Tesla RC3220FC Refrigerator Freezer User Manual

Safety Information

For your safety and to ensure correct use, read this user manual carefully before installing and using the appliance for the first time. This includes hints and warnings. To avoid unnecessary mistakes and accidents, ensure all users are familiar with its operation and safety features. Save these instructions and keep them with the appliance if it is moved or sold. The manufacturer is not responsible for damages caused by omission.

Children and vulnerable people safety

• 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 supervision or have been given instructions concerning safe use and understand the hazards involved.
• Children aged from 3 to 8 years are allowed to load and unload this appliance.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• Cleaning and user maintenance should not be done by children unless they are aged 8 years and above and supervised.
• Keep all packaging well away from children. There is a risk of suffocation.
• If discarding the appliance, pull the plug out of the socket, cut the connection cable (as close to the appliance as possible), and remove the door to prevent children from suffering electric shock or closing themselves in.
• If the appliance has a magnetic door seal replacing an older appliance with a spring lock, make the spring lock unusable before discarding the old appliance to prevent it from becoming a death trap for a child.

General Safety

• ⚠️ WARNING! Keep ventilation openings in the appliance enclosure or built-in structure clear of obstruction.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not use other electrical appliances (e.g., ice cream makers) inside refrigerating appliances unless approved by the manufacturer.
• ⚠️ WARNING! Do not touch the light bulb if it has been on for a long period as it could be very hot.
• ⚠️ 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 suppliers at the rear of the appliance.
• Do not store explosive substances, such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant, in this appliance.
• The refrigerant isobutene (R600a) is a natural gas with high environmental compatibility, but it is flammable.
• During transportation and installation, ensure no components of the refrigerant circuit are damaged. Avoid open flames and sources of ignition. Thoroughly ventilate the room where the appliance is situated.
• It is dangerous to alter specifications or modify this product. Damage to the cord may cause a short circuit, fire, and/or electric shock.
• This appliance is intended for 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.
• ⚠️ WARNING! All electrical components (plug, power cord, compressor, etc.) must be replaced by a certified service agent or qualified service personnel.
• ⚠️ WARNING! The supplied light bulb is a "special use light bulb" usable only with this appliance. It is not usable for domestic lighting.
• Power cord must not be lengthened.
• Ensure the power plug is not squashed or damaged by the back of the appliance. A squashed or damaged plug may overheat and cause a fire.
• Make sure you can access the main plug of the appliance.
• Do not pull the main cable.
• If the power plug socket is loose, do not insert the power plug. There is a risk of electric shock or fire.
• Do not operate the appliance without the lamp.
• This appliance is heavy; handle with care when moving it.
• Do not remove or touch items from the freezer compartment with damp/wet hands, as this could cause skin abrasions or frost/freezer burns.
• Avoid prolonged exposure of the appliance to direct sunlight.

Daily Use

General Usage

• Do not put hot items on plastic parts.
• Do not place food products directly against the rear wall.
• Frozen food must not be re-frozen once thawed.
• Store pre-packed frozen food according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's storage recommendations.
• Do not place carbonated or fizzy drinks in the freezer compartment, as pressure build-up may cause the container to explode, damaging the appliance.
• Ice lollies can cause frost burns if consumed straight from the appliance.

Food Contamination Prevention

• Opening the door for extended periods can significantly increase compartment temperatures.
• Regularly clean surfaces that come into contact with food and accessible drainage systems.
• Clean water tanks if not used for 48 hours; flush water systems 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, ensuring they do not contact or drip onto other food.
• Two-star freezer 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 freezing fresh food.
• If the appliance is left empty for long periods, switch it off, defrost, clean, dry, and leave the door open to prevent mold development.

First Use and Cleaning

• Before first use, wash the interior and all accessories with lukewarm water and neutral soap to remove any new product smell, then dry thoroughly.
• IMPORTANT! Do not use detergents or abrasive powders, as these will damage the finish.

Energy Saving

• Do not put hot food in the appliance.
• Do not pack food too closely together, as this prevents air circulation.
• Ensure food does not touch the back of the compartment(s).
• If electricity goes off, do not open the door(s).
• Do not open the door(s) frequently.
• Do not keep the door(s) open for a long time.
• Do not set the thermostat to excessively cold temperatures.
• All accessories (drawers, shelves, balconies) should be kept in their place for lower energy consumption.

