LG LBNC12231 Series, LBNC12241 Series Owner's Manual

www.lg.com

OWNER'S MANUAL

BOTTOM FREEZER
REFRIGERATOR

Read this owner’s manual thoroughly before operating the appliance and keep it handy
for reference at all times.

ENGLISH

LBNC12231*/LBNC12241*

MFL71400008

Rev.00_050719

Copyright © 2019 LG Electronics Inc. All Rights Reserved

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

3 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

7 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

7 Interior

9 INSTALLATION

9 Installation Overview
9 Unpacking the Refrigerator
10 Choosing the Proper Location
11 Dimensions and Clearances
12 Reversing Doors
12 Leveling
12 Turning on the Power

13 OPERATION

13 Before Use
14 Control Panel
16 Water Dispenser
16 Water Dispenser Tank
16 Fresh Converter
17 Fresh Vegetable Drawer
17 Folding Shelf
18 Storing Food

32 LIMITED WARRANTY

32 FOR USA
35 FOR CANADA

20 SMART FUNCTIONS

20 Smart Diagnosis™ Function

21 MAINTENANCE

21 Cleaning

25 TROUBLESHOOTING

25 FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
26 Before Calling for Service

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always
read and follow all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol.

This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or injure you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word WARNING or
CAUTION. These words mean:

WARNING

You may be killed or seriously injured if you do not follow instructions.

CAUTION

3

You may be injured or cause damage to the product if you do not follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of
injury, and tell you what may happen if the instructions are not followed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

To reduce the risk of explosion, fire, death, electric shock, scalding or injury to persons
when using this product, follow basic precautions, including the following:

INSTALLATION

• To reduce the risk of injury to persons, adhere to all industry recommended safety procedures including
the use of long-sleeved gloves and safety glasses.

• Never attempt to operate this appliance if it is damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled, or has
missing or broken parts, including a damaged cord or plug.

• Only connect this product to a dedicated grounded electrical outlet rated for use with this product
(115 V, 60 Hz, AC only). It is the user’s responsibility to replace a standard 2-prong wall outlet with a
standard 3-prong wall outlet.

• Do not use an outlet that can be turned off with a switch. Do not use an extension cord.

• The appliance must be positioned for easy access to a power source.

• When moving the refrigerator, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

• Contact an authorized service center when installing or relocating the refrigerator.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

4

• Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord.

• Keep packing materials out of the reach of children. Packaging material can be dangerous for children.

There is a risk of suffocation.

• Do not install the refrigerator in a damp or dusty place where insulation on electrical parts may
deteriorate.

• Do not place the refrigerator in direct sunlight or expose it to the heat from heating appliances such as
stoves or heaters.

• Do not bend or pinch the power cord excessively or place heavy objects on it.

OPERATION

• This product is not to be used for special purposes such as the storage of medicine or test materials or
for use on ships, etc.

• DO NOT allow children to climb, stand, or hang on the refrigerator doors or on the shelves in the
refrigerator. They could damage the refrigerator and seriously injure themselves.

• Do not allow children to climb into the refrigerator. They could be trapped and suffocated.

• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the refrigerator.

• Keep fingers out of pinch point areas; clearances between the doors and cabinets are necessarily
small. Be careful closing doors when children are nearby.

• Do not touch frozen food or the metal parts in the freezer compartment with wet or damp hands. Doing
so may cause frostbite.

• Do not refreeze frozen food that has thawed completely. Doing so may result in a serious health hazard.

• Do not use an adapter plug or plug the power plug into a multi-outlet extension cord.

• Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the plug or
connector end. Immediately have all power cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged
repaired or replaced by qualified service personnel.

• Do not operate the refrigerator or touch the power cord with wet hands.

• Do not modify or extend the power cord.

• Do not use an uncertified power outlet. Do not plug appliance into a damaged wall outlet.

• Do not put hands, feet or other objects into the air vents or bottom of the refrigerator. Doing so could
result in personal injury or electric shock.

