TCL P425TMW Refrigerator: Operating Instructions

Safety Instructions

Thank you for buying the refrigerator. We hereby express our thanks. Welcome to use the refrigerator. We will do our best to provide you with quality service.

General Safety and Usage Guidelines

1. Intended Use: This appliance is intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, only if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance. (For IEC standards)

2. Damaged Supply Cord: If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid a hazard.

3. Use by Children: This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above, and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision. (For EN standards)

4. Ventilation: WARNING: Keep ventilation openings in the appliance enclosure or in the built-in structure clear of obstruction.

5. Defrosting: WARNING: Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.

6. Refrigerant Circuit: WARNING: Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.

7. Electrical Appliances: WARNING: Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Explosive Substances: Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.

9. Suitable Applications: This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as:

• Staff kitchen areas in shops, offices, and other working environments;
• Farm houses and by clients in hotels, motels, and other residential type environments;
• Bed and breakfast type environments;
• Catering and similar non-retail applications.

Specific Warnings

Warning: No barrier is allowed around the appliance or in the embedded structure in order to ensure free ventilation.

Warning: It is forbidden to speed up the defrosting process with any mechanical equipment or by other method except for the method recommended by the manufacturer.

Warning: Never damage the refrigerating circuit.

Warning: Never use any electric apparatus in the food chamber of the appliance except for the type recommended by the manufacturer.

Warning: Never place liquid beverage or food contained in a glass container in the freezing chamber for fear of cracking.

Warning: If powered off, the refrigerator shall be powered on 5 minutes later for fear of damaging the compressor.

Warning: If any live part, abnormal noise, smell, smoke, or other abnormality is found during use, it is necessary to power off the appliance immediately and contact the after-sales service department of the Company timely.

Warning: Never place your finger or hand under the refrigerator, especially the rear bottom; otherwise, you may be hurt by sharp matter.

Warning: Children must not play or climb the refrigerator. Operation by children must be supervised by their parents for fear of danger.

Warning: Never place your hand between the doors to open or close them for fear of jamming your finger. The door handle shall be used to open or close the door.

Warning: Under climate types N, ST, and T, the operating ambient range is 16℃~43℃. If the appliance operates outside the rated climate type (ambient temperature range), it may not maintain the satisfying interior temperature.

⚠️ Warning: Risk of fire / flammable materials

Warning: When positioning the appliance, ensure the supply cord is not trapped or damaged.

Warning: Do not locate multiple portable socket-outlets or portable power supplies at the rear of the appliance.

Children aged from 3 to 8 years are allowed to load and unload refrigerating appliances.

Opening the door for long periods can cause a significant increase in the temperature in the compartments.

Clean regularly surfaces that come in contact with food and accessible drainage systems.

Clean water tanks if they have not been used for 48 hours; flush the water system connected to a water supply if water has not been drawn for 5 days.

Store raw meat and fish in suitable containers in the refrigerator, so that it is not in contact with or drip onto other food.

Two-star frozen-food compartments are suitable for storing pre-frozen food, storing or making ice-cream, and making ice cubes.

One-, two-, and three-star compartments are not suitable for the freezing of fresh food.

If the refrigerating appliance is left empty for long periods, switch off, defrost, clean, dry, and leave the door open to prevent mould developing within the appliance.

Cautions

Cautions: The power supply must be uniform with the power supply mentioned on the nameplate, and a standard independent 3-hole socket (above 10A, reliably grounded) shall be used. One socket must not be shared by more than one appliance; otherwise, fire may be caused due to overheat.

Cautions: Never pull the power wire by hand. Hold and unplug the power connector from the socket to disconnect the power supply. The power wire or connector must not be touched by a wet hand for fear of electric shock.

Cautions: The power wire must not be squeezed by the refrigerator or any heavy load, and the power wire shall not be bent extremely. Damage or peeling of the power wire may result in fire or electric shock. If the power wire is broken or cut, please contact the after-sales service department immediately.

Cautions: No flammable or explosive matter or corrosive acid or alkaline matter is allowed in the refrigerator.

Cautions: The refrigerator must not be used in the rain or under the sunshine.

Cautions: It is forbidden to place containers with fluid on the refrigerator because breakage or turnover of the container may affect the electrical insulation of the refrigerator and result in electric shock or fire.

Cautions: The refrigerator must not be disassembled or modified without permission. Repair must be performed by a specialist.

