refrigerator is equipped with a three-prong (ground­ing) plug for your protection against shock hazards and
should be plugged directly into a properly grounded three­prong receptacle. DO NOT cut or remove the grounding
prong from this plug.

Do not use the chassis or vehicle frame as one of the
conductors.
Connect two wires at the refrigerator and route to the
DC supply.
It is important that the wires to the 12-volt DC terminal is
of proper wire size.

Recommended conductor wires size and total conduc­tor wires length are found in the table below.

Length Minimum Wire Size

<33 ft. (<10m) 12 AWG
33 - 66 ft. (10 - 20m) 10 AWG
>66 ft. (>20m) 8 AWG

Example: If the distance between the refrigerator and
the 12V DC supply is 20 ft., the total wire length is 40 ft.
and a wire size of 10 AWG should be used.

5

INSTALLING REFRIGERAT OR IN
ENCLOSURE

The transport support at the rear of the refrigerator can
be removed if necessary for the installation of the refrig­erator in the enclosure. (See figure above).

NOTE: DO NOT install the appliance directly on

carpeting. Carpeting must be removed or
protected by a metal or wood panel beneath
the appliance, which extends at least full
width and depth of the appliance.

FIG. 4

Securing the Refrigerator

After the refrigerator is put in place, (ensuring a com­bustion seal at the front frame), the refrigerator is to be
secured in the enclosure with six screws (not included).
The screws have to be installed in the following order:

Caution: Use care when installing the refrigerator . This
refrigerator is equipped with the latest vacuum insulated
panel technology. These insulating panels are located
on the T op, Back, Bottom, Sides and Doors of the refrig­erator.
If the surface is punctured, loss of insulation will occur,
resulting in poor refrigerator performance.

NOTE: A wood strip must be in place across the upper
opening of the enclosure. The top frame of the refrigera­tor will be anchored to the wood strip with screws, see
FIG. 10.
The refrigerator must be installed in a substantial enclo­sure and must be level. When installing the refrigerator
in the enclosure, all areas within the recess in which the
refrigerator is installed must be sealed.
Make sure that there is a complete seal between the
front frame of the refrigerator and the top, sides and
bottom of the enclosure. A length of sealing strip is ap­plied to the rear surface of the front frame for this pur­pose, see FIG . 4. The sealing should provide a complete
isolation of the appliance’s combustion system from the
vehicle interior.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the sealing strip when
the refrigerator is put in place.

STEP 1: Two screws installed through the front base,

which includes the lower front strip installation.
The refrigerator is provided with a lower front strip

(shippe d as a loo se part). The front strip is to be attached
after the refrigerator is set into the cutout opening.

1. Install the lower front strip by sliding it under the
bottom hinge plates, as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

2. Secure the refrigerator and the lower front strip with
two screws: One screw through each hinge. See
FIG 6.

6

Step 2: Two screws installed in the top frame.

Open the doors and fasten the refrigerator with two
screws through the holes underneath the top decoration
panel. See FIG. 7.

FIG. 7

STEP 3: Two screws installed in the rear base.

See FIG. 8.

FIG. 8

TESTING LP GAS SAFETY
SHUT OFF

The gas safety shut off must be tested after the re­frigerator is connected to LP gas supply.

To test the gas safety shut off, proceed as follows:

1. Start the refrigerator according to the instructions,
and switch to GAS mode. (See start up instructions
“Select energy mode of operation”).

2. Check that the dot for GAS mode on the LED is on,
check that the gas flame is lit.

3. Close the manual gas shut off valve at the back of
the refrigerator. (See FIG. 1).

4. Wait until “ch LP” is flashing on the LED panel
approximately 6 to 7 minutes.

5. Remove protection cover (see FIG. 1) and open the
manual gas shut off valve. Do not change any
button positions on the control panel. Apply a non­corrosive commercial bubble solution to the burner
jet orifice.

6. No bubbles should appear at the opening of the
burner jet orifice. The presence of bubbles indi­cates a defective gas safety shut off, and service is
required.

7. If no bubbles were present at the burner jet orifice,
it should be rinsed with fresh water. Be careful not
to damage the burner jet orifice. Replace cover and
press the main power ON/OFF button (1) OFF and
back ON. Normal operation of the burner should
return. Allow the burner to operate for a minimum
of five minutes.

Hole for drain
water hose

Failure to follow the sequence in securing refrigerator in
enclosure can cause leakage between the frame and
cabinet.
Any space between the counter , storage area or ceiling
and top of the refrigerator greater den 1-1/2 inches should
be blocked. The heat produced at the rear of the refrig­erator will become trapped in this space, making the top
of the refrigerator hot and reduce the efficiency of the
refrigerator.

