GE GSC820 Use and Care Manual

UseandCareGuidel

Dishwasher

Safe~

Operating Instructions, Tips

Appliance Registration .................................2

China, Crystal, Sterling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Cycle Features

Detergent Guide .............................................9

Dispenser

Drying Options ................................................6

Energy-Saving Tips ........................................7

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loading . . . . . . . . . 10, 11

Operating instructions .............................6, 7

Rinse Agent

Unicouple.........................................................4

Water Temperature .......................................8

✎ ✎

✎

✎✌

✎

✎✎

✎✎✎✎✌✌

Care and Cleaning

3:{’

❑

Air Gap.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Winter Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wood

instructions.........................3

................................................6

Cups...............................................9

...6, 7

.....................................................8

TOP

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Problem

More questions

GE Answer

Preparation

Front Panel Change . . 14

Consumer Services ..................23

Important Phone Numbers .......................23

Model and Serial Numbers ..........................2

Repair Service

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...,..........Back Cover

~ Convetiible

SoIver..............,........l7-l9

?...call

Center@

Model GSC820

800.626.2000

.................................................2

GE Appliances

HELP US HELP

YOU...

Before using your dishwasher, read this guide carefully.

It is intended to help you operate and maintain your new dishwasher properly.

Keep it handy for answers to your questions.

If you don’t understand something or need more help, write (include your phone number):

Consumer Affairs GE Appliances Appliance Park Louisville, KY 40225

To obtain a Spanish language version of this book, call Espafiol GE Answer

800.626.2000 consumer information service.

Center@

If you received a damaged dishwasher...

Immediately contact the dealer (or builder) that sold you the dishwasher.

Save time and money. Before you request service . . .

Check the Problem Solver in the back of this guide. It lists causes of minor operating problems that you can correct yourself.

Para obtener

name a GE Answer

servicio para el consumidor, telifono

versi6n

este

manual,

Center,@

informaci6n

800.626.2000.

Write down the model and serial numbers.

You’ll

find them on a fastened to the tub wall just inside the dishwasher door.

These numbers Consumer Product Ownership Registration Card that came with your dishwasher. Before sending in this card, please write these numbers here:

Model Number

Serial Number

Use these numbers in any correspondence or service concerning your dishwasher.

label

are

also on the

calls

IF YOU NEED SERVICE...

To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in the back of this guide.

We’re proud of our service and want you to be pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the service you receive, here are three steps to follow for further help.

FIRST, contact the people who serviced your appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most cases, this will solve the problem.

all

NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write details—including your phone number—to:

Manager, Consumer Relations GE Appliances Appliance Park Louisville, KY 40225

FINALLY,

Major Appliance Consumer Action Panel 20 North Chicago, IL 60606”

your problem is still not resolved, write:

Wacker

Drive

the

WARNING-When using this

appliance, always exercise basic

●

Use this appliance only for its intended

safety precautions, including the following:

purpose, as you will find described in this Use and Care Guide.

●

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receive an Installation Instructions sheet with your dishwasher, you can obtain one by calling, toll free, the GE Answer

—This appliance must be connected to a grounded

metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment-grounding conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and connected to the equipment-grounding terminal or lead of

the appliance.

—Connect to a properly rated, protected and sized

power-supply circuit to avoid electrical overload.

.’@*

. . . ,.

This dishwasher must be properly

installed and located in accordance

with the Installation Instructions

before it is used. If you did not

Center?

●

not store or use combustible

800.626.2000.

materials, gasoline or other

flammable vapors and liquids

in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.

●

Use only powder or liquid detergents or wetting

agents recommended for use in a dishwasher.

●

Do not wash plastic items

“dishwasher safe” or the equivalent. For plastic items not so marked, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

● Load light plastic items so they will not

become dislodged and drop to the bottom of the dishwasher—they might come into contact with the

Calrod@

heating element and be damaged.

unless

marked

To minimize the possibility of injury.

●

When loading items to be washed:

Locate sharp items so that they are not likely

to damage

B. Load sharp knives with the handles up to

reduce the risk of cut-type injuries.

●

Do not tamper with controls,

the

door seal, and

●

Do not touch the

or immediately after use.

●

Do not operate your dishwasher unless dl enclosure

panels are properly in place.

. Do not abuse, sit on, or stand on

rack of the dishwasher.

●

Close supervision is necessary if this appliance

is used by or near children. Do not to play inside, on or with this appliance discarded appliances and shipping or packing material properly. Before discarding a dishwasher, remove the door of the washing compartment.

