Hotpoint RFA66, RFM66, RFA18, RFM18 User Manual

FRIDGE FREEZER - MODELS RFA18, RFM18, RFA66, RFM66

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION & USE

GETTING STARTED:

STEP 1

Choose a location for your

fridge freezer,away from

any heat sources and

allow adequate

ventilation - 100mm

(4 inch) gap above.

STEP 3

Level the fridge freezer by

adjusting the front feet.
This will stop rocking or

vibration and keep the

NB.The spanner is for illustration

only and is not supplied with the

STEP 5

Allow the fridge freezer to

cool before placing food

light will stay on until the

fridge freezer has cooled

door aligned.

fridge freezer.

Plug in and switch on.

inside.

The high temperature

down.

All food in the fridge

freezer should be

covered.

To ensure that your fridge freezer runs reliably and efficiently follow these steps.

STEP 2

Move the fridge freezer
into position, using the
sides of the cabinet.
Take care to avoid
damaging the refrigerant
circuit pipe work on the
rear.

STEP 4

Before plugging in and
switching on, leave the
fridge freezer in its final
location for at least 15
minutes to allow it to
settle.

STEP 6

If you are freezing fresh
food,turn on fast freeze
by pressing the switch 24
hours before placing the
food inside.
Place the fresh food
inside.

Remember to turn fast freeze off
after 24 hours, however if you
forget to do so it will automatically
cancel after 48 hours.

STEP 7

INSTALLATION CONTROLS

SAFETY &

USEFUL ADVICE

MAINTENANCE

CLEANING &

TROUBLESHOOTING

Your fridge freezer is now
working.
If after 24 hours your
fridge freezer is not
operating as you want,
refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTING
section.

Read the rest of these instructions to get the best from your appliance and

remember to fill in your guarantee registration.

Keep this Book in a safe place for quick reference.

GUARANTEE

SERVICE &

For Your Safety

For your safety, read the following advice:

The fridge freezer cooling system contains a small amount of gas which is
environmentally friendly but flammable. To avoid any risk :-

Install the fridge freezer following the installation instructions and ensure
that ventilation openings are kept clear of obstruction.
Take care when installing or moving the fridge freezer to avoid damaging
the pipes on the rear.
If you suspect a leak, do not switch on the fridge freezer,but open the
windows and doors to ventilate the room.

SAFETY &

INSTALLATION

When installing your fridge freezer :-

When using your fridge freezer :-

Do not use any mechanical or electrical devices inside the fridge freezer,for
instance for manual defrosting,they may cause damage.
Only use this fridge freezer for storing domestic foodstuffs.

Ensure that the mains cable is not trapped underneath or behind the fridge
freezer when you install or move it.
Do not stack any other appliance on top of this fridge freezer as they may
damage the fridge freezer or become unstable.

Do not sit or stand on top of your fridge freezer.
Do not store poisonous, flammable or dangerous substances in your fridge
freezer.
Do not use aerosol sprays for defrosting or cleaning your fridge freezer.

If you sell the fridge freezer, pass on this booklet to the new owner.

2

Installation

Location & Air Circulation

Locate your fridge freezer away from sources of heat e.g.

100mm
(4 inches)

cookers, radiators, direct sunlight as extreme temperature
will affect its performance.

Allow a minimum 100mm (4 inches) between the top of
the fridge freezer and the ceiling or the underside of a
wall cupboard.

Providing you follow the recommended ventilation
requirements you will :-

Prolong the life of the fridge freezer.
Minimise the risk of condensation on the outside of
the fridge freezer.
Minimise the running costs.
Minimise operating sounds caused by vibration.

Minimum space required to open door

The fridge freezer needs a space of 600mm (24 inches) in front to allow the door
to open.
When positioning the fridge freezer next to a unit, a gap of 30mm (1

1

/4inch) can
be left at the hinge side of the door to allow the easy removal of furniture.If
preferred the fridge freezer can be positioned so that a gap is not left.This will
restrict how far the door can be opened but the furniture can still be removed
(see diagrams below).The door hinge side can be changed to make it easier to
open (see ‘Door Reversal’ in the CLEANING & MAINTENANCE section).

