Sub-Zero Built-In (BI) Series Installation Information

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

This section provides information to address common installation issues for the Sub-Zero Built-In (BI) Series, often encountered by Service Technicians. While improper installation is not a service issue, it can lead to service calls related to unit leveling, movement, door misalignment, sealing issues, internal or external condensation, and warm compartment temperatures.

The Built-In line offers framed, overlay, and stainless steel models. The overlay design has two installation options: standard overlay and flush inset, each with specific requirements. It is crucial to match the unit's design to the planning and space needs.

NOTE: For additional installation information, refer to the complete Installation Guide or contact the Sub-Zero Service Department.

Tools and Materials Required

The following tools and materials are recommended for proper installation:

• Phillips screwdriver set
• Slotted screwdriver set
• 6-Lobe, Torx type drive screwdriver set (T-10, T-20, T-25)
• 4' (1.2 m) of 1/4" copper tubing and saddle valve (part #4200880) - do not use self-piercing valves
• Copper tubing cutter
• Level (2' (.6 m) and 4' (1.2 m) recommended)
• Appliance Dolly (capable of supporting 700 lbs / 317 kg) and adequate manpower
• Various sized pliers
• Wrench set
• Allen wrench set
• 5/16" hex bolt nut driver
• Crescent wrenches
• Cordless drill and assorted drill bits
• Masonite, plywood, 1/8" pressed fiberboard, cardboard, or other suitable material to protect finished flooring
• Appropriate materials to cover and protect the home and furnishings during installation

Site Preparation

The finished rough opening must be properly prepared. Refer to the Finished Rough Opening Specifications for the specific model. Specifications for framed, overlay, and stainless steel applications are identical. Flush inset applications have different specifications, whether using custom panels or Sub-Zero accessory stainless flush inset panels. Ensure rough opening dimensions, door swing clearance, electrical service, and plumbing are correct for the model being installed.

For side-by-side installations in framed, overlay, or stainless steel applications, a separating filler strip is recommended. Add the filler strip width to the finished rough opening dimension and always use the Anchoring Kit components.

For side-by-side installations in flush inset applications, a dual installation kit is necessary. Built-in units installed side-by-side in the flush inset application cannot use standard Sub-Zero accessory overlay panels and must have opposing hinges.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The door must open a minimum of ninety (90) degrees. Use a minimum 3" (76 mm) filler in corner installations to ensure a ninety (90) degree door opening. Allow sufficient clearance in front of the unit for full door swing.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ensure the floor under the unit is level with the surrounding finished floor.

Finished Rough Opening Specifications

30" and 36" Over / Under Models

Framed, Overlay (non-flush inset) and Stainless Steel

Dimensions are for finished rough openings.

Flush Inset Application

Dimensions are for finished rough openings.

36" All Refrigerator and All Freezer Models

Framed, Overlay (non-flush inset) and Stainless Steel

Dimensions are for finished rough openings. Models BI-36R and BI-36RG will not require the water line connection.

Flush Inset Application

Dimensions are for finished rough openings.

36", 42" and 48" Side-by-Side Models

Framed, Overlay (non-flush inset) and Stainless Steel

Dimensions are for finished rough openings.

Flush Inset Application

Dimensions are for finished rough openings.

Anti-Tip Bracket Installation

WARNING: THE UNIT COULD TIP FORWARD UNDER CERTAIN LOAD CONDITIONS. FAILURE TO INSTALL BOTH ANTI-TIP BRACKETS AND EXTEND LEVELERS TO FLOOR ACCORDING TO INSTALLATION MANUAL COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Placement of the two anti-tip brackets is critical. They must be installed exactly 24" (610 mm) from the front of the rough opening to the back of the brackets and a minimum of 4" (102 mm) from the sides of the rough opening. This depth will increase to 26-3/16" (665 mm) for a flush inset installation based on 3/4" (19 mm) thick decorative panels. Failure to properly position the anti-tip brackets will prevent them from engaging the unit should it tip forward.

Standard Installation Procedure

The two anti-tip brackets must be located 24" (610 mm) back from the front of the rough opening and a minimum of 4" (102 mm) from the sides of the rough opening. This ensures that the anti-tip brackets properly engage the anti-tip bar at the back of the unit.

