Norcold NRF30 User Manual
PORTABLE 12/24 VOLTS DC
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER
NRF30
NRF45
NRF60
INSTALLATION AND OWNER’S
MANUAL
Service Information
If service or parts are required, contact the nearest Norcold Service Center. To nd an
authorized Norcold Service Center near you, please telephone the Norcold Customer
Support Dept. at 800-543-1219 (option-1) or visit our web site at www.norcold.com.
Norcold Customer Support Dept.
Telephone : 800-543-1219
Fax : 937-497-3183
Web Site: www.norcold.com
Model No. Serial No.
Printed in China
03/02/2011
Part No. 634244 G
NORCOLD AC/DC Models - Two Year Limited Warranty Policy
Norcold, Inc. warrants that when properly installed and placed under normal service and use
its refrigeration equipment is free from defects in material and workmanship for two years
commencing from the original date of purchase of the new equipment.
Limitations of Warranty
1. This warranty is the only warranty for a Norcold AC/DC refrigerator. This warranty does
not extend to glassware, electric light bulbs, and replaceable fuses.
2. This warranty does not apply to parts and assemblies that have been subjected to misuse,
improper installation, abnormal service, transit damage, recharging of cooling system,
accident, re, improper repair, tampering or abuse.
3. Irrespective of the nature of the warranty protection offered or claimed, the period of
warranty shall in no case extend beyond two years commencing from the original date of
purchase of the new equipment.
Limitation of Remedy
1. The responsibility of NORCOLD under this or any warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement (at NORCOLD’S option) of the defective part or assembly.
2. In no event and under no circumstances shall NORCOLD be responsible under this
Limited Warranty for any other charge whatsoever, including but not limited to charges or
claims for labor, lost business, lost time, lost prots, loss of use, or any kind of incidental
or consequential damages, however denominated or described. The remedy under this
warranty is limited to repair or replacement.
3. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you.
Disclaimer of Other Warranties
This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties either expressed or implied. All other
warranties, expressed or implied, including any warranty of merchantability or tness for a
particular purpose, are hereby disclaimed and excluded.
Legal Rights
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other legal rights which vary
from state to state.
2
Safety Awareness
Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before you install the refrigerator/
freezer.
Be aware of possible safety hazards when you see the safety alert symbol on the
refrigerator/freezer and in this manual. A signal word follows the safety alert symbol and
identies the danger of the hazard. Carefully read the descriptions of these signal words to
fully know their meanings. They are for your safety.
WARNING: This signal word means a hazard, which if ignored, can cause
dangerous personal injury, death, or much property damage.
CAUTION: This signal word means a hazard, which if ignored, can cause small
personal injury or much property damage.
Model No. and Serial No.
The model number and serial number are on a label which is on the bottom of the
refrigerator/freezer.
General
This portable refrigerator/freezer is to be used in vehicles such your car, boat, trailer, or
camper for the refrigerated or frozen storage of food, drinks, medicines, etc.
The refrigerator/freezer should be placed on a level and solid surface. The compressor
has shock mounts to allow the refrigerator/freezer operation during transit.
Be sure the refrigerator/freezer is not in direct sunlight or near a gas stove, a heater,
or other heat-generating appliances. Avoid placing your refrigerator/freezer in an area
where it could be accidentally splashed or sprayed with water which could enter the
electrical compartment of the refrigerator/freezer.
Your refrigerator/freezer was thoroughly cleaned before shipment from the factory. It is
advisable, however, to clean the interior once more before using. Wipe the interior with a
cloth and warm water. Then wipe with a dry cloth.
Operation
The battery voltage varies with the type of vehicle. Most American cars and boats use a
12 volt system. A 12/24 volt battery with a negative ground is necessary to operate the
refrigerator/freezer. This refrigerator/freezer operates on 12/24 volts DC from a battery in
your car, boat, trailer, camper, etc. The refrigerator/freezer circuitry identies the operating
voltage. The refrigerator/freezer will operate in ambient temperatures of between 14° F
(-10°C) and 109°F (43°C) and in a maximum relative humidity of 90%. The refrigerator/
freezer will also operate continuously at a maximum angle of 20° off of level.
