Frigidaire fdb979gfw1 Installation Instruction

Page of 1
Figure 8e
16 
3
/
8
Dishwasher
Installation
Instructions
Before You  Begin
Read all instructions before installing dishwasher.
For your safety, please read and observe all safety instructions.
This guide will help you anticipate drain, water, and electrical
connections, and help you select the best location for the dishwasher.
Parts You Will  Need* 
(Not Included)
• Drain Hose Clamp, 1
1
/
4
 Diameter
• Elbow,  90° with a 
3
/
8
” National Pipe Thread
• Strain Relief Bushing
• Wire Nuts, two (2) for 12-14 gauge wire
*
 If required:
Available at:
• “Y” Branch Tailpiece and
Plumbing Supply Store
Connector Kit (See Step 4)
• Air Gap Kit (See Step 4)
Plumbing Supply Store
• Fasteners for floor
Hardware Store
anchoring (See Step 10)
Tip Over Hazard
Do not use dishwasher until completely installed.
Do not push down on open door.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious injury.
Electric Shock Hazard
Disconnect electrical power at the fuse box or circuit
breaker box before beginning installation. Failure to
follow this warning could result in death or serious
injury
.
IMPORTANT:  Disconnect power before starting installation.
Electrical
1.
The dishwasher operates on a 120 volt, 60 Hz electrical supply.
Provide a separate circuit with a fuse or circuit breaker rated for at
least 15 amps (20 amps if connected with disposer) but not more
than 20 amps.
2.
Note the locations of electrical supply and dishwasher’s electrical
junction box on right underside of unit behind kickplate assembly.
See Figure 3.
3.
Cut access hole in shaded area shown in Figure 2.
4.
Pull electrical cable through hole into installation area.
Water
1.
Determine where you will connect to hot water supply. Review
Figure 3 and note the location of water inlet valve.
Installation Preparation
2
Property Damage
Do not use the furnished drain hose or a rubber garden hose
for the water supply line. Either of these hoses can burst.
Flooding may occur and cause property damage.
Figure 4
4.
Cut water access hole in shaded area in Figure 2.
5.
Route water supply line into installation area.
IMPORTANT:
Incoming hot water temperature should be at least
120°F (49°C).  Water pressure should be between
20–120 psi.
Drain
1.
Review Figures 5 and 6 to see the different ways to connect
dishwasher to drain system. Choose method that best suits your
need.
2.
If you connect to a sink drain, entry will need to be above trap.
A “Y” branch tailpiece and connector kit, not included, will make
this method easier and includes all needed fittings and
instructions. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
2” Access Hole
Dishwasher
Drain Hose
3.
If you connect to a sink trap, local codes may require you to
install an air gap kit, not included. The drain hose will be routed
from dishwasher to air gap inlet as shown in Figure 6. An air gap
kit is available from a plumbing supply store.
4.
If you connect to a disposer, the large end of drain hose will fit.
Figure 7(a)
The knock out plug must be removed from inside
disposer inlet before making the final fit to drain hose. See
Figure 7(b).
5.
Before cutting drain hose access, check both sides of selected
area to avoid interference. Cut a 2” diameter hole in shaded area
shown in Figure 2.
6.
If the cabinet wall is wood, sand edges of hole until smooth and
rounded. If cabinet wall is metal, cover all sharp edges with
electrical or duct tape to avoid cutting drain hose.
Preparing for the Next Step
1.
Move dishwasher to front of installation area.
2.
If levelers have to be removed, make sure floor is free of all
obstructions. Use caution moving dishwasher to prevent damage
to floor and cabinets.
3.
Follow instructions in Steps 6, 8, and 9 to complete drain,
electrical, and water connections.
• Examine dishwasher and locate connections. 
See Step 4.
• Locate dishwasher where there is easy access to drain, water,
and electrical lines. The best location is on either side of the
kitchen sink for access to existing plumbing and ease in
loading dishes. 
See Step 4.
• Electrical, water, and drain connections are not the same for
all age, brands, or models of dishwashers. Check the location
and length of home utilities. 
See Step 4.
• A 15-20 amp, grounded, 120 volt AC only, electrical supply is
required.   
See Steps 4 and 9.
• If dishwasher drain hose will be connected to a food disposer
for the first time, knock out plug located inside disposer inlet.
See Steps 4 and 6.
• Kinked water or drain hoses can cause problems. Do not
remove drain hose from tub attachment. 
See Step 6.
• Dishwashers need to be connected to a hot water supply with
enough water pressure to insure an adequate fill.                
See
Steps 4 and 8.
• Each home installation differs.  You will need additional parts
listed above to complete your installation. 
See Steps 4 and 8.
• Flush water line prior to making the final connection to prevent
clogging of dishwasher’s filter screen.  