●

Keep all washing detergents and wetting

out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Observe dl warnings on container labels to avoid personal injury.

/“

applimce.

<efore

attempting any maintenance. NOTE: Turning the control dial to the OFF position does not disconnect the appliance from the power supply. We recommend having a qualified technician service your appliance.

water pipes if hot water has not been period of two weeks or longer. HYDROGEN GAS IS

EXPLOSI~.

damage or injury, if you have not used hot water for two weeks or more, or moved into a residence in which the hot water system may not have been used for some time, turn on all hot water faucets and allow them to run for several minutes before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water system. This will allow any hydrogen gas to escape. Also, since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open or appliance during this process.

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●

To minimize

electric shock, disconnect this appliance from the power supply

WARNING-HYDROGEN GAS

is produced by the chemical action within your water heater. It can accumulate in

To prevent

heating element during

the

door or dish

Mow

children

any

Dispose of discarded

agents

the

possibility of

the

water heater andor

used

for a

the

possibility of

flame

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO USE THE

UNICO~LE

Before operating your dishwasher the

Attach the Faucet Adapter.

supplied with your dishwasher must be assembled to the sink faucet before you can use your dishwasher.

The faucet adapter is designed to fit standard spouts having internal or external threads. You will find the adapter and two washers in the “Faucet Adapter” packet in your dishwasher.

To install faucet adapter,

the old aerator or trim ring on your faucet spout.

If faucet has external threads:

Insert the thinner of the two washers into the faucet adapter and attach it to the faucet spout.

The special faucet adapter

first remove

first

How to connect the Unicouple

Pull Unicouple and its hoses completely out from storage compartment located at rear of dishwasher and attach it to the faucet adapter.

2. Attach the Unicouple connector to the faucet adapter by depressing collar at the top of the connector. When Unicouple is all the way up onto the adapter, release the collar. It will then snap into position to lock the Unicouple in place.

time...

If faucet has internal threads:

Insert both washers into the faucet adapter and attach it to the faucet spout.

If the faucet adapter threads do not match your faucet spout,

your local hardware or plumbing supply store normally has additional fittings to adapt your faucet spout to the special faucet adapter.

NOTE: A sink spray attachment hose can burst is installed on the same sink with your dishwasher

We suggest that you disconnect the sink spray

attachment if your sink has one and plug the hole.

3. Turn hot water fully on before starting the dishwasher.

ifit

The

Unicouple’s

the faucet to the dishwasher. Its large hose carries drain water to the sink. Be sure Unicouple is pointing toward the sink bowl drain opening and the sink drain is open for water that will drain from your dishwasher. If your dishwasher drains into a disposer, operate the disposer until it is completely empty before starting the dishwasher.

small hose carries water from

How to use the Faucet-Flo nozzle

The Faucet-Flo nozzle is part of the Unicouple connector. Operate the nozzle by depressing the pressure release button on the front of the Unicouple connector. You will find the Faucet-Flo nozzle useful for several reasons.

For example:

“

It allows you to

cold water out of the hot water line so that you can better regulate your water temperature.

● It allows you to test the

temperature of the water before starting your dishwasher.

flush

the

How to disconnect the Unicouple from faucet adapter

Turn off the hot water.

2. Release the water pressure by depressing the pressure release button. This relieves water pressure and protects you, and the room, from severe splashing.

3. Release Unicouple from faucet by depressing the collar at the top of the Unicouple connector.

How to disconnect your dishwasher

1. Remove the power cord plug from the wall

receptacle.

2. Disconnect Unicouple from faucet adapter.

NOTE: When motor stops at the end of the final rinse, the Unicouple can be disconnected and returned to storage.

How to drain excess water from Unicouple hoses

If the sink is 34” or higher from the floor, the excess water in Unicouple hoses cannot be drained directly into the sink. It will be necessary to drain excess water from hoses into a bowl or suitable container that is

held

outside and lower than the sink.

HOW TO CONNECT

ELECTNCITY

Caution, for personal safety:

DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD OR AN ADAPTER PLUG WITH THIS APPLIANCE.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CUT OR REMOVE THE THIRD GROUNDING PRONG FROM THE POWER CORD.

Dishwasher must be electrically grounded in accordance with local codes and ordinances, or in the absence of local codes, in accordance with the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE,

ANS~FPA

NO. 7&1987.

Electrical requirements

●

This appliance must be

supplied with and connected to an individual, properly grounded branch circuit, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or

● If the electric supply

provided does not meet the above specifications, it is recommended

that a licensed electrician install

an approved outlet.

120V,

timedelay

60 Hz,

fuse.