3
WARNING: Never store combustible materials near the refrigerator/freezer. Storing
!
!
combustible materials near the refrigerator/freezer creates a safety hazard and also
decreases the ventilation of the cooling system which decreases the refrigerator/
freezer performance.
CAUTION: Do not touch the liner or other metal parts inside the refrigerator/freezer
cabinet with wet hands because they can freeze to the refrigerator/freezer.
WARNING: Always disconnect all power sources from the refrigerator/freezer
when doing routine maintenance. Have service work done only by a qualied service
technician.
Start the Refrigerator/freezer
1. Put the square plug end of the DC
power cord into the DC connector of the
refrigerator/freezer (see Art02215).
2. Put the cigarette lighter plug end of the DC
power cord into the cigarette lighter of the
vehicle.
3. Put the power switch in the “ON” position.
4. Put the Low Battery Shut-off Switch in the
12/24V = DC
ON
I
O
1 2 3
OFF
Switch off 10.7 V 11.6V 10.4V
Switch on 11.6V 12.5V 11.3V
desired position.
- Position 3 is the recommended position.
Art02215
5. When using the AC/DC converter to operate the refrigerator/freezer, make sure that the
Low Battery Shut-off Switch is in either position 1 or 3.
- The refrigerator/freezer will NOT operate if Low Battery Shut-off Switch is in position 2.
Low
Battery
12 VDC
24 VDC
Shut-off
Switch
1
2
3
off voltage 10.7V - on voltage 11.6V
off voltage 11.6V - on voltage 12.5V
off voltage 10.4V - on voltage 11.3V
off voltage 22.6V - on voltage 24.0V
off voltage 24.2V - on voltage 25.2V
off voltage 21.8V - on voltage 23.2V
4
Set theTemperature
The Temperature Setting Panel (see Art02216) has two modes of operation, the Factory
setting mode and the Memory setting mode. In both modes, you may set the controls to
maintain the temperature, in the center part of the refrigerator/freezer, between -13°F -(25°C)
and 108°F (42°C).
Push and hold both the up arrow and
the “set” button for a few seconds to
change the temperature display back
and forth between Fahrenheit (°F) and
Celsius (°C).
Art02216
Power
Error
Set
° F
° C
Factory setting mode
Each time that you turn the refrigerator/freezer “ON”, the temperature setting is 5°F
(-15°C). If you wish to change the temperature setting:
- Press and hold the “set” button for 2 seconds.
- Press and hold either the up or down arrow until the desired temperature appears in
the window.
- Release the up or down arrow to select the temperature setting.
Memory setting mode
The rst time that you turn the refrigerator/freezer “ON”, the temperature setting is 5°F
(-15°C). If you wish to change the temperature setting:
- Press and hold the “set” button for 2 seconds.
- Press and hold either the up or down arrow until the desired temperature appears in
the window.
- Release the up or down arrow to select the temperature setting.
- Press and hold the “set” button for 2 seconds.
- The next time that you turn the refrigerator/freezer “ON”, the temperature setting will
be at this same setting, unless you choose to change it.
▲ ▼
NOTE: The refrigerator/freezer has a delay protection feature to avoid overloading the
vehicle at start-up. The temperature shown in the window should change within the
rst 15 minutes of operation.
When not using the refrigerator/freezer, remove the DC power cord from the cigarette lighter
to prevent discharge of the battery.
5
Over cooling drains your vehicle battery
When the ambient temperature is between 70°F (21°C)and 90°F, (32°C) keep the
temperature setting at about 40°F (4°C) to avoid an excessive drain of the battery. When
making ice, or storing frozen foods, change the temperature setting to about 25°F (-4°C).
Check the Battery Charge Level
If the DC voltage to the refrigerator/freezer is less than 10.7 volts, the cooling performance of
the refrigerator/freezer will immediately decrease. Make sure that the battery is fully charged.
