GE FCM7SUWW, FCM5SUWW, FCM5SUWW, FCM7SUWW Owner's Manual
ge.com
Chest—Manual
Defrost Models:
FCM5
FCM7
FCM9
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Instructions
Food Freezers
197D3355P005 49-60518-1 10-07 JR
Safety Information
How to Connect Electricity . . . . . . . . . 3
Proper Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Use of Extension Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Operating Instructions
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7
Defrosting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Starting the Freezer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Installation Instructions
Preparing to Install the Freezer . . . . . 8
Troubleshooting Tips
Before You Call For Service . . . . . .9, 10
Normal Operating
Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Production Registration for
Customers in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 14
Production Registration for
Customers in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 12
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
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 .
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
WARNING!
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
■
■ This freezer must be properly installed and located
in accordance with the Installation Instructions
before it is used.
■
■ Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang
on the shelves in the freezer. They could damage
the freezer and seriously injure themselves.
■
■ After your freezer is in operation, do not touch
the cold surfaces, particularly when hands are
damp or wet. Skin may stick to these extremely
cold surfaces.
■
■ Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
■
■ Unplug the freezer before cleaning, making repairs
or changing the light bulb.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing
be performed by a qualified individual.
■
■ Turning the control to the OFF position does
not remove power to the light circuit on models
with interior light.
■
■ Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed
completely.
■
■ The maximum amount of food your freezer is
designed to freeze at one time is approximately
3 pounds (1.5 kg) per cubic foot of freezer capacity.
In normal position, your freezer’s temperature
control will maintain sufficiently low temperatures
in the freezer to freeze recommended quantities
of food.
■
■ Caution should be used when removing the door
of a freezer. Particular caution should be used when
removing the lid of a Chest freezer, as most Chest
freezer lids are under spring tension. Contact the
manufacturer’s representative for a method
of safe removal.
USE OF EXTENSION CORDS
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-listed (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.
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Installation
Instructions
2
DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT
PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE FREEZER
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems
of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators and
freezers are still dangerous…even if they will sit for
“just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old
refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions
below to help prevent accidents.
Before You Throw Away Your Old
Refrigerator or Freezer:
■ Take off the 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.
3
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions
Installation
Instructions
ge.com
WARNING!
HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY
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.
If the outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet,
it is your personal responsibility and obligation
to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong
wall outlet.
The freezer 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.
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.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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).
Connect cord to power outlet.
On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the OFF position.
Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.
On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the ON position.
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5
4
3
2
1
Temperature Control
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.
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.
4
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Installation
Instructions
Safety Instructions
Operating Instructions
Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)
The key for the spring-loaded lock is
automatically ejected—key will not
remain in lock in either the open or
closed position.
Keep the key out of reach of children and
away from the freezer.
Power-On Light (on some models)
The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer
is properly connected to the electrical power.
The light glows even when the temperature
control is turned off.
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Installation
Instructions
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.
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.
For Complete Defrosting
Turn the temperature control
to the OFF position and unplug
the freezer.
Remove all food and place it in
corrugated boxes, insulated bags,
picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and
newspapers for insulation as needed.
With the door/lid open, use pans of
hot 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.
Sponge excess water from the bottom
of the freezer as it collects to prevent
overflowing.
After defrosting, clean the inside
of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
Replace the drain plug inside
the cabinet 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 control to its previous
position and return food to the freezer.
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6
5
4
3
2
1
5
Defrosting instructions. ge.com
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Installation
Instructions
Safety Instructions
Operating Instructions
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.
CAUTION: 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.
Use warm water and baking soda
solution—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
Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Installation
Instructions
7
ge.com
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.
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.
When the freezer is not operating, it can be
left in an unheated house or room without
damage to cabinet or mechanism.
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.
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.
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.
WARNING: Handling of dry ice can cause
freezing of the hands—gloves or other
protection is recommended.
■ If dry ice is not available, move food to
a frozen food locker temporarily—until
power is restored.
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Installation
Instructions
Safety Instructions
Operating Instructions
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.
The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor
if it is to function at its best. Shims may be used to
accomplish this 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.
Clearances
On all models, allow 3″ (76 mm) on top, back
and sides for proper air circulation.
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Consumer SupportTroubleshooting Tips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Installation
Instructions
9
Normal operating characteristics.
ge.com
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
Freezer is unplugged. • Push the plug completely into the outlet.
The fuse is blown/circuit • Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
breaker is tripped.
Freezer starts/stops Door/lid left open. • Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
too frequently
Too frequent or too long
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
Too frequent or 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
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Consumer Support
Troubleshooting Tips
Installation
Instructions
Safety Instructions
Operating Instructions
Before you call for service…
10
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
Freezer is unplugged. • Push the plug completely into the outlet.
(on some models)
Light bulb burned out. • Replace bulb.
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
Too frequent or too long
door/lid openings.
Not unusual during
periods of high humidity.
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 ge.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), or 1.800.561.3344 (Canada).
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