HOTPOINT RZA36G.1 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

To ensure your HOTPOINT RZA36G.1 freezer runs reliably and efficiently, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a location for your freezer, away from any heat sources and allow adequate ventilation, which is a 30mm (1¼ inch) gap above.

Step 2: Move the freezer into position, using the sides of the cabinet. Be careful to avoid damaging the refrigerant circuit pipe work on the rear.

Step 3: Level the freezer by adjusting the front feet. This will prevent rocking or vibration and help keep the door aligned.

Step 4: Before plugging in and switching on, leave the freezer in its final location for at least 15 minutes to allow it to settle.

Step 5: Plug in and switch on the appliance. Allow the freezer to cool before placing food inside. The high temperature light will remain on until the freezer has cooled down. All food placed in the freezer should be covered.

Step 6: Your freezer is now working. If after 24 hours your freezer is not operating as you want, refer to the troubleshooting section.

For your safety, please read the following advice. The freezer cooling system contains a small amount of environmentally friendly but flammable gas. To avoid any risk:

• Install the freezer following the installation instructions and ensure that ventilation openings are kept clear of obstruction.

• Take care when installing or moving the freezer to avoid damaging the pipes on the rear.

• If you suspect a leak, do not switch on the freezer. Instead, open windows and doors to ventilate the room.

• Do not use any electrical devices inside the freezer, for instance for defrosting.

• Do not use any mechanical devices for defrosting other than any which may have been supplied with the freezer as they may cause damage.

• Only use this freezer for storing domestic foodstuffs.

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

When installing your HOTPOINT RZA36G.1 freezer:

• Ensure that the mains cable is not trapped underneath or behind the freezer when you install or move it.

• Do not stack any other appliance on top of this freezer as they may damage the freezer or become unstable.

When using your HOTPOINT RZA36G.1 freezer:

• Do not sit or stand on top of your freezer.

• Do not store poisonous, flammable or dangerous substances in your freezer.

• Do not use aerosol sprays for defrosting or cleaning your freezer.

Locate your freezer away from sources of heat such as cookers, radiators, and direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures will affect its performance. Allow a minimum of 30mm (1¼ inch) between the top of the freezer and the underside of the worktop for air circulation.

Following the recommended ventilation requirements will:

• Prolong the life of the freezer.

• Minimise the risk of condensation on the outside of the freezer.

• Minimise the running costs.

• Minimise operating sounds caused by vibration.

The freezer needs a space of 600mm (24 inches) in front to allow the door to open.

When positioning the freezer next to a unit, a gap of 30mm (1¼ inch) or more can be left on the hinge side of the door to allow for easy removal of furniture. If preferred, the freezer can be positioned so that a gap is not left (less than 30mm). This will restrict how far the door can be opened, but the furniture can still be removed. The door hinge side can be changed to make it easier to open (see ‘Door Reversal’ instructions).

Level the 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 door aligned, which helps the freezer run reliably and efficiently. Before plugging in, leave the freezer standing for at least 15 minutes to allow it to settle.

To minimise running costs, Hotpoint recommends fitting a vent to the rear of your worktop.

WARNING: If there is less than 30mm clearance above the freezer, a vent must be fitted to provide adequate ventilation above your freezer.

WARNING: This appliance must be earthed. The freezer 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.

The wires in the mains lead are coloured according to the following code:

• Green/Yellow – Earth

• Blue – Neutral

• Brown – Live

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

Changing the Mains Lead: This freezer is fitted with a special mains lead. If you need to replace it due to damage, it is strongly advised that this work is carried out by a qualified electrician.

The control wheel on the front of the worktop adjusts the internal freezer temperature. Your food should be maintained at -18°C or colder for long term storage.

The setting of the control wheel depends on the location of the freezer, room temperature, and how often the door is opened. The normal set point, marked by a 3 and N on the dial, is usually suitable. To adjust the temperature, turn the control wheel:

• Clockwise (higher number) – Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number) – Warmer

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

Your freezer must NOT be placed in a room where the temperature goes below 2°C or above 38°C for prolonged periods, as the internal freezer temperature will not be maintained.

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

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.

The Rating Plate, which lists the appliance Model Number and Serial Number, can be found near the bottom of the left hand internal wall.

Note: Always use the handle provided to open the freezer door.

To ensure your freezer operates as efficiently as possible:

• Follow food packaging “best before/use by” instructions or your supplier’s advice on a suitable maximum storage time.

• Keep foods tightly covered to retain moisture and prevent flavour/odour transference. Plastic bags, aluminium foil, plastic stretch wrap and containers with lids are ideal.

