Installation and operating instructions

Table of Contents

1 Preface

2 Installation

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

2.2 Safety Considerations

2.3 Tools and Materials Required

2.4 Getting Good Results

2.5 Plan Ahead

2.6 Location and Ventilation

2.7 General Electrical Installation

2.8 Shore Power

2.9 Electronic Unit

2.10 Locating and Installing the Compressor/Condenser Unit

2.11 Locating and Installing the Evaporator

2.12 Thermostat Control Box

2.13 Quick-Couplings

3 Maintenance

4 Operation

4.1 Start Up

4.2 Protection System

5 Troubleshooting Guide

6

7

Appendix A Building or Modifying an Icebox for Use with an Isotherm Refrigeration System

Appendix B Bending a Flat Evaporator

I

NSTALLATION AND

O

PERATING

I

NSTRUCTIONS

P RODUCED BY

G REAT W ATER , I NC .

B RUNSWICK M AINE

WWW

.

GREAT

-

WATER

.

COM

207 729 8500 TEL 517 813 6509 F AX

INFO @ GREAT WATER .

COM

1 Preface

Isotherm Classic Compact refrigeration systems are designed and built to provide excellent performance and many years of trouble-free service. The system is pre-charged with environmentally safe R-134a refrigerant and can be owner installed. This manual has been prepared to provide information needed for proper installation, operation and maintenance. Before beginning installation please read it carefully.

2 Installation

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Please examine the box and contents for signs of shipping damage. If there is any damage, contact the carrier immediately. All units are shipped with insurance but the carrier must be notified immediately of any shipping damage in order to process a claim.

Each system consists of:

1. Compressor/condenser unit.

2. Click on mounting bracket.

3. Evaporator with 6 feet of flexible tubing.

4. Thermostat with control wiring.

5. Owners manual and warranty registration card.

2.2 Safety Considerations

Whenever working on the electrical system make certain that all circuits are off before opening any electrical panels. Disconnect shore power cables and turn battery switches off. Follow ABYC standards for electrical installations. If in doubt contact a certified technician.

2.3 Tools and Materials Required

• Electric drill and bits for pilot holes to attach compressor mounting bracket and evaporator.

• Wire cutters and electrical terminal crimping tool.

• Good quality electrical wire of suitable gauge (usually 10/2).

• Screwdrivers.

• Wrenches.

2.4 Getting Good Results

Classic Compact refrigeration systems are designed for use in a marine environment and will operate efficiently for many years with a minimum of maintenance when installed properly. Plan the installation carefully and choose a suitable location for the refrigerator. The insulation and construction of the refrigerator box are very important and will have a dramatic effect on the performance and power consumption of the refrigerator system.

A box with thicker insulation will require less power to maintain the proper temperature. Three to four inches of a good quality insulation material with a value of R-5 per inch is recommended.

This will result in a box with an overall insulation value of R-15 to R-20.

The box must be well sealed. Lids must be airtight. Drains (if fitted) must be closed tightly.

Often boxes are pre installed by the manufacturer and modifications are not always easy to make.

If you are planning to build or modify a box please see Appendix A: “Building or Modifying an Icebox for Use with an Isotherm Refrigeration System.”

Battery capacity should be at least 75 Ah to enable sufficient power to be stored during engine operation.

All the electrical power supply equipment such as alternator, regulator, cables, connectors and batteries must be kept in good condition.

2.5 Plan Ahead

· Plan tubing and wire runs carefully before starting.

· Avoid getting dirt or moisture on coupling ends. Leave dust caps on until ready to connect.

· Provide sufficient air circulation for air-cooled condenser.

· Use a dedicated 15 amp circuit breaker.

2.6 Location and Ventilation

All refrigerators are heat-transfer machines. They transfer the heat from the inside of the box to the outside. If adequate ventilation is provided, the compressor will operate more efficiently and use less power.

Inlet vent should be located at the bottom (as low as possible) and the outlet vent at the top of the refrigerator (as high as possible); this supports the

F

D

C

P

T

101N0200 natural flow of convection of heat from cool

(bottom) to warm (top).

