Hitachi Refrigerator Instruction Manual

Warning and Caution for Safety

To avoid harm to the user, other persons, or damage to property, please read and follow the warnings and cautions below.

Warning Levels:

• ⚠️ [Warning]: Indicates a high possibility of serious injury or death if ignored.
• ❗ [Caution]: Indicates a high possibility of injury or damage to property if ignored.

Symbol Meanings:

• ❗ [Alert Mark]: General alert.
• ? [Prohibited]: Indicates an action that is not allowed.
• ✅ [Necessary]: Indicates a required action.
• ? [Flammable Refrigerant]: Precautions regarding flammable refrigerants (R600a).

When you install: To avoid fire, electric shock, and injury

• Do not install in places exposed to water or rain, as this may impair electrical insulation and cause fire or electric shock.
• Ground the refrigerator to prevent electric shock and noise interference. Use an earth leakage circuit breaker in high humidity areas. Consult a retailer or Hitachi Service Center.
• Connect the power plug firmly to a power outlet with the cord running downwards. Avoid connecting the cord upwards, which could stress the cord and cause shorts or overheating.
• Ensure incomplete power plug connections are avoided to prevent shock or fire.
• Do not use damaged or loose power plugs or outlets.
• Do not cut, bend, or fold the power cord. Ensure the supply cord is not trapped or damaged when positioning the appliance.
• Always unplug the power plug before maintenance. Hold the plug itself, not the cord, when unplugging.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, service agent, or similarly qualified persons to avoid hazards.
• Clean dust from the power plug frequently with a dry cloth. Moisture or dust on the plug can cause fire.
• Do not insert or remove the power plug with wet hands.

During daily use: To avoid fire, electric shock

• Do not splash water on or inside the refrigerator, as this can impair electrical insulation, cause electric shock or fire, or lead to gas leakage due to pipe rust.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised or instructed by a responsible person.
• Do not hang on doors or step on compartments, as this could cause tipping or injury. Do not enter the refrigerator.
• Do not put water containers or foreign articles on top of the refrigerator, as they may fall and cause injury when doors are opened or closed.
• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the refrigerator yourself. Consult a retailer or Hitachi Service Center for repairs.
• Do not store volatile substances like ether, liquid propane gas, solvents, or aerosol cans. Do not store items that generate heat or sparks inside.

General Warnings:

• Do not damage the refrigerant circuit. If a leak occurs, stay away, avoid fire/electrical appliances, open windows for ventilation, and contact Hitachi Service Center.
• Do not use electrical appliances inside food storage compartments unless recommended by the manufacturer.
• In case of flammable gas leak, do not touch the refrigerator, open windows for ventilation, as sparks from electrical contacts could ignite explosions.
• Do not use the refrigerator in an atmosphere of flammable gas.
• Avoid impacting glass doors or shelves, as they are tempered glass and can break.
• If you find any malfunction, unplug immediately and consult a retailer or Hitachi Service Center.

When discarding the refrigerator:

• Remove door gaskets to prevent infants or children from becoming trapped inside.
• Follow regional instructions for discarding.
• This refrigerator uses R600a refrigerant and cyclopentane for insulation.

❗ [Caution] During daily use: To avoid illness and injury

• Do not force bottles into door pockets to prevent them from dropping or coming off.
• Do not store food with unusual smells or changed colors, as this may cause illness.
• Avoid touching food and containers inside the freezer compartment with wet hands to prevent frost injury, especially with metal items.
• Do not hold the top, bottom, or sides of doors when closing them to prevent fingers from getting caught.
• Ensure food items do not protrude from shelves, as this can prevent doors from closing properly or cause pockets to drop, leading to injury from falling items.
• Do not store glass bottles in the freezer compartment, as freezing contents can cause breakage and injury.
• Do not put hands into the base surface of the refrigerator cabinet, as thin metal sheets can cause injury.
• Always hold the handle firmly to open or close doors.
• If someone else is using the refrigerator, do not open the door suddenly, as fingers may get caught in door gaps.
• Keep feet clear when opening doors to avoid being hit and causing injury.

