Instructions for Installation and Use
Refrigerator
Model RLA 21
PRODUCT SAFETY
ATTENTION
break all electrical contact with the mains.
Read your manual carefully since it contains instructions which
will ensure safe installation, use and maintenance of your
appliance.
Your Refrigerator is built to International safety standards
(EN60) and has been awarded the European approval mark
(IMQ) for compliance with UK electrical safety requirements.
It also meets the EC standards on the prevention and elimi-
nation of radio interference (EC directive 87/308 - 02.06.89).
8. Before having your old refrigerator picked up for disposal,
remove or make inoperable any locking devices to prevent
children who might play in or around the appliance from
being locked inside.
9. Before calling for service/assistance in the case of mal-
function, consult the chapter entitled “Troubleshooting" to
determine whether it is possible to eliminate the problem.
Do not try to repair the problem by trying to access the inter-
nal components of the appliance.
1. This appliance must not be installed outdoors - not even in
an area protected by a roof. It is extremely dangerous to
leave it exposed to rain or storms.
10. If damaged, the power supply cord on this appliance
must necessarily be replaced by our service centre because
special tools are required for replacement.
2. It must only be used by adults and exclusively to refriger-
ate and freeze foodstuffs, following the instructions for use
contained in this manual.
11. Do not use electric appliances inside the compartment
for food storage, if these are not those recommended by the
manufacturer.
3. Do not ever touch or handle the appliance with bare feet
or with wet hands or feet.
4. It is highly recommended that you do not use extension
cords or multiple socket adapters. If the refrigerator is in-
stalled between cabinets, make sure that the cord is not
bent or dangerously pinched or compressed.
12. At the end of the functional life of your appliance –
containing cyclopentane gas in the insulation foam and
perhaps gas R600a (isobutane) in the refrigeration circuit –
the latter should made safe before being sent to the dump.
For this operation, please contact your dealer or the Local
Organisation in charge of waste disposal.
5. Never pull on the cord or the refrigerator to remove the
plug from the wall socket - this is very dangerous.
6. Never touch the cooling components within the appliance,
especially with wet hands because this could result in injury.
7. Never clean the appliance or perform maintenance without
first disconnecting it from the electrical mains. Turning the
thermostat knob to the "OFF" setting does not suffice to
INSTALLATION
To ensure that the appliance operates properly and to
reduce energy consumption, it is important that the
appliance is installed correctly.
bottom left near the fruit and vegetable crisper, corresponds
to the mains voltage in your home and that the socket is
fitted with a standard earthing wire in accordance with safety
standards for 46/90 systems. If the socket is not fitted with
an earthing wire, the manufacturer will not be held liable for
any damages and/or injuries arising out of the use of the
appliance. Do not use multiple sockets or adapters.
Position the appliance in such a way that you can access
the socket where it is plugged in.
Ventilation
The compressor and condenser generate heat and, therefore,
need to be ventilated properly. Avoid placing refrigerator in
direct sunlight, or next to an electric stove or similar appliance.
Areas not adequately ventilated are not suitable for this
appliance.
Insufficient power?
During installation, make sure not to cover or obstruct the
grates that allow for proper ventilation of the appliance.
The electrical socket must be able to handle the maximum
power load of the appliance, which is indicated on the rating
plate located at the bottom left next to the vegetable crisper.
Away from Heat
Avoid positioning the appliance in a place where it is directly
exposed to sunlight or near an oven, hob or the like.
Before making the electrical connection ...
After the appliance has been delivered, place it in the verti-
cal upright position and wait at least 3 hours before inserting
the plug into the socket in order to ensure that it functions
properly.
Electrical Connection and Earthing
Before proceeding with the electrical connection, make sure
that the voltage indicated on the rating plate, located at the
3
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
Fitting a new plug
Your appliance is supplied with a 13amp fused plug
that can be plugged into a 13amp socket for
immediate use. Before using the appliance please
read the instructions below.
IMPORTANT:
WIRES IN THE MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE...
WARNING:
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
Green and Yellow
Blue
Brown
- Earth
- Neutral
- Live
Replacing fuse covers:
When replacing a faulty fuse, a 13amp ASTA
approved fuse to BS 1362 should always be used
and the fuse cover re-fitted.