• In the event of a gas leak (propane/LPG), ensure the area is adequately ventilated and contact an
authorized service center before resuming use. Do not touch the refrigerator or power cord of the
refrigerator.

• Disconnect the power cord immediately and contact an authorized service center if there is a strange
noise, odor, or smoke coming from the appliance.

• Do not use any fuse (such as copper, steel wire, etc.) other than a standard fuse.

• Do not place or use an electrical appliance inside the refrigerator, unless it is of a type recommended by
the manufacturer.

• Do not put animals inside the appliance.

• Do not place heavy or fragile objects, liquid filled containers, combustible substances, or flammable
objects (such as candles and lamps) on the appliance.

• If connected to a circuit protected by fuses, use time delay fuse.

• Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.

• Keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or in the built-in structure, clear of obstruction.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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• Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those
recommended by the manufacturer.

• Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.

• Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are
of the type recommended by the manufacturer.

• The refrigerant and insulation blowing gas used in the appliance require special disposal procedures.
When disposing, please consult with service agent or a similarly qualified person.

5

MAINTENANCE

• Do not use a hair dryer to dry the inside of the refrigerator.

• Do not light a candle to remove odors in the refrigerator.

• In the event of a refrigerant leak, move flammable objects away from the refrigerator. Ensure the area is
adequately ventilated and contact an authorized service center.

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from the refrigerator.

• This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made
by children without supervision.

• Unplug the power plug before cleaning or repairing the refrigerator.

• The refrigerator compartment lights are interior LED lighting, and service should be performed by a
qualified technician.

• Unplug the power plug immediately in the event of a blackout or thunderstorm.

• Turn the power off if water or dust penetrates into the refrigerator. Call a service agent.

• Do not store glass containers or soda in the freezer compartment. Contents may expand when frozen,
break the container and cause injury.

• Do not store, disassemble or repair the appliance yourself or allow unqualified personnel to do so.

• Do not use or place flammable substances (chemicals, medicine, cosmetics, etc) near the refrigerator
or store them inside the refrigerator. Do not place the refrigerator in the vicinity of flammable gas.

DISPOSAL

• Junked or abandoned refrigerators are dangerous, even if they are sitting for only a few days. When
disposing of the refrigerator, remove the packing materials from the door or take off the doors but leave
the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

• If disposing of a refrigerator, make sure the refrigerant is removed for proper disposal by a qualified
servicer. If you release the refrigerant, you may be fined or imprisoned in accordance with the relevant
environmental law.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

• Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check
with a qualified electrician or service personnel if you are in doubt whether the appliance is properly
grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance; if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.

• Have a certified electrician check the wall outlet and wiring for proper grounding.

• Never unplug the appliance by pulling on the power cord. Always grip the plug firmly and pull straight out
from the outlet. Failure to do so may damage the power cord, resulting in a risk of fire and electric shock.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

6

CAUTION

To reduce the risk of minor or moderate injury to persons, malfunction, or damage to
the product or property when using this product, follow basic precautions, including
the following:

INSTALLATION

• Do not install the refrigerator where there may be a danger of the unit falling.

• The refrigerator must be properly installed in accordance with the Installation Instructions.

OPERATION

• Do not use aerosols near the refrigerator.

• This appliance is intended to be used only in domestic and similar applications.

• Do not strike or apply excessive force to any glass surface. Do not touch glass surfaces if they are
cracked or broken.

• Do not overfill or pack items too tightly into door bins. Doing so may cause damage to the bin or
personal injury if items are removed with excessive force.

• Do not overfill the appliance with food. Doing so may cause personal injury or property damage.

MAINTENANCE

• Do not use strong detergents like wax or thinners for cleaning. Clean with a soft cloth.

• Remove foreign objects (such as dust and water) off the prongs of the power plug and contact areas.
Do not use a wet or damp cloth when cleaning the plug.

