General Electric TBX18 Refrigerator
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions before using this appliance.
WARNING-When using this appliance, always exercise basic safety precautions, including the following:
- Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Use and Care Book.
- This refrigerator must be properly installed in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used. See the rounding instructions below and on page 4.
- Never unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the power cord. Always grip the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
- Repair or replace immediately all electric service cords that become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length or at either the plug or connector end.
- Do not allow children to climb, stand, or hang onto the shelves in the refrigerator. They could damage the refrigerator and seriously injure themselves.
- After your refrigerator is in operation, do not touch the cold surfaces, particularly when your hands are damp. Skin may adhere to these extremely cold surfaces.
- If your refrigerator has an icemaker, do not place fingers on the automatic icemaking mechanism while the refrigerator is plugged in. This will help protect you from possible injury. It will prevent interference with the moving parts of the ejector mechanism or with the heating element that releases the cubes.
- When moving your refrigerator away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the power cord.
- Don’t refreeze f m n foods that have thawed completely. The United States Department of Agriculture in Home and Garden Bulletin No. 69 says:
“. . .You may safely refreeze frozen foods that have thawed if they still contain ice crystals or if they are still cold-below 40°F.
“. . .Thawed ground meats, poultry, or fish that have any off-odor or off-color should not be refrozen and should not be eaten. Thawed ice cream should be discarded. If the odor or color of any food is poor or questionable, get rid of it. The food may be dangerous to eat.
“Even partial thawing and refreezing reduce the eating quality of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods. The eating quality of red meats is affected less than that of many other foods. Use refrozen foods as soon as possible to save as much of their eating quality as you can. - If your old refrigerator is still around the house but not in use, be sure to move the doors. This will reduce the possibility of danger to children.
- Unplug your refrigerator:
- Before making any repairs.
Note: We strongly recommend that any servicing be performed by a qualified individual. - Before cleaning.
- Before replacing a burned-out light bulb, the refrigerator should be unplugged to avoid contact with a live wire filament.
(A burned-out light bulb may break when being replaced.)
Note: Turning the control to the OFF position does not remove power to the light circuit.
- Before making any repairs.
- Do not operate your refrigerator in the presence of explosive fumes.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Installation Requirements
IMPORTANT… Please Read Carefully.
How to connect electricity
For personal safety, this appliance must be properly grounded.
The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a three-prong (grounding) plug, which mates with a standard three-prong (grounding) wall outlet (Fig. 1) to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.
Where a standard two-prong wall outlet is encountered, it is your personal responsibility and obligation to have it replaced with a properly grounded three-prong wall outlet.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CUT OR REMOVE THE THIRD (GROUND) PRONG FROM THE POWER CORD.
Use of Adapter Plug
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions, we strongly recommend against using an adapter plug. However, if you still elect to use an adapter, where local codes permit, a TEMPORARY CONNECTION may be made to a properly grounded two-prong wall outlet by use of a UL-listed adapter (Fig. 2) available at most local hardware stores.
The larger slot in the adapter must be aligned with the larger slots in the wall outlet to provide a proper polarity connection of the power cord.
CAUTION: Attaching the adapter ground terminal to all outlet cover screw does not ground the appliance unless the cover screw is metal, and not insulated, and the wall outlet is grounded through house wiring.
You should have the circuit checked by a qualified electrician to make sure the outlet is properly grounded. When disconnecting the power cord from the adapter wayss hold the adapter with one handI.f this is not done, the adapter’s ground terminal is very likely to break with repeated use.
Should the adapter ground terminal break, DO N(YI USE the appliance until a proper ground has again been established.
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 still elect to use an extension cord, it is necessary that it be a UL-listed 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.
The refrigerator should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet- (115 volt, 60 Hertz, or 100 volt, 50 Hertz, single phase AC). This is recommended for best performance and to prevent overloading house wiring circuits, which could cause a fire hazard from overheating wires.
Refrigerator Location
Do not install a refrigerator where the temperature will go belo6w0 °F. because it will not run often enough to maintain proper temperatures. Do install it on a floor strong enough to support a fully loaded refrigerator.
Also see Energy-Saving Tips regarding location.