When moving or carrying: To avoid damage, wetting, soiling, or injury

• Use carrying handles only; do not use door handles.
• Carry the refrigerator with at least 4 persons, with doors facing upward.
• Before carrying: remove all food and ice, lay a protective sheet to catch spills, tilt backward with cloth underneath to drain water.
• Do not use carrying handles to hang with chain hoists or similar machines.
• On easily scratched floors, do not move the refrigerator using its wheels. Lay a protective mat if necessary.
• Secure doors with adhesive tape. Do not load the refrigerator on its side in a vehicle, as this can damage the compressor.

When replacing lamps (LED) is required:

• Please contact the Hitachi Service Center.

Preparations Before Use

Installation

1. Install on a rigid and level floor.
2. Use within a room temperature range of 10°C to 43°C. Performance may be affected outside this range.
3. Do not install where exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
4. Install in a dry atmosphere with good air ventilation.
5. Ensure adequate ventilation space: at least 100 mm overhead, 100 mm at the rear, and 70 mm on both sides for efficient cooling.
6. Ground the refrigerator to prevent electric shock and noise interference, especially in humid conditions. Consult a retailer or Hitachi Service Center.
7. Adjust the leveling legs to ensure the refrigerator doors are level. If not adjusted, doors may not be level, leading to abnormal vibration or noises. Turn legs until they firmly touch the floor.
8. Open doors carefully up to approximately 135°. Do not over-open to avoid damage.

Beginning

1. After transport, if the refrigerator was kept horizontal for more than 10 minutes, stand it upright for at least 1 hour before plugging it in.
2. Clean the interior gently with a soft cloth.
3. Connect to an exclusive wall power outlet with the correct voltage.
4. The compressor will start running in approximately 30 seconds if the interior is not cold.
5. Allow about 4 hours (up to 24 hours in high ambient temperatures) for sufficient cooling before storing food.
6. Opening doors for extended periods can significantly increase compartment temperatures.

Food Storage

1. Keep adequate space between food items to allow cold air circulation.
2. Cool food before placing it in the refrigerator to prevent raising the internal temperature and wasting electricity.
3. Do not block cold air vents, as this affects air flow and can cause food near the vent to freeze.
4. Use plastic wrap or sealed containers to prevent food from drying out or transferring odors.
5. Store raw meat and fish in suitable containers to prevent contact with or dripping onto other food.

Location of Food Storage

Diagram shows recommended storage locations and temperature ranges for different compartments:

• Refrigerator Compartment (2°C~5°C): Shelves for side dishes, desserts; Door pockets for drinks, small food items.
• Utility Drawer: For cosmetics, medicine, small packed food.
• Vegetable Compartment (3°C~7°C): For fruits and vegetables.
• Water Tank: Approximately 3.0 L capacity.
• Selectable Zone Compartment:
  • Refrigerator (1°C~5°C)
  • Chill/Meat (-1°C~3°C)
• Dry-Vegetable Drawer: For dry food (coffee beans, tea leaves) or vegetables/fruits (3°C~7°C).
• Vacuum Compartment: For Fish/Meat (-1°C), Cheese/Fruits (1°C).
• Freezer Compartment (-20°C~-18°C): For frozen food and ice cream.
• Auto Ice Maker: For ice making.
• Soft Freeze (-1°C~-5°C).

Notice: Temperatures are approximate under specific conditions. Door pocket temperatures may be higher. Check model specifications. Not all compartments are suitable for freezing fresh food.

Operation

How to use the Control Panel

Name and Function of Display

The control panel features buttons for setting temperatures, activating functions like Child Lock, Ice Maker, and Energy Saving, and a display for temperature settings.

Temperature Control

Refrigerator Compartment: Set temperature using the "Refrigerator" touch button. Options include Cold, Normal, and Coldest settings, indicated by sounds like [Beep!] or [Beep Beep!].

Freezer Compartment: Set temperature using the "Freezer" touch button. Options include Cold, Normal, and Coldest settings.

Selectable Zone Compartment: Touch "Selectable Zone" for 2 seconds to unlock and select modes like Freezer, Soft Freeze, Chill/Meat, or Refrigerator.

Notice: Settings resume after power failure. Touch panel response may vary with temperature, humidity, or user condition. Keep the panel dry and clean.

Other Functions

How to use temperature control 9 step

Open the Freezer or Selectable Zone door, then touch "Refrigerator" to cycle through 9 temperature steps, indicated by indicator lamps and sounds.

