FCM9DMWH - Freezer GE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Chest Freezer
Model	FCM9DMWH
Brand	GE
Defrost Type	Manual Defrost
Capacity	9 cubic feet
Dimensions (approx.)	35 x 22 x 34 inches (H x W x D)
Weight (approx.)	100 lbs
Power Supply	120 V, 60 Hz, 15 A dedicated circuit
Power Cord	3-prong grounding plug, 6 ft length
Temperature Control	Rotary dial from 1 (warmest) to 7 (coldest), with OFF position
Power-On Light	Indicates freezer is connected to power (on select models)
Key-Ejecting Lock	Spring-loaded lock with auto-eject key (on select models)
Defrost Drain	Located at front of freezer for draining water during defrost
Maximum Freezing Capacity	3 lbs per cubic foot of freezer space at one time
Clearance Required	3 inches (76 mm) on top, back, and sides for air circulation
Operating Ambient Temperature	0°F to 110°F ( -18°C to 43°C )
Interior Light	Available on select models; replaceable bulb
Interior Material	Steel cabinet with baked-on paint finish
Cleaning Solution	Warm water and baking soda (1 tbsp per quart)
Warranty	1 year parts and labor from date of purchase
Included Accessories	Owner's manual, warranty card, key (on select models)

Frequently Asked Questions - FCM9DMWH GE

How do I start the freezer for the first time?

Clean the inside with a baking soda solution, plug into a grounded outlet, set the temperature control to 4, and let it run for at least 4 hours before adding food.

How often should I defrost the freezer?

Defrost about twice a year or when frost exceeds 1/2 inch (13 mm) thick. Use a plastic scraper and pans of hot water to speed up the process. Do not use sharp tools or electrical devices.

What temperature setting should I use?

The control ranges from 1 (warmest) to 7 (coldest). Setting 4 is recommended for normal use. Adjust one step at a time and allow several hours for temperature to stabilize.

Why does my freezer make noise?

Normal sounds include the compressor running and refrigerant flow. A vibrating cabinet may indicate an uneven floor; place shims or 2x4s under the freezer for support.

What should I do during a power failure?

Keep the lid closed. The freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours. If power is out longer, use dry ice or move food to a frozen food locker. Handle dry ice with gloves.

How do I clean the freezer?

Unplug the freezer. Clean the outside with appliance polish wax or mild dish soap. Clean inside with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per quart of warm water. Rinse and dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners.

Can I use an extension cord?

Not recommended due to safety hazards. If necessary, use a UL/CSA-listed 3-wire grounding cord rated at least 15 amps and 120 volts.

Why is frost building up quickly?

Frequent or prolonged lid openings, a lid left ajar, or high humidity can cause excess frost. Ensure the lid seals properly and minimize openings.

How do I prepare the freezer for moving?

Unplug, remove food, defrost and clean. Secure shelves and grille with tape. Keep the freezer upright during transport and protect the exterior with a blanket.

What is covered under warranty?

GE warrants that any defective part due to materials or workmanship will be replaced free of charge for one year from purchase, including labor. Exclusions include improper installation, abuse, or power interruptions.

USER MANUAL FCM9DMWH GE

How to Connect Electricity ..... 4

Proper Disposal ....3

Safety Precautions 2

Use of Extension Cords ..... 3

Operating Instructions

Care and Cleaning....8,9

Defrosting Instructions .....7

Features .....5, 6

Starting the Freezer .....5

Installation Instructions

Preparing to Install the Freezer .. 10

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call For Service . . .11, 12

Normal Operating

Characteristics .....11

Consumer Support

Consumer Support ..... Back Cover

Production Registration ..... 13, 14

Warranty 15

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model # ____

Serial # ____

You can find them on a plate on the top-center on the back of the unit.

Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions

Chest—Manual

Defrost Models:

FCM5

FCM7

FCM9

Abstract decorative swirl design with no text or symbols

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

⚠ WARNING!

Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner's Manual.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:

This freezer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.
Do not allow children to climb, stand or hang on the shelves in the freezer. They could damage the freezer and seriously injure themselves.
After your freezer is in operation, do not touch the cold surfaces, particularly when hands are damp or wet. Skin may stick to these extremely cold surfaces.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
■ Unplug the freezer before cleaning, making repairs or changing the light bulb.

NOTE: We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed by a qualified individual.

