Caple DD523BK Downdraft Hood Instruction Manual

Model: DD523BK

Introduction

Thank you for choosing this Caple downdraft extractor. To ensure you get the best results, please read this instruction manual thoroughly before use. Proper care will ensure years of trouble-free operation.

To register ownership, complete and return the guarantee card or visit www.caple.co.uk. This manual provides all necessary information for installation, use, and maintenance.

The downdraft extractor is designed to remove kitchen odours and cooking vapours. Read this manual carefully before installation and use for correct and safe operation.

This manual contains important safety advice and guidance on using and maintaining your appliance for reliable service. For faults, consult the "Troubleshooting" section first to resolve minor issues and save costs. Keep this manual safe and pass it on to new owners.

Safety Instructions and Warnings

These hoods are designed for personal domestic use by adults. Ensure the appliance is out of reach of children and they do not operate the controls.

Upon delivery, check the packaging for any damage. Note any remarks on the delivery note. The appliance is designed for normal domestic use only, not commercial or industrial use.
The manufacturer's guarantee does not cover damage from incorrect installation or use.
Do not alter the appliance's characteristics; repairs must be performed by a Caple-approved engineer.
Always disconnect the hood before cleaning or maintenance.
Ensure adequate room ventilation when using the hood simultaneously with other appliances powered by energy sources other than electricity to prevent the hood from drawing in combustion fumes.
Do not cook over open flames (flambé) or operate gas hobs without pots/pans while the hood is in use, as flames could be drawn into the hood, causing damage.
Frying must be supervised constantly due to the risk of hot oils and fats igniting.
Adhere to guidelines for cleaning and replacing grease filters; accumulated grease is a fire hazard.
Do not use the appliance near hobs powered by wood or coal, or near hobs with power levels that could damage the appliance.
Never use steam or high-pressure cleaning devices.
Never operate the cooker hood without grease filters fitted.
The appliance is intended for household and similar applications, including staff kitchen areas, farm houses, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast environments.

Environmental Protection, Warranty, and Declarations

Environmental Protection

Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Recycle where facilities exist and consult your Local Authority or retailer for advice. This appliance is marked according to the European directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Correct disposal prevents negative environmental and health consequences. The product symbol indicates it should not be treated as household waste but handed over to an applicable collection point for recycling, in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Warranty

Your new appliance is covered by warranty. The warranty card is enclosed. If missing, provide purchase date, model, and serial number to your retailer for a replacement. Registration is also available online at www.caple.co.uk. Keep your warranty card and proof of purchase for repairs. Spare parts are available from Caple Service and authorized centres.

CE Declarations of Conformity

This appliance has been manufactured to the strictest standards and complies with all applicable legislation, Low Voltage Directive (LVD), and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).

UKCA Declarations of Conformity

This appliance has been manufactured to the strictest standards and complies with all applicable legislation.

Technical Fiche

This appliance conforms to all current and applicable energy regulations. View the Technical Fiche supporting energy labelling data on the product page at www.caple.co.uk.

Description of the Appliance

The Caple DD523BK downdraft hood is presented. Two views are shown: the first is the unit in its closed state, a sleek black rectangular panel. The second view shows the unit in its open state, revealing the ventilation grille and control panel.

Diagrams illustrate the dimensions of the downdraft hood: 261mm height, 140mm depth, and 520mm width. Another diagram shows the connection piece and a vertical 90° elbow supplied with the product.

Installation

Ducting Guidelines

Use ducting that does not exceed 5 metres in length.
Limit the number of elbows; each 90° elbow reduces air capacity by approximately 1 linear metre. For example, two 90° elbows limit ducting length to 3 metres.
Avoid abrupt direction changes in the ducting.
Use a 150mm constant diameter rigid ducting pipe for the entire length.
Ensure ducting is approved by current standards.

The manufacturer is not responsible for air capacity or noise issues resulting from non-compliance with these instructions, and no warranty will be provided.

Installation Steps

Before cutting, check the cabinet for structural or other parts that might hinder installation. Ensure the dimensions of the downdraft hood and hob are compatible with the cabinet.
The downdraft is installed with a hob on each side. Two angles are fitted to support the hobs (Fig. 1). These can be removed if not needed (Fig. 2). Make a rectangular opening with dimensions 490mm x 'A' (Fig. 3), where 'A' depends on the hob size. Fit the product into the opening from above (Fig. 4).
Secure the product inside the furniture using the provided brackets. Install brackets in the sides of the product into the specific hooks (Fig. 5-6). Mount rear brackets on both sides, lift until they touch the support cabinet, and tighten nuts 'H' (Fig. 5). Fix the front bracket by tightening screws 'I' to touch the cabinet (Fig. 6). Be careful to tighten screws 'I' gently by hand to avoid product damage.
Install the ducting connection pieces supplied with the downdraft (Fig. 7). Additional ducting may need to be purchased separately depending on your installation type.

Charcoal Filter Maintenance

Accurate maintenance ensures good functioning and long-lasting performance.

The charcoal filter can be regenerated by washing in a dishwasher and then placing in the oven for 1 hour at 90°C (maximum). Wash the filter alone.