Cautions: In case of leakage of any flammable gas (such as coal gas), close the leaking valve first, then open the window for ventilation, and do not unplug the refrigerator connector immediately for fear of fire or explosion due to electric spark.

Cautions: Refrigerating appliances – particularly Type I refrigerator-freezers – might not operate consistently (possibility of defrosting of contents or temperature becoming too warm in the frozen food compartment) when sited for an extended period below the cold end of the designed temperature range.

Cautions: Effervescent drinks should not be stored in food freezer compartments or cabinets or in low-temperature compartments or cabinets, and some products like water ices should not be consumed too cold.

Cautions: Do not exceed the storage time(s) recommended by the food manufacturers for any kind of food.

Cautions: Take necessary precautions to prevent an undue rise in the temperature of frozen food while defrosting, such as wrapping the frozen food in several layers of newspaper.

Cautions: A rise in temperature of frozen food during manual defrosting, maintenance, or cleaning could shorten its storage life.

Cautions: Exercise care with regard to frozen food storage in the event of an extended non-running of the refrigerating appliance (interruption of power supply or failure of the refrigerating system).

Cautions: When the refrigerating appliance is switched off and taken out of service temporarily or for an extended period (e.g., emptied, cleaned, dried, and the door(s) or lid(s) propped ajar), take appropriate action.

Product Introduction

This section describes the components of the refrigerator.

Diagram Description: Shows the interior of the refrigerator with compartments and parts labeled: Freezer chamber door, Two-star area, Freezer door bottle bracket, Refrigerating door bottle bracket, Lamp, Handle (optional), Freezing shelf, Refrigerating lamp, Chiller room (optional), Refrigerating shelf, Upper crisper (optional), Cover, Bottom crisper.

Warm prompt: If your product is improved, it may not be totally the same as in the instructions. However, this will not change the performance and method of application. Please feel relieved about usage.

Handling and Placement

Placement Requirements

Diagram Description: Illustrates required clearances around the refrigerator: minimum 30cm above, and minimum 10cm on the sides and rear for adequate ventilation.

Diagram Description: Shows proper handling of the refrigerator. The door side should not contact handling tools, and the tilt angle should be less than 45 degrees.

Diagram Description: Depicts the ideal placement environment: dry, good ventilation, away from direct sunshine and heat sources.

Diagram Description: Shows the refrigerator placed on a flat, firm surface. An adjusting leg is used to keep it level.

Diagram Description: Advises against placing the refrigerator in an environment that is too cold, as it may freeze.

Diagram Description: Illustrates that removing the foam base is beneficial for bottom heat dissipation and can help avoid fire.

Warm prompt:

• When handling the refrigerator, at least two persons are required: one lifts the top rear part, and the other handles the bottom. If one part is clamped, it is quite dangerous and may cause an accident.
• When moving the refrigerator, the lower runner may damage and scratch the floor. If you need to move the refrigerator for a long distance, fix the internal accessories using adhesive tape to prevent damage from crashing into each other.
• Please place the refrigerator in a position with small vibration or little exposure to vibration. For users in areas where earthquakes often occur, please fix the refrigerator against a wall or pole to prevent it from falling and causing an accident.
• Ensure sufficient clearance is left around the refrigerator. If the clearance is too small, or if goods are placed on top or close to the sides, or if the sides are pasted, the heat dissipation will be affected, leading to unnecessary energy waste and potential damage to walls or other goods. Contact between the back and the wall can cause vibration and noise.
• Adjust the front part and adjusting leg of the refrigerator to level it. An unlevel refrigerator will cause vibration and noise.

Dimensions and Space Needed

Diagram Description: Shows outline dimensions of the product and the space needed for use and ventilation. A table provides specific measurements in millimeters (mm) for the P425TMW model:

Preparations Prior to Use

1. Remove all packing assemblies such as case fixing tape etc., especially the foam base.
2. Use a warm wet cloth to clean both the interior and exterior of the refrigerator. Neutral detergent can be added in warm water.
3. After leveling and cleaning the refrigerator, let it stand for about 2 hours before plugging in the power plug. Cool the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before storing foods.

Diagram Description:

• 1. Remove fixing tape: A hand is shown wiping the inside of the refrigerator with a warm, wet cloth.
• 2. Connect to power: A refrigerator is shown plugged into a wall socket.
• 3. Store food after connecting to power for 2-3 hours: A refrigerator door is shown slightly ajar. Text advises: "Do not open the doors frequently to save electricity."