■ Turning the control to the OFF position does not remove power to the light circuit on models with interior light.
Do not refreeze frozen foods which have thawed completely.
The maximum amount of food your freezer is designed to freeze at one time is approximately 3 pounds (1.5 kg) per cubic foot of freezer capacity. In normal position, your freezer's temperature control will maintain sufficiently low temperatures in the freezer to freeze recommended quantities of food.
Caution should be used when removing the door of a freezer. Particular caution should be used when removing the lid of a Chest freezer, as most Chest freezer lids are under spring tension. Contact the manufacturer's representative for a method of safe removal.

▲ DANGER! RISK OF CHILD ENTRAPMENT

PROPER DISPOSAL OF THE FREEZER

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:

Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators and freezers are still dangerous...even if they will sit for "just a few days." If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.

Before You Throw Away Your Old Refrigerator or Freezer:

Take off the doors.
Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

Refrigerants

All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which under federal law must be removed prior to product disposal. If you are getting rid of an old refrigeration product, check with the company handling the disposal about what to do.

USE OF EXTENSION CORDS

Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord.

However, if you must use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL-listed (in the United States) or a CSA-listed (in Canada), 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord having a grounding type plug and outlet and that the electrical rating of the cord be 15 amperes (minimum) and 120 volts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

⚠ WARNING!

HOW TO CONNECT ELECTRICITY

Do not, under any circumstances, cut or remove the third (ground) prong from the power cord. For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.

The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a 3-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard 3-prong (grounding) wall outlet to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.

Have the wall outlet and circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded.

If the outlet is a standard 2-prong wall outlet, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded 3-prong wall outlet.

The freezer should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate.

This provides the best performance and also prevents overloading house wiring circuits which could cause a fire hazard from overheated wires.

Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always grip plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.

Repair or replace immediately all power cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either end.

When moving the freezer away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Starting the Freezer

Clean the inside of the freezer with a mild solution of baking soda and water (see Care and Cleaning).
2 Connect cord to power outlet.
3 On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the OFF position.
4 Make sure the temperature control is set at 4.
5 Allow freezer to operate for at least four hours before placing food inside.
6 On models with a Temperature Monitor or High-Temp Alarm Switch, set the switch to the ON position.

Temperature Control

Freezing temperature selection is made by setting the control from 1 to 7 (coldest).

If you want colder or warmer temperatures, adjust the control one step at a time.

Allow several hours after each one-step adjustment for the freezer temperature to stabilize.

Turning the control to the OFF position stops the cooling process but does not shut off power to the freezer.

About the operation of your freezer.

Power-On Light (on some models)

The Power-On Light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to the electrical power.

The light glows even when the temperature control is turned off.

Key-Ejecting Lock (on some models)

The key for the spring-loaded lock is automatically ejected—key will not remain in lock in either the open or closed position.

Keep the key out of reach of children and away from the freezer.

In most climates, defrosting will be necessary only about twice a year.

To have your freezer operate most efficiently, do not permit more than 1/2"(13 mm) of frost to accumulate on the shelves.

To remove frost, scrape with a plastic or wood spatula or scraper.

Do not use an ice pick or sharp-edged instrument as it may damage or scratch the freezer.

Do not use any electrical device in defrosting your freezer.

For Complete Defrosting

1 Turn the temperature control to the OFF position and unplug the freezer.
2 Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and newspapers for insulation as needed.
3 With the door/lid open, use pans of hot water to speed loosening of frost. Remove large pieces before they melt.

Chest models have a defrost water drain at the front.

NOTE: Water may drip from the back flange of the lid cover during defrosting. This is normal. Ice builds up in the lid insulation when the lid is open for adding or removing food, and melts during the defrosting operation.

4 Sponge excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent overflowing.
5 After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer (see Care and Cleaning).
6 Replace the drain plug inside the cabinet and the cap on the defrost drain. Fold over and dry the gasket on the hinge side of the lid.
7 Plug in the freezer. Return the temperature control to its previous position and return food to the freezer.

Care and cleaning of the freezer.

Cleaning Your Freezer

Outside. Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of the freezer is a high quality, baked-on paint finish. With proper care, it will stay new-looking and rust-free for years. Apply a coat of appliance polish wax when the freezer is new and then at least twice a year. Appliance polish wax also works well to remove tape residue from freezer surfaces.

Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with appliance polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach, or cleaners containing bleach.

CAUTION: Care should be taken in moving the freezer away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces.

Inside. Clean the inside of your freezer at least once a year. We recommend that the freezer be unplugged before cleaning. If this is not practical, wring excess moisture out of sponge or cloth when cleaning in the vicinity of switches, lights or controls.

Use warm water and baking soda solution—about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Do not use cleaning powders or other abrasive cleaners.