See Step 8.
• The dishwasher will look, sound, and perform best when
properly leveled.  
See Step 7.  (NOTE: If levelers are removed
during installation, make sure the floor is flat and free of any
obstruction.)
• Anchor the dishwasher to countertop. 
See Step 10.
Installation Tips
1
Tools and Materials Needed for
Installation
Drill, Electric
Driver, Socket  
 3
/
16
”, 
1
/
4
 
,
 5
/
16
Flaring Tool / Tube Cutter (for copper tubing)
Flashlight
Gloves (for changing color panels)
Level
Pipe Joint Compound (for iron pipe plumbing) or
Pipe Thread Tape (for sealing threads)
Pliers
Safety Glasses
Saw, Keyhole or 
1
/
2
”, 1
1
/
2
 
 to 2” Hole Cutters
Screw Drivers, Slotted and #2 Phillips  (magnetic tip
preferred)
Tape, Electrical or Duct
Tape, Measuring
Wire Stripper or Utility Knife
Wrench, Hex-end
Wrenches, 2 Adjustable  (for copper tubing)
or 2 Pipe wrenches  (for iron pipe plumbing)
3
Roughing In
Electric Shock Hazard
Observe all local codes and ordinances for electrical
and plumbing connections. All electrical and
plumbing work should be performed by qualified
persons. Failure to follow this warning could result
in death or serious injury
.
1.
Make sure your location has the right drain, water, and electrical
outlets to make the  connections. 
Do not install unit under a
cooktop range. Damage to plastic tub will occur.
90°
90°
1
/
2
6”
24”
6”
1
/
2
7
1
/
2
Hot
Water
Line
Electrical
Wiring
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲
3”
4”
24”
min.
18”
Electrical, water,
and drain lines
must be confined to
shaded area.
Figure 2
Electric Shock Hazard
Electrical, water, and drain lines must be confined
to shaded areas in Figure 2.
Electric conductors, water, and drain could be
damaged.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in
fire or electric shock.
NOTE:  If dishwasher is installed at end of a cabinet line, sides
and back must be fully enclosed.
IMPORTANT: Do not cross drain, water, and electrical lines in
front of dishwasher motor or frame.
4
Connections For Electrical,
Water, and Drain
Right Side
Front
Left Side
Door in
open position
Locating the Connections
1.
Review dimensions in Figure 3 to locate dishwasher’s drain,
water, and electrical connections.
2.
All connections must be made in shaded area in Figure 2.
IMPORTANT:  Do not remove drain hose from side of unit.
24 
1
/
4
23 
7
/
8
49 
1
/
4
22 
1
/
2
3 3
3
/
4
Min.
From rear to
center of water
inlet valve.
3
/
4
From floor to
water inlet
valve.
Floor Line
Figure 3
Junction Box
(not visible)
Cut for 
5
/
8
” connection.
Drain
Motor
End
Cut for 3/4” connection.
Figure 7(a)
Through
Cabinet
2.
Be sure water inlet valve is protected from freezing. If valve
freezes and ruptures, flooding may occur.
3.
Determine amount of tubing needed to connect hot water supply
to the unit’s water inlet valve. Copper tubing must have a
minimum  
3
/
8
” OD.  High-pressure and high-temperature rated
plastic tubing with a minimum inner diameter of  
1
/
4
” may be used.
A shut-off valve installed outside dishwasher cabinet is best. See
Figure 4.
17 
3
/
4
From rear to
junction box.
Trap
Larger end of hose
fits disposer inlet fitting.
Drain Hose
INSTALLER: Leave 
Installation Instructions with owner.
OWNER: Read your dishwasher 
Use and Care Manual. It contains
important safety information for operating this appliance. It also has
many suggestions for getting the best results from your dishwasher.
3.
Locate water inlet valve behind kickplate on bottom left underside
of unit. The valve has a 
3
/
8
” NPT female fitting.
4.
Wrap 90° elbow (not included) with pipe thread tape (or apply joint
compound) and thread it into water inlet valve.
5.
Tighten elbow with a wrench, leaving elbow pointing toward rear of
unit. 
To prevent bending of bracket or breaking of valve, avoid
overtightening.
34
1
/
4
” min.
5
IMPORTANT:  For proper operation and appearance of unit,
cabinet opening should have dimensions as shown in Figure 2. If
unit is to be placed in a corner, there must be at least a 2-inch
side clearance to open door.
2.
Remove any carpet from area to provide motor clearance. 
Floor
should be flat and free of any obstruction.
IMPORTANT:  Drain, water, and electrical lines should be
roughed-in before going any further.
Right Side
Installation
Air Gap
Installing Wood Panels
Removing & Replacing Door
Figure 6
Dishwasher
Drain Hose
Remove Knock out
Plug in Disposer
Figure 7b
2” Access Hole
Right Side
Installation
Right Side
Installation
Remove Knock out
Plug in Disposer
“Y” Branch
Tailpiece
1.