NOTE: Both brackets MUST be used.

Wood Floor Applications:

After properly locating anti-tip brackets in the rough opening, drill pilot holes (3/16" diameter maximum). Use #12 X 2-1/2" PH Pan HD Zinc Screws and #12 Flat Washers to secure the brackets.

NOTES:

• Ensure screws penetrate flooring material and wall stud or wall plate a minimum of 3/4" (19 mm).
• If #12 X 2-1/2" screws do not hit a wall stud or wall plate in any bracket back holes, use #8-18 X 1-1/4" PH Truss HD Screws and #12 Flat Washers with Nylon Zip-It Wall Anchors.

Concrete Floor Applications:

After properly locating anti-tip brackets in the rough opening, drill pilot holes (3/16" diameter maximum) in the wall studs and/or wall plate. Drill 3/8" diameter holes into the concrete a minimum of 1/2" (13 mm) deep. Use #12 X 2-1/2" PH Pan HD Zinc Screws and #12 Flat Washers to secure the brackets to the wall, and use 3/8"-16 X 3-3/4" Wedge Anchors to secure the brackets to the floor.

NOTES:

• Ensure screws penetrate wall stud or wall plate a minimum of 3/4" (19 mm).
• If #12 X 2-1/2" screws do not hit a wall stud or wall plate in any bracket back holes, use #8-18 X 1-1/4" PH Truss HD Screws and #12 Flat Washers with Nylon Zip-It Wall Anchors.

Flush Inset Installation Procedure:

The two anti-tip brackets must be located 24" (610 mm) back from the front of the rough opening and a minimum of 4" (102 mm) from the sides of the rough opening. This ensures that anti-tip brackets properly engage the anti-tip bar at the back of the unit.

NOTE: Both brackets MUST be used.

Wood Floor Applications (See Figure 2-6):

After properly locating anti-tip brackets in the rough opening, drill pilot holes (3/16" diameter maximum). Use #12 X 2-1/2" PH Pan HD Zinc Screws and #12 Flat Washers to secure the brackets.

NOTES:

• Ensure screws penetrate flooring material and wall stud or wall plate a minimum of 3/4" (19 mm).
• If #12 X 2-1/2" screws do not hit a wall stud or wall plate in any bracket back holes, use #8-18 X 1-1/4" PH Truss HD Screws and #12 Flat Washers with Nylon Zip-It Wall Anchors.

Concrete Floor Applications (See Figure 2-7):

After properly locating anti-tip brackets in the rough opening, drill pilot holes (3/16" diameter maximum) in the wall studs and/or wall plate. Drill 3/8" diameter holes into the concrete a minimum of 1/2" (13 mm) deep. Use #12 X 2-1/2" PH Pan HD Zinc Screws and #12 Flat Washers to secure the brackets to the wall, and use 3/8"-16 X 3-3/4" Wedge Anchors to secure the brackets to the floor.

NOTES:

• Ensure screws penetrate wall stud or wall plate a minimum of 3/4" (19 mm).
• If #12 X 2-1/2" screws do not hit a wall stud or wall plate in any bracket back holes, use #8-18 X 1-1/4" PH Truss HD Screws and #12 Flat Washers with Nylon Zip-It Wall Anchors.

Electrical Requirements

A 115 V AC, 60 Hz, 15 amp circuit breaker and electrical supply are required. A separate circuit, servicing only this appliance, is necessary.

All Sub-Zero Built-In models are equipped with a power supply cord with a 3-prong grounding plug, which must be plugged into a mating 3-prong grounding-type wall receptacle. Follow the National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances when installing the receptacle. Refer to the Finished Rough Opening Specifications illustration for your specific model for the electrical supply location.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is not recommended and may cause interruption of operation.

WARNING: DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD OR TWO-PRONG ADAPTER. ELECTRICAL GROUND IS REQUIRED ON THESE APPLIANCES. DO NOT REMOVE POWER SUPPLY CORD GROUND PRONG!

CAUTION: The outlet must be checked by a qualified electrician to ensure it is wired with the correct polarity. If the power and neutral polarity are reversed at the outlet, the appliance will not operate. Verify that the outlet provides 115 V AC and is properly grounded.