• Do not spray water directly on the inside or outside of the refrigerator.

• Do not clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. They may break if exposed
to sudden temperature changes.

This appliance contains a small amount of isobutane refrigerant (R600a), which is combustible.
When transporting and installing the appliance, care should be taken to ensure that no parts of
the refrigerating circuit are damaged. Refrigerant squirting out of the pipes could ignite or cause
an eye injury. If a leak is detected, avoid any naked flames or potential sources of ignition and
air the room in which the appliance is standing for several minutes.

In order to avoid the creation of a flammable gas air mixture if a leak in the refrigerating circuit
occurs, the size of the room in which the appliance may be sited depends on the amount of
refrigerant used. The room must be 10.8 square feet (1 square meter) in size for every 8g of
R600a refrigerant inside the appliance. The amount of refrigerant in your particular appliance is
shown on the identification plate inside the appliance. Never start up an appliance showing any
signs of damage. If in doubt, consult your dealer.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

7

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The images in this guide may be different from the actual components and accessories, which are subject
to change by the manufacturer without prior notice for product improvement purposes.

NOTE

• The appearance or components of the appliance may differ from model to model.

Interior

a

Control Panel

Sets the refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

b

Smart Diagnosis Speaker

This function is used to assist the LG Electronics Customer Information Center agents if you call for
service.

c

LED Interior Lighting

Lights up the inside of the refrigerator.

d

Adjustable Refrigerator Shelf

The refrigerator shelves are adjustable to meet individual storage needs.

• The shelf height can be adjusted by inserting the shelf in another groove.

• Store foods with higher moisture content at the front of the shelf.

• The number of shelves will differ from model to model.

e

Folding Shelf†
Store taller items, such as gallon containers or bottles, by pushing the front half of the shelf
underneath the back half of the shelf.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

8

f

Bottle Rack†
Stores tall bottles or containers.

CAUTION

• Do not store short bottles or containers on the bottle rack. The items may fall and cause an injury or

appliance damage.

g

Fresh Vegetable Drawer†
Helps vegetables and fruit to stay crisp and controls humidity.

h

Fresh Converter†
Stores food items at a different temperature than the regular refrigerator area. Slide the lever to set
the temperature for storing vegetables, meat, or fish.

• The drawer can be removed for additional storage space.

i

Movable Egg Tray†
Conveniently stores eggs or other small items.

• Do not use the egg tray in the freezer. To keep eggs fresh longer, do not store them on the top
shelf of the refrigerator or in the vegetable drawer.

j

Refrigerator Door Bin

Stores chilled food, drinks, or condiments.

k

Water Dispenser Tank†
Supplies water to the dispenser. On non-plumbed models, this is filled manually. Fill with potable
water only.

l

Ice Tray

For producing and storing ice.
For additional storage space, remove the ice tray or ice bin.

m

Freezer Drawer

Use for long-term storage of frozen items.

† This feature is only available on some models.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

The appearance and specifications listed in this manual may vary due to constant product improvements.

Electrical requirements: 115 V, 60 Hz

Model LBNC12231*/LBNC12241*
Description Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Net weight 156 lb (71 kg)

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INSTALLATION

9

INSTALLATION

Installation Overview

Please read the following installation instructions first after purchasing this product or transporting it to
another location.

Unpacking the Refrigerator

Choosing the Proper
Location

Unpacking the Refrigerator

WARNING

• Use two or more people to move and install
the refrigerator. Failure to do so can result in
back injury or other injury.

• The refrigerator is heavy. Protect the floor
when moving the refrigerator for cleaning or
service. Always pull the refrigerator straight
out when moving it. Do not wiggle or walk the
refrigerator when trying to move it, as floor
damage could occur.

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such
as gasoline, away from the refrigerator.
Failure to do so can result in fire, explosion,
or death.

Leveling and Door

Alignment

• To remove any remaining tape or glue, rub
the area briskly with your thumb. Tape or glue
residue can also be easily removed by rubbing
a small amount of liquid dish soap over the
adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm
water and dry.

• Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol,
flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners to remove
tape or glue. These products can damage the
surface of your refrigerator.

• Reinstall or adjust shelves as needed.
Refrigerator shelves are installed in the shipping
position. Reinstall shelves according to your
individual storage needs.

NOTE

• Remove tape and any temporary labels from
your refrigerator before using. Do not remove
any warning labels, the model and serial number
label, or the Tech Sheet that is located under the
front of the refrigerator.

INSTALLATION

10

Choosing the Proper Location

Electricity

Use an individual, grounded outlet:115 Volts, 60 Hz,
AC, 15 Amps minimum.

WARNING

• Do not overload house wiring and cause a
fire hazard by plugging in multiple appliances
in the same outlet with the refrigerator.

• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not
install the refrigerator in a wet or damp area.

Flooring

To avoid noise and vibration, the unit must be
installed and leveled on a solidly constructed floor.
If required, adjust the leveling legs to compensate
for the unevenness of the floor.

NOTE

• Installing on carpeting, soft tile surfaces, a
platform or weakly supported structure is not
recommended.

Ambient Temperature

Install this appliance in an area where the
temperature is between 55 °F (13 °C) and 110 °F
(43 °C).

If the temperature around the appliance is too low
or high, cooling ability may be adversely affected.

INSTALLATION

11

Dimensions and Clearances

• Check the dimensions of the appliance and the installation path to ensure there is sufficient room to
move the refrigerator through doors or narrow openings.

• The installation location chosen for the refrigerator should allow space behind the unit for connections
and airflow and space in front to open the doors.

• Too small of a distance from adjacent items may result in lowered freezing capability and increased
electricity consumption charges. Allow at least 24 1/5" inches (615mm) in front of the refrigerator to
open the doors, and at least 2 inches (50 mm) between the back of the refrigerator and the wall.

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B

A

C

D

E

F

G

- List LBNC12231*/LBNC12241*

A Depth

B Width

C Height to Top of Case

D Height to Top of Hinge

E Back Clearance

F Depth without Door

26 7/8"

(682mm)

23 1/2’’

(595mm)

73 1/4’’

(1860mm)

73 1/4’’

(1862mm)

2’’

(50 mm)

24 3/8"

(620mm)

G Depth (Total with Door Open 90°)

K Front Clearance

48 5/8"

(1235mm)

24 1/5"

(615mm)

INSTALLATION

12

Reversing Doors

This feature is only available on some models.
Your appliance is designed with reversible doors,

so that they may open from either the left or right
hand side to suit your kitchen design.

NOTE

• Door reversal must be done by qualified LG
Electronics personnel. If it is not, the doors will
not be covered by the warranty.

Leveling

The refrigerator has two front leveling legs. Adjust
the legs to alter the tilt from front-to back or side-to
side. If the refrigerator seems unsteady, or the
doors do not close easily, adjust the refrigerator’s
tilt using the instructions below:

Turn the leveling leg to the left to raise that

1

side of the refrigerator or to the right to lower
it. It may take several turns of the leveling leg
to adjust the tilt of the refrigerator.

Open both doors and check to make sure that

2

they close easily. If the doors do not close
easily, tilt the refrigerator slightly more to the
rear by turning both leveling legs to the left. It
may take several more turns, and be sure to
turn both leveling legs the same amount.

Turning on the Power

• After installing, plug the refrigerator’s power cord
into a 3-prong grounded outlet and push the
refrigerator into the final position.

CAUTION

• Connect to a rated power outlet.

• Have a certified electrician check the wall
outlet and wiring for proper grounding.

• Do not damage or cut off the ground terminal
of the power plug.

Position the Refrigerator

• Arrange the refrigerator so that it does not
vibrate against adjoining surfaces or against the
wall. Be sure to maintain at least a 2” clearance
behind the refrigerator for proper ventilation.