Owner’s Manual and Installation Manual
For model N260 - a 2.4 cu. ft., 2-way or 3-way, refrigerator.
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or mainte-
nance can cause injury or property damage. Refer to this manual.
For assistance or additional information, contact a qualified in-
staller, service agency, or the gas supplier.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquid in
the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
If you smell gas:
1. Open windows.
2. Don’t touch electrical switches.
3. Extinguish any open flame.
4. Immediately call your gas supplier.
WARNING: DO NOT install this refrigerator in below deck
marine applications. Do not install this refrigerator in fixed
indoor cabin or other dwelling applications. This refrigerator
must use only NORCOLD designed and approved outside air
intake and exhaust ventilation for correct and safe operation.
Any other ventilation could cause lethal combustion exhaust
fumes and/or explosive propane gas fumes to be in the living
area and/or to be below deck.
English
French
Norcold Customer Support Dept.
Telephone: 800-543-1219
Fax: 937-497-3183
NORCOLD, Inc.
P.O. Box 4248
Sidney, OH 45365-4248
Part No. 620292F (11-01)
3. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion
may not apply to you.
Gas Absorption Warranty Questions
This warranty is the only warranty for your Norcold refrigerator.
There are no other express warranties. The only uses for this
product are described in this manual. Part or model specifica-
tions are subject to change without notice.
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 fitness for a
particular purpose, are hereby disclaimed and excluded.
What does this warranty cover?
This warranty covers labor and U.P.S. ground transportation
costs incurred in removing and reinstalling the refrigerator
when necessary to replace a defective part and any parts
replaced under warranty (including cooling units).
Legal rights
What is not covered by this warranty?
- Travel expenses for bringing the refrigerator to an autho-
rized Norcold Service Center for warranty coverage.
- Additional costs caused by the inability to bring the
refrigerator to an authorized Norcold Service Center.
- Defects which are caused by transit damage, misuse,
neglect, or accident.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other legal rights, which vary from state to state.
- Manufacturing defects found at the time of purchase, parts
replaced under warranty, and associated labor, which the
original consumer-purchaser do not communicate to
Norcold within 30 days.
Gas Absorption Warranty Information
- Labor, performed without need for parts replacements,
which the original consumer-purchaser does not commu-
nicate to Norcold within 30 days.
Your refrigerator is made to provide the ultimate in cooling
satisfaction and will serve you reliably in the years to come.
Norcold refrigerators are the only RV refrigerators made in the
United States and offer a standard limited three-year warranty.
Norcold also offers an additional warranty coverage plan which
extends the standard limited three-year warranty. To activate
your three-year limited warranty and to receive an invitation to
participate in the extended warranty plan, complete and mail the
warranty registration supplied.
- Defects in glassware, electric light bulbs, or replacement
fuses.
- Defects caused by improper installation, maintenance, or
adjustment.
- Normal maintenance of this refrigerator as described in this
manual.
- Defects caused by the improper use of parts or parts not
manufactured or supplied by Norcold for repairs or replace-
ments to the refrigerator.
Norcold will not be liable for any incidental or consequential
loss or damage, due directly or indirectly to the use of this
product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above may
not apply to you.
Help us to help you.
Write the model number and serial number below for future
reference. These numbers are on the serial plate in the
refrigerator. The serial plate is located in the fresh food
compartment on the top right hand side. Use these numbers
when receiving service or in any correspondence concerning
your refrigerator.
How long does this warranty last?
This warranty is effective for a period of two years from date of
purchase or for a period of three years from date of puchase if
the required maintenance is done.
What will Norcold do?
Model number ___________ Serial number ___________
Norcold will provide free service and replacement of defective
parts, at no charge, at all authorized Norcold Service Centers.
Norcold has the option of replacing the defective parts or the
entire refrigerator. If the refrigerator is replaced, Norcold is
not responsible for replacing dealer installed options.
If a problem occurs with your refrigerator, contact any of the
service centers throughout the United States and Canada. To
find an authorized Norcold Service Center near you, please
telephone the Norcold Customer Support Dept. at 800-543-
How do you get service?
Bring the refrigerator to any authorized Norcold Service Center
and:
Norcold is committed to providing products that are in harmony
with the environment. Your Norcold refrigerator meets all
environmental safety standards.
- Show proof that the defective item is within warranty
coverage.
- Show proof that required maintenance has been performed
if applicable. Required maintenance during the second
year or before the third year after purchase is cleaning and
checking of the Burner, Flue, Spiral Baffle, Roof Cap
Screen, and Control Board Sequence.
If you are unable to bring the refrigerator to an authorized
Norcold Service Center:
- Send a written notice of the defect to Norcold.
- Norcold will promptly advise you how to obtain warranty
service.
What rights do you have?
