Atlantic Mini Fridge Co Ltd

FACTORY TEST RESULTS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT LPG OPERATED FROSTEK FREEZERS

IMPORTANT
Prior to performing any test on the unit several ground rules must be assumed:
first the unit must be level in all direction (use adjustable legs). Check that the baffle is properly installed in the flue tube. It is recommended that the freezer be the only appliance on the gas line at the time of such a test. The unit should not be at an altitude over 2500 feet (700 m) unless it has been modified for high altitude operation. Avoid opening lid during testing.

Question1:

The freezer/burner will not ignite.

Question2:

The freezer/burner will ignite but will not stay lit.

Question3:

The freezer will ignite but will not reach desired temperature.

Question 1
(Freezer burner will not ignite)

1.1 Check that the propane valve is open, properly connected and that the supply is not empty. When the gas is on and the burner is not lighting you should smell gas.

1.2 Make sure you are using Liquid Propane (LP) and not butane or natural gas. Propane is unavailable in some part of the world (hot climate); your unit can be modified to run on butane. Make sure that the gas pressure regulator is set no higher than 11"WC (28mbars), this could cause problems.

1.3 Check that the piezo-electric igniter is functioning and is properly installed. When looking at the burner assembly while the igniter is being pressed, a flash/spark should be seen (shut off gas when doing this to avoid injury).

1.4 When lighting: the red safety valve button (gas push) must be pressed and held, the igniter must be repeatedly pressed in 1 second intervals (up to 30 times) until the gas indicator (gas) is in the green area (burner is lit). Continue to hold the red safety button for 15 seconds to make sure it is lit. To facilitate ignition turn gas supply down to its minimum setting and then increase supply once the burner chamber has had time to heat up (after 5 min.). This can be particularly helpful at high altitudes.

Question 2
(Freezer will ignite/heat but will not stay lit)

2.1 Check that the thermocouple is properly installed under the burner and that the gas valve has been properly connected (there is a lip on the thermocouple that fit into a groove on the bracket). Check to make sure that the thermocouple bracket has not become loose (this would make it look like everything is OK when they are not). The thermocouple in combination with the gas valve is a safety device that will cut the flow of gas to the burner should the flame be extinguished.

2.2 With the thermocouple brass tube disconnected, check the tube as well as the connector for continuity (using a multi-meter).

2.3 Check that you are using Liquid Propane (LP) gas and not butane or natural gas. Propane is unavailable (in very warm climates) in some part of the world, your unit can be modified to run on butane (see section on alternate fuel operation).

2.4 Check with your propane technician to find out at what pressure the regulator is set. The pressure should be no higher than 11"WC (28mbars), unless it has been modified for use with other types of fuel. Note: excess pressure can damage the cooling unit and void the warranty, never increase gas pressure over 11"WC (28mbars) unless otherwise specified by manufacturer.

2.5 If the unit being operated at an altitude exceeding 2500-ft. (770 m) above sea level, you must order the proper high altitude orifice and possibly high altitude burner.

2.6 If the burner periodically being struck by gusts of wind or excessive draft. This may extinguish the flame.

2.7 When lighting: the red safety valve button (gas push) must be pressed and held, the igniter must be repeatedly pressed in 1 second intervals (up to 30 times) until the gas level indicator (gas) is in the green area (burner is lit). Continue to hold the red safety button for 15 seconds to make sure it is lit. To facilitate ignition turn gas supply down to its minimum setting and then increase supply once the burner chamber has had time to heat up (after 5 min.). This can be particularly helpful at high altitudes.

Question 3
(freezer will ignite but will not reach desired temperature)

Note: Operate the freezer for at least 24 hour completely empty prior to assuming a defect in the product. An absorption unit such as the frostek does not have the brute cooling force of Freon model with a compressor. It is not suitable for freezing large quantities of unfrozen foods all at once. When filling the freezer for the first time proper procedure must be followed if the items are not already frozen (see owner's manual page 6 for complete loading instructions).

