GE 3828A User Manual

GE Appliances
Room Air Conditioners
Pub. No. 49-7391 JR 10-99
AG_14 –14,000 BTU models
AG_18 –18,000 BTU models
AG_24 –24,000 BTU models
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Instructions
3828A30036P
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Operating Instructions

Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions
GE & You, A Service Partnership.

Safety Information

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . .3
How to Connect Electricity . . . . . .3
Use of Extension Cords . . . . . . . . .4
Use of Adapter Plugs . . . . . . . . . .4
Operating Instructions
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, 6
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Installation Instructions

Preparing to Install the
Air Conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Window Installation . . . . . . . .9–13

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You
Call For Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Normal Operating Sounds . . . . .14

Customer Service

Product Registration . . . . . . .17, 18
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Service Telephone
Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
FOR YOUR RECORDS
Write the model and serial numbers here:
#
#
You can find them on a label on the side of the air conditioner.
Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.
Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.
Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your air conditioner properly. Just a little preventive care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your air conditioner.
READ THIS MANUAL
IF YOU NEED SERVICE
You’ll find many answers to common problems in the
Before You
Call For Service
section. If you review our chart of
Troubleshooting
Tips
first, you may not need to call for service at all.
If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away. A list of toll-free customer service numbers is included in the back section. Or, you can always call the GE Answer Center® at
800.626.2000, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2
IMPORTANT!
Fill out the Consumer Product Registration Card.
Two easy ways to register your appliance!
Through the internet at www.geappliances.com
Complete and mail the enclosed Product Registration Card
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury.
Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
This air conditioner must be properly
installed in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.
Never unplug your air conditioner by pulling
on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the receptacle.
Repair or replace immediately all electric
service cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the plug or connector end.
Turn the mode control to
OFF
and unplug your air conditioner before making any repairs or cleaning.
NOTE:
We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed by a qualified individual.
For your safety…do not store or use
combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions Installation Instructions
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
Where a 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.
The air conditioner should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.
This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.
See the Installation Instructions,
Electrical
Requirements
section for specific electrical
connection requirements.

HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY

4
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips
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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
Operating Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord.
However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed, 14 gauge, 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 125 volts.
CAUTION:
DO NOT use an extension cord with any of the 230/208 volt models.
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS –
115-Volt models only
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of an adapter plug.
However, if you must use an adapter, where local codes permit, a
temporary connection
may be made to a properly grounded 2-prong wall outlet by use of a UL-listed adapter available at most local hardware stores.
The larger slot in the adapter must be aligned with the larger slot in the wall outlet to provide proper polarity in the connection of the power cord.
When disconnecting the power cord from the adapter, always hold the adapter in place with one hand while pulling the power cord plug with the other hand. If this is not done, the adapter ground terminal is very likely to break with repeated use.
If the adapter ground terminal breaks,
DO NOT
USE
the air conditioner until a proper ground
has been established.
Attaching the adapter ground terminal to a wall outlet cover screw does not ground the appliance unless the cover screw is metal, and not insulated, and the wall outlet is grounded through the house wiring. You should have the circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.
USE OF ADAPTER PLUGS –
115-Volt models only
Read and follow this Safety Information carefully.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips
Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions
Installation Instructions
About the controls on the air conditioner.
Features and appearance will vary.