INSTALLATION

SAFETY &

600mm

TOP VIEW

30mm or more

TOP VIEW

600mm

less than 30mm

3

Installation

Levelling:

Level the fridge freezer when it is in its final location by adjusting the front feet, until
firm contact is made with the floor. This will stop rocking or vibration and keep the
doors aligned which helps the fridge freezer run reliably and efficiently.

Note: Before plugging in and switching on,leave the fridge freezer standing
in its final location for at least 15 minutes to allow it to settle.

WARNING:Failure to level the appliance correctly may result in misalignment

of the cabinet and/or doors.

SAFETY &

INSTALLATION

Bottle Retainer (not applicable to all models):

To fit the bottle rack retainer:

Locate the retainer groove at one end of
the bottle rack and then gradually press
down along the top edge until the
retainer is fully in the home position.

Defrost Tube:

A tube is supplied to help feed defrost water into a collecting vessel,ie. a bowl (see
‘Defrosting’in the CLEANING & MAINTENANCE section).
For safe keeping until required, the tube can be stored in the floor of the freezer
compartment.

Defrost tube in storage position

Floor of the freezer compartment

4

Installation

Electrical Supply

WARNING:This appliance must be earthed.

The appliance must be positioned so that the plug is accessible after
installation.

Fuses

Your appliance comes fitted with a plug and a 13A fuse. If you need to replace the
fuse, only use those rated at 13A and ASTA approved to BS1362.

Changing the Plug

Cut off and dispose of the supplied plug if it does not fit your socket.

WARNING:To avoid a shock hazard do not insert the discarded plug into a socket
anywhere else.

IMPORTANT WIRES IN THE MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
FOLLOWING CODE :

Green/Yellow - Earth

INSTALLATION

SAFETY &

Blue - Neutral Brown - Live

If you change the plug, the colour of wires in the mains lead may not correspond with
the colour of the markings identifying terminals in the plug. You should therefore
wire it as shown above.

Changing the Mains Lead

This appliance is fitted with a special mains lead. If you need to replace the mains
lead due to damage, one can be bought from Hotpoint Service (see KEY CONTACTS,
back page).
It is strongly advised that this work is carried out by a qualified electrician.

CE Marking certifies that this appliance conforms to the following EEC
directives : Low Voltage Equipment - 72/23/EEC & 93/68 EEC
Electromagnetic Compatibility 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC & 93/68/EEC

5

Controls

Controlling the Temperature of the Fridge Compartment

The left hand control wheel on the front panel adjusts the internal fridge compartment
temperature. The internal temperature should be 5˚C or colder, although some sections
such as the salad bin will be slightly warmer.The setting of the control wheel will depend
on the location of the fridge freezer, the room temperature and how often the door is
opened. The normal set point (marked by a 3 on the dial) is usually suitable. If you
need to adjust the temperature turn the control wheel using a coin to avoid damage:

Clockwise (higher number) - Colder
Anti-clockwise (lower number) - Warmer

Temperature Indicator (not applicable to all models)

The temperature indicator is located on the bottom right
hand side of the fridge compartment wall.
This indicator shows when the fridge compartment of your

fridge freezer is operating at the correct temperature.
After plugging in and switching on PLEASE WAIT 24 HOURS for the fridge compartment
temperature to stabilise.After this time the indicator should clearly show OK and that
indicates the fridge compartment is operating at the correct temperature.

CONTROLS

If the indicator is completely black, the compartment temperature is too high and
you should adjust the left hand control wheel to a colder setting (see above).

If you have to adjust the temperature setting please WAIT A MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS,
this is time for the temperature to stabilise before checking that the indicator is
showing OK.
If large quantities of food have been added or if the fridge compartment door has
been opened frequently it is normal for the temperature indicator not to show OK.
WAIT A MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS before adjusting the temperature to a colder setting.