If the fuse cover is lost, the plug must not be used
until a replacement is obtained.
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may
not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:
- Connect Green and Yellow wire to
terminal marked 'E' or
Green and Yellow.
- Connect Brown wire to terminal marked
'L' or coloured red or brown.
- Connect Blue wire to terminal marked 'N'
or coloured Black or Blue.
or coloured
Replacement fuse covers:
If a replacement fuse cover is fitted, it must be of
the correct colour as indicated by the coloured
marking or the colour that is embossed in words on
the base of the plug.
If a 13amp plug (BS 1363) is used it must be
fitted with a 13amp fuse. A 15amp plug must be
protected by a 15amp fuse, either in the plug or
adaptor or at the distribution board.
Changing the plug:
Removing the plug
If your appliance has a non-rewireable moulded
plug and you should wish to remove it to add a
longer cable or to re-route the mains cable through
partitions, units etc. please ensure that either:
- The plug is replaced by a fused 13amp re-
wireable plug bearing the BSI mark of
approval.
If you are in any doubt about the electrical
supply to your machine, consult a qualified
electrician before use.
or
- The mains cable is wired directly into a
13amp cable outlet, controlled by a
switch (in compliance with BS 5733)
which is accessible without moving the
appliance.
CE Marking certifies that this appliance
conforms to the following EEC
directives :
Low Voltage Equipment - 73/23/EEC &
93/68 EEC
Electromagnetic Compatibility
89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC & 93/68/EEC
Disposing of the plug
Cut off and dispose of the supplied plug if it does
not fit your socket. The cable should be cut as close
as possible to the moulded plug.
Remove the fuse.
WARNING:
To avoid a shock hazard do not insert the
discarded plug into a socket anywhere else.
4
GET TO KNOW YOUR APPLIANCE
Temperature control
Fruit and Vegetable Crisper
A
H
I
This regulate the temperature inside the appliance
automatically. To adjust the temperature control, use
a coin to turn the knob.
Drain for Defrost Water
Removable, Height-adjustable Shelves
Hinged bottle rack
J
K
Removable door shelves with lid and egg tray
Removable miscellaneous shelf
Hinged shelf
B
C
D
E
A
Compartment for a 2 litre
bottle
Removable door shelf for
F
B
C
D
E
F
bottles
J
Levelling feet
G
K
J
I
H
G
G
GETTING YOUR APPLIANCE READY FOR USE
Thermostat setting
NOTICE
The thermostat setting will depend on the location of the
appliance, room temperature and how often the door is
opened. After plugging the appliance into the socket, make
sure that the light is on when the door is opened. When
starting the appliance for the first time turn the thermostat
control to the coldest setting for 24hrs then adjust accordingly.
After a few hours have passed, you can place fresh food in
the refrigerator compartment.
After the appliance has been delivered, leave it to stand
in its upright position for approximately 3 hours, be-
fore plugging it into the mains and switching on, to
ensure proper performance.
Before placing food in the refrigerator clean the interior with
warm water and baking soda.
5
HOW TO USE THE REFRIGERATOR COMPARTMENT...
The temperature control automatically regulates the
temperature inside the appliance
If the temperature control is positioned on higher settings
while the refrigerator is heavily filled and the ambient tem-
perature high, the appliance may run continuously, resulting
in the formation of frost on the back cooling area. This will
lead to an increase in energy consumption.
To avoid this situation, just turn the temperature con-
trol to a lower setting so that the appliance defrosts
automatically.
It is recommended that a medium setting be used.
To increase the amount of space, optimize arrangement and
improve appearance, this appliance has a “cooling area”
located within the back panel of the refrigerator compart-
ment. When the appliance is operating, this panel may be
covered with frost or droplets of water depending on whether
the compressor is operating or not. Do not be concerned
about this! The refrigerator is operating normally.
S to rin g F o o d in th e R e frig e ra to r C o m p a rtm e n t
F o o d
S to ra g e T im e
L o c a tio n in th e R e frig e ra to r
W ra p p e d m e a t a n d c le a n e d fish
(u se c lin g film o r p la stic b a g s)
O n th e sh e lf a b o v e th e v e g e ta b le
c risp e r (w h ic h is th e c o ld e st a re a ).