Controls

Mode Controls
HIGH COOL, MED COOL
and
LOW COOL
provide
cooling with different fan speeds.
LOW FAN
or
HIGH FAN
provides air circulation
and filtering without cooling.
NOTE: If you move the switch from a cool setting to OFF or to a fan setting, wait at least 3 minutes before switching back to a cool setting.
Cooling Descriptions
For Normal Cooling
—Select
HIGH COOL
or
MED
COOL
with the temp control at midpoint.
For Maximum Cooling
—Select
HIGH COOL
with the temp control at the highest number available on your knob.
For Quieter & Nighttime Cooling
—Select
LOW COOL
with the temp control at midpoint.
Temp Controls
The temp control is used to maintain the room temperature. The compressor will cycle on and off to keep the room at the same level of comfort. When you turn the knob to a higher number the indoor air will become cooler. Turn the knob to a lower number and the indoor air will become warmer.
5
MODE CONTROLS
Your model will have one of the above type controls.
TEMP CONTROLS
Your model will have one of the above type controls.
OFF
LOW
FAN
LOW
COOL
HIGH
FAN
HIGH COOL
MED COOL
OFF
LOW
FAN
LOW COOL
HI
FAN
HI
COOL
5
4
3
2
1
6
7
8
9
10
45
3
2
1
34
6
7
8
2
1
5
6
6
Vent Control
The vent control is located above the control knobs.
When set at
CLOSE
, only the air inside the room will
be circulated and conditioned. When set at
OPEN
,
some inside air is exhausted outside.
To open the vent, pull the lever toward you. To close it, push it in.
Air Direction – Side-to-Side
CIRCULAIRE (on some models)
For fixed side-to-side air direction, set the Circulaire switch to ONuntil the desired air direction is obtained, then move it to
OFF
.
For continuous side-to-side air circulation (cool settings only), set the Circulaire switch to ON.
Air Direction – Up and Down
Fingertip pressure on the bank of horizontal louvers adjusts the air direction up or down.
Energy Saver
(on some models)
The energy saver switch controls the fan.
ON
—The fan and compressor cycle on and off together. This results in wider variations of room temperature and humidity. Normally used when the room is unoccupied.
OFF
— The fan runs all the time, while the
compressor cycles on and off.
This switch must be set at
OFF
in order to use
the fan settings (on the mode control).
Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
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About the controls on the air conditioner.
Additional controls and important information.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips
Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions
Installation Instructions
Care and cleaning of the air conditioner.
7
Air Filter
The air filter behind the front grille should be checked and cleaned at least every 30 days or more often if necessary.
To remove:
Open the inlet grille upward by pulling out the bottom of the inlet grille.
Using the tab, pull up slightly on the filter to release it and pull it down.
Clean the filter with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let the filter dry before replacing it.
CAUTION: DO NOT operate the air conditioner without a filter because dirt and lint will clog it and reduce performance.
2
1
Outdoor Coils
The coils on the outdoor side of the air conditioner should be checked regularly. If they are clogged with dirt or soot they may be professionally steam cleaned, a service available through your GE service outlet.
Grille and Case
Turn the air conditioner off and remove the plug from the wall outlet before cleaning.
To clean, use water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or abrasives.
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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
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Operating Instructions
Preparing to install the air conditioner.
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
NOTE TO INSTALLER: Leave these instructions with
the air conditioner after installation is completed.
NOTE TO CONSUMER: Keep this Owner’s Manual and Installation Instructions for future use.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
For personal safety, this air conditioner must be properly grounded.
It is important to have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician if there is any doubt as to whether a proper ground exists.
Follow National Electric Codes (NEC) and/or local codes and ordinances.
CAUTION:
Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.
Do not change the plug on the power cord of this air conditioner.
Aluminum house wiring may present special problems—consult a qualified electrician.
Before You Begin
Some models require 115/120-volt a.c., 60 Hz grounded outlet protected with a 15-amp time delay fuse or circuit breaker.
The 3-prong grounding plug minimizes the possibility of electric shock hazard. If the wall outlet you plan to use is only a 2-prong outlet, it is your responsibility to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.
Some models require 230/208-volt a.c., protected with a time delay fuse or circuit breaker. These models should be installed on their own single branch circuit for best performance and to prevent overloading house or apartment wiring circuits, which could cause a possible fire hazard from overheating wires.
Electrical Requirements
Phillips-head screwdriver
Flat-blade screwdriver
Ruler or tape measure
Scissors or knife
Pencil
Level
Hammer
Tools You Will Need
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips
Operating InstructionsSafety Instructions
Installation Instructions
9
Window Installation Instructions
Parts Included
Type A (14)
Support bracket (2)
Sill bracket (2)
Type B (7) Type C (5) Type D (2) Carriage Bolt (2) Lock Nut (4)
Window locking
bracket
Frame guide (2)
Top mounting rail
Top mounting rail
seal strip
Right
accordion
panel
Foam top
window gasket
Window
sash seal
Left
accordion
panel
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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips
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Operating Instructions
Window Installation Instructions
Read completely, then follow step-by-step.
Window Requirements
These instructions are for a standard double-
hung window. You will need to modify them for other types of windows.
