Thetford N81 Series Installation Manual - Through 8/2/04 - Manual (Page 9)

Installation Manual 9
Connect the Propane Gas Components
This refrigerator operates on propane gas at a pressure of 11
inches Water Column Propane.
The controls operate on 12 volts DC (10.5 volts min. - 15.4 volts
max.). Operation out of these limits can damage the refrigerator
electrical circuit parts and will void the warranty
Connect the propane gas supply system:
WARNING: Be very careful when working on or near the
propane gas system.
- Do not smoke, or use an open flame near the propane
gas system.
- Do not use an open flame to examine for leaks.
- Do not connect the refrigerator to the propane gas tank
without a pressure regulator between them.
- To avoid a propane gas leak, always use two
wrenches to tighten or loosen the propane gas supply
line connections.
- Leaking propane gas can ignite or explode and result
in dangerous personal injury or death.
Connect the gas supply line to the refrigerator:
- Make sure that all tubing and fittings obey all local, state,
and national codes about size and type.
- Make sure that all flexible metal connectors obey the current
CAN1-6.10 Standard.
- Make sure that the materials used for the gas supply line
obey both the current ANSI A 119.2 (NFPA 1192) and CSA
Z240 Standards on Recreational Vehicles. Norcold
recommends the use of 3/8 inch copper tubing as the gas
supply line and requires a 3/8 inch SAE (UNF 5/8-18) male
flare fitting as the connection to the refrigerator.
- Put the propane gas supply line up through the floor of the
enclosure.
- Make sure the hole through the floor is large enough allow
clearance for the gas supply line.
- Put a weather resistant seal (grommet, sealant, etc.)
around the gas supply line where it goes through the floor
to prevent vibration and abrasion.
- To prevent vibration and abrasion, make sure that the gas
supply line is not against anything in the enclosure.
- Attach the gas supply line to the bulkhead fitting of the
refrigerator.
Ignition and Start Up
Before ignition or start up of the refrigerator:
- Make sure the air flow in the lower intake vent, through the
refrigerator coils and condenser, and out the upper exhaust
vent is not blocked or decreased.
- Make sure there are no combustible materials in or around
the refrigerator.
Refer to the “Display Codes” section of this manual.
Ignition and start up:
NOTE: If the gas does not ignite in 30 seconds, the gas safety
valve of the refrigerator automatically closes and the
GAS light flashes. To reset the controls, push the
selector switch to the OFF position
AUTO OFF GAS COLD COLDEST
1 2 3 4 5
ON
GAS check if flashing
1 2 4 3
Art01560
Examine the gas supply system for leaks:
WARNING: Do not allow the leak detecting solution to
touch the electrical components. Many liquids are
electrically conductive and can cause electrical shorts
and in some cases, fire.
Use a leak detecting solution to examine the gas supply line
and all propane gas connections for leaks.
If you use compressed air for the test:
- The pressure of the compressed air at the manual shut off
valve of the refrigerator must not be more than 1/2 psig (14
inches Water Column).
- If the pressure of the compressed air is more than 1/2 psig
(14 inches Water Column), remove the gas supply line
from the bulkhead fitting of the refrigerator before the test.
- If the pressure of the compressed air is equal to or less
than 1/2 psig (14 inches Water Column), close the manual
shut off valve of the refrigerator before the test.