3.1 Start by checking the temperature inside the freezer with a different thermometer than the one provided with the unit in case the thermometer itself is defective and giving you false information.

3.2 Check that the thermostat is functioning properly. This will require a second person, while looking directly at the flame at the burner, have another person turn the thermostat knob from high to low, the flame should reduce in intensity, than increase in intensity when it is turned back up.

3.3 Carefully inspect the thermostat sensor wire (silver) for kinks or breaks. If the sensor wire is defective the unit will work but will not reach its desired temperature.

3.4 If the freezer reached desire temperature empty but will not maintain temperature after several days of being filled, recheck to see if the unit is still level, especially if the freezer is sitting on a weak floor or foundation.

3.5 Check that the cooling unit is being supplied with the proper heat (1800-1900 BTU). A quick way to check is to place your hand on the horizontal condenser pipe (point B) on the top left hand corner of the freezer (opposite corner than the burner). It should be hot enough that you cannot leave your hand on it, but will not burn you.

3.6 At what altitude above sea level is the unit operating at. A high altitude burner (with proper air hole and orifice) must be used at altitudes exceeding 2500 ft.

3.7 Are their any other appliances on the same gas line, the reduction of pressure in the line may cause the flame to be insufficient, this is critical at higher elevations.

3.8 Check that the baffle is in place. The baffle is designed to concentrate the heat where it is most needed, if it is removed the unit will not operate correctly (at desired temperature).

3.9 Check with your propane technician to find out at what pressure the regulator is set. The pressure should be 11"WC (28mbars), unless it has been modified for use with other types of fuels. Note: excess pressure can damage the cooling-unit and void the warranty.

3.10 Check that the lowest part on the cooling unit is point C (figure 1).

3.11 Was the freezer loaded in one shot with food that is not already frozen? This unit is designed to maintain frozen foods; it does not have the brute cooling force as a Freon/compressor unit. The unit can and will freeze non-frozen items, however it is recommended that thawed items be added at a rate of 12 lbs. per 24 hours period. It may take several days to completely remove the heat from the unit and freeze the items. See manual page 6 for complete loading instructions.

3.12 Check that the burner did not slip out the bottom of the flue tube. This could happen in cases where the unit has been transported over long distances or if it is installed in a location with excessive vibrations.

3.13 If the freezer is being used for commercial purposes, where the lip is being open and closed often, it may be difficult for the unit to keep up with the heat entering the freezer each time this will prevent it from reaching its desired temperature.

3.14 Check the cooling-unit tubes for any yellowish residue, especially on the welded joints. This could mean that the cooling-unit has leaked and lost some of its pressure. If you see yellow or detect a strong ammonia odor, the cooling unit is leaking and must be replaced. Disconnect the unit and contact the place were you purchased the unit or the manufacturer for a replacement cooling-unit.

3.15 With the baffle removed, check that the flue tube is clean and free from foreign objects. Some debris may have fallen on top of the burner itself. Make certain the burner is free from any dirt (never use your finger or an object to clean the orifice in the burner chamber, the orifice is so small that even the oil from your finger can partially plug the hole and consequently distort the flame). See manual page 6 for cleaning instructions.

OPTION: If a 110 Volts supply is available, an electric heater (pencil heater) can be installed for testing. If the unit runs well on electric but not on gas it is then obvious, the problem is that the burner is not supplying enough heat to the boiler. This electric heater can be ordered from the manufacturer.

If a high altitude burner is required, it can be purchased at the point of sale or directly from the manufacturer.

Our regular office hours are from 7:00am to 4:00pm
Monday to Friday Eastern standard time.
(AMF) Atlantic Mini-Fridge Co Ltd.
Toll Free: (877) 426-3646
Toll Free: (877) 4AMFMINibars
Tel: (506) 858-9233
Fax: (506) 858-9920
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