Care and Cleaning

• Before maintenance, switch off the appliance and disconnect the main plug from the power socket.
• Do not clean the appliance with metal objects.
• Do not use sharp objects to remove frost; use a plastic scraper.
• Regularly check the refrigerator drain for defrosted water. Clean the drain if necessary. If blocked, water will collect at the bottom of the appliance.

Installation

General Instructions

• IMPORTANT! For electrical connection, carefully follow instructions in specific paragraphs.
• Unpack the appliance and check for damage. Do not connect if damaged; report damages immediately to the place of purchase and retain packing.
• It is advisable to wait at least four hours before connecting the appliance to allow oil to flow back into the compressor.
• Ensure adequate air circulation around the appliance; lack of it leads to overheating. Follow installation instructions for sufficient ventilation.
• If possible, place product spacers against a wall to avoid touching warm parts (compressor, condenser) to prevent burns.
• The appliance must not be located near radiators or cookers.
• Ensure the main plug is accessible after installation.

Door Reversibility

If the appliance is placed on its back or side during this process, allow it to stand upright for 6 hours before plugging in to avoid damage to internal components.

The process involves removing and reattaching hinges and doors. Key steps include:

• Removing hinge covers and hinges from the top and bottom.
• Removing the freezer and refrigerator doors.
• Transferring hinge pins and door bushings to the opposite side.
• Reinstalling hinges and doors on the reversed side.
• Ensuring the correct door stop is fitted to the new door swing side.

Note: These instructions reference models with a right-hand swing door. If your appliance has a left-hand swing, reverse the 'left' and 'right' instructions.

Space Requirement

• Ensure enough space for opening doors.
• Maintain at least a 50mm gap on two sides and the back.

Dimensions (approximate): Width: 595mm, Depth: 635mm, Height: 1855mm. Other dimensions A, B, C, E, F are also provided for reference.

Levelling the Unit

Adjust the two leveling feet at the front of the unit. If the unit is not level, doors and magnetic seals may not align or close properly.

User Control Panel

Temperature Setting of the Fridge Compartment

Temperature is adjusted using the 'SET' key. Each press cycles through modes (5 to 1, then FAST COOL). The setting is validated if no key is pressed for 5 seconds.

Temperature modes cycle: 5 (Coldest) -> 4 -> 3 (Normal Use) -> 2 -> 1 (Cold) -> FAST COOL.

Temperature Adjustment

Recommended temperature settings depend on the ambient environment:

• Higher than 35°C: Use FAST COOL or modes 1-4. Avoid Mode 5. Adjust air regulating rod to the leftmost position.
• 16°C - 35°C: Use modes 1-5. Recommended to set thermostat to middle mode and air regulating rod to middle position.
• Lower than 16°C: Use modes 1-4. Avoid Mode 5. Adjust air regulating rod to the rightmost position to prevent undercooling.

Air Regulating Rod: Adjusting the rod affects fridge and freezer temperatures. Middle position is recommended. Moving left decreases fridge temp and increases freezer temp. Moving right increases fridge temp and decreases freezer temp.

Notes:

• It is recommended to set the thermostat to the middle mode and the air regulating rod to the middle position.
• Temperature modes can be adjusted based on ambient temperature changes.
• If the fridge temperature is not cool or is undercooled, set the thermostat to the middle mode and adjust the air regulating rod to the middle position.
• If 'Fastcool' is enabled, adjust the air regulating rod to the middle position.

Operation and Maintenance

Fast Cool

Fast Cool rapidly lowers temperature, beneficial for food nutrition and freshness. It automatically exits after 30 cumulative hours of operation.

Door Open Alarm

If the fridge door remains open for over 3 minutes, a buzzer alarm sounds continuously. It can be stopped by pressing 'SET' but will resume if the door stays open. Alarms cease when the door is closed.

Power Cut Memory

The appliance retains its operating state from before a power failure when power is restored.

Power-on Delay

To protect the compressor from damage during short power failures (less than 5 minutes), it will not start immediately after power is restored.

Fault Alarm

Flashing indicator lights for Mode 5, 3, or 1 indicate a fault. Contact aftersales service.

First Use

Clean the interior and accessories with lukewarm water and mild soap before first use. Dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Freezing Fresh Food

The freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh food and storing frozen/deep-frozen food. Place fresh food in the freezer. The maximum freezing capacity per 24 hours is on the rating plate. The freezing process takes 24 hours; do not add more food during this period.