Clearances
Allow the following clearances for ease of installation and proper air circulation:
Sides . . . . . . . . . 3/4″
Top . . . . . . . . . . . . 1″
Back . . . . . . . . . . . 1″
Water Supply to Icemaker (on models so equipped)
If your refrigerator has an icemaker, or if you plan to add an icemaker later, the icemaker will have to be connected to a cold water line. A water supply kit containing copper tubing, shut-off valve, fittings, and instructions is available at extra cost from your dealer. There should be sufficient tubing for the icemaker from the cold water supply to allow moving the refrigerator out from the wall several feet (approximately 8 feet of 1/4″ copper tubing in three 10-inch diameter coils.
Rollers/Leveling Legs
Some models have adjustable rollers that enable you to move he refrigerator away from the wall for cleaning; other models have adjustable leveling legs.
Rollers or legs, located behind the base grille, should be set o the refrigerator is firmly positioned on the floor and the front is raised enough that the doors close easily when opened about halfway.
To adjust rollers or leveling legs, remove the base grille by grasping it at the bottom and pulling pulling out.
Turn roller adjusting screws or leveling legs clockwise to raise the refrigerator, counterclockwise to lower it. Use an adjustable wrench (3/8″ hex head bolt) or pliers. When adjusting front rollers or leveling legs for proper door closure, it is recommended that the bottom front edge of the cabinet be approximately 3/4″ from the floor.
To replace the base grille, align the prongs on the back of the grille with the clamps in the cabinet and push forward until the grille snaps into place.
Operating Your Refrigerator
Set the Temperature Controls
Your refrigerator has two controls that let you regulate the temperature in the fresh food and freezer compartments.
INITIALLY, set the FRESH FOOD control at 5 and the FREEZER control at C.
For colder or warmer temperatures, adjust the desired compartment control one letter or number at a time.
IMPORTANT
When initially setting the controls or when adjusting them, allow -2 to 4 hours for the temperatures to stabilize, or even out.
Note: Turning the fresh food control to the OFF position stops cooling in BOTH compartments, food AND freezer-but does not shuot ff power to the refrigerator.
How to Test Temperatures
Use the milk test for the fresh food compartment. Place a container of milk on the top shelf in the fresh food compartment. Check it daa y later. If the milk is too warm or too cold, adjust the temperature controls.
Use the ice cream tefsotr the freezer compartment. Place a container of ice cream in the center of the freezer compartment. Check it after a day. If it’s too hard or too soft, adjust the temperature controls.
Always allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the temperature you set.
If you turn your household thermostat below 60°F. at night
You may want to turn the thermostat control one step colder, from “C” to “DI’ Cooler temperatures in the house may cause the compressor to operate less frequently, thus allowing the freezer compartment to warm somewhat. To protect your frozen food supply, leave your thermostat setting at this colder setting for the entire winter or for whatever period of time you are turning down your thermostat. This is especially important when the thermostat is turned down for an extended period. This change should not affect your fresh food compartment.
However, if freezing occurs, turn the numbered control one step warmer, from “5” to ‘‘4;’ When you stop turning the thermostat down, turn temperature controls back to their regular settings.
Energy Saver Switch
The Energy Saver Switch is located on the temperature control panel.
To reduce the amount of electricity required to operate your refrigerator, push the switch to the left position.
This turns off the heaters in your refrigerator that prevent moisture from forming on the outside.
With the heaters turned off, there is a chance that moisture forms on the outside of your refrigerator, especially when the weather is humid. The humidity is most likely to be high in the summertime, the early morning hours, and in homes that are not air-conditioned.
Over an extended period of time, moisture that forms on the outside may cause deterioration of the paint finish. It will be important to protect the finish by using appliance polish wax as described on page 12.
When the Energy Saver Switch is pushed to the right, electricity flows through the low-wattage heaters, which warm the outside of the cabinet and, under most conditions, prevent the formation of moisture or water droplets.
No Defrosting
It is not necessary to defrost the freezer or fresh food compartments. Your refrigerator is designed and equipped to defrost itself automatically.
Food Storage Suggestions
Suggested storage times for meat and poultry*
New techniques are constantly being developed. Consult the College or County Extension Service or your local Utility Company for the latest information on freezing and storing foods.
‘U.S. Department of Agriculture
Meats, fish, and poultry purchased from the store vary in quality and age; consequently, safe storage time in your refrigerator will vary.