A vent of 20 to 30 square inches is recommended at top and bottom (fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Make sure there is sufficient space around the compressor to connect and tighten the quickconnect couplings on the pipes (fig. 2).

Fig. 2

C

P

T

F

D

101N0200

2.7 General Electrical Installation

Good performance and efficient operation of the refrigeration system depends on a good electrical installation that will deliver power to the system with a minimum of voltage loss. If the boat's electrical panel cannot deliver the required power with no more than one half volt of loss the circuit may need to be connected directly to the boat’s main battery switch with the fuse supplied.

In either case the circuit that supplies the power to the refrigerator must be protected with either a 15 Amp fuse or circuit breaker. Always use a separate dedicated circuit to power the refrigeration system. Remember that the negative connection is equally important in delivering power to the unit.

Use a good quality marine duplex wire to make the connection between the unit and the power source. Tinned cable is recommended because it will give better resistance to corrosion and long service life.

Keep the length of the run as short as possible (less than 6 feet).

For runs up to 10 feet use 12 gauge wire (12/2 duplex).

For runs up to 30 feet use 10 gauge wire (10/2 duplex).

Make sure the circuit is not connected to the power source while making these connections.

2.8 Shore Power

When shore power is available the electrical requirements of the refrigeration system can be supplied by a regulated battery charger of at least 5 amps capacity. This battery charger must be connected to the battery and never directly to the electronic unit (fig.

3).

Battery Charger

2.9 Electronic Unit

The electronic unit must always be connected directly to either the battery or the main switch (plus to plus – minus to minus).

It is very important that cables of correct dimensions are used for the power supply.

2.10 Locating and Installing the Compressor/

Condenser Unit

The compressor/condenser unit is air-cooled and must be mounted in a well-ventilated location. The efficiency of the system will be greatly reduced if the temperature of the cooling air rises above 95°F. Ideally the air supply should be drawn from a cool area such as the bilge and the warmed exhaust air vented out of the space. Avoid warm locations such as an engine room or closed spaces where the warm air will recirculate over the condenser. Make sure the ventilation to the space will not be restricted when the space is packed for cruising.

The compressor/condenser must be located within 6 feet of the evaporator so that the refrigeration tubing will reach.

The click–on bracket simplifies mounting the compressor. The bracket can be mounted on a bulkhead or on a shelf. The compressor can be easily snapped onto the bracket after it is screwed into position (fig. 4).

The compressor/condenser must be mounted in a horizontal position and will operate at a heeling angle up to 30° (fig. 5).

The compressor/condenser is nearly silent in operation so it can be mounted near sleeping cabins or even under a berth.

The compressor must be mounted in a dry location to protect the electrical components.

Fig. 4

Electronic Unit

Battery

Fig. 3

Fig. 5

2.11 Locating and Installing the Evaporator

The evaporator can be mounted horizontally or vertically on a sidewall near the top of the box, accessible from the box opening. In positioning the evaporator consider the routing of the refrigerant lines out of the box.

Mark the location of the mounting holes, drill and attach the evaporator with the screws and the plastic standoff spacers provided. Do not use screws longer than those provided, as they will penetrate the insulation (fig. 6).

Note: It may be easier if the thermostat’s sensor is attached before final mounting of the evaporator.

When the evaporator mounting holes are completed, locate the hole for the refrigerant lines.

Use a 1 1/2 " diameter hole saw to make a passage way through the box for the copper tubing. In locating the hole, consider the routing of the tubing, both inside and outside the box. Avoid sharp bends that will make it difficult to run the tubing to the compressor/condensing unit. The aluminum tube may be bent to a minimum of 1½" radius by hand.

Repeated bending should be avoided (fig. 7).

Note: It is possible to reshape an O-evaporator.

Remove the rivets holding it together and carefully form it to the required shape required (fig. 8).

Flat evaporators can be bent, using a special bending tool. (See Appendix B.)

