Isotherm 2009, 2309, 2503, 2007, 2010 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

Installation and operating instructions

Table of Contents

1 Preface
2 Installation

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

2.2 Safety Considerations

2.3 Tools and Materials Required

2.4 Getting Good Results

2.5 Plan Ahead

2.6 Location and Ventilation

2.7 General Electrical Installation

2.8 Shore Power

2.9 Electronic Unit

2.10 Locating and Installing the Compressor/Condenser Unit

2.11 Locating and Installing the Evaporator

2.12 Thermostat Control Box

2.13 Quick-Couplings

3 Maintenance
4 Operation

4.1 Start Up

4.2 Protection System

5 Troubleshooting Guide

Appendix A Building or Modifying an Icebox for Use with an Isotherm Refrig-

6

eration System

7 Appendix B Bending a Flat Evaporator

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

PRODUCED BY

GREAT WATER, INC.

BRUNSWICK MAINE

WWW.GREAT-WATER.COM

207 729 8500 TEL [phone] FAX

[e-mail]

1 Preface

Isotherm Classic Compact refrigeration systems are designed and built to provide excellent per­formance and many years of trouble-free service. The system is pre-charged with environmentally
safe R-134a refrigerant and can be owner installed. This manual has been prepared to provide in­formation needed for proper installation, operation and maintenance. Before beginning installa­tion please read it carefully.

2 Installation

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Please examine the box and contents for signs of shipping damage. If there is any damage, con­tact the carrier immediately. All units are shipped with insurance but the carrier must be notified
immediately of any shipping damage in order to process a claim.

Each system consists of:

1. Compressor/condenser unit.

2. Click on mounting bracket.

3. Evaporator with 6 feet of flexible tubing.

4. Thermostat with control wiring.

5. Owners manual and warranty registration card.

2.2 Safety Considerations

Whenever working on the electrical system make certain that all circuits are off before opening
any electrical panels. Disconnect shore power cables and turn battery switches off. Follow ABYC
standards for electrical installations. If in doubt contact a certified technician.

2.3 Tools and Materials Required

• Electric drill and bits for pilot holes to attach compressor mounting bracket and evapora-

tor.

• Wire cutters and electrical terminal crimping tool.

• Good quality electrical wire of suitable gauge (usually 10/2).

• Screwdrivers.

• Wrenches.

2.4 Getting Good Results

Classic Compact refrigeration systems are designed for use in a marine environment and will oper­ate efficiently for many years with a minimum of maintenance when installed properly. Plan the
installation carefully and choose a suitable location for the refrigerator. The insulation and con­struction of the refrigerator box are very important and will have a dramatic effect on the per­formance and power consumption of the refrigerator system.
A box with thicker insulation will require less power to maintain the proper temperature. Three to
four inches of a good quality insulation material with a value of R-5 per inch is recommended.
This will result in a box with an overall insulation value of R-15 to R-20.
The box must be well sealed. Lids must be airtight. Drains (if fitted) must be closed tightly.
Often boxes are pre installed by the manufacturer and modifications are not always easy to make.
If you are planning to build or modify a box please see Appendix A: “Building or Modifying an Ice­box for Use with an Isotherm Refrigeration System.”

Battery capacity should be at least 75 Ah to enable sufficient power to be stored during engine

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101N0200

operation.
All the electrical power supply equipment such as alternator, regulator, cables, connectors and
batteries must be kept in good condition.

2.5 Plan Ahead

· Plan tubing and wire runs carefully before starting.

· Avoid getting dirt or moisture on coupling ends. Leave dust caps on until ready to connect.

· Provide sufficient air circulation for air-cooled condenser.

· Use a dedicated 15 amp circuit breaker.

2.6 Location and Ventilation

All refrigerators are heat-transfer machines. They
transfer the heat from the inside of the box to the
outside. If adequate ventilation is provided, the
compressor will operate more efficiently and use

F

less power.
Inlet vent should be located at the bottom (as low

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as possible) and the outlet vent at the top of the
refrigerator (as high as possible); this supports the
natural flow of convection of heat from cool

Fig. 1

(bottom) to warm (top).
A vent of 20 to 30 square inches is recommended at
top and bottom (fig. 1).
Make sure there is sufficient space around the compressor to connect and tighten the quick­connect couplings on the pipes (fig. 2).

Fig. 2

2.7 General Electrical Installation

Good performance and efficient operation of the refrigeration system depends on a good electri­cal installation that will deliver power to the system with a minimum of voltage loss. If the boat's
electrical panel cannot deliver the required power with no more than one half volt of loss the cir­cuit may need to be connected directly to the boat’s main battery switch with the fuse supplied.
In either case the circuit that supplies the power to the refrigerator must be protected with either
a 15 Amp fuse or circuit breaker. Always use a separate dedicated circuit to power the refrigera­tion system. Remember that the negative connection is equally important in delivering power to
the unit.
Use a good quality marine duplex wire to make the connection between the unit and the power
source. Tinned cable is recommended because it will give better resistance to corrosion and long
service life.
Keep the length of the run as short as possible (less than 6 feet).
For runs up to 10 feet use 12 gauge wire (12/2 duplex).
For runs up to 30 feet use 10 gauge wire (10/2 duplex).
Make sure the circuit is not connected to the power source while making these connections.