Storing Food

Refrigerator Compartments:

• Door/Balconies: Foods with natural preservatives (jams, juices, condiments). Do not store perishable foods.
• Crisper Drawer (Salad Drawer): Fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Do not store bananas, onions, potatoes, garlic.
• Fridge Shelf (Middle): Foods not requiring cooking (ready-to-eat, deli meats, leftovers).
• Fridge Shelf (Top): Foods for long-term storage.
• Freezer Drawers/Shelves: Bottom for raw meat, poultry, fish. Middle for frozen vegetables, chips. Top for ice cream, frozen fruit, frozen baked goods.

Storing Frozen Food

When starting up or after a period of disuse, run the appliance on a higher setting for at least 2 hours before loading food.

IMPORTANT! In case of accidental defrosting (e.g., power outage longer than the specified "rising time"), consumed or cooked defrosted food must be re-frozen immediately after cooking.

Thawing

Deep-frozen or frozen food can be thawed in the refrigerator compartment or at room temperature, depending on available time. Small pieces can be cooked directly from frozen, which will take longer.

Helpful Hints and Tips

• Maximum food quantity for freezing in 24 hrs is on the rating plate.
• Freezing process takes 24 hours; do not add more food during this time.
• Freeze only high-quality, fresh, and thoroughly cleaned foodstuffs.
• Prepare food in small portions for rapid and complete freezing, allowing for thawing only the required quantity.
• Wrap food in aluminum foil or polythene, ensuring airtight packaging.
• Do not let fresh, unfrozen food touch already frozen food to avoid temperature rise.
• Lean foods store better than fatty ones; salt reduces storage life.
• Water ices consumed immediately after removal can cause frost burns.
• It is advisable to mark the freezing date on each pack to track storage time.

Hints for Storing Frozen Food

• Ensure commercially frozen foodstuffs were adequately stored by the retailer.
• Transfer frozen foodstuffs from the store to the freezer as quickly as possible.
• Do not open the door frequently or leave it open longer than necessary.
• Once defrosted, food deteriorates rapidly and cannot be refrozen.
• Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the food manufacturer.

Hints for Fresh Food Refrigeration

• Do not store warm food or evaporating liquids.
• Cover or wrap food, especially if it has a strong flavor.
• Meat (all types): wrap in polythene bags and place on glass shelves above the vegetable drawer. Store for a maximum of one or two days.
• Cooked foods, cold dishes, etc.: cover and place on any shelf.
• Fruits and vegetables: clean thoroughly and place in special drawers.
• Butter and cheese: store in airtight containers or wrap in foil/polythene to exclude air.
• Milk bottles: should have a cap and be stored in door balconies.
• Bananas, potatoes, onions, garlic (unpacked) must not be kept in the fridge.
• For energy efficiency, all drawers, baskets, and shelves must be in their correct places.

Environment Protection

This appliance does not contain ozone-damaging gases. It must not be discarded with urban refuse. The insulation foam contains flammable gases; dispose of according to local authority regulations. Avoid damaging the cooling unit and heat exchanger. Materials marked with the ♻️ symbol are recyclable.

The symbol on the product or packaging indicates it should not be treated as household waste. Instead, take it to an appropriate collection point for recycling electrical and electronic equipment. Proper disposal helps prevent negative environmental and health consequences. For more information, contact your local council, waste disposal service, or retailer.

Packaging Materials

Materials with the ♻️ symbol are recyclable. Dispose of packaging in a suitable recycling container.

Disposal of the Appliance

1. Disconnect the mains plug from the mains socket.
2. Cut off the mains cable and discard it.

Troubleshooting

For minor faults, you may be able to resolve the problem yourself without technical service.

Note: If the above descriptions are inapplicable, do not disassemble or repair it yourself. Repairs by inexperienced persons may cause injury or serious malfunction. Contact the local store where you purchased the product. This product should be serviced by an authorized engineer using only genuine spare parts. When the appliance is not in use for long periods, disconnect from the electricity supply, empty all food, clean the appliance, and leave the door ajar to prevent unpleasant smells.

EU Declaration of Conformity

The manufacturer, TESLA/COMTRADE DISTRIBUTION D.O.O. BEOGRAD, declares that the products (Brand: TESLA, Model: RC3220FC, Type: Refrigerator) conform to the following standards and legislative acts: Harmonised standard (e.g., EN 60335-2-24:2010, EN IEC 55014-1:2021) and Legislative act (LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU). Signed on behalf of the manufacturer by Nebojša Lozo, General Manager, on 09.08.2023.