FRANKIA OPERATING MANUAL
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FRANKIA OPERATING MANUAL
27
3.6 Refrigerators
General information:
The FRANKIA motorhomes come with a Dometic refrigerator (depending on the floor plan at Selection: Thetford) which
can be operated with gas, 230 V or 12 V battery. The refrigerator can only be supplied with 12 volts while driving. Use
230 volts or gas preferably when the vehicle is parked. AES refrigerators have an automatic energy source selection.
After a long period of non-use or after changing the gas bottle, there is often air in the gas line. To ensure that the re-
frigerator ignites without a long delay, vent the line by briefly starting up the gas cooker and set the thermostat to the
highest level.
The device has all the classic functions of a refrigerator:
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Preserve food, Production of ice cubes, Preserve frozen foods
The operating instructions from DOMETIC or THETFORD contain all information and recommendations concerning this
device. We therefore advise you to read them carefully and observe them.
Some tips for the optimum use of your refrigerator:
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Ice cubes:
The best time to make ice cubes is at night. The allows you to have ice cubes during the day,
even with 12 V operation.
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Defrosting:
If the cooling elements freeze up, it will reduce the performance of your refrigerator. We
therefore advise you to defrost the refrigerator regularly.
Safety instructions:
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Changes and repairs to the gas system may only be carried out by authorised specialists! If changes are
made to the gas system, the gas test certificate becomes invalid!
•
The gas devices are only designed for operation with propane, butane or a mixture of both gases.
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When handling gas (filling the tank, changing the gas bottles), there must be no fire or open light near
the motorhome! There is a risk of explosion!
•
If the motorhome is parked in a garage, there must be no fire nor open light near the motorhome,
since escaping gas can accumulate in the closed space to form an ignitable mixture!
•
The operating pressure of the gas system is 30 mbar. If gas regulators with a higher operating pressure
are used, the ball valves will be damaged.
•
Each gas device has its own shut-off valve (quick-closing valve). This valve must always be closed when
the device is not in use.
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If all gas devices are out of operation, all device shut-off valves, the gas remote switch and, if not
used for a long time, the gas bottle valves must be closed.
•
The gas cooker must not be used for heating purposes!
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Read the operating instructions of the device manufacturers and follow the instructions. Leave these
instructions in the motorhome so that you can refer to them in case of doubt.
•
Regularly check whether the supply air and exhaust gas openings of the installed gas devices (heating,
refrigerator) are free of dirt, leaves and snow.
Gas socket (option):
If your motorhome has a gas socket, it is advisable to close the associated shut-off valve in the event of a long absence.
Otherwise gas could be withdrawn without being noticed.
Properties of the gases used:
•
They are heavier than air: leaked gas collects on the floor
•
They are relatively easy to liquefy under pressure, which can increase the amount of energy stored. One
litre of liquefied gas produces more than 200 litres of “fuel” in gaseous form
•
Gas-air mixtures are explosive with a gas content of approx. 2-10%
•
Escaped gas has an intense odorant
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If liquid gas contacts the skin, the cooling effect can cause frostbite
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They have different boiling points: Propane - 42° Celsius; 1° Celsius
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The boiling point indicates the temperature up to which the liquid “gas” changes to the gaseous state
If the ambient temperature is lower, there is no more evaporation
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This means: In cold weather, propane must be used, as it can be evaporated down to approx. -42° C
What to do if you smell gas?
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1. No fire, do not smoke
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2. Do not operate any electrical switches
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3. Close the bottle valves
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4. Ventilate the motorhome well
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5. Have the system checked by a specialist