.0 Q*

“7,

INSURE PROPER GROUND EXISTS BEFORE USE

??,

● Your dishwasher circuit

should not be used for any other appliance while the dishwasher is in operation as the dishwasher requires the full capacity of the circuit.

● If the wall receptacle you

plug the dishwasher’s power cord into is controlled by a switch, turn on the switch.

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR DISHWASHER

STEP 1.

pots, pans, bowls, etc., according to the Loading section.

STEP 2. Add detergent to the detergent dispenser.

Make sure the Cycle Indicator Dial is at OFF position before adding detergent. (See Detergent Guide).

Use rinse aid agent to help prevent spotting. Occasionally check to insure that rinse agent container is at least half full. (See How to Use a Rinse Agent section).

STEP 3. Select drying option. HEATED DRY. Turns the

drying heater on for fast drying. ENERGY SAVER

Turns the drying heater off to save energy. The dishes will dry naturally over a longer period such as overnight.

If you need your dishes sooner, open the dishwasher after the cycle is complete to reduce natural drying time.

Use of this option reduces electrical energy used by this model approximately WASH cycle.

STEP 4. WASH HEAT BOOST Option.

To test water temperature, see “How To Test Water Temperature section.”

The entering water must be between and option when water is less that

When selected, the wash cycle will be extended for 21 minutes while the dishwasher heats the water for good washing and drying.

STEP 5.

(See Cycle Selection Hints).

If your dishwasher drains into a food waste disposer, operate the disposer until it is empty before starting the dishwasher.

To obtain the benefits of a complete cycle,

be careful that you

farther than necessary

Load your dishwasher with dishes, silverware,

H\;;ED

(no heat boost).

❑

10%

for the NORMAL

120°F.

140°F.

Use the WASH HEAT BOOST

140°F.

Select the wash cycle and start the dishwasher.

do not turn the dial any

to start the dishwasher.

E::;[RY

,.o”F.r Bwm!

W~]~::AT

❑

● For POTSCRUBBER, NORMAL WASH and

LIGHT WASH cycles:

a. Push selected cycle button. b. Latch the door. c. Slowly turn the Cycle

Indicator Dial to ON position to start the cycle. You will hear the motor start. There is a time delay between the start-up and the water fill so

you”will

● For

RINSF.

a. Be sure door is unlatched. b. Select ENERGY SAVER

drying option.

c. Slowly turn the Cycle

Indicator RINSE & HOLD position.

d. Latch the door to start the cycle.

not hear any wash action right away.

& HOLD cycle:

Dial

to the

POT. MOM&l

SCRUBBER WASH WASH

“

G ‘,*

o~,:”,

‘R(NSE6HOLD

L~T

,/”

WASHING

‘“$~’l’”y{o~,’o~,

Cycle Selection Hints

It is important to follow the Loading instructions.

● POTSCRUBBER—For items such as

pots, pans, cookware, dishes and glasses with heavy soil. Everyday dishes may be included.

● NORMAL WASH—For loads of everyday

dishes, glasses Designed to yield high performance

● LIGHT WASH—For dishes with light

soils that have not dried on, or that have extra preparation before loading. It saves water and energy.

● RINSE & HOLD—For rinsing partial loads

which will be washed later.

and

cookware with medium soils.

normal soils.

D() not U.YC

detergent.

What Happens in Each Cycle

●

You 11 hear occasional clicking sounds: —Soft food disposer shredding action. —Drain valve opening to pump water out. —Water vapor comes through the vent by the door —Timer control as cycle progresses. —Detergent cup opening.

Wash

Water Use

Wash

Cycles

POTSCRUBBER

NORMAL WASH

LIGHT WASH

RINSE & HOLD

* Unextended times. These cycle times will be increased approximately 2 I minutes if Wash

Heat Boost Option is selected.

Drying Options:

HEATED DRYING. Available on all wash cycles except RINSE & HOLD. Add 25 minutes to wash cycle time. ENERGY SAVER. Drying

Gallons

(approx.)

12.1

10.3

4.9

heater is turned off. Dishes dry naturally.

Cycle

Time

Minutes

(approx.)

65*

Wmmmmmm

51*

Wmmmmmm

51*

mmmmmm

● During the drying period:

—The motor stops.

latch during drying and when water is being pumped out.

Cycle Sequence

mmm

Energy-Saving Tips

● Operate dishwasher only when it’s

dishes accumulate in dishwasher. When you put in only a partial load, use the RINSE & HOLD cycle to

rinse off heavy soils. Be sure to latch the door when waiting for a full load. This helps keep soils moist, easier to remove.