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 3
- The refrigerator cooling system is under pressure. Do
not try to repair or to recharge a defective cooling
system. The cooling system contains sodium chro-
mate. The breathing of certain chromium compounds
can cause cancer. The cooling system contents can
cause severe skin and eye burns, and can ignite and
burn with an intense flame. Do not bend, drop, weld,
move, drill, puncture, or hit the cooling system.
Safety Awareness
Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before
you use the refrigerator.
Be aware of possible safety hazards when you see the safety
alert symbol on the refrigerator and in this manual. A signal
word follows the safety alert symbol and identifies the danger of
the hazard. Carefully read the descriptions of these signal
words to fully know their meanings. They are for your safety.
CAUTION:
- The rear of the refrigerator has sharp edges and
corners. To prevent cuts or abrasions when working
on the refrigerator, be careful and wear cut resistant
gloves.
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.
- Make sure all fasteners and connections are tight.
About Your Refrigerator
Safety Instructions
Storage Volume:
WARNING:
This refrigerator is made for food storage.
Total capacity ....................................................... 2.4 cubic feet
Leveling:
- The storage of flammable materials behind or around
the refrigerator creates a fire hazard. Do not use the
area behind the refrigerator to store flammable
materials (gasoline, cleaning supplies, etc.)
- Do not remove the round ground prong from the
refrigerator AC power cord. Do not use a two prong
adapter or extension cord on the AC power cord.
CAUTION: The refrigerator is made to operate within 3°
off level side-to-side and 6° off level front-to-back (as
looking at the front of the refrigerator). Operating it at
more than these limits can cause damage to the cooling
system and create a risk of personal injury or property
damage. Make sure the vehicle is level before you
operate the refrigerator.
- A circuit overload can result in an electrical fire if the
wires and/or fuses are not the correct size. Either use
the wire and fuse sizes as writtten in the “Installation
Manual” or refer to your local codes or the applicable
RVIA Standards for the correct wire and fuse sizes.
Operation during travel:
- Incorrect installation, adjustment, change to, or
maintenance of this refrigerator can cause personal
injury, property damage, or both. Have service and
maintenance work done by your dealer or by an
Norcold authorized service center.
While the refrigerator should be level when the vehicle is
stopped, performance during travel is not usually effected.
Food compartment:
Ignite or start up the refrigerator and let it cool for eight hours
before loading with food. If the refrigerator does not start to cool
down after about two hours, contact your dealer or a Norcold
authorized service center.
- Disconnect both the AC and DC power sources before
doing any maintenance work on the refrigerator. All
service work on this refrigerator must be done by a
qualified service technician.
For the best cooling performance:
- Do not bypass or change the refrigerator’s electrical
components or features.
- Let air move freely inside the entire food compartment.
- Do not cover the shelves with plastic, paper, etc.
To decrease the amount of ice that forms on the cooling fins:
- Cover all liquids and moist foods.
- When you discard an appliance, remove all doors to
prevent accidental entrapment and suffocation.
- Do not spray liquids near electrical outlets, connec-
tions, or the refrigerator components. Many liquids are
electrically conductive and can cause a shock hazard,
electrical shorts, and in some cases fire.
- Let hot foods cool before putting them in the refrigerator.
- Do not open the door any longer than necessary.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 4
Travel latch:
Ignition and Start Up
NOTE: During daily use, turn the travel / storage latch so that is
parallel with the edge of the door (See Art01101).
Controls:
Use the travel latch feature to lock the refrigerator door in the
closed position. When you engage the travel latch, the door
cannot accidentally open during travel.
To engage the travel latch:
1. Open the door [1] of the refrigerator (See Art01102).
2. Turn the travel / storage latch [2] so it is parallel with the edge
of the door.
3. Close the door of the refrigerator.
4. Push the door closed to compress the gasket and turn the
travel / storage latch into the slot of the metal refrigerator
frame [3].
Thermostat ........................................................................... 1
Selector switch ..................................................................... 2
Gas safety valve .................................................................. 3
Piezo lighter.......................................................................... 4
5. Continue to turn the travel / storage latch until the ball
shaped stop [4] engages the ball shape [5] of the metal
refrigerator frame.
The thermostat [1] changes the amount of propane gas that
goes to the burner (See Art01029). This acts as the tempera-
ture control of the refrigerator. Number 5 is the coldest tem-
perature setting.
To disengage the travel latch:
1. Push the door closed to compress the gasket and turn the
travel / storage latch until the ball shaped stop disengages
the ball shape of the metal refrigerator frame.
NOTE: This is not an automatic gas control. It does not
change the flame from high fire to low fire as do
some RV refrigerators. If the cooling load changes,
you must manually change the gas control to
maintain the same temperature inside the refrigera-
tor.
2. Continue to turn the travel / storage latch so it comes out of
the slot in the metal frame and is parallel with the edge of the
door.