2 o r 3 d a y s
O n th e sh e lf a b o v e th e v e g e ta b le
c risp e r (w h ic h is th e c o ld e st a re a ).
F re sh c h e e se
3 o r 4 d a y s
1 m o n th
E g g s
In sp e c ia l e g g ra c k o n d o o r.
O n a n y sh e lf.
B u tte r, m a rg a rin e
C o o k e d o r p re c o o k e d fo o d
(p a c k in a ir-tig h t c o n ta in e rs a n d w h e n c o o l sto re
in re frig e ra to r)
3 o r 4 d a y s
3 o r 4 d a y s
O n a n y sh e lf.
O n a n y sh e lf.
S a u sa g e s, sa la m i, sa n d w ic h m e a ts in g e n e ra l,
fre sh p a sta , c u sta rd s,p u d d in g s, c h o c o la te s, c re a m
p a strie s, b re a d , d ry p a strie s, re d to m a to e s
B o ttle d p ro d u c ts, m ilk , d rin k s, y o g h u rt
F ru its a n d v e g e ta b le s
O n sp e c ia l d o o r sh e lv e s.
In fru it a n d v e g e ta b le c risp e r..
What Not to Store in the Refrigerator
Garlic (transmits odour), onions and leeks.
Bananas (they will turn black).
The side bottle rack can be
Citrus fruits.
used either for storing a bottle
(Fig. 2) or several cans (2-4)
placed horizontally (Fig. 3). If
not in use, the bottle/can rack
can be tipped up and away
to make more room inside the
refrigerator.
Potatoes and root vegetables (store in dark, dry places).
- The air circulates naturally, with the colder air falling be-
cause it is heavier. This is the reason why meat and cheeses
should be placed above the vegetable crisper.
- Please follow our instructions carefully on maximum stor-
age time: any food, even the freshest, will not remain edible
for any extended amount of time.
- Contrary to popular belief, cooked foods do not store any
longer than raw food.
Fig. 1
- Do not place liquids in containers without covering them
because this will lead to an increase in the level of moisture
within the refrigerator, causing the formation of frost.
- Be careful not to place containers (plastic or glass), food or
other objects in direct contact with the cooling area of the
back wall of the refrigerator. This could harm the food, in-
crease energy consumption and facilitate the formation of
condensate (on food, containers, etc.).
- The refrigerator compartment is equipped with convenient,
removable shelves (Fig. 1) which can be adjusted for height
using the shelf guides. This allows you to place even large
containers and foodstuffs in the refrigerator.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
6
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
- Close the Door
- Install the Appliance Properly
Open your refrigerator only when necessary, remember that every
time you open the door, most of the cold air will be lost. To bring
the temperature back to the proper level again, the motor must
run for a considerable amount of time, consuming a substantial
amount of energy.
In other words, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight, in
a well ventilated room.
- Correct Temperature Settings
Set the temperature control to one of the middle settings. Very
cold temperature settings will not only consume a great deal of
energy but will neither improve nor lengthen the storage life of
the food. Excessively cold temperatures may ruin vegetables and
cheese.
- Check the Door Seal
Keep the seal clean and make sure that it adhere well to the door.
This alone will ensure that no cold air escapes.
- No Hot Foods
- Do not Overfill your Appliance
A container of hot food placed in the refrigerator will increase the
temperature significantly.
Allow food to cool before storing.
Remember that proper storage of food requires good air circula-
tion. Overfilling your appliance will hamper proper air circulation
and overwork the compressor.
CARING FOR YOUR APPLIANCE
Before doing any cleaning, disconnect the appliance
from the electricity (by pulling out the plug or turning
off the general switch in your home).
Cleaning and Special Maintenance
Before cleaning the refrigerator, switch off and remove
the plug from the socket.
- Your appliance is manufactured with hygienic, odourless
materials. To preserve these characteristics, always use sealed
containers to store foods, in order to prevent spills which
could stain and cause unpleasant, difficult to remove odours.