● Turn your water heater down to

the WASH HEAT BOOST Option. Make sure the

entering water temperature is-no less than

(See How to Operate Your Dishwasher section).

Good

Dishwashing

Starts with HOT Water

To get dishes clean and dry, you need hot water. To help you get

water of the proper temperature, your dishwasher has a WASH HEAT

BOOST feature. When selected (see How to Operate Your Dishwasher section), this water heating feature allows you to turn down your household water heater and save energy if you’re willing to let the dishwasher run a little longer while it heats water. For good washing and drying, the entering water must be between and

140°F.

To prevent dish damage, inlet water shodd not exceed

full.

120°F.

Let the

and use

120°F.

● If you don’t need your dishes right away, use your

ENERGY SAVER no-heat boost drying feature that turns the drying heater off automatically. Dishes dry naturally over a

● Always select the cycle that uses the least amount

of water that will remove the soil from the load.

(See the Operating section.)

120°F.

150°F.

longer

period such as overnight.

How to Test Water Temperature

Higher water temperature is needed to dissolve grease and activate powder detergents. If the water temperature is less than

140°F.,

use the WASH HEAT BOOST option. See WASH HEAT BOOST section. Check water temperature with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on the hot water faucet nearest dishwasher. Put the thermometer in a glass and let the water run continuously into the glass until the

temperature stops rising. If the water temperature is below

120°F.,

adjust your water heater.

Helpful hints:

or if your water travels a long distance from water heater

If outside temperatures are unusually low,

to dishwasher, you may need to set your water heater’s thermostat up. If you have not used hot water for some time, the water in the pipes will be cold. Turn on the hot water faucet at sink and allow it to run until water is hot. Then start dishwasher. If you’ve recently done laundry or run hot water for showers, give your water heater time to recover before operating the dishwasher.

To improve washability if water is less than and you cannot adjust your water heater: Select a longer cycle and fill both detergent cups at least half-full with detergent.

How to Use a Rinse Agent

The rinse agent makes water flow off dishes quicker

than usual. This lessens water spotting and makes

drying faster, too.

For best

agent such as JET-DRY brand is recommended. agent with a damp cloth. Don’t leave the Rinse agents come in either liquid or solid form.

Your dishwasher uses the liquid form.

How to fill the rinse agent dispenser.

Unscrew the caps. Note the FULL line on the tip of the cap. Add liquid rinse agent until it

just reaches the top of the FULL line. Replace

the cap. The dispenser automatically releases the rinse agent into the

dishwashing

performance, use of a rinse If you accidentally spill: Wipe up the rinse

Bl$$im

final

rinse water.

FULL

Your dishwasher’s rinse agent container holds approximately 3 months. Fill as needed. Do not overfill.

dishwasher. It can keep your detergent from working.

If you can’t find any rinse agent, write:

BENCKISER CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.

(“JET-DRY”)

Corporate Centre 1

55 Federal Road

P.O.

Box 1991

Danbury, CT. 06813-1991

4fi ounces. This should last about

120°F.

spiI1

in the

How to Choose and Use the Right Detergent

First, use only powder or liquid detergent specifically made for use in dishwashers. Other types will cause

Second, check the phosphate content. Phosphate

helps prevent hard-water materials from forming

spots or film on your dishes. If your water is hard (7 grains or more), your detergent has to work harder. Detergents with a higher phosphate level will probably work better. If the phosphate content is low (8.7% or less), with hard water.

Your water department can tell you how hard your water is. So

area’s water softener company. Just call and ask them how many “grains” of hardness there are in your water.

How much detergent should you use? That depends. Is your water “hard” or “soft”? With hard water, you need extra detergent to get dishes clean. With soft water, you need less detergent.

can your county extension agent or your

oversudsing.

you’ll

have to use extra detergent

Too much detergent with soft water not only wastes money, it can be harmful. It can cause a permanent cloudiness of glassware, called “etching.” An outside layer of glass is etched away! Of course, this takes some time. But why take a chance when it’s easy to find out the hardness of your water.

Keep your detergent fresh and dry.

isn’t a good place to store detergent because there is too much moisture. Don’t put powder detergent into the

dispenser until you’re ready to wash dishes. (It won’t be

fresh OR dry).

If your powder detergent gets old or lumpy, throw it

away.

Old detergent often won’t dissolve. If you use a liquid dishwasher detergent, these precautions are not necessary because liquid detergents don’t “lump” as

they age or come in contact with moisture.

Under the sink

+ 16 hidden pages

GE GSC820 Use and Care Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual