ZLINE RFM-W Counter-Depth Refrigeration Installation Manual

Introduction

ZLINE Kitchen and Bath offers Attainable Luxury, providing high-end luxury designs and professional features for every home. This manual provides essential information for the installation of ZLINE RFM-W counter-depth refrigerators.

Note: ZLINE continually strives to improve products; specifications and designs may change without prior notice.

California Proposition 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

NOTICE: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the refrigerator, tableware, equipment, or the environment.

General Safety

• Risk of fire/flammable materials.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised or instructed by a person responsible for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• If the electrical supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a professional to avoid electric shock hazards.
• Do not store explosive substances, such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant, in or near this appliance.
• The appliance must be unplugged before carrying out any maintenance or if it will not be used for extended periods.
• Keep ventilation openings clear of obstruction.
• Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate defrosting, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not damage the unit's refrigerant circuit and sealed cooling system.
• Do not use electrical or mechanical appliances inside the food storage chambers.
• Dispose of the refrigerator according to local regulations at the end of its service life, due to flammable blowing gas and refrigerant.
• Ensure the electrical supply cord is not kinked or damaged when positioning the appliance.
• Do not use multiple portable electrical outlets or portable power supplies at the rear of the appliance unless recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not use extension cords or ungrounded (2-prong) adapters.
• To avoid safety and suffocation risks for children or pets before disposing of an old refrigerator: take off doors and drawers, and leave shelves in place so children or pets cannot climb inside.
• The refrigerator must be fully disconnected from electricity before installing accessories or servicing.
• For doors or drawers fitted with locks and keys, keep keys out of reach of children to prevent them from being locked inside.
• Adjust the height according to instructions to avoid hazards due to instability.
• Minimum/maximum inlet water pressure is 30/100 psig.
• Connect only to a potable water supply.
• Do not arbitrarily disassemble or reconstruct the refrigerator. Maintenance must be conducted by a professional.

Food Contamination Prevention

• Opening the door for long periods can significantly increase internal temperatures.
• Regularly clean surfaces and accessible drainage systems that come in contact with food.
• Clean water tanks if not used for 48 hours, and flush the water system if water has not been drawn for 5 or more days.
• Store raw meat and fish in suitable containers to prevent contact with or dripping onto other food.
• If the appliance is left empty for long periods, disconnect from power, defrost, clean, dry, and leave the door open to prevent mold.

• Be careful of small gaps between doors and the refrigerator body; do not put hands in these areas. Close doors gently to avoid spills.
• Do not pick up food or containers with wet hands in the freezer compartment when the refrigerator is running, especially metal containers, to avoid frostbite.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of the refrigerator; they may fall when doors are opened or closed.
• Unplug the appliance during power failures and for routine cleaning. Wait at least five minutes before plugging back in after unplugging to prevent compressor damage.

Placement of Items

• Do not put flammable, explosive, volatile, or highly corrosive items inside to prevent product damage and fire/explosion risk.
• Do not place flammable items near the refrigerator.
• The refrigerator is intended for household food storage only, not for blood, drugs, or biological products.
• Do not store beer, soda, or other beverages in bottles or enclosed containers in the freezing compartment, as they may crack or explode due to freezing temperatures.

Energy Warnings

• Refrigerating appliances may not operate consistently when set below the cold end of their temperature range.
• Effervescent drinks and products like ice water should not be consumed too cold.
• Do not exceed storage times recommended by food manufacturers, especially for commercially quick-frozen food.
• Wrap frozen food in several layers of paper to prevent temperature rise during defrosting.
• Increased temperature of frozen foods during defrosting, maintenance, or cleaning can shorten storage life.

Disposal Warnings

Both the refrigerant (R600a isobutane) and cyclopentane foaming material are flammable. At the end of its service life, keep the appliance away from any fire source and dispose of it according to local regulations to prevent environmental damage.