An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three months.

In Case of Extended Power Failure

- Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not admitted.

If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large pieces. Add more ice as required.

WARNING: Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands—gloves or other protection is recommended.

If dry ice is not available, move food to a frozen food locker temporarily—until power is restored.

Preparing to Move

Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, defrost and clean the freezer.

Secure all loose items such as grille and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

Be sure freezer stays in upright position during actual moving and in van. The freezer must be secured in van to prevent movement. Protect outside of freezer with blanket.

Preparing for Vacation

To maintain freezer in operation during vacations, be sure your house power is not turned off. For sure protection of freezer contents, you may want to ask a neighbor to check the power supply and freezer operation every 48 hours.

For extended vacations or absences, you may prefer to move your frozen foods to a storage locker temporarily. If your freezer is to be left empty, disconnect power cord plug from wall outlet. To prevent formation of odors, place open box of baking soda in freezer and leave freezer door/lid open.

When the freezer is not operating, it can be left in an unheated house or room without damage to cabinet or mechanism.

Preparing to install the freezer.

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

Freezer Location

Your freezer should be conveniently located for day-to-day use in a dry, well-ventilated room.

Do not install the freezer where the temperature will go below 0^ F or above 110^ F, because it will not maintain proper temperatures.

Be sure to install your freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.

The freezer must be solidly positioned on the floor if it is to function at its best. Shims may be used to accomplish this wherever the floor is too uneven. If the place selected for the freezer is damp or moist, place 2 X 4's (51 mm X 102 mm) under its entire length to assure adequate support.

Clearances

On all models, allow 3" (76 mm) on top, back and sides for proper air circulation.

These things are normal and do not indicate a need for service.

A warm cabinet exterior as the refrigeration system transfers heat from the inside to the outside through the exterior cabinet walls.

The sound of the high-efficiency compressor motor.

Before you call for service...

Troubleshooting Tips Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages first and you may not need to call for service.

Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Freezer does not operate or Power-On Light is not on	Temperature control in OFF position.	• Move the control to a temperature setting.
	Freezer is unplugged.	• Push the plug completely into the outlet.
	The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.	• Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
Freezer starts/stops too frequently	Door/lid left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
	Too frequent or too long door/lid openings.
	Temperature control set too cold.	• See About the operation of your freezer.
Freezer operates too long	Door/lid left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
	Too frequent or too long door/lid openings.
	Temperature control set too cold.	• See About the operation of your freezer.
	Inadequate air circulation space around cabinet.	• See Preparing to install the freezer.
	Fast Freeze switch is in the ON position (on some models)	• See About the operation of your freezer.
Noisy operation or cabinet vibrates	Floor may be weak, causing freezer to vibrate when compressor is on.	• Placing 2 X 4's (51 mm X 102 mm) under the length of the freezer will help support it and may reduce vibration.
	Cabinet is not positioned solidly on floor.	• See Preparing to install the freezer. Or use shims for uneven floor.
Freezer temperature too warm	Door/lid left open.	• Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
	Too frequent or too long door/lid openings.

Before you call for service...

Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Foods defrosting	Temperature control in OFF position.	·Move the control to a temperature setting.
	Freezer is unplugged.	·Push the plug completely into the outlet.
	The fuse is blown/circuit breaker is tripped.	·Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
	Door/lid left open.	·Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
	Too frequent or too long door/lid openings.
Freezer temperature too cold	Temperature control set too cold.	·See About the operation of your freezer.
	Fast Freeze switch is in the ON position or has run for too long (on some models)	·See About the operation of your freezer.
Moisture forms on outside of cabinet	Not unusual during periods of high humidity.	·Wipe surface dry.
Interior light does not work (on some models)	No power at outlet.	·Replace fuse or reset the breaker.
	Freezer is unplugged.	·Push the plug completely into the outlet.
	Light bulb burned out.	·Replace bulb.
Door/lid won't fully close by itself	Package holding door/lid open.
Slow starting time after being off	Built-in overload protection.
Excessive frost build-up	Door/lid left open.	·Check to see if package is holding door/lid open.
	Too frequent or too long door/lid openings.
	Not unusual during periods of high humidity.

NOTE: Do not return the freezer to the store where you purchased it. The freezer is eligible for in-home service. For warranty service, contact us at ge.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), or 1.800.361.3400 (Canada).

GE Service Protection Plus™

GE, a name recognized worldwide for quality and dependability, offers you Service Protection Plus™—comprehensive protection on all your appliances—No Matter What Brand!