3. Open the door of the refrigerator.
When the outside air temperature is less than 50° F, the
refrigerator may have a tendency to freeze food at the colder
temperature settings. To reduce the tendency to freeze food:
Storage latch:
Use the storage latch feature to prevent the build up of odors
when the refrigerator is shut down for a long period of time.
When you engage the storage latch, the refrigerator door will not
be fully closed.
- Turn the thermostat to a warmer temperature setting.
- Keep the refrigerator full.
To engage the storage latch:
1. Open the door [1] of the refrigerator enough to break the seal
of the gasket (Art01103).
DC electric (
refrigerator at the
) (3-way models only) and shuts down the
2. Turn the travel / storage latch [2] into the slot of the metal
refrigerator frame [3]:
OFF (
) position.
- Make sure the groove [6] in the travel / storage latch en-
gages the edge [7] of the metal refrigerator frame.
The gas safety valve [3] is built into the control panel. As long
as a flame is present, the valve is open and allows propane gas
to flow into the burner. Any loss of flame (empty gas tank, blow
out, etc.) closes and stops the flow of propane gas.
To disengage the storage latch:
1. Turn the travel / storage latch out of the slot of the metal
refrigerator frame:
The igniter [4] makes a spark which ignites the flame in the
burner.
2. Close the door of the refrigerator.
Ignition - propane gas operation:
1. Open the valve at the propane gas storage tank.
2. Turn the thermostat to the coldest temperature setting.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 5
3. Turn the selector switch to the propane gas position (
).
Keep in mind the following electrical precautions for DC
operation of the refrigerator:
4. Push and hold in the safety valve and in rapid succession,
push in the igniter several times for about five seconds.
- Good battery condition is necessary for correct DC opera-
tion.
WARNING: Do not hold in the safety valve for more
than 30 seconds. If there is no flame in this time, wait at
least five minutes before you try ignition again. If you
continue to hold in the safety valve, gas will collect in the
burner area. This could cause a fire or explosion and
result in dangerous personal injury or death.
- The capacity of the battery charging system must be more
than what is necessary for the refrigerator and other DC
appliances.
- While the vehicle engine is running, have a qualified service
technician make sure the voltage of the DC power supply
leads at the refrigerator is more than 11.5 VDC.
- Open the burner box door and look for the flame.
- When the flame ignites, release the safety valve.
DC operation guidelines:
DC operation is intended only to maintain the temperature of
the refrigerator and its contents when they are already cool.
- If the flame does not ignite, wait about five minutes and do
this step again.
The DC operation is not intended for the initial start up and
cooling of the refrigerator. Always use either the AC operation or
propane gas operation to initially start up and cool the refrigera-
tor. The refrigerator must be cooled and the temperature must
be steady before you operate the refrigerator on DC.
5. Turn the thermostat to the temperature setting that you wish.
Do a test of the gas safety valve:
With an established flame in GAS mode:
Keep in mind the following guidelines for DC operation of the
refrigerator:
1. Close the manual gas shutoff valve [2] of the refrigerator
(See Art01035].
- Use DC operation of the refrigerator only while the vehicle is
in transit.
2. After the flame is extinguished, you should hear a sharp
“click” sound within three minutes.
- Do not use DC operation until the refrigerator and its
contents are completely cooled.
NOTE: The gas safety valve should close with a sharp “click“
sound.
Shut down:
3. Open the manual gas shutoff valve of the refrigerator.
- Turn the selector switch to the OFF position (
).
4. Without pushing in the gas control, push the igniter several
times rapidly in succession. The burner flame should not
ignite. This means that the gas safety valve is working
correctly.
Refrigerator Care Checklist
Start up - AC operation:
Your refrigerator will give you years of trouble free service if you
do these simple checks every three to six months:
- Make sure that 120 volts AC is available.
- Keep the food compartment clean. See “Defrosting and
Cleaning”.
- Turn the selector switch to the AC position (
).
- Turn the thermostat to the temperature setting that you
wish.
- Defrost the refrigerator as necessary. See “Defrosting and
Cleaning”.
Start up - DC operation (3-way models only):
- Make sure the door seals correctly. See “Door Sealing“.
- Make sure that 12 volts DC is available.
- Be aware of any cooling changes that are not because of
weather, loading, or thermostat changes. If changes occur,
contact your dealer or service center.
- Turn the selector switch to the DC position (
).
- Make sure the gas supply is propane gas only and is not
butane or a butane mixture.
DC operation precautions:
This refrigerator is made to operate on DC power while your
vehicle is “in transit” and AC power or propane gas sources
are not available. Operate the refrigerator on DC power only
when the vehicle engine is running.
- When in propane gas operation, examine the appearance of
the flame. See “Gas Flame Inspection”.
- Make sure the air flow in the lower intake vent, through the
refrigerator coils and condenser, and out the upper exhaust
vent is not blocked or decreased.