To store unfrozen meats, fish, and poultry
- Always remove store wrappings.
- Rewrap in foil, film, or wax paper and refrigerate immediately.
To store cheese, wrap it well with wax paper or aluminum foil, or put it in a plastic bag.
- Carefully wrap to expose and help prevent mold.
- Store pre-packaged cheese in its own wrapping if you wish.
To store vegetables, use the vegetable drawers-they’ve been designed to preserve the natural moisture and freshness of produce.
- Covering vegetables with a moist towel helps maintain crispness.
- As a further aid to freshness, pre-packaged vegetables can be stored in their original wrapping.
Note: Special resealable compartment drawers (on models so equipped) make it unnecessary to wrap cemin fo, ods which they’ve been designed to preserve. These drawers are described on pages 8 and 9.
To store ice cream-Fine-quality ice cream, with high cream content, will normally require slightly lower temperatures than more “airy” already-packaged brands with low cream content.
- It will be necessary to experiment to determine the freezer compartment location and temperature control setting to keep your cream at the right serving temperature.
- The rear of the freezer compartment is slightly colder than he front.
Tips on freezing foods
There are three essential requirements for efficient home freezing.
- Initial quality. Freeze only top-quality foods. Freezing retains quality and flavor; it cannot improve quality.
- Speed. The quicker fruits and vegetables are frozen after picking, the better the frozen product will be. You’ll save time, too, with less culling and sorting to do.
- Proper packaging. Use food wraps designed especially for freezing; they’re readily available at most food stores.
To freeze meat, fish, and poultry, wrap well in freezer-weight foil (or other heavy-duty wrapping material), forming it carefully to the shape of the contents. This expels air. Fold and crimp ends of the package to provide a good, lasting seal. Don’t refreeze meat that has completely thawed; meat, whether raw or cooked, can be frozen successfully only once.
Limit freezing of fresh (unfrozen) meats or seafoods to the number of pounds at a time as follows:
TBX18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 pounds
TBX20 . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1 9 pounds
For convenience. ..
- Store like things together. This saves both time and electricity because you can find food faster.
- Place the oldest items up so they can be used up promptly.
- Use shelves on the door for the most often used sauces and condiments.
- Use the meat drawer, on models so equipped, for temporary storage of meats you would not freeze.
- To save money on energy and food costs
- Place most perishable items, such as milk, cream, and cottage cheese, toward the rear of the top shelf, as they will stay coldest in this part of the fresh food department.
- Cover moist foods with tight lids, plastic film, or foil.
- Leaf vegetables and fruits placed in drawers will last longer when stored in closed plastic containers or wrapped in plastic film.
- Do not overload your fresh food or freezer compartment with a lot of warm food at once.
- Open the door the fewest times possible to save electrical energy.
- When going out of town for several days, leave as few perishables as possible in the refrigerator. If your refrigerator has an icemaker, move the icemaker feeler arm to the OFF (up) position and shuot ff water to the refrigerator.
Care and Cleaning
Cleaning-Outside
The door handles and trim can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with a solution of mild liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Dry with a soft cloth. Don’t wax handles or trim.
* Keep the finish clean. Wipe with a clean cloth, lightly dampened with kitchen appliance wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a lean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the refrigerator with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. These may leave a residue that can damage the paint. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach, or cleaners containing bleach, because these products can scratch and weaken the paint finish.
Protect the paint finish. The finish on the outside of the refrigerator 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 kitchen appliance wax when the refrigerator is new, and then at least twice a year.
Appliance Polish Wax 8c Cleaner (Cat. No. WRWX216) is available from GE Appliance Parts Marts.
Cleaning-Inside
Clean the inside of the fresh food and freezer compartments at least once a year. Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. This is not practical. Wring excess moisture out of the sponge or cloth when cleaning around switches, lights, or controls.
Use warm water and a baking soda solution-about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. This both cleans and neutralizes odors. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry.
Other parts of the refrigeratorincluding door gaskets, meat and vegetable drawers, ice storage container, and all plastic parts-can be cleaned the same way. Do not use cleansing powders or other abrasive cleaners.
To help prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda t hine the rear of the refrigerator, on the top shelf. Change the box every three months. An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors.