When disposing, disassemble doors, remove gaskets and shelves, and place them properly to prevent harm. This icon [recycle symbol description] indicates the product should not be disposed of with household waste. Recycle responsibly to promote sustainable reuse of material resources.

Before Installation

Electrical Connection

• Do not pull the power cord to unplug; grasp the plug firmly and pull it out directly.
• Do not damage or use a damaged/worn power cord.
• Use a dedicated power outlet, not shared with other appliances. Ensure the plug is firmly connected to prevent fire or electric shock risk.
• The appliance must be grounded; ensure the outlet's grounding electrode has a reliable grounding line.
• Using an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is not recommended.
• In case of gas leakage, turn off the valve, open doors/windows, and do not unplug appliances as this may cause a spark and fire.
• Do not operate electrical appliances on or adjacent to the appliance.

Energy Saving Tips

• Locate the appliance out of direct sunlight and in the coolest area of the kitchen, away from heat sources or ducts.
• Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing them inside. Overloading forces the compressor to run longer and can affect food quality.
• Wrap food properly and wipe containers dry to reduce frost build-up.
• Do not line refrigerator storage bins with aluminum foil, wax paper, or paper toweling, as liners interfere with cold air circulation and reduce efficiency.
• Organize and label food to minimize door openings and search times. Remove needed items at once and close the door promptly.

Starting Up the Appliance

• If transported horizontally, wait at least 4 hours after standing it upright before plugging it in.
• Run the refrigerator for 2-3 hours (or over 4 hours in summer) before loading food.
• Ensure enough space to fully open the doors.

Placement

• Remove all packing materials, including cushions, foam pads, and tape from inside. Tear off protective film on doors and body.
• Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. Avoid humid or water-prone areas to prevent rust or reduced insulation.
• Do not spray the refrigerator with liquids or place it in moist areas where it can be splashed, to avoid affecting electrical insulation.
• Place the refrigerator in a well-ventilated indoor area on a flat, sturdy ground. Use adjustable feet for leveling if unstable.
• Maintain at least 2 inches (51 mm) space between the top of the refrigerator and any cabinet above. Keep at least 2 inches (51 mm) clear space at the back and 1/2 inch (13 mm) on each side for proper heat ventilation.

Product and Cutout Specifications

Diagram showing product dimensions with overall height of 69 11/16 inches (1770 mm), width of 35 3/4 inches (908 mm), and depth of 28 13/16 inches (732 mm). It also illustrates cutout dimensions with a recommended width of 36 3/4 inches (934 mm), depth of 24 inches (610 mm), and height of 71 11/16 inches (1821 mm). The diagram indicates clearances required around the unit.

Recommended Cabinet Cutout Dimensions

• Width: 36 3/4" (934 mm)
• Depth: 24" (610 mm)
• Height: 71 11/16" (1821 mm)

Notes:

• Dimensions are based on minimum clearances of 2" (51 mm) above and 1/2" (13 mm) on each side.
• The 24" (610 mm) depth is standard; the refrigerator will extend beyond this due to the required 2" (51 mm) clearance at the back, common for counter-depth models to allow doors to open fully.
• Consult a professional installer to verify cabinet dimensions and electrical connections.

Installation

Leveling Feet

Illustration showing the adjustable feet at the bottom of the refrigerator. Arrows indicate that turning the feet clockwise (R) raises the appliance, and counterclockwise (L) lowers it, to ensure the unit is level.

To level the appliance:

• Turn the feet clockwise to raise the appliance.
• Turn the feet counterclockwise to lower the appliance.
• Adjust the right and left feet accordingly to ensure the appliance is level.

Leveling Doors

Diagram illustrating the process of leveling refrigerator doors. It shows using pliers to insert fastener rings into the lower hinge grommet to adjust the door height and alignment. The text explains that the number of rings depends on the gap.

Precautions before operation:

• Disconnect the refrigerator from power before user maintenance.
• Take precautions to prevent personal injury before adjusting the door.
• Pliers are needed for this adjustment.