A fully charged battery will have a specic gravity reading of between 1.260 and 1.280. The
battery voltage is best indicated when the refrigerator/freezer is “ON” and the battery charging
system is “OFF”. Charge the battery when the specic gravity reading is less than 1.200.
NOTE: Never use a battery charger or a rectier, etc. instead of the cigarette light adapter to
operate the refrigerator/freezer on DC power. These electrical devices cause high
ripples or surge voltages which can damage the refrigerator/freezer.
Never use a commercial inverter or converter to operate the refrigerator/freezer on AC
power. These electrical devices do not hold the constant frequency that is necessary
for the refrigerator/freezer.
Only use a “quick charger” on the vehicle battery if the power switch is turned to
“OFF”. If a “quick charger” is used on the battery while the power switch is “ON”,
damage to the refrigerator/freezer can occur.
Cooling Unit Basics
The cooling unit of your Norcold refrigerator/freezer makes heat. This heat must be removed
quickly and efciently in order for the refrigerator/freezer to have its maximum cooling
performance. When the refrigerator/freezer is in an enclosed space, the temperature within
the space will rise quickly and will reduce the cooling performance of the refrigerator/freezer.
Continued operation at high temperatures can damage the refrigerator/freezer compressor
and other components.
A free ow of air (ventilation) through the refrigerator/freezer condenser coils and around
the compressor is necessary for the refrigerator/freezer to operate correctly. While Norcold
refrigerator/freezers are made to operate in more severe conditions than typical household
refrigerator/freezers, you should not operate the refrigerator/freezer in high ambient
temperatures. This will result in poor performance and possible food spoilage.
6
Convection Basics
Art02219
When ventilating an enclosed space, consider the facts of natural convection, that cool air
falls and warm air rises. The ideal ventilation design will use natural convection and provide
a path for cool air to enter below the refrigerator/freezer and warmer air to exit above the
refrigerator/freezer. The design of the refrigerator/freezer allows this to occur if there is
a ventilation opening above the refrigerator/freezer. The heat created by the refrigerator/
freezer can then ow freely out of the enclosed space rather than be trapped within it.
Ventilation for Norcold Portable Refrigerator/Freezers
For the maximum cooling efciency and the lowest power
consumption, use the following guidelines. These are
especially important when using the refrigerator/freezer
under a counter or in an enclosed space.
- Make sure that there are at least 4 inches (102 mm)
of clearance [10] from the vents on each side of the
compressor compartment (See Art02218).
- When using the refrigerator/freezer in an enclosed
space such as an RV basement, make sure that
there are at least 48 square inches (310 square
cm) of ventilation area above the compressor
compartment. Less than 48 square inches
(310 square cm) of ventilation area will result in
poor refrigeration performance, continuous compressor operation, and a shortened
refrigerator/freezer life.
- The ventilation area should open into the living area of the vehicle
10
10
Art02218
Storage
When storing portable refrigerator/freezers, make
sure that there are no obstructions (luggage, etc.)
around the refrigerator/freezer while it is operating
(See Art02219). Make sure that there is adequate
ventilation space to the refrigerator/freezer. Locate
the ventilation space in an area that allows natural
convection through the refrigerator/freezer condenser
coils and around the compressor.
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Storing Food
Store fresh foods in covered dishes, in plastic bags, in foil wrap, etc. to prevent them from
becoming dry and from transferring odors to other stored foods.
Store frozen food for several days if it stays fully frozen. If frozen food is allowed to thaw, DO
NOT attempt to refreeze it. Since liquids expand as they freeze, do not freeze liquids in glass
containers as this may cause the glass container to break.
Defrosting
It is normal for frost to collect on the liner inside the refrigerator/freezer. Excess frost
decreases the cooling performance of the refrigerator/freezer. Defrost the refrigerator/freezer
as necessary.
CAUTION: Do not use sharp objects, a hair dryer, a heat gun, etc. to defrost the
refrigerator/freezer. Damage to the interior of the refrigerator/freezer can occur.