For the refrigerator to operate correctly on DC power, the battery
must be maintained in a fully charged condition. For the battery
to be fully charged at all times during refrigerator operation on
DC, the vehicle engine must be running and the alternator must
be in good operating condition.
- Make sure the area behind the refrigerator is clear. Do not
use the area behind the refrigerator for storage of any
combustible materials, especially gasoline and other
flammable vapors and liquids.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 6
Defrosting and Cleaning
Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist
Defrosting:
Read and understand the following maintenance sections of
this manual.
It is normal for frost to collect on the cooling fins inside the
refrigerator. Excess frost decreases the cooling performance of
the refrigerator. To defrost the refrigerator as necessary:
NOTE: Norcold is not responsible for installation, adjust-
ment, alteration, service, or maintenance per-
formed by anyone other than a qualified RV dealer
or a Norcold authorized service center.
- Turn the thermostat to the 1 position and the energy
selector to the OFF position (
).
Have a qualified RV dealer or a Norcold authorized service
center do these annual safety and maintenance checks:
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
NOTE: Defrosting the refrigerator makes excess water inside
the refrigerator.
- Examine the gas supply lines for leaks.
- Replace or repair if necessary.
- Put dry towels (etc.) inside the refrigerator to absorb the
water.
- Make sure the propane gas pressure is correct.
- Adjust if necessary.
- Put trays of hot water in the refrigerator until the frost is
melted.
- Make sure the combustion seal is complete and intact.
- Replace or repair it if necessary.
- Remove the wet towels (etc.) and dry the interior.
- Put all food in the refrigerator.
- Make sure the burner and the burner orifice are clean.
- Clean if necessary.
- Do the ignition procedure or start up the refrigerator.
Cleaning:
- Make sure the electrode spark gap [3] is 1/8 - 3/16 inch
(See Art00955).
A good time to clean the refrigerator is just after you defrost it.
To avoid food odors, clean the inside of the refrigerator as often
as necessary:
- Adjust if necessary.
- Remove all food from the refrigerator.
- Make sure the AC and DC voltages are correct.
- Adjust if needed.
NOTE: Do not use abrasive cleaners, chemicals, or
scouring pads because they can damage the
interior of the refrigerator.
- Make sure the thermocouple tip is clean and secure.
- Wash the interior with a solution of dish detergent and
warm water.
- Make sure the area at the rear of the refrigerator is free from
any combustible materials, especially gasoline and other
flammable vapors and liquids.
- Rinse with a solution of baking soda and clean water.
- Dry with clean cloth.
Refrigerator Maintenance
- Put all food in the refrigerator.
Gas flame appearance:
Door Sealing
While in propane gas operation, examine the gas flame:
- Open the lower intake vent.
If the door does not seal correctly, excess frost will collect inside
the refrigerator. Make sure the door seals correctly:
- Turn the thermostat to the 5 position.
- Close the door on a piece of paper that is about the size
and thickness of a dollar bill (See Art00980).
CAUTION: The burner box cover can be hot. Wear
gloves to avoid burns.
- Gently pull the paper.
- Open the burner box door [3] and look at the gas flame [1]
(See Art01035 and Art00955).
- You should feel a slight drag between the door gasket
and the cabinet.
- The flame should be a darker blue inside and a lighter
blue outside and should be a constant and steady
shape.
- Do this on all four sides of the door.
- If you do not feel drag on the paper, the door gasket is not
sealing correctly.
- If the flame is yellow or has an erratic and unstable
shape, contact your RV dealer or Norcold authorized
service center.
- Contact your dealer or Norcold authorized service center.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 7
3. Remove the AC power cord from the receptacle.
- Make sure the flame does not touch the inside of the
flue tube [2].
- On 3-way models only, mark the DC wires so you can put
them back in the correct location.
- If the flame touches the inside of the flue tube, contact
your dealer or Norcold authorized service center.
- Remove the DC fuse or remove the DC wiring from the
battery or the converter of the vehicle.
- Close the burner box door.
Remove and clean the burner orifice:
- Remove the DC wires from the refrigerator.
NOTE: A dealer or Norcold authorized service center must do
this procedure.
4. Remove the screws which attach the rear of the refrigerator
to the floor.
To remove and clean the burner orifice:
5. Remove the screws which attach the refrigerator to the wall.
6. Remove the refrigerator.
- Close the valve at the gas tank(s).
- Close the manual shut off valve of the refrigerator.
- Turn the thermostat to the 1 position and the energy
Reinstall the Refrigerator
selector to the OFF positon (
) .
NOTE: A dealer or Norcold authorized service center must do
this procedure.
CAUTION: The burner box cover can be hot. Wear
gloves to avoid burns.