To level the door:

1. Raise the lower door up to the level of the upper door.
2. Insert the supplied fastener ring into the lower hinge grommet using pliers. The number of fastener rings needed depends on the gap.

Installing Door Handles

Diagram showing the installation of refrigerator door handles. It depicts screwing anchors into the door, aligning the handle with the anchors, and securing it with handle screws using an Allen wrench. It also shows how to remove handles by reversing the process.

CAUTION: Take precautions to prevent handles from falling off and causing personal injury.

1. Screw anchors into the door with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
2. Line up and fit the handle into the top and bottom door anchors.
3. Using an Allen/hex wrench, secure the handle to the door anchors with the handle screws.

Removal of Door Handles: Remove screws and pull the handle outward.

Adjustment of Shelves

Illustration demonstrating how to adjust refrigerator shelves. Arrows show lifting the shelf upwards and tilting it to remove or insert it into different height slots on the shelf support brackets.

Shelves can be adjusted to multiple heights. Follow the arrows in the diagram: Raise the shelf upward first, then take it out by tilting it upward. During installation, insert the upper end of the fixed leg into an upper slot on the shelf support bracket, then insert the lower end into the slot below the top leg.

Height Adjustment and Cleaning of Door-Mounted Rack

A separate diagram shows how to adjust door-mounted racks by pulling them upwards and outwards, and how to adjust their height.

To adjust or clean the rack:

1. Raise the rack in the direction of Arrow 1 and pull it in the direction of Arrow 2.
2. After cleaning, re-install the rack by reversing the directions. You can also adjust the height of the rack.

Installing the Water Filter

Diagrams and steps for installing the water filter. The process involves opening the filter cover, removing the dustproof plug, inserting the new filter clockwise until secure, and replacing it every six months. A filter indicator light will signal when replacement is needed. It also mentions draining water after installation and using only ZLINE filters.

1. When the refrigerator is used for the first time, press down the marks on both sides of the filter cover by hand and open the filter cover downward.
2. Rotate the dustproof plug anticlockwise and remove it. Keep the plug in a safe place for future use if the filter needs to be bypassed.
3. Remove the exterior package of the filter, rotate the filter clockwise and press the filter element into the refrigerator filter's joint position until it cannot rotate.
4. When the filter sign indicator on the display panel is on, it prompts to replace the filter element. The removal method is the same as removing the dustproof plug.
5. The filter is recommended to be replaced every half a year.

Note: To ensure the highest performance and water quality, replace the filter every 6 months. A water filter light will signify when replacement is needed. Order replacements at www.zlineparts.com, searching "RFM-W-FILTER". When installing a new filter, drain 2-3 gallons of water from the dispenser to remove any debris. Only use a ZLINE filter.

Installing the Water Line

Diagrams and instructions for connecting the water line to a potable water source. It emphasizes disconnecting power, using a qualified technician, ensuring water pressure is between 30-100 psig, installing a shut-off valve, and using pipes suitable for drinking water.

WARNING: Risk of electric shock and damage to the appliance. Disconnect from power before working on the water connection. Only a qualified technician may connect to the water supply.

• If your water line is NOT potable, add an external water filter.
• If repairing or disassembling the water line, have a qualified technician cut the plastic tubing for a snug, leak-free connection.
• Connect only to a drinking water line.
• Minimum pressure: 0.20 MPa (30 psig).
• Maximum pressure: 0.69 MPa (100 psig).
• For pressure over 100 psig, install a pressure limiter.
• A cold water connection is necessary for the ice maker; pressure must be 30-100 psig. Installation must comply with local plumbing regulations.
• Install a separate shut-off valve in the cold-water inflow, not behind the appliance. It's recommended to mount it next to the appliance or in an easily accessible location.
• Pay attention to the permissible installation area for the water line.
• Use only water pipes suitable for drinking water and observe national regulations.