Door Alarm and ECO Alarm Function

An alarm sounds if a door is left open for over 1 minute. Alarms can be deactivated by touching "Ice Maker" for 5 seconds until a [Beep!] sound is heard. Re-activate with a [Beep Beep!] sound.

Notice: Factory settings have alarms ON. They may reset to ON after a power failure.

Quick Cooling

Use this function to cool food or drinks quickly. Place food in the designated "Quick Cooling" corner, preferably near the back wall. Operation lasts approximately 90 minutes. It may pause during defrost cycles.

Quick Freezing

Use this function to freeze food or make ice quickly. Place food in the "Quick Freezing" corner. Operation lasts approximately 2 hours. Avoid frequent door openings during this mode.

Vacuum

The vacuum compartment maintains a temperature of -1°C by default. Touch "Vacuum" to start operation (indicated by 1°C light) or stop (indicated by "Off" light). The vacuum pump works when doors are closed. A "Whoosh..." sound indicates vacuuming is in progress.

Energy Saving

Recommended for low storage volume or long vacations when doors are not opened. Touch "Energy Saving" to activate (light on) or deactivate (light off).

Ice Maker

Check the "Ice Maker" status. Touch to start or stop. Fill the water tank up to the "Full" line. Ice preparation time varies (approx. 90-110 minutes for Normal, 70-90 minutes for Quick Freezing). Discard the first 2 glasses of ice for cleaning.

Child Lock

Touch "Child Lock" for 5 seconds to activate (lamp on) or deactivate (lamp off) to prevent accidental operation.

Refrigerator/Selectable Zone/Freezer Compartment

How to use Dry-Vegetable Drawer

Use the lever to set for "Dry Food" (e.g., coffee beans, tea leaves) or "Vegetable" (for fruits and vegetables, 3°C~7°C). Do not store vegetables and dry foods together.

The drawer has a humidity control.

Compartment Layout

Diagram illustrates the arrangement of various compartments and parts, including door pockets, drawers (vegetable, dry-vegetable, utility, vacuum), shelves, water tank, ice maker, and freezer drawers.

How to use the Auto Ice Maker

1. Remove the water tank by pulling the handle.
2. Fill the tank with water up to the "Full" line.
3. Carry the tank carefully, supporting the bottom.
4. Insert the tank until it stops. Ensure it is fully inserted for proper water supply.

Caution: Use only water in the tank. Other liquids can damage the refrigerator. Clean the tank regularly and change water weekly.

Swing Partition Suggestion

The swing partition automatically closes when the door is opened and opens when the door is closed. Avoid holding it while opening/closing doors. A heater inside prevents dew, making the partition warm to the touch.

How to use the Vacuum Compartment

To open: Lift the handle to unlock, then pull the door out. A "Whoosh..." sound indicates vacuuming. Wait for the sound to stop before removing the case. To close: Push the vacuum case fully in, then push the handle down to lock.

Warning: Do not overfill the vacuum case. Ensure the handle is fully locked for vacuuming. The vacuum pump may make noise during operation.

Food Storage Recommendations

Preserves nutrients and taste by preventing oxidation.

• Recommended Foods: Meats, processed meats, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee beans, dairy products.
• Foods Not Recommended: Vegetables vulnerable to low temperatures (e.g., cucumber, tomato) should be stored in the vegetable compartment.
• Storage Tips: Store food in closed plastic bags or sealed containers. Be careful of bags swelling or containers detaching.

How to remove parts

Instructions are provided for removing the Ice Bank, Vegetable Drawer/Dry-Vegetable Drawer, Utility Drawer, and Adjustable-height Shelves.

Caution: Remove food before disassembly. Consult service for parts not described. Open doors wider than 90 degrees for disassembly.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning

Warning: Always unplug the power plug before cleaning.

• When dirt is found: Wipe off immediately. Clean hidden places annually.
• Power Plug: Remove dust annually and wipe with a dry cloth to prevent fire hazards.
• Door Gaskets: Clean thoroughly once a month, as they are prone to smudges.
• Drawers, Shelves/Pockets: Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Clean drawers and shelves/pockets once per three months.
• Door Surface: Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Clean once per three months.
• Drip Catcher: Wipe away accumulated liquid once a month.
• Back Panel, Floor of Refrigerator: Raise the refrigerator using leg adjusters. Pull out and wipe smudges on the back panel, walls, and floor. Clean once or twice a year.