- Use a water and bicarbonate solution to clean the appli-
ance. Clean the interior and exterior with a sponge soaked
in warm water and a sodium bicarbonate solution, which is,
among other things, a good disinfectant. If you do not have
any in the house, you can use a neutral soap.
- DO NOT use abrasive detergents, bleach or deterents con-
taining ammonia. NEVER use solvent based products.
- All removable parts should be taken out and soaked in
warm soapy water or detergent. Rinse and dry them thor-
oughly before putting them back in the appliance.
- When the appliance is not used for a long time, remember
to clean the interior and dry thoroughly, leave the doors open
to prevent the formation of mould and unpleasant odors.
- Replacing the light bulb. Switch off and remove plug from
the mains socket before replacing the bulb
Defrosting
WARNING: do not damage the refrigeration circuit.
Do not use mechanical devices or instruments other
than those recommended by the manufacturer to speed
up the defrosting process.
How to Defrost the Refrigerator
This appliance defrosts automatically and the water is chan-
nelled to the back toward the drain installed for this purpose
(fig. 4). Here, the heat produced by the compressor will make
it evaporate. The only thing you must do is to periodically
check and clean the hole of the drain, which is located be-
hind the fruit and vegetable crisper, so that the water drains
properly.
Remove the light cover and
unscrew the bulb and replace
it with a new one, with
wattage no higher than 10
watts. See fig 5.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
7
TROUBLESHOOTING
If after all the checks, the appliance still does not operate or
the problem persists, call Hotpoint Service (see KEY
CONTACTS, back page) and inform them of: the type of
problem, the abbreviation of the model name (Mod.) and
the relative numbers (S/N) written on the rating plate
located at the bottom left next to the fruit and vegetable
crisper.
Nothing works.
Check that:
• The mains switch in your home is on.
• There has not been a power cut.
• The plug is properly inserted in the socket and is switched
on.
• The socket is working; try another appliance in the socket
to check.
Never call on unauthorized technicians and always
refuse spare parts which are not originals.
• The fuse in the plug is ok - if not replace it,
(see ELECTRICAL CONNECTION).
The refrigerator is not cooling properly.
Check that:
• The door is shut properly.
• The seal is clean and not damaged.
• The door has not been left open too long.
• The temperature control is on the correct setting.
• The refrigerator or freezer is not overfilled.
The food in the refrigerator becomes too cold.
Check that:
• The temperature control is on the correct setting;
• The food is not in contact with the back wall - which is the
coldest part.
The motor runs continuously.
Check that:
• The door is shut properly or has not been left open too
long;
• The room temperature is not too high;
• The temperature control is not set too high.
The appliance makes too much noise.
The refrigerant in the cooling circuit causes a slight bubbling
sound, even when the compressor is not running (this is quite
normal and is not a fault).
Check that:
• The appliance is level.
• The appliance was installed between cabinets or objects
that vibrate and make noise.
There is water on the bottom of the
refrigerator.
Check that:
• The defrost drain is clear from any blockage (see fig.2).
8
DOOR REVERSAL
Warning: Before attempting to remove the door, switch off the electrical supply and pull out the mains plug.
It is recommended that you remove any loose items/fittings from inside the appliance and place food into insulated containers
whilst carrying out this operation.
You may require assistance to carefully lay the appliance onto its back onto suitable protective materials (i.e. original packaging).
Remove the door
1. Lay down the appliance on its back.
2. Unscrew, remove and retain the bottom hinge pin.
3. Slightly open the door and slide downward, remove and carefully place to one side.
4. Unscrew the hinge pin from the top right hand side and refit the pin into the hole in left hand side.
5. Use a thin blunt instrument to remove the top and bottom hinge bushes and blanking plugs from the
door, take care not to mark the door handle.
Reposition the blanking plugs and bushes on the opposite side.
3
4
2
1
5
Replacing the door
1 .Carefully slide the door upward into the hinge pin.
2 .Fit the bottom hinge pin making sure that the door is aligned to the cabinet.
3. Carefully stand the appliance upright in it’s required location and make sure it is sitting level on the floor. Open and close
the door checking that the gasket makes a good seal without any gaps when the door is closed.
Note: Replace loose items/fittings back into the appliance and leave for at least 15 minutes before switching back on.