Drain water hose

A hole must be drilled through flooring see FIG. 8.
The hole must be drilled in the cut out opening of the
base plate at the rear of the refrigerator. The installer
MUST make sure that the hose does not kink when run
through the floor. Seal around the hose that goes through
the drilled hole. If a longer hose than supplied is required
to get the water to drain outside of the vehicle, the in­staller will have to supply the extra length of hose.

7

CERTIFIED INST ALLA TION

Certified installations require one roof vent and one lower
side vent.
For “Certified V ent System Kits” see page 19.
For further information contact your dealer or distributor .

Ventilation
height

Condenser

METHODS OF INST ALLA TION

The method of installation is shown in FIG . 9. It is essen­tial that all maximum or minimum dimensions are strictly
maintained as the performance of the refrigerator is de­pendent on adequate flow of air over the rear of the re­frigerator.

NOTE: The upper vent should be centered over the
condenser coil at the back of the refrigerator.

VENTILATION HEIGHTS

Installation with roof Minimum ventilation
vent and lower side vent heights in:

Refrigerator Inches mm

NDA 1402 69-1/8 1756

CLEARANCES

Minimum clearances in inches to combustible materials
are:

FIG. 9

13-5/8”

LOWER VENT CUTOUT

28-5/8”

G

G: Top 0
K: Side 0
L: Bottom 0
M: Rear 0
N: See NOTE: Clearance “N” below.

NOTE: Clearance “M” is between the rearmost part of

the refrigerator and the wall behind the refrigerator.
NOTE: Clearance “N” is the distance between the bot-

tom of the lower vent to the roof material. For ventilation
height, see table VENTILATION HEIGHTS
See Figures 9, and 10.

NOTE: Wood Strip
MUST be in place

K

FIG. 10

8

N

K

L

M

FIG. 11

Side view View from above

C

D

D

HA

Overall Recess
Refrigerator Dimensions Dimensions
Model

Height Width Depth Height Width Depth

ABCHWD

inch 64-17/64 33-11/16 29-5/8 63-3/16 32-3/4 26-1/16

NDA 1402

mm 1632 855 752 1605 832 662

This method of installation and these clearances will give you adequate space for service and proper installation.

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANCE OF LEVELING A
REFRIGERATOR

In an absorption refrigerator system, ammonia is lique­fied in the finned condenser coil at the top rear of the
refrigerator. The liquid ammonia then flows into the
evaporator (inside the freezer section) and is exposed
to a circulating flow of hydrogen gas, which causes the
ammonia to evaporate, creating a cold condition in the
freezer.
When starting this refrigerator for the very first time, the
cooling cycle may require up to four hours of running
time before the cooling unit is fully operational.

The tubing in the evaporator section is specifically sloped
to provide a continuous movement of liquid ammonia,
flowing downward by gravity through this section. If the
refrigerator is operated when it is not level and the ve­hicle is not moving, liquid ammonia will accumulate in
sections of the evaporator tubing. This will slow the cir­culation of hydrogen and ammonia gas, or in severe
cases, completely block it, resulting in a loss of cooling.

W

B

OPERATION

Before starting the refrigerator , check that all the manual
gas valves are in the ON position. DO NOT forget the
manual shut off valve on the rear of the refrigerator see
FIG. 1.
This refrigerator is equipped with an automatic energy
selector system and an auto defrosting control system.
The energy selector system will automatically select the
most suitable energy source that is available, either
120-volt AC, or LP gas operation. The system can be set
by the user to be fully automatic, or if desired, LP gas
only .
The defrost system will automatically carry out defrost in
frozen food and fresh food compartment once per 24
hours. To be able to control the performance of the de­frost intervals the system is equipped with a built in real
time clock.
The clock has to be set to local time at the very first start
up of the refrigerator or when the 12-volt DC supply has
been disconnected for a longer period of time.
A message on the LED panel will alert when the clock
needs to be set.

! WARNING

Any time the vehicle is parked for several hours with the
refrigerator operating, the vehicle should be leveled to
prevent this loss of cooling. The vehicle needs to be
leveled only so it is comfortable to live in (no noticeable
sloping of floor or walls).
When the vehicle is moving, the leveling is not critical,
as the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will
pass to either side of level, keeping the liquid ammonia
from accumulating in the evaporator tubing.

Most LP gas appliances used in recreational ve­hicles are vented to the outside of the vehicle.
When parked close to a gasoline pump, it is pos­sible that the gasoline fumes could enter this
type of appliance and ignite from the burner
flame, CAUSING A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION.

FOR YOUR SAFETY, when refueling, shut off all
LP gas appliances which are vented to the out­side.

9