Plumbing Requirements

All Built-In models with an automatic ice maker are equipped with a factory-installed, microbiological water filtration system. This system operates on water pressure between 30 psi (2.1 bar) to 100 psi (6.9 bar).

IMPORTANT NOTE: A reverse osmosis system can be used, provided there is constant water pressure of 30 psi (2.1 bar) to 100 psi (6.9 bar) supplied to the unit at all times. If a reverse osmosis system is used, it is recommended that the water filter be bypassed. Refer to Water Filter Bypass Plug Installation instructions on the following page.

Rough in the cold water supply line using 1/4" OD copper tubing. The water line should be routed up through the floor within 1/2" (13 mm) from the back wall and no higher than 3" (76 mm) off the floor. If the water line comes through the wall, ensure it is no more than 3" (76 mm) from the floor.

Regardless of routing, allow 3' (.9 m) of excess copper tubing to remain outside the wall or floor for easy connection to the unit. The water supply line should be located within the shaded area indicated in the Finished Rough Opening Specifications illustration for the specific model.

An easily accessible shut-off valve should be used between the water supply and the unit. Do not use self-piercing valves. A saddle valve kit (part #4200880) is available from a Sub-Zero dealer or parts distributor.

It is not recommended that the ice maker be connected to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals, such as salt from a malfunctioning softener, can damage the ice maker and lead to poor ice quality. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided, ensure the water softener is well maintained and operating properly.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All installations must meet local plumbing code requirements.

Water Line Connections

Approximately 3' (.9 m) of 1/4" plastic tubing is connected to the unit with a preassembled 1/4" compression connection at the end. This tubing is located under the unit.

The water line fitting connection kit, provided with the unit, contains a 1/4" compression union fitting for connection to the household water supply line. Place the compression nut and sleeve on the water line and fasten to the connection at the end of the tubing under the unit. Do not overtighten. Check all water line fittings for leaks. Ensure the drain pan can be installed and/or removed without water line interference.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Purge the water line prior to final connection to the unit. This will remove any debris present in the tubing from installing the new water line.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If a reverse osmosis system is used, it is recommended that the water filter be bypassed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The customer should be aware that the ice maker will not produce ice immediately, and the first few batches of ice produced should be discarded. Allow twenty-four (24) hours for proper ice production.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Exercise caution to not expose the water lines leading to the refrigerator to freezing temperatures, as this could cause damage to the product and home.

Water Filter Bypass Plug

A water filter bypass plug (part #7005018) to bypass the water filtration system is available from a Sub-Zero dealer or parts distributor.

Bypass Plug Installation Procedure:

1. Remove the water filter cartridge by first pushing it in toward the manifold to disengage it from the manifold spring catch (See Figure 2-8), then pull the filter cartridge straight out (See Figure 2-9).
2. Install bypass plug by aligning it with the filter manifold, then push it in to engage the spring catch (See Figure 2-10).

NOTE: Whenever the water filter or the filter bypass plug is removed from the unit, the water supply will be interrupted.

Leveling the Unit

Once the unit is in position, extend the front leveling legs down to the floor by turning them clockwise. The front leveling legs are also used for front height adjustments; turn clockwise to raise the unit and counterclockwise to lower it.

The rear height adjustment can be performed at the front of the base using a 5/16" socket to turn the adjusting bolt that reaches the rear leveler/roller assembly. Turn the 5/16" hex bolt clockwise to raise the rear of the unit or counterclockwise to lower it.

When the unit is leveled properly, door and/or drawer adjustments are less likely to be necessary. Refer to the illustration for the location of the rear roller base adjustment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to reference the "level" of the unit to the floor, not the "squareness" of the unit to the surrounding cabinetry, as this could affect the operation of the unit, such as door closing.

Door Adjustments

The doors on the Built-In Series side-by-side and single door models can be adjusted in three ways: up and down, side to side, and in and out. The doors on over/under models can be adjusted in two ways: side to side, and in and out.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Door adjustments should only be performed after the unit is installed and properly leveled.

Door Height Adjustment Procedure:

Using a 1/4" allen wrench, turn the bottom hinge adjuster bolt clockwise to raise the door and counterclockwise to lower the door. (See Figure 2-12)

Side to Side and In and Out Adjustment Procedure:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Side to side and in and out adjustments only affect the top of the door. The bottom hinge is stationary, except for up and down adjustments.