Do not wash any of your refrigerator’s plastic parts in your automatic dishwasher.
Behind refrigerator
Care should be taken in moving your refrigerator away from the wall. All types of floor coverings can be damaged, particularly cushioned coverings and those with embossed surfaces. If your refrigerator is on wheels, pull it straight out and return it to position by pushing it straight in. Moving your refrigerator in the wrong direction may result in damage to your floor covering or refrigerator.
Condenser
For the most efficient operation, you need to keep he condenser clean. Turn the temperature control to OFF. Remove the base grille, if your refrigerator has one-see page 4.
Sweep away or vacuum dust that is readily accessible on condenser coils, then turn the control back on. This easy cleaning operation should be done at least once a year.
Light bulb replacement
On some models, a light bulb and socket are located behind a handle on each side of the temperature control panel.
On other models, a bulb and socket are located behind a shield directly below the temperature control panel.
To replace a light bulb, unplug the refrigerator’s power cord and plug it into the wall outlet. Then reach up behind the shield, unscrew the burned-out bulb, and replace it with a standard 40-watt appliance bulb.
When you go on vacation
For extended vacations or absences, remove food and shut off power to the refrigerator. Clean the interior with a baking soda solution of one tablespoon of soda to one quart of water. Wipe dry. To prevent odors, leave an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator. Leave doors open.
For shorter vacations, remove perishable foods and leave controls at regular settings. However, if room temperature is expected to drop below 60″F., follow the same instructions as for extended vacations.
If your refrigerator has an icemaker, move the icemaker feeler arm to the OFF (up) position and be sure to shut off the water supply to the refrigerator.
When you move
Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet, remove all food, and clean and dry the interior. Secure all loose itsuch as shelves and storage pans, by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.
Be sure the refrigerator stays in an upright position during actual moving and in the van. The refrigerator must be secured in the van to prevent movement. Protect the outside of the refrigerator with a blanket.
Questions?
Use This Problem Solver
Rapid Electrical Diagnosis
Your refrigerator is wired for accurate electric diagnosis in your home – it takes only minutes for an ear technician to check its entire electrical system. No need for the technician to move the refrigerator to make the diagnosis
If you need more help.. Call, toll-free:
GE Answer Center@
800.6262000
consumer information service
If You Need Service
To obtain service, see your warranty on the back page of this book. We’re proud of our service and want you to be pleased. If, for some reason, you are not happy with the service you receive, here are three steps to follow for further help.
FIRST, contact the people who serviced your appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most cases, this will solve the problem.
NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all the details-including your phone number-to:
Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances
Appliance Park
Louisville, Kentucky 40225
FINALLY, if your problem is still not resolved, write:
Major Appliance
Consumer Action Panel
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
YOUR GENERAL ELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR WARRANTY
WHAT IS COVERED
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
For one year from the date of original purchase, we will provide, free of charge, parts and service labor in your home to repair or replace any part of the three fridges that fail because of a manufacturing defect.
FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY
For five years from the date of original purchase, we will provide, free of charge, parts and service labor in your home to repair or replace any part of the sealer-defrigerating system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and all connecting tubing) that fails because of a manufacturing defect.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for ordinary home use in the 48 mainland states, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. In Alaska, the warranty is the same except that it is LIMITED because you must pay to ship the product to the service shop or for the service technician’s travel costs to your home.
All warranty service will be provided by our Factory Service Centers or by our authorized Customer Care@ servicers during normal working hours.
Look in the White or Yellow Pages of your telephone directory for
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, GENERAL ELECTRIC FACTORY SERVICE, GENERAL ELECTRIC HOTPOINT FACTORY SERVICE, or GENERAL ELECTRIC CUSTOMER CARE@ SERVICE.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
- Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
Read your Use and Care material. If you then have any questions about operating the product, please contact your dealer or our Consumer Affairs office at the address below, or call, toll-free:
GE Answer Center:
800.626.2000
consumer information service - Improper installation.
If you have an installation problem, contact your dealer or installer. You are responsible for providing adequate electrical, plumbing, and other connecting facilities. - Replacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit breakers.
- Failure of the product if it is used for other than its intended purpose or used commercially.
- Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods, or acts of God.
WARRANTOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
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