Valberg Refrigerator - Safety and Regulatory Guidelines

Safety Information

General Guidelines

• Consult the appliance's operating instructions for details on cleaning and maintenance.
• This appliance may be used by children aged 8 years and above, and by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capacities or lack of experience, provided they are supervised or have received instructions on safe use and understand the risks.
• Children should not play with the appliance.
• Cleaning and user maintenance should not be carried out by children without supervision.
• Follow installation precautions as specified in the appliance's instructions.
• The power socket must remain accessible, or a switch must be installed in the fixed wiring system according to installation rules for disconnection from the power supply network under all circumstances.
• Refer to the product information sheet attached to the instructions to determine if the appliance is integrated or freestanding.
• For integrated appliances, consult the diagram in the operating instructions for space requirements, support and fastening, minimum clearances, ventilation openings, and power connection.
• If the power cable is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its after-sales service, or similarly qualified persons to avoid danger.
• Adhesives are not considered reliable fastening means and their use is prohibited.

Specific Instructions

• If the appliance has an ice cube tray or water dispenser: CAUTION: Only fill with drinking water.
• Follow operating instructions for installation, handling, maintenance, and disposal.
• Children between 3 and 8 years old may load and unload food.
• CAUTION: Do not obstruct appliance vents or surrounding structures.
• Do not use mechanical devices or other means to speed up defrosting, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• CAUTION: Do not damage the refrigeration circuit.
• CAUTION: Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartment unless recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not store explosive substances like aerosol cans with flammable propellants.
• This appliance is intended for household use only and is not suitable for professional, commercial, or industrial settings, nor for applications like staff kitchens, farms, hotels, motels, B&Bs, or catering (except retail).
• DANGER: Fire hazard. Refrigerant gas is flammable if leaked due to damage.
• CAUTION: Ensure the power cord is not pinched or damaged during installation.
• CAUTION: Do not place multi-way adapters or portable power supplies behind the appliance.
• If the appliance has a user-replaceable lighting system, refer to the operating instructions. If not, consult the technical specifications; contact after-sales service for faulty lighting.
• For integrated appliances: CAUTION: Secure the appliance according to operating instructions to prevent instability.
• Follow user instructions for safe food preservation.
• Store food according to the loading plan in the operating instructions.
• To avoid cross-contamination:
• Frequent and prolonged door opening can significantly increase compartment temperatures.
• Regularly clean surfaces that come into contact with food.
• If the appliance has a drainage system, clean the drain hole and water collector regularly.
• If the water dispenser tank has not been used for 48 hours, drain and clean it.
• If the water distributor connected to the supply network has not been used for 5 days, flush and clean the system.
• Store raw meat and fish in appropriate containers to prevent contact or dripping onto other food.
• If the refrigerator is empty for extended periods, turn it off, defrost, clean, dry, and leave the door open to prevent mold.
• Appliances with auto-defrost do not require manual defrosting.