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

2.12 Thermostat Control Box

The thermostat control box can be installed either inside or outside the refrigerator. When locating the thermostat make sure it is in a dry area and will not be subjected to damage. Check that the thin capillary sensor tube is long enough so that it may be attached to the evaporator, either with a clip or with a special screw on clamp (fig. 9). Uncoil the required length of capillary tubing and secure the excess in a coil. Avoid bending or twisting the capillary tube repeatedly to prevent kinking or cracking the tube. Connect the thermostat wiring to the electronic unit connections “T” and “C” (fig. 10).

The polarity of these connections is not important. On some models, the speed of the Danfoss compressor is set with a resistor that is part of a three inch jumper that is connected to the

"C" terminal. Leave this wire in place. Connect the free end of this short wire to one of the thermostat wires.

After mounting the thermostat housing, turn the control knob completely counterclockwise to the off position.

Fuse/

Circuit Breaker

Thermostat

Sensor Tube

Fig. 9

F

P

T

D

C

Fig. 10

Speed Setting Resistor

(on some models)

2.13 Quick-Couplings

The evaporator is supplied with 6 feet of pre-charged tubing with a pair of self-sealing quick connect couplings. The compressor/condensing unit has a mating pair of these fittings. Connecting the quick-connect couplings together completes the refrigeration circuit without the loss of any refrigerant.

All quick connect couplings must be kept free of dirt and moisture. Any contamination can cause failures.

Save the caps in the event the system needs to be removed for service .

A suggestion: screw the caps together, place them in a small plastic bag and tape them to the tubing near the fittings so they will be available if needed.

Thread the couplings together by hand until you are sure the couplings are properly mated.

Tighten the couplings by turning the swivel nut on the female fitting while holding the male fitting stationary.

It is important not to twist the tubing when tightening the fittings. If the male fitting is allowed to rotate the tubing may break causing serious damage to the system.

Continue tightening the female fitting until positive resistance is felt. Screw the couplings to the bottom of their threads and , tighten finally firmly using 21 and 24mm wrenches (fig. 11).

Tighten the female coupling another 1/6 to 1/4 rotation to insure a

Fig. 11 leak-proof joint.

After the installation is complete and the system has been tested the 1½ inch hole in the box must be filled and sealed with a polyurethane foam sealant.

3 Maintenance

Maintenance is not normally required and the refrigeration unit may remain in the boat during the winter. To maintain efficiency, remove any dust that may have collected on the condenser tubes every few years.

It is time to defrost when frost builds up to 1/4 inch.

4 Operation

4.1 Start Up

Make sure the circuit supplying the refrigerator is turned on. The compressor should start within

30 seconds and a low humming noise will be heard. The fan will start after a short delay. In a few minutes the evaporator will begin to frost. The thermostat is adjustable and has an on/off switch. Turning the control knob to the extreme counter clockwise position turns the unit off. Turning the control to the right (clockwise) will turn the unit on. Turning the control clockwise lowers the temperature setting with the lowest temperature at the extreme clockwise position.

A good initial setting is mid-range. Positions “4” – “7” are recommended for making ice cubes.

4.2 Protection System

The compressor is equipped with an electronic protection system. The system is activated when the compressor is overloaded and fails to start for any reason. It is also activated if the batteries are under- or overcharged.

To prevent battery damage the protection system will shut off the compressor when the input voltage at the electronic module falls below 10.3 volts. The compressor will not start again until the input voltage rises to 11.5 volts.

5 Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Possible Cause Action

Refrigerator isn’t cold. Compressor won't start.

Compressor starts but doesn't cool refrigerator.

Compressor runs all the time. Air leak.

Check that power is present at terminal box.

Check fuse. Check all connections and cables.

Check the thermostat connections. If the compressor still doesn't start this indicates a fault in the electronic unit or compressor. Contact an authorized service agent.*

Contact an authorized service agent.*

Check gasket/seal of door. Make sure door closes properly.

Condensor dirty. Clean condensor with soap, water, and a brush.

Insufficient ventilation.

Improve ventilation. Refer to installation instructions.

System charge of refrigerant R-134a may be low.

Contact an authorized service agent.*

Refrigerator too cold inside. Faulty thermostat Turn thermostat to "off" position and make sure unit turns off. Adjust to minimum setting and check that sensing tube is properly attached to evaporator.

