Sea Frost DC 5000 User Manual

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START UP PROCEDURE AND PERIODIC INSPECTION 
 
ATTENTION new SEA FROST owner or operator!  PLEASE DO NOT 
OPERATE THE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM UNTIL YOU READ THIS. 
 
WARNING!  Your SEA FROST System can be severely damaged and your warranty 
will be invalid if these steps are not followed closely.  Please read the information here 
before proceeding to operate your system for the first time. 
 
BREAK-IN PERIOD.  LIMIT COMPRESSOR RUNNING TIMES TO THIRTY MINUTES 
FOR THE FIRST TWO HOURS OF OPERATION. THIS SHOULD BE FOUR 
SEPARATE THIRTY-MINUTE OPERATIONS WITH A REST PERIOD OF AN HOUR 
OR MORE BETWEEN THEM.  
 
1)  Locate the SEA FROST Receiver/Filter/Drier (RFD).  The location of this part varies 
from boat to boat, but it is often found in the compartment with the DC 5000, in a locker, 
or beneath the cabin sole.  It is a blue metal can about 9 inches high and 3 inches in 
diameter, with brass fittings connecting it to copper tubing.  If you do not locate the RFD 
quickly, follow the route of refrigeration copper tubing, from the DC 5000 to the icebox.  
Along the route you will find the RFD.  The RFD has a sight glass for viewing the flow of 
refrigerant. 
 
2) Check to be sure the proper sea cocks are open. 
 
3) Start the DC 5000 by turning on the thermostat.  The red indicator light should light, 
indicating 12-volt power is available and that the system is operating.  Check the 
overboard discharge to be sure water is being pumped. 
 
4)  With the system running look at the sight glass in the RFD. 
 
5)  MONITOR THE SIGHT GLASS CONTINUALLY.  White FOAM should appear in the 
sight glass indicating that refrigerant is present.  This foam may disappear quite quickly, 
but IF NO FOAM IS EVIDENT, that is, if the sight glass does not show the presence of 
refrigerant within a minute or two of operation the system is dead flat.  DO NOT 
CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM.  OPERATION IN THIS MODE WILL RUIN 
THE COMPRESSOR.
  Switch off the DC 5000 to prevent operation until the problem is 
corrected.  CALL US AT 603-868-5720. 
 
6)  If white foam is evident watch closely for a transition from foam to clear:  a clear 
sight glass indicates a sufficiently charged system.  This point can be missed if proper 
attention is not given.  A FULL SIGHT GLASS AND AN EMPTY GLASS LOOK THE  
SAME!  It is possible for the sight glass to show large, almost stationary bubbles even 
when the charge is sufficient, so it is important to differentiate between "foam" and 
larger “bubbles”.  The foam condition has velocity and direction, but the larger 
bubbles are nearly stationary.
  If the foam does not clear, the system is low on 
charge. CALL US AT 603-868-5720 for trouble shooting and correction help.