- Turn the power switch to the “OFF” position.
- Remove all food from the refrigerator/freezer.
- Put dry towels (etc.) inside the refrigerator/freezer to absorb the excess water.
- Remove the wet towels (etc.) and dry the inside of the refrigerator/freezer
- Restart the refrigerator/freezer and set the temperature.
- Put the food in the refrigerator/freezer.
Cleaning
A good time to clean the refrigerator/freezer is just after you defrost it.
Clean the inside of the refrigerator/freezer as often as necessary to avoid food odors:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator/freezer.
NOTE: Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemicals, or scouring pads because they can
- Wash the inside of the refrigerator/freezer and the door gasket with a solution of liquid
- Rinse with clean water and dry.
damage the inside of the refrigerator/freezer.
dish detergent and warm water.
8
Troubleshooting
Indicator Lights
Power light is on.
Error light is off.
Power light is off.
Error light is off.
Power light is on.
Error light ashes
one time.
Power light is on.
Error light ashes
two times.
Power light is on.
Error light ashes
three times.
Problem
No problems.
The refrigerator/
freezer has no
power.
The voltage is
wrong.
The current is
wrong (or fan
current is wrong).
Fan speed is
wrong.
Solution
Normal operating condition.
Check the 10 Amp glass that is located
in the cigarette lighter plug body of the
power cord.
Turn the refrigerator/freezer “OFF”, or
choose the voltage setting again, or
the voltage to the refrigerator/freezer
is low.
* When using the AC/DC converter to
operate the refrigerator/freezer, make
sure that the Low Battery Shut-off
Switch is in either position 1 or 3
Check the fan.
Ambient temperature is more than the
normal operating temperature, or the
refrigerator/freezer air-intake vent is
obstructed.
Power light is on.
Error light ashes
continually.
The temperature is
wrong.
Ambient temperature is more than the
normal operating temperature, or the
refrigerator/freezer air-intake vent is
obstructed.
9
Refrigerator/freezer Specication Data
Capacity (gross)
Dimensions
(H x L x W)
Voltage
Average power
consumption
Temperature
range
Weight
Refrigerant
Refrigeration
capacity
Other features
Model NRF-30
7.9 Gal (30 l)
15.6 in (397mm) x
22.0 in (560 mm) x
15.7 in (400mm)
12/24 VDC @ ≤ 4.0
A ± 10 %
≤ 45W + 15 %
46°F (8°C) to ≥ 0°F
(-18°C)
(variable by
electronic
thermostat)
Net: 39.6 lb (19 kg)
R134a
Temperature of 0°F
(-18°C) in 2 hours
(under the standard
running condition
and rated load)
Digital temperature
control panel.
Compressor torque
and fan speed
adjust automatically.
Model NRF-45
11.8 Gal (45 l)
16.9 in (430mm) x
25.5 in (650mm) x
15.7 in (400mm)
12/24 VDC @ ≤ 5.0
A ± 10 %
≤ 50W + 15 %
46°F (8°C) to ≥ 0°F
(-18°C)
(variable by
electronic
thermostat)
Net: 44.0 lb (20 kg)
R134a
Temperature of
3.2°F (-16°C) in 2
hours (under the
standard running
condition and rated
load)
Digital temperature
control panel.
Compressor torque
and fan speed
adjust automatically.
Model NRF-60
15.6 Gal (59 l)
20.4 in (520mm) x
25.5 in (650mm) x
15.7 in (400mm)
12/24 VDC @ ≤ 5.5
A ± 10 %
≤ 55W + 15 %
46°F (8°C) to ≥ 0°F
(-18°C)
(variable by
electronic
thermostat)
Net: 49.6 lb (22.5 kg)
R134a
Temperature of 3.2°F
(-15°C) in 2 hours
(under the standard
running condition
and rated load)
Digital temperature
control panel.
Compressor torque
and fan speed adjust
automatically.
10
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