GE GCG1540 User Manual

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–4

Operating Instructions

Compacting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Removing a Full Trash Bag . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Trash Bag Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Using the Compactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning the Outside and Inside . . . . . . .9

Installation Instructions

Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Custom Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15–17

Installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12–14

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call for Service . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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GCG1520
GCG1530
GCG1540
GCG1550

165D4700P332 49-55012 11-05 JR

9871764 Rev. A

Write the model and serial
numbers here:

Model

# ______________

Serial # ______________

You can find them on the label
on the front of the frame.

Trash Compactors

Owner’s Manual

and Installation

Operating Instructions

2

Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions

Troubleshooting TipsConsumer Support

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.

■ This compactor is for household use only.
Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.
Do not use other than manufacturer’s
recommended attachments.

■ Close supervision is necessary when any
appliance is operated near children. Do not
allow the compactor to be used as a toy, or to
run unattended at any time.

■ Turn the key-knob to OFF and remove it when
not compacting trash. This will help prevent
anyone from tampering with the compactor
or children from operating it.

■ Do not push trash into the drawer with hands
or feet. Trash might contain broken glass,
sharp pieces of metal, or other sharp objects
that might cause injury.

■ When removing or carrying the trash bag,
keep the bag away from your body. Sharp
objects may have pierced it.

■ Do not overload trash bag with heavy
material such as glass.

■ Never lift the bag by the sides. Broken glass
or other sharp objects in the bag can cause
injury.

■ Be careful when cleaning the inside of the
cabinet or trash drawer. Glass fragments may
be stuck to the ram, imbedded in the drawer
surface or lying in the bottom of the cabinet.

■ Do not install or store compactor where it
will be exposed to the weather.

■ Make sure the compactor is properly
installed and leveled on a floor that can
support its weight.

■ Do not touch moving parts.

■ Do not compact food waste such as raw meat

and fish, grapefruit rinds, personal hygiene
items and disposable diapers. These items
create very strong odors and should not go
into the compactor.

■ Do not use the compactor as a counter
for electrical cooking appliances nor as a
cutting board.

■ Do not set hot pans, etc. on the compactor
top. Do not spill any liquids on the
compactor top.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Consumer SupportOperating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Installation Instructions Troubleshooting Tips

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WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire, electric shock
or personal injury.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST UNREASONABLE USE OF
YOUR COMPACTOR:

■ Never compact shotgun shells, cartridges for
firearms, fireworks, etc., which are highly
explosive.

■ Never compact flammable materials such as
paint, oil- or gasoline-saturated rags, engine
starting fluid cans, paint thinner cans, etc.—
spontaneous combustion or explosive vapor
concentrations could occur.

■ Never compact containers of toxic chemicals
such as strong insecticides or other poisonous
materials—compaction could release
hazardous fumes.

■ Never compact aerosol cans containing
explosive or highly toxic chemicals.
(If you are sure the aerosol cans contain
non-hazardous materials such as shaving
cream, cheese spread and whipped cream,
they may be compacted.)

■ Do not compact lighted cigarettes, cigars, or
other hot or burning items.

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

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

4

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:

To prevent hazard of electrical shock, this
compactor must be properly installed and
grounded in accordance with the Installation
Instructions before it is used.

Do not operate with a damaged cord set, plug,
motor, or after damage in any manner. Have
the appliance examined, repaired, or adjusted
by an authorized service technician.

Do not take apart this appliance. Incorrect
reassembly can cause electric shock when
subsequently used.

Unplug the compactor before making any
repairs. NOTE: We strongly recommend that
any servicing be performed by a qualified
person.

Do not use an adapter plug or an extension
cord with this appliance.

Follow National Electric Codes or prevailing
local codes and ordinances. This appliance
must be supplied with 120V, 60Hz and
connected to an individual, properly grounded
branch circuit protected by a 15 or 20 amp
circuit breaker or time delay fuse.

If the electric supply provided does not meet
the above requirements, call a licensed
electrician.

We recommend that a separate circuit serving
only this appliance be provided.

Do not, under any circumstances, cut or
remove the third grounding prong from the
power cord.

This appliance must be grounded. In the event
of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding will
reduce the risk of electric shock by providing a
path of least resistance for electric current.

This appliance is equipped with a cord having
an equipment grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged
into an appropriate outlet that is properly
installed and grounded in accordance with
local codes and ordinances.

WARNING: Improper connection of the
equipment grounding conductor can result in
a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified
electrician if you are in doubt as to whether
the appliance is properly grounded.

Do not modify the plug with this appliance. If
it will not fit the outlet installed, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions

Troubleshooting TipsConsumer Support

L

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C

K

/O

F

F

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N

S

TA

R

T

About the trash compactor.

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Consumer SupportInstallation Instructions Troubleshooting TipsOperating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Features

6

About using the trash compactor.

What It Does and How It Works

Your compactor reduces household trash to as little as 1/4 of its original volume.

It compacts most refuse, including paper, cans, bottles, jars, plastic containers, wrappings,
sweepings and some food wastes.

Drop trash into a disposable bag that lines the trash drawer and close the drawer. When
you start the compactor, an electrically-operated ram moves down into the drawer,
compacts trash, moves back up again—and the compactor shuts off automatically.

NOTE: The trash drawer must be 1/2 full before you will notice compaction because the
ram does not travel all the way down into the drawer. By adding trash, compaction is
transferred to the items below until all trash is compacted.

Key-Knob Start/Off Switch

A key-knob switch is provided for your
protection as a safety measure. When the
key-knob switch is in the OFF position, the
compactor will not operate.

Lock the compactor when it is not in use,
and remove the key-knob for safekeeping to
keep children from operating the
compactor or to prevent anyone from
tampering with it.

Drawer Monitor Switch

The compactor has a position monitor switch to ensure that the drawer is in its fully closed
position for operation. The compactor will not cycle without the drawer being closed.

Trash Bag Installation

Before installing a new bag, be sure:

The drawer side is securely locked.

The container is clean and free of sharp
debris that may puncture the bag.

Reinforced polyethylene bags came with
your compactor and are ready to be
installed.

You must use the specially designed
heavy-duty trash bags included with your
compactor. These bags are available from

your dealer or Factory Service Center. Ask
for catalog number WC60X5017. If you
prefer, you can order by mail. A handy order
form is provided with your compactor and is
included in every replacement bag package.

To install a new bag:

Place the bag into the drawer. Open
the bag and pull the top edges over
the drawer top.

Lock the bag in place by pulling the
four prepunched holes over the bag
retainer buttons. Holes will expand over
the buttons without harming the bag.

Press inside of bag against the
drawer bottom, sides and corners
for a smooth fit.

3

2

1

2

1

After installing a trash bag, the
compactor is ready to use.

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsInstallation Instructions

Troubleshooting TipsConsumer Support