The air conditioner can be installed without the
accordion panels if needed to fit in a narrow window. See the window opening dimensions to the right.
All supporting parts must be secured to firm
wood, masonry or metal.
The electrical outlet must be within reach of the
power cord.
Window opening dimensions are for a standard double-hung window.
18min.
29to 41
(With accordion panels)
26
1
4min.
(Without accordion panels)
Storm Window Requirements
A storm window frame will not allow the air conditioner to tilt towards the outside and will keep it from draining properly. To adjust for this, attach a piece of wood to the stool.
WOOD PIECES—
WIDTH:
2
LENGTH:
Long enough to fit inside the window
frame.
THICKNESS:
To determine the thickness, place a
piece of wood on the stool to make it 1/2higher
than the top of the storm window frame.
Attach securely with nails or screws provided by the installer.
1/2higher than frame
Storm window frame
Wood
Stool
1
2
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Installation Instructions
Prepare the Window and the Case
Cut the window sash seal to the proper length. Peel off the backing and attach the seal to the underside of the window sash.
Carefully insert the plastic frame guides into the bottom of the case on each side.
Remove the backing from the top mounting rail seal strip and attach the seal to the bottom of the top mounting rail.
Install the top mounting rail with 3 type A screws on the inside of the case. Insert the frames for the accordion panels into the top mounting rail and the frame guides. Attach the accordion panels to the side of the case using 5 type A screws.
D
C
B
A
Remove the Air Conditioner From the Case
Remove the 2 shipping screws from the back of the case.
Remove the 2 screws on each side of the case. Keep these for later use.
Slide the air conditioner from the case by gripping the base pan handle and pulling forward while bracing the case.
C
B
A
3
4
Top mounting rail
Frame guides
Bottom of case
Frame guide
Shipping screws
Shipping screws
11
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Install the Case in the Window
Align the inside edge of the sill brackets with
the 11marks from the centerline and attach
them to the window sill using 2 type B screws on each side.
Carefully place the case on the window stool aligning the center front on the bottom with the centerline marked on the window stool. Close the window making sure the window sash is behind the top mounting rail.
Using the larger diameter hole in the case, attach the brackets to the case using two type D screws and 2 lock nuts on each side.
Adjust the carriage bolts and the lock nuts in each support so that the case is installed with a
slight downward tilt (about 1/4) toward the
outside. Tighten the bolts.
CAUTION: DO NOT drill a hole in the base pan. The unit is designed to operate with approximately 1/2″of water in the base pan.
Secure the case to the window stool by using 3 type B screws.
Pull the accordion panels to each window sash track. Attach them on each side to the window sash and the window stool using 4 type C screws.
F
E
D
C
B
A
6
Type B screws
Type D screws with lock nuts
Prepare the Window
Loosely attach the sill brackets to the support brackets using the 2 carriage bolts and 2 lock nuts.
Open the window and mark the centerline of
the window stool. Measure and mark 11to the
left and right of the centerline.
BA
5
Sill bracket
Lock nut
Support bracket Carriage bolt
Centerline
Window Installation Instructions
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Installation Instructions
Install the Air Conditioner in the Case
Slide the air conditioner into the case. Reinstall the 2 screws removed earlier on each side of the case.
Before installing the front grille, pull out the vent control lever located above the unit control knobs, as shown.
Attach the front grille to the case by inserting the tabs on the grille into the slots on the front of the case. Push the grille in until it snaps into place.
Lift the inlet grille and secure the front frame with a type A screw. Lower the inlet grille into place.
D
C
B
A
8
Install the Window Locking Bracket and the Foam Top Window Gasket
Attach the window locking bracket with a type C screw.
Cut the foam top window gasket to the window width.
Stuff the foam between the glass and the window to prevent air and insects from getting into the room.
C
BA
7
Guide the lever carefully through the grille as you
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Customer Service Troubleshooting Tips
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Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips Installation Instructions Safety Instructions
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Operating Instructions
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips Save time and money! Review the chart below first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Air conditioner
The air conditioner Make sure the air conditioner plug is pushed
does not start
is unplugged. completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit Check the house fuse/circuit breaker box and replace breaker is tripped. the fuse or reset the breaker.
Power failure. If power failure occurs, turn the mode control to
OFF
. When power is restored, wait 3 minutes to restart the air conditioner to prevent tripping of the compressor overload.
Air conditioner does
Airflow is restricted. Make sure there are no curtains, blinds or furniture
not cool as it should
blocking the front of the air conditioner.
The temp control may Turn the knob to a higher number. The highest setting not be set high enough. provides maximum cooling.
The air filter is dirty. Clean the filter at least every 30 days.
See the
Operating Instructions
section.
The room may have been hot. When the air conditioner is first turned on you need to
allow time for the room to cool down.
Cold air is escaping. Check for open furnace floor registers and cold
air returns.
Set the air conditioner’s vent to the closed position.
Cooling coils have iced up. See “Air conditioner freezing up” below.
Air conditioner
Ice blocks the air flow Set the mode control at
HIGH FAN
or
HIGH COOL
freezing up
and stops the air conditioner with the temp at 1or 2. from cooling the room.