• Select chilled and frozen food last when shopping, transport in a ‘cool bag’ and place in the freezer as soon as possible after arriving home.

• Avoid opening the door unnecessarily or for longer than needed.

• Allow hot or warm food to cool down in covered containers before placing it in the freezer, as placing hot food inside reduces efficiency.

• Prepare fresh foods for freezing in small quantities to ensure that the food freezes quickly and its quality does not deteriorate.

• Ensure that packets/containers of food are dry before freezing otherwise they may freeze together.

• Freeze and store either fresh food or long term commercially frozen foods. Generally, long term storage means up to 3 months, but this can vary. Always follow your supplier’s recommendations or refer to the pictorial guide on the door liner.

• Place frozen food in the freezer compartment as soon as possible after buying it.

• Liquid-filled bottles or sealed fizzy drinks must not be stored in the freezer, as they may burst.

• Lollipops and water ices should not be given to children directly from the freezer as the low temperature may cause ‘freezer burns’.

• Store ice cream towards the top front of the freezer and remove it from the freezer 15-30 minutes before serving.

• Ensure food is labelled and dated before placing it in the freezer.

• Do not allow fresh food to come into contact with food already frozen, as the frozen food could start to defrost.

• Once thawed, food should be cooked and eaten within 24 hours or cooked and refrozen.

• Fully defrost your freezer when the ice is between 3-5mm thick (¼ inch).

Note: A thick layer of ice will increase the running costs of your freezer.

This freezer can be used with or without the drawers. However, the bottom drawer needs to remain in position at all times to maintain the correct storage temperature.

It is generally more convenient to use the drawers. If a lot of food is to be stored, the drawers can be taken out and food placed directly onto the grids. Ensure packets/containers of food are thoroughly dry before placing them on the grids.

The storage drawers can be easily removed. Pull the drawer towards you until it reaches its stop position. Hold securely on both sides, lift the front of the drawer to release and remove.

When using the frozen food storage drawers, ensure that they are pushed fully back before closing the door. Food can be separated into different storage drawers for easy identification.

When lifting or removing the large deep drawer, it is important to hold the side handles and not the front handle.

WARNING: The freezer drawers can become heavy when fully loaded. Care must be taken if attempting to lift or carry a full freezer drawer. It is recommended to remove the required food, rather than the whole freezer drawer.

Note: It is important not to touch or move any of the freezer drawers/parts with wet hands as it may cause freezer burn or discomfort.

When making ice, use the tray provided. Take care not to overfill with water. Uncovered food should not be placed near the ice tray as it can affect the flavour of the ice.

Note: Empty, wash and refill the ice tray periodically to ensure freshness.

Regular use of your appliance causes ice to gradually build up on internal surfaces. When the ice is between 3-5mm (¼ inch) thick, Hotpoint recommends ‘fully defrosting your freezer’.

WARNING: Switch off the electricity supply and pull out the mains plug.

1. Remove frozen food, wrap or cover and store in a cool place.

2. Remove the storage drawers.

3. A defrost tube is stored in the floor of the freezer. Insert the tube into the groove situated in the floor at the front of the freezer. Place a container beneath the tube to collect the defrost water.

4. As the frost begins to melt, use the supplied plastic scraper to remove frost. Never use sharp metal tools to remove frost as they may damage your freezer beyond repair.

5. Sponge out excess defrost water which collects at the bottom of the freezer.

NOTE: When defrosting is complete, clean the interior thoroughly, see CLEANING & MAINTENANCE section.

6. Replace storage drawers.

7. Replace mains plug and switch on. Unwrap food and replace.

WARNING: Switch off electrical supply and pull out the mains plug before cleaning.

Interior

1. Remove food and wrap or cover it to keep it frozen.

2. Remove drawers from each compartment and wash in warm water and washing up liquid using a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. Note: It is important to ensure that cleaned baskets are thoroughly dried before refitting to the freezer compartment.

3. Wipe the interior and fittings with a clean cloth wrung out in a solution of either one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to one pint of water or Milton™ sterilising fluid, diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Dry the interior thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing fittings and food.

Exterior

Use a clean soft cloth wrung out in warm water and washing up liquid to wipe the exterior surface, then dry thoroughly.

WARNING: Do not use abrasive powder, household cleaner, bleach or wax polish to clean your freezer; they leave a smell in the freezer and can damage the exterior.

Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from underneath the freezer and from the compressor and condenser at the back of the freezer. WARNING: Do not damage the pipework.

Door Seal

Use warm water and a clean soft cloth to wipe along and in between the creases of the door seal, and dry thoroughly. Take care not to damage the seal and avoid using sharp objects. WARNING: Do not use detergent, it will damage the seal.