Caution: Do not use harsh detergents, scouring powder, soap, petroleum, boiling water, scouring pads, acids, benzine, alcohol, or bleach. Wipe off cooking oil or fruit juice immediately. Be careful with chemical rags, as they can scratch or discolor surfaces.

Notice: Clean surfaces that contact food regularly. If the appliance is left empty for long periods, switch off, defrost, dry, and leave doors open to prevent mold.

Auto Ice Maker

Warning: Do not touch the mechanical parts of the auto ice maker, as this may result in injury.

Vacuum Compartment

Clean the vacuum box gasket and track once a month. Use a soft sponge with plain water; avoid detergents. Wipe dry and reassemble carefully.

Water Tank

Clean the water tank and water filter weekly to prevent grime and hard water stains. Pull out the filter case, remove the filter, and clean with a soft sponge. Do not use cleansers.

Notice: The water pump may make sounds; this is normal. Replace the water filter every 3-4 years. Clean tanks if unused for 48 hours.

Troubleshooting

Before calling for service, check the following:

• Problem: Refrigerator does not get cold at all.
  • Check: Is it plugged in? Is it in direct sunlight? Is the temperature set correctly?
  • Instructions: Check fuse box. Do not install in sunlight. Set temperature to "Normal" or "Coldest".
• Problem: Refrigerator does not get cold enough.
  • Check: Is food stored too much? Is the door slightly open? Is it near heat sources? Is the door opened/closed frequently?
  • Instructions: Keep space between food. Close doors firmly. Do not install near heat sources. Cool food before storing. Avoid frequent door openings.
• Problem: Food in the refrigerator compartment freezes.
  • Check: Is the temperature set to "Coldest"? Is food placed near the cold air vent?
  • Instructions: Set temperature to "Normal" or "Coldest". Keep food away from cold air vents.
• Problem: Dew appears Outside.
  • Check: Is ambient humidity high?
  • Instructions: Wipe with a dry cloth. See "Dew or Frost is generated" section.
• Problem: Dew appears Inside.
  • Check: Is the door closed firmly? Is the door opened/closed too frequently or for too long? Is it too humid outside?
  • Instructions: Ensure door is closed. Avoid frequent/long door openings. Wipe with dry cloth. See "Dew or Frost is generated" section.
• Problem: The inside is smelling.
  • Check: Is food stored with odor without wrapping?
  • Instructions: Use food wrap or sealed containers.
• Problem: The refrigerator is noisy.
  • Check: Is it installed firmly? Is it touching the wall?
  • Instructions: Ensure firm installation and adequate space from walls.
• Problem: The Control Panel does not respond.
  • Check: Is "Child Lock" activated? Is the compartment door open? Is there water/dirt on the panel? Are you wearing gloves or using a plaster? Are you touching multiple buttons?
  • Instructions: Deactivate Child Lock. Close compartment door. Touch panel directly with a finger, one button at a time.
• Problem: The Control Panel is unlit.
  • Check: Indicator LEDs turn off approximately 30 seconds after operation ends.
• Problem: The Control Panel display keeps changing.
  • Check: This may indicate "store-display mode".
  • Instructions: Turn off store-display mode by powering the refrigerator off and on again.
• Problem: The surface of the refrigerator is hot.
  • Explanation: This is normal due to the dew prevention and heat radiation tubes. Back and side plates may heat up, especially during initial operation or frequent door openings.
• Problem: If a door is shut, other doors may open.
  • Explanation: Compartments are connected by an air duct. Closing one door can cause pressure changes that open another door. This is normal.
• Problem: Does the refrigerator make any abnormal noises (sound)?
  • Explanation: Sounds like water flowing or boiling are from the cooling liquid (refrigerant). Creaking sounds are from parts due to temperature changes.
• Problem: Slight waving/distortions on door/side/top surfaces.
  • Explanation: These can occur during manufacturing and may be more noticeable depending on lighting. They do not affect performance.
• Problem: Annoying sound is generated by the refrigerator.
  • Explanation: Compressor may operate at high speed initially, with high ambient temperatures, or frequent door openings. Sound quiets down as it cools. It operates at low speed during the night or vacations for energy saving.
• Problem: Operation sound lasts long / becomes louder.
  • Explanation: Compressor operates at low speed for energy conservation or adjusts power based on temperature changes.
• Problem: Strange issues with the Vacuum compartment.
  • Check: Handle position, gasket/packing cleanliness, gasket/valve detachment, debris in gasket track.
  • Instructions: Ensure handle is pushed down. Clean gasket and packing. Reattach components correctly. Remove any plastic bags or debris.
• Problem: It is not known whether it is in the vacuum state or not.
  • Check: "Whoosh..." sound during opening is normal. Absence of sound is also normal when the pump is ready.
• Problem: The Handle cannot be locked.
  • Check: Is anything stored in the packing or innermost side of the Vacuum Compartment?
  • Instructions: Remove any obstructions.
• Problem: Shaking "Bu Bu" sound from around Vacuum Compartment.
  • Check: This is the sound of the pump. If it happens often, check the door or packing for dirt.
  • Instructions: Remove plastic bags and clean packing if dirty.
• Problem: Dew or water around the door or inside Vacuum Compartment.
  • Check: Water in food and air can cause condensation in a closed compartment.
  • Instructions: Wrap or cover foods with high water content. Wipe away dew/water with a cloth.
• Problem: Things stored in Vacuum Compartment are frozen.
  • Check: Are vegetables vulnerable to low temperatures stored inside?
  • Instructions: Check and move such vegetables to the vegetable compartment.