Benefits Include:

• Backed by GE
• All brands covered
  • Unlimited service calls
• All parts and labor costs included
  • No out-of-pocket expenses
  • No hidden deductibles
  • One 800 number to call

We'll Cover Any Appliance. Anywhere. Anytime.\*

You will be completely satisfied with our service protection or you may request your money back on the remaining value of your contract. No questions asked. It's that simple.

Protect your refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, range, TV, VCR and much more—any brand! Plus there's no extra charge for emergency service and low monthly financing is available. Even icemaker coverage and food spoilage protection is offered. You can rest easy, knowing that all your valuable household products are protected against expensive repairs.

Place your confidence in GE and call us in the U.S. toll-free at 800.626.2224 for more information.

*All brands covered, up to 20 years old, in the continental U.S.

Cut here

Please place in envelope and mail to:

General Electric Company

Warranty Registration Department

P.O. Box 32150

Louisville, KY 40232-2150

Consumer Product Ownership Registration

Dear Customer:

Thank you for purchasing our product and thank you for placing your confidence in us.

We are proud to have you as a customer!

Follow these three steps to protect your new appliance investment:

Complete and mail

your Consumer

Product Ownership

Registration today.

Have the peace of

mind of knowing we

can contact you in

the unlikely event of a

safety modification.

After mailing the

registration below,

store this document

in a safe place. It

contains information

you will need should

you require service.

Our service number is

800 GE CARES

(800.432.2737).

Read your Owner's

Manual carefully.

It will help you

operate your new

appliance properly.

Model Number Serial Number

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Important: If you did not get a registration card with your product, detach and return the form below to ensure that your product is registered, or register online at ge.com.

Consumer Product Ownership Registration

Model Number Serial Number

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GE Consumer & Industrial

Appliances

General Electric Company

Louisville, KY 40225

ge.com

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□ Check here if you do not want to receive communications from GEA's carefully selected partners.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS CARD DOES NOT DIMINISH YOUR

WARRANTY RIGHTS.

For information about GEA's privacy and data usage policy, go to ge.com and click on "Privacy

Policy" or call 800.626.2224.

Freezer Warranty.

All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers, or an authorized Customer Care® technician. To schedule service, on-line, 24 hours a day, contact us at ge.com, or call 800.GE.CARES (U.S.), 1.800.361.3400 (Canada). Please have serial number and model number available when calling for service.

Staple your receipt here. Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

For The Period Of: GE Will Replace:

One Year

From the date of the original purchase replace

Any part of the freezer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this limited one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related service to the defective part.

What GE Will Not Cover:

■ Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
■Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.
Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
Food spoilage caused by:
a) Power interruption from the utility.
b) Blown fuse, open circuit breaker or other power disconnection on the owner's premises.
c) Freezer not operating because of abnormally low electric power voltage or inadequate house wiring.

Damage caused after delivery.
Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
■ Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance.
Product not accessible to provide required service.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and exclusive remedy is product repair as provided in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.

This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA and Canada. If the product is located in an area where service by a GE Authorized Servicer is not available, you may be responsible for a trip charge or you may be required to bring the product to an Authorized GE Service location for service. In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state's Attorney General.

Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225 Camco Inc., Suite 310, 1 Factory Lane, Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3

GE Appliances Website

ge.com

Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day, any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can now download Owner's Manuals, order parts, catalogs, or even schedule service on-line. You can also "Ask Our Team of Experts" your questions, and so much more...

Schedule Service ge.com

Expert GE repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at your convenience 24 hours any day of the year! Or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) during normal business hours.

Real Life Design Studio ge.com

GE supports the Universal Design concept—products, services and environments that can be used by people of all ages, sizes and capabilities. We recognize the need to design for a wide range of physical and mental abilities and impairments. For details of GE's Universal Design applications, including kitchen design ideas for people with disabilities, check out our Website today. For the hearing impaired, please call 800.TDD.GEAC (800.833.4322).

Extended Warranties ge.com

Purchase a GE extended warranty and learn about special discounts that are available while your warranty is still in effect. You can purchase it on-line anytime, or call 800.626.2224 during normal business hours. GE Consumer Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires.

Parts and Accessories ge.com

Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or by phone at 800.626.2002 during normal business hours.

Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally should be referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since improper servicing may cause unsafe operation.

Contact Us ge.com

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GF., contact us on our Website with all the details including your phone number, or write to: General Manager, Customer Relations

GE Appliances, Appliance Park

Louisville, KY 40225

Register Your Appliance ge.com

Register your new appliance on-line—at your convenience! Timely product registration will allow for enhanced communication and prompt service under the terms of your warranty, should the need arise. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material.