Connecting the Water Line

Step-by-step illustration for connecting the water line. It shows attaching a 1/4" stainless steel braided line to the main water shut-off valve, connecting it to a brass compression connector, sliding the female screw connection onto the plastic water line from the refrigerator, and tightening securely. It also notes a video link is available.

Note: Water line installation kits are available at local hardware stores.

1. Turn off the water source. Attach the new 1/4" stainless steel braided line to the 1/4" connector at the main water shut-off valve using pliers or a wrench for a snug connection.
2. Connect the other end of the braided line to the 1/4" to 1/4" brass compression connector provided in the kit. Unscrew the female connection piece from the brass connector.
3. Slide the female screw connection piece (removed in step 2) and the brass ring around the base of the plastic water line extending from the back of the refrigerator.
4. Take the plastic line and, with the female connection piece, securely tighten it to the brass connector piece. Use two wrenches to hold one side while turning the other to ensure a snug connection.
5. Turn on the water supply slowly to check for leaks.

The middle diagram shows the plastic water line lying flat against the back of the refrigerator; the format may differ on each unit.

[QR code for video installation guide]

Warranty

Coverage

ZLINE Kitchen and Bath ("ZLINE") counter-depth refrigerators have a one-year parts and service warranty and a five-year parts warranty on the unit's sealed cooling system. Warranty periods begin from the original date of product delivery and cover only the original purchaser. The warranty covers all parts and labor for necessary repairs if any part proves defective in materials or workmanship.

The product must be deemed serviceable via troubleshooting with the ZLINE Customer Experience team. All service must be performed by ZLINE-approved and certified providers unless otherwise specified. Service is provided during normal business hours. Products must be unobstructed and accessible.

ZLINE's liability is limited to the original purchase price. Additional injuries, losses, damages, or inconveniences caused by product malfunction are not covered.

Terms

ZLINE warranties apply only to the original purchaser for normal residential use (single-family, residential dwelling in a non-commercial setting). Commercial settings include schools, hotels, restaurants, rental properties, etc., and are not covered.

This warranty is non-transferable and takes effect from the date of delivery, not installation. It applies only to products installed in the contiguous United States and the District of Columbia.

Failure to secure certified warranty service per these terms will forfeit remaining warranty. Out-of-pocket payments require prior approval from ZLINE. All warranty procedures must be followed.

If ZLINE cannot repair a defective product after a reasonable number of attempts, ZLINE may offer to replace the part or product, or provide a full refund of the purchase price (excluding installation/removal charges).

The original purchaser must provide proof of purchase (including date) and the serial number when filing a claim.

This warranty does not apply if the original factory serial number has been removed, altered, or cannot be determined. ZLINE is not responsible for damage resulting from shipment, delivery, improper installation, negligence, misuse, abuse, unauthorized alteration, accidents, fire, floods, natural disasters, improper electrical supply, voltage, or power surges. Service to correct installation not in accordance with manuals or local codes is also excluded.

If service is dispatched and the issue is not covered under warranty, the customer will be responsible for all service fees. Failure to pay these fees will result in forfeiture of warranty coverage.

Manuals and Updates

Information in ZLINE manuals and on the website does not cover every possible installation or operation condition. ZLINE reserves the right to make changes to products when considered safe, necessary, and useful. Always check the ZLINE website for the most up-to-date manuals: www.zlinekitchen.com/pages/manuals.

Do not install or operate if parts are missing or damaged from shipping. Contact ZLINE Customer Experience at 1-614-777-5004 for assistance. Failure to report damage before installation may void the warranty.

ZLINE disclaims responsibility for damage or injury caused by improper installation or use. ZLINE is not obligated to provide concessions after the warranty expires.

Serial Number Location

Diagram indicating the location of the rating tag, which displays the model and serial number. The tag is situated inside the unit on the left-hand side, above the crisper drawer compartment, visible when the refrigerator door is open.

The rating tag is located inside the unit on the left-hand side, above the crisper drawer compartment, visible when the refrigerator door is open. Do not remove permanently affixed labels, warnings, or plates, as this will void the warranty.