WARNING: Make sure the seal strips are not broken,
are completely around the refrigerator mounting flanges,
and are between the refrigerator mounting flanges and
the wall of the enclosure. If the seal is not complete,
exhaust fumes can be present in the living area of the
vehicle. The breathing of exhaust fumes can cause
dizziness, nausea, or in extreme cases, death.
- Open the lower intake vent.
- Remove the flare nut from the orifice assembly [1] (See
Art00956).
- Remove the orifice assembly from the burner [2]
WARNING: When cleaning, do not try to remove the
orifice [3] from the orifice adapter [4]. Removal will
damage the orifice and seal of the orifice and can
cause a propane gas leak. Leaking propane gas can
ignite or explode and result in dangerous personal
injury or death. Do not clean the orifice with a pin or
other objects.
1. Push the refrigerator completely into the enclosure.
2. Put the screws though the mounting flanges and into the
wall.
CAUTION: The rear of the refrigerator has sharp edges
and corners. To prevent cuts or abrasions when working
on the refrigerator, be careful and wear cut resistant
gloves.
- Clean the orifice assembly with air pressure and alcohol
only.
3. Open the lower intake vent and put the screws through
refrigerator and into the floor.
- Using a wrench, assemble the orifice assembly to the
burner.
WARNING: To avoid possible gas leaks, always use
two wrenches to tighten or loosen the LP gas supply line
at the refrigerator’s manual shut off valve
- Assemble the flare nut to the orifice assembly.
- Examine all of the gas connections for leaks.
4. Attach the gas supply line to the manual shut off valve of the
refrigerator.
Remove the Refrigerator
5. Open the valve at the propane gas tank(s).
NOTE: A dealer or Norcold authorized service center must do
this procedure.
WARNING: Do not allow the leak detecting solution to
touch the electrical components. Many liquids are
electrically conductive and can cause a shock hazard,
electrical shorts, and in some cases fire.
CAUTION: The rear of the refrigerator has sharp edges
and corners. To prevent cuts or abrasions when working
on the refrigerator, be careful and wear cut resistant
gloves.
6. Using a leak detecting solution, examine the gas supply line
for leaks.
1. Close the valve at the propane gas tank(s).
7. Connect the DC wiring to the refrigerator:
WARNING: To avoid possible gas leaks, always use
two wrenches to tighten or loosen the gas supply line at
the manual shutoff valve of the refrigerator.
- Install the DC fuse and connect the DC wiring to the battery
or the converter.
- Connect the DC wires from the refrigerator.
8. Connect the AC power cord to the receptacle.
2. Open the lower intake vent and remove the gas supply line
from the manual shut off valve of the refrigerator.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 8
Wiring Pictorial
Installation Manual
Safety Awareness
The parts or the wiring pictorial are (See Art01022):
1. .......................................................... 120 VAC Power cord
2 ....................................................................Chassis ground
3 ............................................................................ Interrupter
4 .......................................................................... 3 Amp fuse
5 ............................................................................ AC heater
6 ................................................................................. Jumper
7 ..................................................................... Terminal block
8 ............................................. Thermostat / gas safety valve
9 .................................................................... Selector switch
10 .....................................20 Amp fuse (3-way models only)
11 ......................12 VDC Power supply (3-way models only)
12 .........................................DC heater (3-way models only)
Read this manual carefully and understand the contents before
you install and operate the refrigerator.
Be aware of possible safety hazards when you see the safety
alert symbol on the refrigerator and in this manual. A signal
word follows the safety alert symbol and identifies 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 identifies a hazard, which
if ignored, can cause dangerous personal injury, death, or
much property damage.
CAUTION: This signal word identifies a hazard, which if
ignored, can cause small personal injury or much
property damage.
Wiring Diagram
The parts of the wiring diagram are (See Art01023):
Safety Instructions
1. ............................................................................. 120 VAC
2 .......................................................................... 3 Amp fuse
3 .......................................................................... Thermostat
4 ............................................................................ AC heater
5 .............................................................................. 120 VAC
6 ............................................................................AC ground
7 ............................................................................ Spark gap
8 ......................................................................... Piezo lighter
9 .................................................................. Gas safety valve
10 ....................................................................Thermocouple
11 .................................................. Thermocouple interrupter
12 .......................................... +12 VDC (3-way models only)
13 .....................................20 Amp fuse (3-way models only)
14 ........................................ DC heater (3-way models only)
15 ........................................... -12 VDC (3-way models only)
WARNING:
- This refrigerator is equipped for the use of propane gas
only and can not be changed to use any other fuels
(natural gas, butane, etc.).
- Incorrect installation, adjustment, changes to, or
maintenance of this refrigerator can cause personal
injury, property damage, or both.
- Obey the instructions in this manual to install the intake
and exhaust vents.
- Do not install the refrigerator directly on carpet. Put the
refrigerator on a metal or wood panel that extends the
full width and depth of the refrigerator.