Additional Instructions

• Arrange drawers, bins, shelves, and baskets according to the loading plan for optimal energy use.
• Follow instructions, including the loading plan, for optimal food preservation and to avoid waste.
• Check compartment types via the product information sheet.
• Store food in specific locations, separated to avoid cross-contamination.
• Fresh Food Compartment:
  • Door shelves: Bottles, drinks, eggs, condiments.
  • Vegetable bin/drawer: Vegetables, fruits, herbs (store separately).
  • Shelves/door shelves: Other food (cheese, dairy, leftovers).
• Highly Perishable Food Compartment (Preserver):
  • Specific area/bin/drawer: Fresh meat and fish up to 2-3 days. Do not store sensitive fruits and vegetables prone to sub-zero temperatures.
• 0-Star or Ice Making Compartment:
  • Ice cubes.
• Do not store carbonated drinks in low-temperature compartments. Avoid consuming products like sorbets when too cold.
• Store ice trays in the coldest compartment for optimal results.
• Cool food to room temperature before placing it in the appliance; hot food increases energy consumption.
• Recommended compartment temperatures are in the product information sheet and must be followed for optimal preservation.
• Internal temperatures and energy consumption are affected by appliance location, ambient temperature, load level, and door opening frequency. Adjust temperature controls as needed.
• Example Temperature Adjustments based on Ambient Temperature (°C):
  • NORMAL ≈ +24°C (± 4°C): Normally heated living room/kitchen.
  • COLD ≈ +16°C (± 4°C): Unheated room in winter (e.g., garage in cold region).
  • HOT ≈ +32°C (± 4°C): Non-air-conditioned room in summer (hot region).
• Modifying temperature settings outside the recommended range can shorten shelf life, lead to poor storage, make food unfit for consumption, and cause food waste.
• Special modes/options (e.g., winter setting) can affect temperatures temporarily. Use with vigilance.
• Follow installation requirements:
• Optimal Location: Do not place in direct sunlight or near heat sources (oven, microwave, radiator). Evaluate space for operation, including door opening clearances. Do not install behind locking/sliding doors or doors with opposing hinges that prevent full opening.
• Leveling: Do not install on carpet. Use adjustable feet to level on uneven surfaces.
• Power Connection: WARNING: Connect to a grounded mains socket. Do not use extension cords or power strips. CAUTION: Do not bend, crush, or pinch the power cord. Leave space behind the appliance for direct contact with the socket. DANGER: Do not connect with wet hands; risk of electric shock.

Symbols

• CE: Complies with European regulations.
• Recycling symbol: Product and packaging are sorted for recycling.
• Wave symbol: Operates on alternating current.
• Crossed-out bin: Do not dispose of with household waste at end of life.
• Triangle with flame: Danger, risk of fire / Flammable materials.

After-Sales Service

• If you encounter a problem, follow these steps:
• Ensure operating instructions (cleaning, maintenance, error codes) are followed.
• Consult the diagnostic tool on the website:
• EN: www.electrodepot.fr/sav
• BE: www.electrodepot.be/fr/sav / www.electrodepot.be/nl/dnv
• ES: www.electrodepot.es/servicio-postventa
• If the problem persists:
• Appliance Under Warranty: Request service via the website or call the provided phone number. Warranty is minimum 2 years and covers home visits, labor, and parts.
• WARNING: Warranty does not cover defects from user or non-professional third-party repairs.
• Appliance Out of Warranty: Home service is still available. Spare parts can be purchased via www.electrodepot.fr/sav/piècesdétachées.

What to do with your waste?

Follow these rules to reduce environmental impact. You are legally responsible for sorting waste (product, accessories, manuals, packaging) for recycling. Do not mix electrical/electronic appliances with household waste. Keep discarded products and packaging away from children. Keep manuals for the appliance's lifetime and pass them on with the appliance if transferred to a third party.

FRANCE ONLY:

• For packaging and manuals, refer to sorting instructions on the main packaging and at www.consignesdetri.fr.
• For the product, refer to www.quefairedemesdechets.fr.
• If no internet access, contact your local authority for waste sorting and recycling.

OTHER COUNTRIES:

Consult your local administration for collection points and sorting/recycling procedures for packaging, manuals, or products.

Additional Safety Warnings

• Any intervention or repair by the user or a non-professional third party can endanger people and property.
• Spare parts are available for at least 7 years (minimum 10 years for door seals) after purchase, depending on appliance specifications.
• For professional repairers, parts are available for at least 7 years after purchase.
• Do not transport the appliance alone or on its front (door side) or rear (compressor side).
• WARNING: Keep packaging materials and accessories out of reach of children. Never let children play with them.
• DANGER: Never use the appliance outdoors.
• If transported upright, wait at least 4 hours before connecting to power. If transported horizontally, wait at least 12 hours for refrigerant to settle. Failure to comply may damage the compressor and appliance.
• Wait at least 4 hours after connecting to power before storing food to ensure adequate temperature.
• Cleaning and maintenance must be done with the appliance unplugged.
• Do not use steam cleaners.
• If a malfunction cannot be resolved using the operating instructions, contact after-sales service.