GE FCM5SKWW User Manual
SAFETY INFORMATION
How to Connect Electricity. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Proper Disposal .......................2
Safety Precautions .................... 2
Use of Extension Cords ................ 2
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Care and Cleaning .....................6
Defrosting Instructions .................5
Features ..............................4
Starting the Freezer ....................4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS .
Preparing to Install the Freezer ......... 8
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS .......9
WARRANTY ...................... 11
CONSUMER SUPPORT ..........12
ATTENTION:
Defrosting—Do not use sharp, pointed
objects to remove frost or ice from
surfaces of the freezer compartment.
Doing so could puncture the cooling
coil, causing the unit to lose its ability
to maintain cold temperatures and
voiding the warranty. See the Care and
Cleaning section for instructions on
defrosting the freezer compartment.
OWNER’S MANUAL
& INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Chest—Manual
Defrost Models:
FCM5
FCM7
FCM11
ENGLISH/FRANÇAIS/
ESPAÑOL
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # _________________
Serial # _________________
You can find them on a plate on
the top-center on the back of the
unit.
Food Freezers
GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company. Manufactured under trademark license.
49-60702-3 07-16 GEA
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
GE Appliances Website
For more information on your refrigerator’s operation, visit www.GEAppliances.com or
call GE Appliances at 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). In Canada visit GEAppliances.ca or
call 800.561.3344.
FREEZER SAFETY INFORMATION
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All
safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, or “CAUTION”. These words are
defined as:
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or injury when using your
freezer follow these basic safety precautions:
This freezer must be properly installed and located in accordance
with the Installation Instructions before it is used.
Unplug the freezer before cleaning and making repairs.
NOTE: Repairs must be performed by a qualified Service
Professional.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
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 (in the United States) or a CSA
certified (in Canada), 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 120
volts.
To prevent suffocation and entrapment hazards to children,
Remove the fresh food and freezer doors from any freezer before
disposing of it or discontinuing its use.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids
in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Power to the freezer cannot be disconnected by any setting
on the control panel, freezer must be unplugged to remove
power.
Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang on the door
handles or the shelves in the freezer. They could seriously injure
themselves.
In freezers with automatic icemakers, avoid contact with the
moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with the heating
element that releases the cubes. Do not place fingers or hands
on the automatic ice making mechanism while the freezer is
plugged in.
Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they
are cold. Glass shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden
temperature changes or impact, such as bumping or dropping.
Tempered glass is designed to shatter into many small pieces if it
breaks.
Keep fingers out of the “pinch point” areas; clearances between
the doors and between the doors and cabinet are necessarily
small. Be careful closing doors when children are in the area.
Do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment when
hands are damp or wet, skin may stick to these extremely cold
surfaces.
Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.
Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, the freezer should be
unplugged in order to avoid contact with a live wire filament. (A
burned-out light bulb may break when being replaced.)
2
Installation Instructions GEAppliances.com
WARNING
Explosion Hazard.
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from freezer. Failure to do so can result
in fire, explosion, or death.
CONNECTING ELECTRICITY
WARNING
Plug into a grounded 3-prong outlet.
Do not remove the ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
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 standard 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. Do not use an adapter.
The freezer should always be plugged into its own individual
electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the
rating plate.
Electrical Shock Hazard.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death, fire, or electrical shock.
A 115 Volt AC, 60 Hz, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical
supply is required. This provides the best performance and also
prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a
fire hazard from overheated wires.
Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always
grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
Repair or replace immediately all power 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
end.
When moving the freezer away from the wall, be careful not to
roll over or damage the power cord.
PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD FREEZER
WARNING
Remove freezer doors prior to disposal. Failure to do so can result in child entrapment which can lead
to death or brain damage.
IMPORTANT:
Suffocation and child entrapment hazard.
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems
of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are
still dangerous even if they will sit for “just a few
days.” If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator,
please follow the instructions below to help prevent
accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:
Take off the fresh food and freezer doors.
Leave the shelves in place so that children may not
easily climb inside.
Refrigerants
All refrigeration products contain refrigerants,
which under federal law must be removed prior
to product disposal. If you are getting rid of an old
refrigeration product, check with the company
handling the disposal about what to do.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
About the operation of your freezer.
Starting the Freezer
Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).
1
Connect cord to power outlet.
