290L / 10.3 cu. ft.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 07 08 11 15 16 18 18 19 19 back Important safety notes Installation DC power connection Operation Energy saving tips Troubleshooting Appliance information Notes Contact us Limited warranty Technical specifications
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES IMPORTANT: After transit where the fridge has been on its side or back, ensure that the fridge is in a level, upright position for 12 hours to allow compressor fluids to redistribute evenly before use. Congratulations! You have purchased one of the most efficient refrigeration products available on the market today. The Unique 290L solar powered DC fridge is designed to provide years of efficient trouble-free operation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES continued • To allow the interior to cool down properly, run the fridge for at least 4 hours empty before adding food. • This fridge is designed to operate on 12 or 24 volts DC ONLY. DO NOT CONNECT THIS FRIDGE TO AN AC (alternating current) POWER SOURCE. • This fridge is designed for domestic use only! It is intended for the storage of edible/consumable food and drinks. It is not intended for commercial or industrial use. • Never use excessive force on the handle to open the door.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES continued These warnings are provided in the interest of your safety. Please ensure that you understand them all before installing or using this fridge. Your safety is of paramount importance. If you are unsure about any of these meanings or warnings, contact your local product dealer or Unique Off-Grid Appliances for assistance. PRIOR TO INSTALLATION: At delivery, please check that the fridge is complete and has not been damaged during transport.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES continued ply cable. Also, be sure the electrical cable is not squeezed or bent when the appliance is being installed or moved. • Installation work and adjustments on the appliance must be carried out by qualified personnel only. Work performed by persons with inadequate technical knowledge may adversely effect the performance of the appliance, causing damage to the equipment, and void the warranty. • It is dangerous to make alterations or attempt to modify this product in any way.
INSTALLATION UNPACKING AND CLEANING Remove all packaging and securing tapes from the appliance. To avoid injury and causing damage to the appliance, be extremely cautious when using sharp or pointed tools to complete this task. Keep children away from the packaging material - DANGER OF SUFFOCATION! Wash the inside and outside of the appliance with luke warm water and a mild soap or detergent.
4. Lift refrigerator door off of bottom hinge and set aside. 5. Remove bottom hinge with Phillips screwdriver. 6. Now remove all plugs and caps from opposite side and place them in the holes you just remove the screws from. 7. Using a Philips screwdriver fasten the bottom hinge in place using the screws you previously removed. 8.
ATTENTION: Polarity is important in wiring this DC appliance. Be sure that the positive terminal of the battery or charge controller coincides with the positive wire to the compressor, and the negative terminal of the battery or charge controller coincides with the negative wire to the compressor. The leads should be connected using cable shoes and screwed connections. Joined leads should be avoided.
DC POWER CONNECTION continued ATTENTION If a longer connection cable is necessary, the cable cross section (or gauge) must be equal to or greater than the cable sizes recommended on the following table. Be careful that the input voltage at the appliance does not drop below the cut-out voltage of the compressor. CABLE SIZE AREA AWG 12V CABLE LENGTH mm /inch Gauge m ft m ft 12 2.5 8 5 16 4 / 5/32” 12 4 13 8 26 6 / 15/64” 10 6 19.5 12 39 10 / 25/64” 8 10 32.8 20 65.6 2 2.
OPERATION Your Unique fridge, like any battery-powered refrigerating appliance, requires different care than appliances plugged into an electric utility. Prudent operation is the key to extended service. STARTING THE FRIDGE After the fridge has been properly connected to the 12 or 24 VDC power source, the compressor will automatically turn on and the cabinet will begin cooling. Allow the cabinet to cool for at least 4 hours prior to adding foodstuff.
OPERATION continued ADJUSTMENTS As the ambient temperature changes with the season, it may be necessary to adjust the thermostat to achieve the proper internal temperature. If the room/ambient temperature approaches the appliance’s internal operating temperature, the appliance will not function as it should. The appliance will tend to run colder during these conditions and it may be necessary to turn the thermostat to a warmer setting (lower number).
OPERATION continued DEFROSTING Before cleaning or repositioning the fridge, you must DISCONNECT the appliance from the electrical power supply. DEFROSTING THE UNIT The fridge compartment will become progressively covered with frost. This should be removed periodically with a plastic scraper. However, when the ice becomes very thick on the interior walls, complete defrosting should be carried out. Perform this operation when the appliance is empty and disconnected from the power supply.
OPERATION continued LED Light CLEANING Internal Cleaning Wash the inside of the appliance with luke warm water and a mild soap. Never use abrasive or corrosive cleaning agents, steel wool, scouring sponges, chemical cleaning agents, or highly perfumed cleaning products to clean the interior as these will damage the surface and leave behind a strong odor. A sponge, towel, or soft brush is recommended. Washing with a mixture of two tablespoons (30ml) of baking soda to 1 quart (1.14L) warm water.
ENERGY SAVING TIPS • Do not install the fridge close to sources of heat, such as a stove, boiler, heater, chimney, etc, and avoid exposure of the appliance to direct sunlight. • Locate the appliance in a cool well-ventilated room and make sure that the air vents of the compressor housing cover are not obstructed. Also allow adequate spacing around the cabinet for air circulation (3” or 7.5cm) • Avoid unnecessary frosting in the cabinet by packing all food and liquids in airtight packages or containers.
TROUBLESHOOTING Before contacting a service technician, your local product dealer or Unique Off-Grid Appliances, please check the following points. If you contact a technician to repair a fault listed below, or to repair a fault caused by misuse, abuse, or faulty installation, a charge will be made even if the appliance is under warranty. PROBLEM SOLUTION Appliance is connected to power, but does not operate • Check if 12V or 24V DC is present at the appliance.
TROUBLESHOOTING continued Excessive frost and ice has built up • Is the weather hot and humid? If so, this will increase the rate of frost build-up in the cabinet. • Ensure that stored food is properly packaged. • Check that the door is closed and has a good seal, and that nothing is preventing the door from closing properly. • Large quantities of food have recently been placed in the fridge/freezer, and/or the door is frequently opened.
APPLIANCE INFORMATION (manual copy - keep with your records) To make care and servicing of your solar powered DC fridge easy and efficient, please record the following information for future reference: Model: Serial Number: Purchased From: Date Purchased: NOTES 18
CONTACT US For questions related to the operation, safety or the purchase of your fridge, please contact your dealer for more information. For general information, contact our customer service department: • Toll-free: 1-877-427-2266 or 1-905-827-6154 (available during regular business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, EST. • Email: info@UniqueOffGrid.com Website: www.uniqueoffgrid.com • Address: Unique Gas Products Ltd.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MODEL UGP-290L SIZE total: 10.2 cu/ft, 290 litres OPERATION •12V/24V DIMENSIONS (unboxed) H 61” x W 23.6” x D 27.5” H 155 cm x W 60 cm x D 70 cm WEIGHT 136.7 lbs./62 kg DC POWER 12V/24V TOTAL WATT HR. PULL DOWN (24 DC) 604 Wh/24hrs (set to -14˚C TOTAL WATT HR. STABLE RUNNING (24 DC) 524 Wh/24hrs (set to -14˚C freezer/+4˚C POWER CONSUMPTION 56 W on 12V AV. RUN CURRENT 4.5A on 12V FRIDGE TEMP. RANGE -3˚C to +10˚C FREEZER TEMP.