Replacement Parts
- Propane gas can cause a fire or an explosion that can
result in property damage, personal injury, or death.
Do not smoke or create sparks while doing any work on
the propane gas supply system. Do not use an open
flame to examine the gas supply piping or fittings for
leaks.
You may purchase these items through your local RV dealer or
authorized Norcold Service Center.
Item
Part Number
Door Bin (small) ......................................................... 619242
Door Bin (large) .......................................................... 619235
Door Gasket ............................................................... 619233
Wire Shelf (small)....................................................... 619237
Wire Shelf (large) ....................................................... 619236
Selector switch (knob only)....................................... 619070
Thermostat (knob only)............................................. 919069
Installation and Owner’s Manual ............................. 620292
3 Amp Fuse (AC)................................................... 61654622
20 Amp Fuse (DC) (3-way models only) .............. 61440522
- To avoid possible propane gas leaks, always use two
wrenches to tighten or loosen the gas supply line
connections.
- Make sure the electrical installation obeys all applicable
codes. See the “Certification and Code Requirements”
section of this manual.
- Do not bypass or change the refrigerator’s electrical
components or features.
NOTE: These fuses (type 3AG - 1 1/4 in. x 1//4 in.) are
available at most auto supply stores.
- Do not spray liquids near electrical outlets, connections,
or the refrigerator components. Many liquids are
electrically conductive and can cause a shock hazard,
electrical shorts, and in some cases fire.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 9
- The refrigerator cooling system is under pressure. Do
not try to repair or to recharge a defective cooling
system. The cooling system contains sodium chro-
mate. The breathing of certain chromium compounds
can cause cancer. The cooling system contents can
cause severe skin and eye burns, and can ignite and
burn with an intense flame. Do not bend, drop, weld,
move, drill, puncture, or hit the cooling system.
All propane gas supply piping and fittings must obey local,
state, and national codes about type and size. These
components must also obey the current NFPA 501C section 2-
4, and in Canada, the current CAN 1-6.10 Standard.
Ventilation Requirements
CAUTION:
WARNING: The completed installation must:
- The rear of the refrigerator has sharp edges and
corners. To prevent cuts or abrasions when working
on the refrigerator, be careful and wear cut resistant
gloves.
- Make sure there is sufficient intake of fresh air for
combustion.
- Make sure the living space is completely isolated from
the combustion system of the refrigerator.
Certification and Code Requirements
- Make sure there is complete and unrestricted ventila-
tion of the flue exhaust which, in gas mode, can
produce carbon monoxide. The breathing of carbon
monoxide fumes can cause dizziness, nausea, or in
extreme cases, death.
This refrigerator is certified under the latest edition of ANSI
Z21.19 Standards by the American Gas Association for installa-
tion in mobile homes or recreational vehicles and is approved by
the Canadian Gas Association.
Certified installation needs one lower intake vent and one upper
exhaust vent. Install the vents through the side wall of the
vehicle exactly as instructed in this manual. Any other installa-
tion method voids both the certification and the factory warranty
of the refrigerator.
The installation must obey these standards and this “Installation
Manual” for the NORCOLD limited warranty to be in effect.
Installation must obey local codes. In the absence of local
codes, the installation must obey these standards:
The bottom of the opening for the lower intake vent, which is
also the service access door, must be even with or immediately
below the floor level. This allows any leaking propane gas to
escape to the outside and not to collect at floor level.
American Gas Association/Canadian Gas Association (AGA/
CGA) certification allows the refrigerator to have zero (0) inch
minimum clearance at the sides, rear, top, and bottom. While
there are no maximum clearances specified for certification, the
following maximum clearances are necessary for correct
refrigeration:
In the United States:
Bottom
Each Side
Top
0 inch min.
0 inch min
0 inch min.
0 inch min.
0 inch max.
1/2 inch max.
1/4 inch max.
1 inch max.
- National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.
- Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standard,
Title 24 CFR, Part 32-80.
- Standard for Recreational Vehicles, RVIA A119.2 latest
edition.
Rear
These clearances plus the lower and upper vents cause the
natural air draft that is necessary for good refrigeration. Cooler
air goes in through the lower intake vent, goes around the
refrigerator coils where it removes the excess heat from the
refrigerator components, and goes out through the upper
exhaust vent. If this air flow is blocked or decreased, the
refrigerator may not cool correctly.
- For installations which need an electric outlet that is
energized by an external power source, the refrigerator
must be electrically grounded as written in local or state
codes, the National Electrical code, and ANSI/NFPA 70.
In Canada:
- Current CGA B149.1 and CGA B149.2 Installation code for
Propane Appliances and Equipment.
Each NORCOLD model is certified by AGA and CGA for correct
ventilation.
- Current CSA Z240.4.2 Installation Requirement for Propane
Appliances and Equipment in Recreational Vehicles.