Note: In hot summer, 24 hours are needed to fully freeze the food. Check the refrigerating condition on the second day. The plastic deodorant will disappear automatically after freezing for a while.

Operation Keys

Electronic Control Board

Diagram Description: Shows the electronic control board with temperature settings indicated by snowflake symbols: High, Medium1/Medium2, Low. Function buttons include Power Cool, Vacation, Power Freeze, Fridge, and Freezer. There are also 'Temp' and 'Zone' buttons.

The above is the computer control board for the product.

Powering On for the First Time

When powering on for the first time, it is recommended that the freezer is set to the Medium 2 setting. The refrigerator should also be set to the Medium 2 setting.

Adjusting the Temperature Manually

Refrigerator Compartment

Repeatedly press the "Zone" button until the Fridge indicator is on, then press the "Temp" button to conduct the temperature adjustment. The settings for the refrigerator will cycle between "High" - "Medium 1" - "Medium 2" - "Low" - "Power Cool" - "Vacation" - "High".

Freezer Compartment

Repeatedly press the "Zone" button until the Freezer indicator is on, then press the "Temp" button to conduct the temperature adjustment for the freezer. The settings for the freezer will cycle between "High" - "Medium 1" - "middle 2" - "Low" - "Power Freeze" - "High".

Quick Refrigeration Function

Press the "Zone" button to select the Fridge Zone. Repeatedly press the "Temp" button until the "Power Cool" setting is selected. The Power Cool function will now activate and operate for 2 hours. The Power Cool function will automatically exit after 2 hours, and the fridge will return to the Medium 2 setting. If the door is left open for more than 3 minutes during the Power Cool function, the Power Cool mode will also be exited.

Quick Freeze Function

Press the "Zone" button to select the Freezer Zone. Repeatedly press the "Temp" button until the "Power Freeze" setting is selected. The Power Freeze function will now activate and operate for 4 hours. The Power Freeze function will automatically exit after 4 hours, and the freezer will return to the Medium 2 setting. If the door is left open for more than 3 minutes during the Power Freeze function, the Power Freeze mode will also be exited.

Vacation Mode

Press the "Zone" button to select the Fridge Zone. Repeatedly press the "Temp" button until the "Vacation" setting is selected. Vacation mode is now on.

(Note: When "Vacation" mode is activated, the refrigerator will effectively be in the "Off" state. Before initiating the vacation function, please remove the food from the refrigerator.)

Foods Storage

Refrigerating Chamber (2°C~8°C)

• The refrigerating chamber is mainly used for storing short-term foods, like milk, eggs, and bottled drinks.
• Vegetables, melons, and fruits shall be put into the fruit and vegetable box to prevent water loss.
• Cooked foods shall be put into the refrigerator after packaging with preservative bags to prevent frosting on the back and increased power consumption.

Freezing Chamber (-22°C~-15°C)

• Fish and meat to be frozen shall be cut into small pieces, packaged with preservative bags separately, and then put into the frozen drawer.
• Glass containers or sealed containers filled with liquid shall not be stored in the freezing chamber to prevent the risk of burst due to freezing.
• Fresh foods shall not be stored together with frozen foods.
• Do not place food close to the inside wall of the freezer, lest food and wall should be frozen together.

Warm prompt: The stored food, if any, shall not block the air duct outlet and return port for fear of affecting the refrigerating effect.

Before being stored in the refrigerator, overheated water and food shall be cooled to room temperature.

Ice-making (If the appliance has it)

Diagram Description: Illustrates the ice-making process. Fill the ice-making box with 4/5 water and place it into the freezing chamber. After the water turns into ice, twist the box slightly to separate the ice from the box, but do not bend the box. When separating the ice, wrap the box with a dry cloth to avoid finger frostbite.

Operation: Disassembly and Assembly of Accessories

• Glass shelves in the refrigerator compartment: The height of the shelves is adjustable, facilitating storage of articles with different volumes. Pull the shelves slightly outwards and upwards to take them out.
• Crisper Box: For storing vegetables and fruits. It can be easily taken out by pulling outwards.
• Freezer Drawer: For storing foods to be preserved long-term, such as meat and fish. It can be easily taken out by pulling outwards and lifting upwards. Note: It is recommended that large pieces of meat are cut into small pieces, as it will be very difficult to cut when frozen. Quick-freezing foods shall be distributed uniformly and stored together after being frozen.
• Refrigerator Door Shelves: For storing eggs, different kinds of bottled drinks, and other items. To remove, gently squeeze from both sides at the same time, ensure the clips are dislodged, and then slowly lift out.
• Caution: Do not pull out the door shelf forcibly when it is dismantled, so as not to damage the refrigerator.