Normal Operating Sounds

You may hear a pinging noise caused by water
being picked up and thrown against the condenser on rainy days or when the humidity is high. This design feature helps remove moisture and improve efficiency.
You may hear the thermostat click when the
compressor cycles on and off.
Water will collect in the base pan during
high humidity or on rainy days. The water may overflow and drip from the outdoor side of the unit.
The fan may run even when the compressor
does not.
15
Notes.
Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions Installation Instructions
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Customer Service
Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
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Notes.
General Electric Company
Warranty Registration Department P.O. Box 32150 Louisville, KY 40232-2150
GE Service Protection Plus
GE, a name recognized worldwide for quality and dependability, offers you Service Protection Plus
—comprehensive protection on all your appliances—
No Matter What Brand!
Benefits Include:
Backed by GE
All brands covered
Unlimited service calls
All parts and labor costs included
No out-of-pocket expenses
No hidden deductibles
One 800 number to call
You will be completely satisfied with our service protection or you may request your money back on the remaining value of your contract. No questions asked. It’s that simple.
Protect your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, range, TV, VCR and much more—any brand! Plus there’s no extra charge for emergency service and low monthly financing is available. Even icemaker coverage and food spoilage protection is offered. You can rest easy, knowing that all your valuable household products are protected against expensive repairs.
Place your confidence in GE and call us in the U.S. toll-free at 800-626-2224 for more information.
*All brands covered, up to 20 years old, in the continental U.S.
We’ll Cover Any Appliance. Anywhere. Anytime.*
Please place in envelope and mail to:
Cut here
17
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Important
Mail Today!
GE Appliances
General Electric Company Louisville, Kentucky www.geappliances.com
First
Name
Mr. Ms. Mrs. Miss
Street
Address
City
State
Date Placed
In Use
Month
Day
Year
Zip
Code
Apt. #
Last
Name
Phone
Number
_
_
Consumer Product Ownership Registration
Dear Customer: Thank you for purchasing our product and thank you for placing your confidence in us. We are proud to have you as a customer!
Follow these three steps to protect your new appliance investment:
Important: If you did not get a registration card with your
product, detach and return the form below to ensure that your product is registered, or register online at www.geappliances.com.
1
23
Model Number Serial Number
Cut here
Complete and mail your Consumer Product Ownership Registration today.
Have the peace of mind of knowing we can contact you in
the
unlikely event of
a
safety modification.
After mailing the registration below, store this document in a safe place. It contains information you will need should you require service. Our service number is 800 GE CARES (800-432-2737).
Read your Owner’s Manual carefully. It will help you operate your new appliance properly. If you have questions, or need more information, call the
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000.
Model Number Serial Number
E-mail Address
Occasionally, we may allow selected companies to send you information.
Check here if you do not want this information.
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Customer ServiceTroubleshooting Tips
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Installation Instructions
Air Conditioner Warranty
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. For service, call 800-GE-CARES.
For The Period Of: GE Will Replace:
One Year Any part
of the air conditioner which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
From the date of the
During this
full one-year warranty,
GE will also provide,
free of charge,
all labor
original purchase
and in-home service to replace the defective part.
Five Years Any part of the sealed refrigerating system
(the compressor, condenser, evaporator
From the date of the
and all connecting tubing) which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
original purchase
During this
five-year warranty,
GE will also provide,
free of charge,
all labor and
in-home service to replace the defective part.
Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the
product.
Improper installation. If you have an installation problem,
or if the air conditioner is of improper cooling capacity for the intended use, contact your dealer or installer. You are responsible for providing adequate electrical connecting facilities.
Failure of the product resulting from modifications to the
product or due to unreasonable use including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.
In commercial locations labor necessary to move the unit
to a location where it is accessible for service by an individual technician.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
breakers.
Failure due to corrosion on models not corrosion-
protected.
Damage to the product caused by improper power supply
voltage, accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
Incidental or consequential damage to personal property
caused by possible defects with this air conditioner.
What GE Will Not Cover:
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
Operating Instructions
Safety InstructionsInstallation InstructionsTroubleshooting TipsCustomer Service
Service Telephone Numbers.
GE Answer Center
®
800.626.2000
The GE Answer Center® is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In-Home Repair Service
800-GE-CARES (800-432-2737)
Expert GE repair service is only a phone call away.
Special Needs Service
800.626.2000
800-TDD-GEAC (800-833-4322)
GE offers, free of charge, a brochure to assist in planning a barrier-free kitchen for persons with limited mobility.
Service Contracts
800-626-2224
Purchase a GE service contract while your warranty is still in effect and you’ll receive a substantial discount. GE Consumer Service will still be there after your warranty expires.
Parts and Accessories
800-626-2002
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted).
Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally should be referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.
Service Satisfaction
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE:
First,
contact the people who serviced your appliance.
Next,
if you are still not pleased, write all the details—including your phone number—to:
Manager, Customer Relations GE Appliances Appliance Park Louisville, KY 40225
Printed in Korea
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