How to Install a Gas Electric Refrigerator
Propane gas electric refrigerators are generally utilized in recreational vehicles and campers. Propane gas electric refrigerators operate on compressed hydrogen gas and an ammonia-water solution. A gas refrigerator has no moving parts and all cooling units are made entirely of steel. Specialized training is required to repair a gas electric refrigerator, but the owner following these steps can accomplish installation.
Items Needed:
- Camper or recreational vehicle
- Connector for gas pipe
- Gas Electric Refrigerator
- Measuring tape
- Paper
- Pen
- Pipe wrench
- Screwdriver
- Small plastic bowl
- Check the dimensions of the recessed area in the camper or recreational vehicle for a gas electric refrigerator with a measuring tape, and write down the measurements for reference at the store.
- Purchase the gas electric refrigerator at a camper supply store or online that will fit in the recessed area of the camper or recreational vehicle.
- Open the box and dispose of the cardboard appropriately.
- Read through the refrigerator manual and save for future reference.
- Complete the warranty card and mail promptly. It is a good idea to make a copy of the warranty card and place with the manual.
- Remove the trim panel of the recessed area for the refrigerator by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver.
- Place the screws in a small plastic bowl for safekeeping.
- Check the louver vents on the camper to make sure that nothing is blocking the vents. Proper ventilation is required for camper occupant safety.
- Disconnect the camper’s propane tank and burn off residual gas in the lines by lighting a stove-top burner.
- Lift the refrigerator into the camper or recreational vehicle, being careful not to bump the refrigerator on the small doorway.
- Find the propane line in the recessed area and firmly connect it to the refrigerator with a pipe connector utilizing a pipe wrench. The connector should be located in a plastic bag with the refrigerator. If not, one will need to be purchased separately.
- Locate the plug for the back-up 110-volt AC electric-powered heating coil.
- Place the refrigerator in front of the recessed opening with the back of the refrigerator facing the opening.
- Plug the coil into the electric supply. No electricity is required to operate, but the gas electric refrigerator will automatically switch to an electric powered generator when the propane runs out if a power source is available.
- Slide the gas electric refrigerator into the recessed slot.
- Hold the trim panel in place with one hand, while replacing the screws with the other hand.
- Utilize a screwdriver to tighten the screws firmly.
- Turn on the propane supply to the tank.
- Locate the base-mounted control panel containing the flame safety valve, gas electric selector switch, piezo igniter and temperature control.
- Set the cooling level thermostat to desired setting.