User Manual GE FCM7SHBWW 7.0 Cu. Ft. Manual Defrost Chest Freezer

• Owner's manual - (English, French, Spanish)

Table of contents

• Installation Instructions
• About the operation of your freezer.
• Defrosting instructions.
• Care and cleaning of the freezer.
• Preparing to install the freezer.
• Normal operating characteristics
• Before you call for service…

Installation Instructions

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

For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.

The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 3-prong grounding) plug which mates with a standard 3-prong grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.

Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.

Where a standard 2-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet. Do not use an adapter.

The freezer should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.

A 115 Volt AC, 60 Hz, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.

Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.

Repair or replace immediately all power cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either end.

When moving the freezer away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD FREEZER

WARNING Suffocation and child entrapment hazard.

Remove freezer doors prior to disposal. Failure to do so can result in child entrapment which can lead to death or brain damage

IMPORTANT:Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are still dangerous even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents

Before You Throw Away Your Old Refrigerator or Freezer:

• Take off the fresh food and freezer doors.
• Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

Refrigerants

All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which under federal law must be removed prior to product disposal. If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration product, check with the company handling the disposal about what to do.

About the operation of your freezer.

Storting the Freezer

1. Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Core and Cleaning).
2. Connect cord to power outlet.
3. Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
4. Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.

Temperature Control

Freezing temperature selection is made by setting the control from 1 to 7 (coldest).

If you want colder or warmer temperatures, adjust the control one step at a time.

Allow several hours after each one-step adjustment for the freezer temperature to stabilize.

Turning the control to the OFF position stops the cooling process but does not shut off power to the freezer.

Power-On Light (on some models)

The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to the electrical power.

The light glows even when the temperature control is turned off.

Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)

The key for the spring-loaded lock is automatically ejected—key will not remain in lock in either the open or closed position.

To prevent a child from being entrapped, keep the key out of reach of children and away from the freezer.

Defrosting instructions.

In most climates, defrosting will be necessary only about twice a year.

To have your freezer operate most efficiently, do not permit more than 1/2" (13 mm) of frost to accumulate on the shelves.

To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper.

Do not use an ice pick or sharp-edged instrument as it may damage or scratch the freezer.

Do not use any electrical device in defrosting your freezer.

For Complete Defrosting

1. Turn the temperature control to the OFF position and unplug the freezer.
2. Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and newspapers for insulation as needed.
3. With the door/lid open, use pans of hot water to speed loosening of frost. Remove large pieces before they melt.
   Chest models have a defrost water drain at the front.
   NOTE: Water may drip from the back flange of the lid cover during defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds up in the lid insulation when the lid is open for adding or removing food, and melts during the defrosting operation.
4. Sponge excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.
5. After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
6. Replace the drain plug inside the cabinet and the cap on the defrost drain. Fold over and dry the gasket on the hinge side of the lid.
7. Plug in the freezer. Return the temperature control to its previous position and return food to the freezer.

Care and cleaning of the freezer.

Cleaning Your Freezer

Outside. Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of the freezer is a high quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it will stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of appliance polish wax when the freezer is new and then at least twice a year. Appliance polish wax also works well to remove tape residue from freezer surfaces.

Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with appliance polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach or cleaners containing bleach.

NOTICE: Care should be taken in moving the freezer away from the wall. AH types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.

Inside. Clean the inside of your freezer at least once a year. We recommend that the freezer be unplugged before cleaning. If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning in the vicinity of switches, lights or controls.

Use warm water and baking soda solution— about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Do not use cleaning powders or other abrasive cleaners.

An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three months.

In Case of Extended Power Failure

• Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not admitted.
• If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large pieces. Add more ice as required.

CAUTION Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands—gloves or other protection is recommended.

• If dry ice is not available, move food to a frozen food locker temporarily—until power is restored.

Preparing to Move

Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost and clean the freezer.

Secure all loose items such as grille and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

Be sure freezer stays in upright position during actual moving and in van. The freezer must be secured in van to prevent movement. Protect outside of freezer with blanket.

Preparing for Vacation

To maintain freezer in operation during vacations, be sure your house power is not turned off. For sure protection of freezer contents, you may want to ask a neighbor to check the power supply and freezer operation every 48 hours.

For extended vacations or absences, you may prefer to move your frozen foods to a storage locker temporarily. If your freezer is to be left empty, disconnect power cord plug from wall outlet. To prevent formation of odors, place open box of baking soda in freezer and leave freezer door/lid open.

When the freezer is not operating, it can be left in an unheated house or room without damage to cabinet or mechanism.

Preparing to install the freezer.

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

Freezer Location

Your freezer should be conveniently located for day-to-day use in a dry, well-ventilated room.

Do not install the freezer where the temperature will go below 0°F or above 110°F, because it will not maintain proper temperatures.

Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.

The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor if it is to function at its best. Your freezer has adjustable leveling legs that can be turned to be solidly positioned wherever the floor is too uneven. If the place selected for the freezer is damp or moist, place 2 X 4's (51 mm X 102 mm) under its entire length to assure adequate support.

Clearances

On all models, allow 3" (76 mm) on top, back and sides for proper air circulation.

Normal operating characteristics

These things are normal and do not indicate a need for service.

A warm cabinet exterior as the refrigeration system transfers

The sound of the high-efficiency compressor motor. heat from the inside to the outside through the exterior cabinet walls.

Before you call for service…

Troubleshooting Tips

Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where you purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home service. For warranty service, contact us at GEAppliances.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), or 1.800.561.3344 (Canada).