To maintain peak performance, wash the charcoal filter regularly, at least once every two months. Replacement is recommended after 2 years of use, based on ordinary operation.

Filter lifetime is approximate and influenced by factors like pollutant type/concentration and hood speed. These can affect performance even after regeneration.

Replacement filters (CAP88CF) can be purchased from www.caple.co.uk or by calling the national sales office at 0117 938 1900.

How to Remove the Charcoal Filter

To remove the charcoal filter, remove the metal cover from the charcoal filter housing (Fig. 12) and then remove the filter. Replace the filter and fit by following these steps in reverse.

Electrical Connection

WARNING: Place the metal box containing electronic components at least 65cm from hobs or the suctioning surface of the hood.

NOTE: Install the electronic components box at least 10cm above floor level and away from heat sources.

CAUTION: The appliance is fitted with an H05 VVF 3-conductor, 0.75 mm² power cord. It connects to a 220-240V monophase network via a CEI 60083 approved power socket, which must remain accessible. Caple declines responsibility for accidents due to lack of or incorrect ground connection. The appliance must be fed through a differential protection device (RCD) with a residual current not exceeding 30mA. If the power cord is damaged, contact Caple Service.

WARNING: Downdraft connection to the electrical network must be performed by professional and qualified technicians. The electrical system must comply with VDE0100 standard.

DANGER: If the hood shows any anomaly, disconnect it or remove the corresponding fuse. If the appliance has no plug or the plug is not accessible, a device with at least 3mm contact opening distance on all poles must be fitted to disconnect it from the electric network.

While installing or performing maintenance, ensure the appliance is disconnected from the electrical network or fuses are removed. Check for sufficient power, good condition of feeder lines, and compliance of cable diameter with installation regulations.

Operating the Downdraft Extractor

The control panel features buttons labeled A through E:

A - TIMER: Press to activate a 10-minute timer. The motor turns off and the top panel closes. The setting is signaled by flashing speed indicators.
B - DECREASE SPEED: Press to decrease the motor speed.
C - INCREASE SPEED: Press to increase the motor speed.
D - MOTOR SPEED INDICATORS: 4 LEDs emit a red light indicating the set speed (1 LED for first speed, 2 for second, 3 for third, 4 for fourth).
E - POWER: When switched off, the first touch opens the top panel. Once fully open (90°), the second speed is automatically set. Further presses stop the motor and close the top panel.

Timing Functions

The product includes intelligent electronics with a timer device for speed controls when air capacity exceeds 650m³/h.

Internal motor models with capacity > 650m³/h automatically switch speed from 4th to 3rd after 6 minutes.
External motor models with capacity > 650m³/h automatically switch speed from 4th to 2nd after 6 minutes.
If the appliance operates at 3rd speed, it automatically switches to 2nd speed after 7 minutes. Operation speeds can be changed during use. Standby power consumption is less than 0.5W.

Other Functions

AUTOMATIC TURN OFF: The appliance turns off automatically after 4 hours of continuous operation.
GREASE FILTER SATURATION: After 30 hours of operation, the speed indicators ("B") flash simultaneously, signaling grease filter saturation. To reset, hold the "TIMER" button down for at least 3 seconds while the top panel is open.

Cleaning the Extractor

Careful maintenance ensures correct operation and optimal performance.

CAUTION: Disconnect the downdraft from the electrical network before cleaning or removing grease filters. Replace grease filters as per installation instructions.

Maintenance Guide

MAINTENANCE	HOW TO PROCEED?	ACCESSORY PRODUCTS TO USE
Cleaning external surfaces and accessories	Do not use metallic scrubbers, abrasive products, or hard brushes.	To clean external surfaces and the light housing screen, use commercially available household detergents diluted in water. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
Grease filters	After 30 hours of operation, the downdraft signals grease filter saturation via flashing RED LED speed indicators when the hood is off. To reset, hold the "TIMER" button for at least 3 seconds while the unit is open.	The grease filters can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Clean them regularly, as they can represent a fire risk. Refit filters and front panel correctly to ensure proper operation.
Active charcoal filter	In recirculation mode, the active charcoal filter must be replaced periodically. To remove, see 'CHARCOAL FILTER MAINTENANCE'.

Liquid Inside Product

If liquid is inside the product, it can be removed by taking out the caps located under the hood housing (Fig. 13).

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM	SOLUTION
The downdraft does not work	Check that: • There is not a power outage. • A specific speed has actually been selected. • The red reset key, found over the electrical system box, is pushed.
The downdraft has low performance	Check that: • The motor speed selected is sufficient for the quantity of fumes and vapours. • The kitchen is well-ventilated for air intake. • The charcoal filter is not worn out (Recirculation mode only). • The air outlet channel is free and compliant. • The non-return valves of the suctioning unit are free to rotate.
The downdraft stops in the middle of operation.	Check that: • There is not a power outage. • The omnipolar device has not tripped.

Aftersales Service

Any maintenance operation should be carried out by your retailer or a Caple-approved engineer.

If problems persist, contact the Caple after sales team:

T: 0117 938 7420

E: service@caple.co.uk

Caple Contact Details

Caple Service

Fourth Way

Avonmouth

Bristol

BS11 8DW

T: 0117 938 1900