1
3
2
9
After Sales Service
"No company is better positioned to offer an after sales service on a
Hotpoint appliance than us - the manufacturer"
As part of our commitment to you, all Hotpoint appliances have the added benefit of a fully inclusive parts
and labour guarantee for the first 12 months. In addition to this you also have the advantage of free
replacement parts for the first 5 years when fitted by a Hotpoint
engineer. When the 12 months parts and labour guarantee expires we offer the following after sales
service options:
Repair Service and Information Help Desk
UK: 08709 066066
Republic of Ireland: 1850 302 200
Note: Our operators will require the Model number and the Serial number of your appliance
Available 364 days a year with a fast, effective and value for money service. We have the largest white
goods repair service in the UK with over 1200 of our own fully trained engineers. All repairs include a parts
and labour guarantee for 12 months from the date of the repair.
If you require any information or have any questions about your appliance, our operators are on hand with
help and advice.
All this ensures that you will receive the best available after sales service possible.
Extended Warranties
UK: 08709 088 088
Republic of Ireland: 1850 502 200
Whether you have just one or a number of Hotpoint appliances in your kitchen, we offer two service cover
plans to give you total peace of mind.
-
Repair Protection Plan
-
FREE service repairs for a single Hotpoint appliance during the
period of cover.
- Kitchen Cover
-
FREE service repairs for all your Hotpoint appliances less than 8
years old.
Genuine Parts and AccessoriesUK: 08709 077 077
Republic of Ireland: (01) 842 6836
A wide range of genuine parts and accessories are available from our hotline or through our web site.
Genuine parts and accessories, extended warranties and service repairs are all
available on our web-site at:
10
Guarantee
"Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back"
We give you a unique 'satisfaction guaranteed' promise - valid for 90 days - after you have
purchased your Hotpoint appliance. If there is a technical problem simply call Hotpoint Repair service or
engineer to call. If the technical problem is not resolved under this guarantee, we will replace your
machine or, if you prefer, give you your money back.
All Hotpoint appliances carry a fully inclusive 12 month parts and labour guarantee as well as free
replacement parts for the first 5 years (except microwaves, selected integrated appliances and cooker
hoods, which have a one year guarantee) provided that they are fitted by a Hotpoint engineer.
Guarantee terms and conditions
Your guarantee is only applicable in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland and is subject to the
following provisions that your appliance:
-
-
Has been installed and used correctly in accordance with this instruction booklet.
Has been used solely for domestic purposes and is located on domestic premises (ie. not for
commercial or trade use).
-
Has been properly connected to a suitable electrical supply voltage as stated on the appliance
rating plate.
-
Has not been subject to misuse, accident, modified or repaired by anyone other than one of our
own service engineers.
For pre purchase information on any other Hotpoint product call: 08701 50 60 70
Recycling & Disposal Information
As part of Hotpoint's continued commitment to helping the environment, Hotpoint reserves the right to
use quality recycled components to keep down customer costs and minimise material wastage.
Please dispose of packaging and old appliances carefully.
To minimise risk of injury to children, remove the door, plug and cut mains cable off flush with the
appliance. Dispose of these parts separately to ensure that the appliance can no longer be plugged into
a mains socket, and the door cannot be locked shut.
11
Key Contacts
After Sales Service
Over 1200 trained specialists, directly employed by us, ensure that you can have complete confidence in
both the appliances and services we offer.
Repair Service and Information Desk
UK: 08709 066 066
(Open 8 to 8 Mon - Fri, 8 to 6 Sat, 10 to 4 Sun & Bank Holidays)
Republic of Ireland: 1850 302 200
Note: Our operators will require the following information:
Model number:
Serial number:
Extended Warranties
UK: 08709 088 088
(Open 8 to 8 Mon - Sun)
Republic of Ireland: 1850 502 200
Genuine Parts and Accessories
UK: 08709 077 077
(Open 8-30 to 5-30 Mon - Fri & 9 to 12 Sat)
Republic of Ireland: (01) 842 6836
Merloni Elettrodomestici UK Ltd. Morley Way, Peterborough, PE2 9JB.
195.039.031.03
|