Controlling the Temperature of the Freezer Compartment

The right hand control wheel on the front panel adjusts the internal freezer compartment
temperature. The internal temperature should be -18˚C or colder.The setting of the
control wheel will depend on the location of the fridge freezer, the room temperature and
how often the door is opened. The normal set point (marked by a 3 on the dial) is usually
suitable. If you need to adjust the temperature turn the control wheel using a coin to
avoid damage:

Clockwise (higher number) - Colder
Anti-clockwise (lower number) - Warmer

You can check the temperature of the fridge freezer compartments by using a Fridge
Freezer Thermometer available from Hotpoint Genuine Parts and Accessories Mail
Order Hotline (see KEY CONTACTS back page).

WARNING: Do not use a mercury filled thermometer,as breakage would cause a
health hazard.

Your fridge freezer must NOT be placed in a room where the temperature goes below
6˚C or above 38˚C (models RFA18, RFM18),below 6˚C or above 43˚C (models RFA66,
RFM66) for prolonged periods, as the internal temperatures will not be maintained.

6

Controls

Indicator Lights
Green Mains Light

The green mains light will stay on as long as the electricity supply is not interrupted.

Amber Fast Freeze Light

The amber fast freeze light indicates that the fast freeze button has been pressed on.
By pressing this button ON, the freezer motor will run continuously for extra cooling.

Amber Holiday Light (Models RFA18,RFM18 only)

The amber holiday light indicates that the holiday mode is set.

Red High Temperature Warning Light

The red temperature warning light will come on when the freezer is first switched on
or when the temperature inside the compartment rises above the correct storage
temperature. Check the TROUBLESHOOTING section before calling for advice. The
red light may come on for a short period when opening the freezer door to load or
unload food,in this case storage times will not be affected.

Holiday Function (Models RFA18,RFM18 only)

This feature allows you to set your fridge compartment to a warmer setting while you
are away on holiday, to reduce running costs without affecting the freezer.

CONTROLS

To set up holiday mode:

1. Remove any food,from the fridge compartment, that will deteriorate while you

are away. Make sure the fridge is clean.

2. Close the door.

3. Press the holiday button and the amber holiday indicator light will show that

holiday mode is set.

To reset to normal operation:

1. Press the holiday button OR open the fridge door. The amber holiday indicator

light will go out to show holiday mode is cancelled.

2. The fridge compartment will return to the temperature set on the fridge

temperature control wheel.

Note : Opening the door or pressing the holiday button at any time after holiday
mode has been set will turn the function off. The holiday button works
independently of the fridge temperature control wheel.

7

Controls

Fast Freeze Button - Freezing Fresh Food

The top compartment with or without the drawers,should be used to freeze fresh
food. Transfer already frozen food to one of the lower compartments/drawers.

- Before loading 2kg or more of fresh food select fast freeze for the required

pre-freeze time (see chart below).

- If freezing up to 2kg of fresh food just select fast freeze when loading.

Once the fresh food is loaded leave fast freeze on for 24 hours to freeze the food as
quickly as possible.

Maximum freezing capacity in 24 hours:

RFA18,RFM18,RFA66,RFM66 15kg

Note : Don’t forget to turn fast freeze off after 24 hours.

CONTROLS

However fast freeze will turn off automatically after 48 hours if you do forget.

Pre-Freeze chart when selecting Fast Freeze:

Model

RFA/M18
RFA/M66

Load for freezing Pre-freeze time Load position

10 to 15kg max. 24 hours Directly on the top compartment grid only.

RFA/M18
RFA/M66

RFA/M18
RFA/M66

All

8

5 to 10kg 12 hours Directly on the top compartment grid

OR in the top drawer.

2 to 5kg 6 hours Directly on the top compartment grid

OR in the top drawer.

up to 2kg not required Directly on the top compartment grid

OR in the top drawer.