* If a complicated fault does occur, such as those requiring specialist assistance, please contact Great Water, Inc. or your local marine distributor for advice. Great Water can be reached at: Phone: (814) 838-0786

Fax: (814) 838-8700 email: [email protected].

6 Appendix A

Building or Modifying an Icebox for Use with an Isotherm Refrigeration System

7 Appendix B Bending a Flat Evaporator

The following instructions should be used when bending a flat evaporator to install in a refrigerator or freezer box.

The evaporator should be bent to cover as many sides of the box as possible, with a minimum of two sides for a refrigerator and three sides for a freezer. The evaporator should be placed as high in the box as possible. Use the enclosed bending tool.

• Plan exactly where the evaporator should be located. Begin by selecting a position in the box wall where a hole can be made through which the connection tube can be passed. The hole should have a diameter of at least 1.25" (33 mm) to allow the quick couplings to pass through. It is very important that the short length of tubing clamped to the outside of the evaporator be protected. Be sure to leave enough space for this tubing inside the box because it must never be stressed or pulled through the clamp to alter its length.

• Begin measuring the interior of the box from the point where the edge of the evaporator will be located. The first measurement should be for the end of the evaporator with ample space to accommodate the tubing.

• Continue measuring around the inside corners of the box. Write down these measurements.

• Calculate where the evaporator must be bent to fit into the box. It is important to account for the extra length of evaporator needed to round the corners of the box. A 90-degree bend requires 1.25" (33 mm) length of evaporator when the inner radius is .75" (20mm).

Remember also that the evaporator should be mounted .5" (13 mm) from the box wall using the plastic stand-offs provided. These factors will affect your calculations. Refer to next page for an example of how to calculate location of bends.

• Put a piece of plywood down on a workbench with an open space underneath so that there will be room to accommodate the evaporator as you bend it.

• Mount the bending tool on the edge of the plywood for the evaporator to be screwed to in order to keep it stationary while bending.

• Draw a line down the length of the bending tool to mark the center. This corresponds to where the marks you have made on the evaporator for the start of each bend will line up.

• Begin bending the end of the evaporator farthest away from the end where the tubing is coiled.

• Mark the location of the mounting holes, drill and attach the evaporator with the screws and the plastic standoff spacers provided. Do not use screws longer than those provided as they will penetrate the insulation.

• Install the evaporator in the box after it has been bent. If necessary, the evaporator can be carefully bent further to fit through the opening and then bent back to 90˚ inside the box.

Isotherm Classic Compact Technical Data

2010

2005

2013

2017

Model Max Box

Size

Cu. Ft.

2009

2309

4.4

5.3

Max

Current

Amps

Dimensions of

Compressor

L W H

Dimensions of

Evaporator

L W H

Evaporator

Style

2.5 10.6 6.3 6.1 9.4 8.3 3.3 Small “O”

4 10.6 6.3 6.1 12.6 9.1 3.9 Medium “O”

Weight lbs

Danfoss

Compressor

Model

24

24

BD35F

BD35F

Resistor none

Black 698 Ohm

2503

2007

7.1

3.5

6 10.6 6.3 6.1 15.0 11.0 5.5 Large “O”

2.5 10.6 6.3 6.1 9.8 13.8 4.3 Small “L”

24

24

BD50F

BD35F

Black 698 Ohm none

4.4

2.1

14.1

4.4

4 10.6 6.3 6.1 15.7 8.3 6.7 Large “L”

2.5 10.6 6.3 6.1 13.8 5.1 0.5 Small Flat

24

24

6.5 10.6 6.3 6.1 55.0 12.0 0.5 V. Large Flat 24

5 10.6 6.3 6.1 39.4 10.6 0.5 Large Flat 24

Dimensions in inches

BD35F

BD35F

BD50F

BD50F

Red 1.50 KO none

Red 1.50 KO

Red 1.50 KO

Voltage 12/24 volt

Fuse 15 A Car type blade fuse.

Radiosuppression Fulfills EMC directives CE-marked

Battery protection Power cut-off at 10.4 (22.8) volt.

Re-start at 12 (24) volt.