1. Slightly loosen the two upper cabinet hinge mounting bolts using a 1/2" wrench (See Figure 2-13).
2. For side to side adjustments, use a 3/8" open-end wrench to turn the bolt mounted left to right in the top hinge assembly in the appropriate direction (See Figure 2-13).
3. For in and out adjustments, use a 5/32" allen wrench to turn the bolt mounted front to back in the top hinge assembly in the appropriate direction (See Figure 2-13).

90-Degree Door Stop

The doors on all Built-in Series units open to 110 degrees. An optional 90-degree door stop kit is supplied with the unit, and is also available through a Sub-Zero dealer or distributor.

The 90-degree door stop will be installed in the top hinge of the door.

Door Stop Installation Procedure:

1. Open door to approximately 90 degrees.
2. At the top of the door, insert the door stop cam down between the door hinge and the door closer arm as shown in Figure 2-14.
3. Insert screw through the door stop and into the door as shown in Figure 2-14.

Door and Drawer Panels

Regardless of the installation application, it may be necessary to remove and/or install a door or drawer panel. To do this, the handle or handle-side trim must be removed first. The handle or handle-side trim is attached to the door or drawer with screws, and these screws are concealed by a screw cover. Follow the procedures below to access the mounting screws and remove a handle or handle-side trim in order to remove and/or install a door or drawer panel.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The weight of a door or drawer panel cannot exceed 50 lbs (23 kg).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on the thickness of a wood panel used on a framed application, it may be necessary to router a recessed area into the panel for proper finger clearance under the door handle. Optional extended handles are also available that offer an additional 3/4" (19 mm) of clearance under the handle.

Door Handle / Handle-Side Trim Removal Procedure:

1. At the top of the door, insert a flat blade screwdriver into the channel of the screw cover and push the cover away from the handle or handle-side trim, disengaging the screw cover from the clips (See Figures 2-15A and 2-15B).
2. With a T-20, 6-lobe Torx type bit, extract the handle or handle-side trim mounting screws and pull the handle or trim from the door (See Figures 2-16A and 2-16B).

Drawer Handle / Handle-Side Trim Removal Procedure:

1. At the back right-hand side of the drawer handle or handle-side trim, insert a flat blade screwdriver into the notch in the screw cover and pry the cover away from the handle or handle-side trim, disengaging the screw cover from the clips (See Figures 2-17A and 2-17B).
2. With a T-20, 6-lobe Torx type bit, extract the handle or handle-side trim mounting screws and pull the handle or trim from the drawer (See Figures 2-18A and 2-18B).

Glasswell - Dispenser Assembly

If attempting to remove and/or install a door panel on the refrigerator door of a dispenser model, note that the procedure is the same as that listed on the previous pages. However, the dispenser control panel and glasswell bezel will also need to be removed.

Dispenser Control Panel Removal Procedure:

1. Extract the center post of the plastic rivets using a fingernail, putty knife, or similar device (See Figure 2-19), then pull the rivets out.
2. Pull the dispenser control panel down and disconnect the ribbon cable (See Figure 2-20).

NOTE: When reassembling:

• Make sure the blue side of the ribbon cable is up when connecting to the dispenser control panel.
• Take care not to pinch or kink the ribbon cable when reassembling.

Glasswell Bezel Removal Procedure:

1. Remove the dispenser control panel first, then lift out the glasswell grille to access the bottom screws.
2. Extract the bezel mounting screws from each corner, then pull the bezel forward (See Figure 2-21).

Anchoring the Unit

After the unit has been installed and leveled, it is recommended that it be anchored to the surrounding cabinetry. This will assure a secure installation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure the unit is level before anchoring it to the surrounding cabinetry.

Anchoring Procedure:

1. Open the grille, then install anchor screws through the grille frame clearance holes and the grill frame support brackets into the cabinetry (See Figure 2-22). There are several hole locations provided.
2. At the unit roller base assemblies, locate the anchoring holes, one in each assembly. Install anchor screws, keeping in mind that they will need to be driven in at an angle (See Figure 2-23).