2
Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
3
Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.
4
Temperature Control
MAX
OFF
POWER
POWER
MIN
Freezing temperature selection is made by
setting the control from 1 to 7 (coldest).
If you want colder or warmer temperatures,
adjust the control one step at a time.
Power-On Light (on some models)
The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer is
properly connected to the electrical power.
Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The key for the spring-loaded lock is
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lock in either the open or closed position.
Allow several hours after each one-step
adjustment for the freezer temperature to
stabilize.
Turning the control to the OFF position stops
the cooling process but does not shut off power
to the freezer.
The light glows even when the temperature
control is turned off.
To prevent a child from being entrapped, keep
the key out of reach of children and away from
the freezer.
4
Defrosting instructions. GEAppliances.com
In most climates, defrosting will be necessary
only about twice a year.
To have your freezer operate most efficiently, do
not permit more than 1/2" (13 mm) of frost to
accumulate on the shelves.
For Complete Defrosting
Turn the temperature control to the OFF
1
position and unplug the freezer.
Remove all food and place it in corrugated
2
boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc.
Use towels and newspapers for insulation
as needed.
With the door/lid open, use pans of hot
3
water to speed loosening of frost. Remove
large pieces before they melt.
Chest models have a defrost water drain at
the front.
NOTE: Water may drip from the back flange
of the lid cover during defrosting. This is
normal. Ice builds up in the lid insulation
when the lid is open for adding or removing
food, and melts during the defrosting
operation.
To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood
spatula or scraper.
Do not use an ice pick or sharp-edged
instrument as it may damage or scratch the
freezer.
Do not use any electrical device in defrosting
your freezer.
Sponge excess water from the bottom of
4
the freezer as it collects to prevent
overflowing.
After defrosting, clean the inside of the
5
freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
Replace the drain plug inside the cabinet
6
and the cap on the defrost drain. Fold over
and dry the gasket on the hinge side of the
lid.
Plug in the freezer. Return the temperature
7
control to its previous position and return
food to the freezer.
5
Care and cleaning of the freezer.
Cleaning Your Freezer
Outside. Protect the paint finish. The finish
on the outside of the freezer is a high quality,
baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it
will stay new-looking and rust-free for years.
Apply a coat of appliance polish wax when
the freezer is new and then at least twice a
year. Appliance polish wax also works well to
remove tape residue from freezer surfaces.
Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth
lightly dampened with appliance polish wax
or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and
polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the
freezer with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet
towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered
cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing
bleach.
NOTICE: Care should be taken in moving
the freezer away from the wall. All types of
floor coverings can be damaged, particularly
cushioned coverings and those with
embossed surfaces.
Inside. Clean the inside of your freezer at
least once a year. We recommend that the
freezer be unplugged before cleaning. If this
is not practical, wring excess moisture out of
sponge or cloth when cleaning in the vicinity
of switches, lights or controls.
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about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart
of water. Rinse thoroughly with water and
wipe dry. Do not use cleaning powders or
other abrasive cleaners.
An open box of baking soda in the freezer will
absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box
every three months.
6
GEAppliances.com
In Case of Extended Power Failure
Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your freezer will
keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm
air is not admitted.
If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or
more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large pieces.
Add more ice as required.
Preparing to Move
Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall
outlet. Remove foods, defrost and clean the
freezer.
Secure all loose items such as grille and shelves
by taping them securely in place to prevent
damage.
Preparing for Vacation
To maintain freezer in operation during
vacations, be sure your house power is not
turned off. For sure protection of freezer
contents, you may want to ask a neighbor to
check the power supply and freezer operation
every 48 hours.
CAUTION
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protection is recommended.
If dry ice is not available, move food to a
IUR]HQIRRGORFNHUWHPSRUDULO\³XQWLOSRZHULV
restored.
Be sure freezer stays in upright position during
actual moving and in van. The freezer must be
secured in van to prevent movement. Protect
outside of freezer with blanket.
When the freezer is not operating, it can be left
in an unheated house or room without damage
to cabinet or mechanism.
Handling of dry ice can
For extended vacations or absences, you may
prefer to move your frozen foods to a storage
locker temporarily. If your freezer is to be left
empty, disconnect power cord plug from wall
outlet. To prevent formation of odors, place
open box of baking soda in freezer and leave
freezer door/lid open.