If you are going away and don’t want to use your freezer, switch off the electricity supply and pull out the mains plug. Remove food and follow the defrosting and cleaning instructions.

Note: Leave the door ajar to prevent an accumulation of odours.

You will need a selection of small hand tools, screwdrivers, spanners etc. to carry out this procedure.

WARNING: Switch off the electrical supply and pull out the mains plug.

Remove loose items/fittings from inside the freezer and place food into insulated containers whilst carrying out this operation.

1. Open the door as wide as possible. Note: You may require assistance to do this.

2. Support the door and using a screwdriver, remove the screw securing the top hinge.

3. Carefully tilt the door to remove the hinge from the cabinet and lift the door off the bottom hinge.

4. Remove the spacing washers from the bottom hinge.

5. Note: You may require assistance to do this. Using the packaging from the appliance or a suitable substitute, lay the appliance on its back ensuring the pipework at the back is not damaged or bent. Be careful that the appliance does not run away from you when the wheels touch the floor.

6. Unscrew the foot plate and hinge bracket fitted to the bottom right hand side. Unscrew the foot and footplate fitted to the bottom left hand side.

7. Refit the hinge bracket and the footplate to the opposite sides of the appliance. Screw in the feet until there is approximately 35mm projecting from the bottom front edge.

8. Lift the appliance onto its feet. You may require assistance to do this. Lift the appliance from the rear of the tabletop and stand it on its feet and wheels. Be careful that the appliance does not run away from you when the wheels touch the floor.

9. Using a thin blunt instrument, remove the hinge bush cap from the top left of the door and refit on the top right.

10. If applicable – using a screwdriver, remove the door stop from the bottom right of the door and refit on the bottom left.

11. Note: You may require assistance to do this. Replace the top hinge onto the door, slide the door onto the bottom hinge pin and support the door whilst screwing the top hinge into position. Ensure that the top hinge bracket is positioned correctly.

12. Adjust the front feet (see ‘Levelling’ in the SAFETY & INSTALLATION section).

Note: Let the appliance stand upright in its final location for at least 15 minutes before plugging in and switching on the electricity supply.

If your appliance will not work, please check the following:

1. Check the plug is firmly positioned in the socket outlet and the power supply is switched on.

2. Check the power supply with another appliance.

3. Check the fuse/circuit breaker.

4. Check the door is closed properly.

If your appliance is making a lot of noise, please check the following:

1. Check that the rear pipe work is clear of the wall, skirting board and other obstacles.

2. Check that all four feet/wheels are firmly in contact with the floor and level.

3. Refer to the ‘Operating Sounds’ section for normal freezer noises.

If the freezer is too warm, please check the following:

1. Turn the control wheel to a higher number. See CONTROLS section.

2. If the appliance is close to a heat source, move it to another location.

3. Check that there is enough ventilation around the appliance.

4. Check the door has been closed properly.

If the freezer is too cold, turn the control wheel to a lower number. See the CONTROLS section for guidance.

If the red warning light will not go out, consider the following:

1. Has the appliance just been installed? This is normal and the light will go out when the correct temperature has been reached.

2. Has the appliance just been loaded with a large quantity of food? The light will go out once all the food has reached the correct temperature.

3. Check the door has been closed properly.

WARNING: Do not open the freezer compartment door.

If a power failure lasts longer than the maximum conservation time (18 hours), food should either be cooked and eaten within 24 hours or cooked and refrozen.

A well-sealed freezer door can be difficult to open. This is partly due to the difference in temperature between the room and the internal freezer compartment. If you have just closed the freezer door, it may be particularly difficult to open again immediately. Wait 5 minutes for the internal and external pressure to equalise and try again.

If ice builds up rapidly inside the freezer, check the following:

1. Check that nothing is stopping the door from closing properly.

2. Check that foods and liquids are covered to avoid the build up of moisture inside.

3. See ‘Defrosting’ in the CLEANING & MAINTENANCE section for advice.

Check to see if the appliance has a build-up of ice which is stopping the door from closing. If this is the case, refer to ‘Defrosting’ in the CLEANING & MAINTENANCE section and defrost the appliance.

These are the normal types of sound that your freezer will make:

• The motor (compressor) makes a buzzing or humming sound when it is running. This can be louder when it first switches on. This sound will reduce over the first few months.

• Gases flowing through the pipes can produce gurgling, bubbling, roaring or humming noises.

• The temperature control can make a clicking noise when it turns the motor on and off.

• Expansion and contraction of parts inside the freezer can produce a cracking noise as they rapidly change temperature.