- Current CSA Z240.6.2/C22.2 No. 148 Electrical
Requirement for Recreational Vehicles.
-
When installed, the refrigerator must be electrically
grounded as written in local or state codes and the
Canadian Electrical Code C22.2. Parts 1 and 2.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 10
- Install a baffle [6] to prevent stagnant hot air in the area
[7] above the refrigerator (See Art01028).
Assemble the Enclosure
- Make sure the enclosure is 21 inches high x 19 3/8 inches
wide x 24 inches deep.
- Make sure there is less than 1/4 inch clearance [8]
between the baffle and the top of the refrigerator.
- Make sure the floor is solid and level.
- Make sure the baffle is the full width of the inside
of the enclosure.
- The floor must be metal or a wood panel and extend
the full width and depth of the enclosure.
- If the distance from the back of the refrigerator to the wall of
the vehicle is more than one inch, install a baffle [9] at the
top of the intake vent between the back of the refrigerator
and the wall of the vehicle.
- The floor must be able to support the weight of the
refrigerator and its contents.
- Make sure there are no adjacent heat sources such as a
furnace vent, etc.
Reverse the Door Swing (optional)
This refrigerator has door hinges that allow you to change the
direction that the door opens by moving the hinges on a
diagonal to the opposite side. (See Art01031)
Install the Lower and Upper Vents
1. Determine the rough opening (RO) size for each vent.
1. Remove the door:
Certified Vent
Part No.
ROHigh
RO Wide
- Remove the storage bins from the door.
- Turn out and save the upper hinge pin [1].
Upper Exhaust
Vent
617485
7 1/4 in.
18 in.
- Open the door a small amount and pull the top of the door
away from the upper hinge of the refrigerator.
Lower Intake
Vent
617484
9 3/4 in.
19 3/8 in.
- Lift the door off [2] of the lower hinge pin [3].
- Turn out and save the lower hinge pin.
2. Change the position of the hinges:
2. Install the lower intake vent (See Art01026):
WARNING: Make sure the bottom of the opening for
the lower intake vent is even with or immediately below
the floor level. This allows any leaking propane gas to
escape to the outside and not to collect at floor level.
- Remove the screws from the front of the breaker [4].
- Remove the breaker.
- Make sure the bottom of the opening of the lower intake
vent [1] is even with or immediately below the floor level.
- Remove the screws [5] from the upper hinge [6].
- Put this hinge on the other side as the lower hinge.
- Attach the hinge with the screws.
- Align the lower intake vent vertically below the coils [2] and
the condenser [3] of the refrigerator.
3. Install the upper exhaust vent (See Art01036):
- Make sure the distance [4] from the floor level to the top of
the rough opening for the upper exhaust vent is at least 20
5/8 inches or poor cooling performance can occur.
- Turn the lower hinge pin down into this hinge.
- Remove the screws [5] from the lower hinge [7].
- Put this hinge on the other side as the upper hinge.
- Attach the hinge with the screws.
- Align the upper exhaust vent [5] vertically above with
the coils and in line with the condenser of the refrigera-
tor.
- For the best cooling performance and if the construction of
the vehicle allows, the distance [4] from the floor level to the
top of the rough opening of the upper exhaust vent [5]
should be as near 30 1/2 inches as possible (See
Art01027).
- Turn the breaker over and assemble it to the front of the
refrigerator.
3. Install the door:
- Turn the door over.
- Align the upper exhaust vent [5] vertically above the
coils [2] and the condenser [3] of the refrigerator.
- Put the door down onto the lower hinge pin.
- Align the holes in the upper hinge and the hinge bushing
and hold in ths position.
- Screw the upper hinge pin down into the upper hinge and
into the door.
- Put the storage bins in the door.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 11
1. For the best performance, Norcold recommends that you
use the following wire and fuse sizes:
Install the Refrigerator
- Measure the distance from the vehicle battery to the
refrigerator:
WARNING: Make sure the seal strips are not broken,
are completely around the refrigerator mounting flanges,
and are between the refrigerator mounting flanges and
the wall of the enclosure. If the seal is not complete,
exhaust fumes can be present in the living area of the
vehicle. The breathing of exhaust fumes can cause
dizziness, nausea, or in extreme cases, death.
- If the distance is 0 - 20 feet, use #12 AWG min. wire
size and a 20 amp Max. fuse.
- If the distance is more than 20 feet, use #10 AWG min.
wire size and a 30 amp Max. fuse.
- Put screws through the refrigerator mounting flanges and
into the wall of the enclosure.
The wire connections must be clean, tight and free of corrosion.
If any of these items are not correct:
- Put screws through the braces at the lower rear corners of
the refrigerator and into the floor.
- A voltage drop to the refrigerator will occur.
- The voltage drop will reduce the cooling performance of the
refrigerator.