7
Preparing to install the freezer.
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
Freezer Location
Your freezer should be conveniently located for day-to-day
use in a dry, well-ventilated room.
Do not install the freezer where the temperature will go
below 0°F or above 110°F, because it will not maintain
proper temperatures.
Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to
support it when it is fully loaded.
Clearances
On all models, allow 3" (76 mm) on top, back and sides for
proper air circulation.
The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor if it is
to function at its best. Your freezer has adjustable leveling
legs that can be turned to be solidly positioned wherever
the floor is too uneven. If the place selected for the freezer
is damp or moist, place 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under its
entire length to assure adequate support.
8
Normal operating characteristics.
These things are normal and
do not indicate a need for service.
A warm cabinet exterior as the refrigeration system transfers
heat from the inside to the outside through the exterior
cabinet walls.
The sound of the high-efficiency compressor motor.
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following
pages first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Freezer does not Temperature control • Move the control to a temperature setting.
operate or Power-On in OFF position.
Light is not on
The fuse is blown/circuit • Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
breaker is tripped.
Freezer is unplugged. • Push the plug completely into the outlet.
GEAppliances.com
Freezer starts/stops Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too frequently
door/lid openings.
Temperature control • See About the operation of your freezer.
set too cold.
Freezer operates Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too long
door/lid openings.
Temperature control • See About the operation of your freezer.
set too cold.
Inadequate air circulation • See Preparing to install the freezer.
space around cabinet.
Fast Freeze switch is in the • See About the operation of your freezer.
ON position (on some models).
Noisy operation Floor may be weak, causing • Placing 2 X 4’s (51 mm X 102 mm) under the length of
or cabinet vibrates freezer to vibrate when the freezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
compressor is on.
Cabinet is not positioned • See Preparing to install the freezer. Or use shims for
solidly on floor. uneven floor.
Freezer temperature Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too warm
door/lid openings.
Too frequent or too long
Too frequent or too long
Too frequent or too long
9
Before you call for service…
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Foods defrosting Temperature control • Move the control to a temperature setting.
in OFF position.
Freezer is unplugged. • Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit • Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
breaker is tripped.
Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Freezer temperature Temperature control • See About the operation of your freezer.
too cold set too cold.
Fast Freeze switch is in the • See About the operation of your freezer.
ON position or has run for too
long (on some models).
Moisture forms on Not unusual during • Wipe surface dry.
outside of cabinet periods of high humidity.
Interior light No power at outlet. • Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
does not work
(on some models)
Door/lid won’t fully Package holding door/lid open.
close by itself
Slow starting time Built-in overload protection.
after being off
Excessive frost Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
buildup
door/lid openings.
Not unusual during
periods of high humidity.
Freezer is unplugged. • Push the plug completely into the outlet.
Light bulb burned out. • Replace bulb.
Too frequent or too long
NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where you purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home service.
For warranty service, contact us at GEAppliances.com, or call GE Appliances at 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), or 1.800.561.3344
(Canada).
10
Freezer Warranty.
For US Customers, all warranty service provided by our Factory
Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care
schedule service, on-line, 24 hours a day, visit us at GEAppliances.
com, or call GE Appliances at 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). Please
have serial number and model number available when calling for
service.
In Canada, call 800.561.3344.
For the Period of: GE Appliances Will Replace
One Year
From the date of the original
purchase
Any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship.
During the limited one-year warranty, GE Appliances will also provide, free of charge, all labor and
related service to replace the defective part.
What GE Appliances Will Not Cover:
Service trips to your home to teach you how to use
the product.
Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.
Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for
other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
Loss of food due to spoilage.
®
technician. To
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
Product not accessible to provide required service.
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
Damage caused after delivery.
(;&/86,212),03/,(':$55$17,(6³<RXUVROHDQGH[FOXVLYHUHPHG\LVSURGXFWUHSDLUDVSURYLGHGLQ
this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.
For US Customers: This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products
purchased for home use within the USA. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Appliances
Authorized Servicer is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the
product to an Authorized GE Appliances Service location for service. 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 US: GE Appliances
For Customers in Canada: This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for
products purchased in Canada for home use within Canada. In-home warrant service will be provided in areas
where it is available and deemed reasonable by Mabe to provide.
Warrantor Canada: MC Commercial, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 5B6
11
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