Care and Maintenance

It is suggested to clean the refrigerator once per month.

• Unplug the power plug to prevent electric shock.
• Use a wet cloth or neutral detergent to wipe off oil contamination and other dirt. Then completely wipe off the detergent.
• Do not use alkaline detergents, soap powder, gasoline, alcohol, talcum powder, etc.; otherwise, the coats or plastics may be damaged.
• Regularly clean the refrigerator body and clear ground dust to keep the refrigerator clean.

Inspections After Maintenance:

1. Check for damages to the power line and plug.
2. Check for dusts on the power plug.
3. Check for abnormal heat on the plug.
4. Check if the socket is loose.
5. Check if the plug is totally inserted.

Note:

• If the power line and plug are damaged and there exist dusts, electric shock or fire may occur.
• After unplugging the plug, wait 5 minutes before re-plugging it.
• Do not put your hands under the refrigerator to avoid getting hurt.

Diagram Description: Shows unplugging the refrigerator plug before cleaning.

Diagram Description: Shows using a bottle labeled "Neutral detergent". Text: "Please use neutral detergent".

Failure Analysis

The following items shall be inspected before occurring failures which require maintenance:

Failures: Refrigerator does not work, The refrigeration effect is poor

• Causes: 1. Check the connection of power supply. 2. Check whether the refrigerator is exposed to direct sunlight or whether there is a heat source nearby. 3. Check whether there is sufficient heat dissipation space around the refrigerator.
• Remedies: 1. Connect the power supply. 2. Move the refrigerator to a place without direct sunlight and heat source. 3. Leave sufficient space between the refrigerator and the wall.

Failures: Foods in refrigerating chamber are frozen

• Causes: 1. Check whether the setting temperature is too low. 2. Check whether foods with too much water are too close to the rear wall.
• Remedies: 1. Adequately increase the temperature. 2. Move the foods with too much water to the door side of the glass shelf.

Failures: There is abnormal sound in refrigerator

• Causes: 1. Check whether the bottom of the refrigerator is stable. 2. Check whether the refrigerator is too close to the wall. 3. Check whether the refrigerator touches other objects.
• Remedies: 1. Adjust the bottom adjusting leg to stabilize the refrigerator. 2. Leave sufficient space around the refrigerator. 3. Remove the obstacles.

Failures: There is abnormal odor in refrigerator

• Causes: 1. Check whether the foods are sealed for storage. 2. Check whether the refrigerator is clean. 3. Check whether the foods are stored for too long time.
• Remedies: 1. Seal foods for storage. 2. Regularly clean the refrigerator. 3. Do not store foods for too long time.

Non-failures

• Phenomenon: Fever or hot on two sides and spacing part surface between refrigerating chamber and freezing chamber.
• Cause: Refrigerator pipes (condenser, anti-fog pipes) are on two sides and the front part of the refrigerator for heat dissipation and to prevent condensation.
• Phenomenon: The door is too tight and not easy to open.
• Cause: Reopening the door immediately after closing it is hard because hot air enters the refrigerator and contracts to produce a pressure difference. It is easy to open the door after a while.
• Phenomenon: There is water ripple in refrigerator.
• Cause: When starting or stopping the compressor, the refrigerant will make such sound; water produced after defrosting will also make such sound.
• Phenomenon: There is “Click” sound or tick sound in refrigerator.
• Cause: Shrinkage and swelling of the case will make such sound; this sound may occur when the case is cold or the door is opened.
• Phenomenon: There is hum sound in refrigerator.
• Cause: Running of the compressor will make such sound (if the refrigerator is not leveled, this sound will be louder).
• Phenomenon: There is condensation or frosting on the freezing chamber door surface or food surface.
• Cause: High temperature or humidity around the refrigerator; the door is opened for too long time; foods with too much water are not sealed or tightly wrapped.
• Phenomenon: There is condensation on the built-in light surface.
• Cause: Light produces heat after being lit, and the door is opened for too long time. This creates a temperature difference, causing condensation on the light case.
• Phenomenon: There is condensation and water mist on the body.
• Cause: High humidity around the refrigerator causes moisture in the air to gather in the case, forming condensation.

Technical Parameters

Packing List