Connect the Electrical Components
The red wire (+) and the black wire (-) for connecting the DC
power supply are attached to the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals of the terminal block of the refrigerator. Make sure
that:
AC Operation
Current Draw:
120 volts AC voltage
( 108 volts min. - 132 volts max.)
1.3 Amps at 110 volts AC
1.4 Amps at 120 volts AC
- Each DC power supply wire is attached to the correct
polarity wire.
DC Operation
12 volts DC voltage
(3-way models only)
Current Draw:
(11.5 volts min. - 15.4 volts max.)
11.7 Amps at 12 volts DC
13.6 Amps at 14 volts DC
- The chassis or the vehicle frame is not used as one of the
conductors.
- The DC power supply wires including the fuses are routed
directly from the battery to the refrigerator.
This refrigerator operates on these electrical sources. Opera-
tion out of these limits may damage the refrigerator’s electrical
circuit parts and will void the warranty.
2. Connect the D.C. power supply wires:
Connect the 120 volts AC supply:
- Attach a 1/4 inch female Quick Connect terminal to each DC
power supply wire.
WARNING: Connect the AC power cord only to a
grounded three-prong receptacle. Do not remove the
round ground prong from the power cord. Do not use a
two-prong adapter or an extension cord. Operation of the
refrigerator without a correct ground could cause danger-
ous electrical shock or death if you are touching the metal
parts of the refrigerator or the vehicle.
- Push each power wire onto the terminal block [1] at the rear
of the refrigerator (See Art01035).
- Make sure each DC power supply wire is on the correct
polarity terminal.
Connect the chassis ground:
Put the AC power cord into a grounded three-prong receptacle:
Connect a ground wire between the refrigerator and the vehicle
chassis:
- Make sure the receptacle is within easy reach of the lower
intake vent.
- Use #8 AWG wire with a #8 ring terminal for the ground
wire.
- Make sure the power cord does not touch the burner cover,
the flue pipe, or any hot component that could damage the
insulation of the power cord.
- Remove the nut and washer from the grounding terminal of
the refrigerator.
Connect the 12 volts DC supply (3-way models only):
- Put the ground wire, the washer, and nut on the terminal.
- Tighten the nut.
As the distance from the vehicle battery to the refrigerator
increases, the correct AWG wire size and fuse size also
increase. If the wire size is too small for the distance, a voltage
drop occurs. The voltage drop decreases the output of the
system heater and causes decreased cooling performance.
Connect the Propane Gas Components
WARNING: A circuit overload can result if the wires and/
or fuses are not the correct size. Refer to your local
codes or the applicable RVIA Standards for the correct
wire and fuse sizes.
This refrigerator operates on propane gas at a pressure of 11
inches Water Column Propane.
Connect the propane gas supply system:
WARNING: Be very careful when working on or near
the propane gas supply system.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 12
- Do not smoke, or use an open flame near the propane
gas system.
- Do not use an open flame to examine for leaks.
- Do not connect the refrigerator to the gas tank without
a pressure regulator between them.
- To avoid possible propane gas leaks, always use two
wrenches to tighten or loosen the gas supply line
connections.
- Leaking propane gas can ignite or explode and result in
dangerous personal injury or death.
Connect the gas supply line to the refrigerator:
- Make sure all tubing and fittings obey all local, state, and
national codes about size and type.
- Make sure that all flexible metal connectors obey the
current CAN 1-6.10 Standard.
- Use 3/8” diameter copper tubing as the gas supply line and
use a 3/8” SAE (UNF5/8 -18) female flare fitting as the
connection to the refrigerator.
- Put the gas supply line up through the floor of the enclosure
and in a manner to prevent vibration and abrasion.
- Make sure the hole through the floor is large enough to
allow clearance for the gas supply line.
- Put a weather resistant seal (grommets, sealant, etc.)
around the gas supply line where it goes through the floor
to prevent vibration and abrasion.
- Attach the gas supply line to the bulkhead fitting [2] of the
refrigerator (See Art01035).
Examine the gas supply system for leaks:
WARNING: Do not allow the leak detecting solution to
touch the electrical components. Many liquids are
electrically conductive and can cause a shock hazard,
electrical shorts, and in some cases fire.
Using a solution of liquid detergent and water, make sure the
gas supply line and all gas connections have no leaks. Do not
use any liquid that contains ammonia.
If you use compressed air for the test:
- The pressure of the compressed air at the manual shutoff
valve of the refrigerator must not be more than 1/2 psig (14
inches Water Column).
- If the pressure of the compressed air is more than 1/2 psig
(14 inches Water Column), remove the gas supply line from
the manual shutoff valve of the refrigerator before the test.
- If the pressure of the compressed air is equal to or less
than 1/2 psig (14 inches Water Column), close the manual
shutoff valve of the refrigerator before the test.
Installation and Owner’s Manual 13
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