Dew or Frost is Generated

Frost or ice in the freezer compartment:

• Cause: Door left open temporarily, or opened frequently/for long periods, especially in high humidity. Moisture in the air turns into frost/ice on inner walls or air channels.
• Solution: Minimize door openings. Wipe off frost/ice with a dry cloth.
• Cause: Using extra ice trays not originally installed. Storing many containers of water/liquid can cause evaporation and frost.
• Solution: Use lids to suppress evaporation. Wipe off frost/ice with a dry cloth.

Dew in the refrigerator compartment:

• Cause: Door left open temporarily, or opened frequently/for long periods. Moisture in the air can cause dew on inner walls or around air outlets.
• Solution: Check that food or plastic bags are not caught in the door seal. Minimize door openings. Wipe dew with a dry cloth.
• Cause: Storing many water-rich vegetables can increase humidity in the vegetable compartment, leading to dew.
• Solution: Wrap vegetables in plastic film. Wipe away accumulated water.

Dew on the outer surface of the refrigerator:

• Cause: High ambient humidity (e.g., rainy days).
• Solution: Wipe dew with a dry cloth.
• Cause: Temperature setting is too cold ("Coldest").
• Solution: Set temperature to "Normal". Wipe dew with a dry cloth.

Why frost and dew are generated:

Warm, humid air contacting cold surfaces causes condensation (dew). Frequent or prolonged door openings allow more humid air to enter, leading to dew or frost formation.

Service Center

If issues persist after checking the troubleshooting section (pages 13-14), please contact the retailer of purchase or the following service centers:

• Arcelik Hitachi Home Appliances Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.: TEL 1-800-88-1122
• Arcelik Hitachi Home Appliances Sales (Singapore) Pte. Ltd: TEL 62787177
• Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited: TEL 07971414848, 7567884848, E-Mail: customercare@jci-hitachi.com

Telephone numbers are subject to change without notice.

About Non-fluorocarbon Refrigerator:

This refrigerator uses hydrocarbon (non-fluorocarbon) refrigerant and insulation, which are environmentally friendly, having minimal impact on the ozone layer and global warming.

R600a Refrigerant Warning:

R600a refrigerant is flammable. In case of refrigerant circuit damage, avoid fire/electrical products, open windows for ventilation, and contact Hitachi Service Center.

Sever Warning Signs for Disposal:

Cyclopentane used in insulation requires special disposal procedures. Contact local authorities for environmentally safe disposal. Used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. Do not dismantle the system yourself. Refrigerators must be treated at a specialized facility for recycling and recovery. Contact your installer, dealer, or local authority for more information.