Remove two (2) screws at front of the kickplate assembly
using a #2 Phillips screw driver.
2.
Pull forward to remove. (Figure 1) Models with Sound Baffle,
remove kickplate assembly by pulling down to clear two plastic
posts on bottom of tub. Pull forward to clear front frame.
(Figure 1a)
NOTE:  It is not necessary to remove the outer door for installation.
However, you might find it more convenient to do so. You
can find directions for removing door in Step 5.
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Bottom Screws
Water Inlet
Valve
Kickplate
Assembly       with
Sound Baffle
Water Inlet
Valve
Adjustable
toeplate
not shown
Kickplate
Sound Baffle
Adjustable
Toeplate
Kickplate Assembly
Kickplate
Cut Hazard
Metal color panels are sharp and should be handled
with care. Wear gloves to protect hands.
Failure to follow this warning may result in injury.
Electric Shock Hazard
Disconnect electrical power at the fuse box or circuit
breaker box before beginning installation. Failure to
follow this warning could result in death or serious
injury
.
To Install Custom Wood Panels
On some models, a wood door panel(s) can be customized to match
your cabinets. A panel(s) up to 
1
/
4
” thick may be used to replace the
panel(s) furnished with your unit. A heavy duty door spring kit (Part
No. 154289301) is needed if the panel(s) weighs more than 4 pounds.
This kit is available from your dealer or parts supplier.
1.
Cut wood door panel(s) to the dimensions in Figure 8a.
23 
7
/
32
23 
11
/
32
Single Panel
2-Piece Panel
Divider Trim Strip
23 
7
/
32
Figure 8a
Figure 8b
Figure 8c
Figure 8d
Bottom Trim
Bottom Trim
2.
File or sand edges of wood panel(s) until smooth. To protect wood
panel(s) from humidity, apply a moisture-resistant sealer on sides
and edges.
3.
Unlatch and open door.
Using a Phillips head
screwdriver, remove two (2)
screws from inner door. Save
screws for reassembly. See
Figure 8b
.
4.
Close and latch door 
while
holding both sides.
5.
Place one hand on each
side of door and pull down at
top approximately 
1
/
4
”. Pull
entire door assembly toward
you to remove.
See Figure 8c.
6.
Lay door assembly on flat
surface and pull up on
bottom trim to remove. Slide color panel(s), spacer(s), and divider
trim strip (if included on your model) down and remove. Save
panel(s) and spacer(s) for future
use. See Figure 8d.
7.
Starting at bottom, insert
custom panel inside edges of
door. Push up into place. Note:
If installing 2-piece panel, start
with upper panel and insert
inside edges of door and push
all the way up. Then insert
divider trim strip and push up
until panel fits securely in
channel. Follow same
procedure for lower panel.
See Figure 8e.
Spacer
Color Panel(s)
Figure 8f
6
Finishing the Drain
Connection
Electric Shock Hazard
Plumbing material and drain hose must not come in
contact with wiring or electrical components.
Failure to follow this warning could result in
personal injury from exposed wiring.
1. Move unit into place while routing drain hose through access hole.
Use caution to prevent damage to the dishwasher, floor and
cabinets. IMPORTANT:  Make sure there are no sharp bends or
kinks that might restrict drain flow.
2. Secure drain hose to sink drain, disposer, or separate trap with a
clamp. IMPORTANT:  Be careful not to overtighten clamp or you
may damage end of hose.
 Do not connect hose to horizontal pipe
between sink drain and disposer.
3. Be sure unit does not rest on drain hose. It should be free of
electrical components and door springs. Do not cut corrugated
drain hose.  Pull excess through cabinet and place under sink.
Make sure hose does not come in contact with any sharp edges.
See Figure 10.
The drain hose is looped up the right side
of unit to insure proper drainage.
Do not remove hose from attachment.
Aligning Dishwasher to
Cabinets
7
1.
Space dishwasher inside cabinet area equally on each side.
2.
Adjust front levelers so top of machine is 
1
/
4
” below underside of
countertop. See Figure 11.
3.
Check that dishwasher is level from side to side by placing a
level against the top front section of the tub. See Figure 12a.
4.
Check front to back level by placing level on side of opened
door. See Figure 12b.
5.
Adjust side to side level of dishwasher by turning front levelers
at bottom front of unit. See Figure 11
6.
Adjust rear levelers to level dishwasher from front to back by
turning screws at bottom of unit. See Figure 11.
Figure 12b
7.
If levelers were removed for installation, level unit with shims.
Figure 12a
8.
Replace bottom trim by
fitting slot over bottom
edge of door. Secure
by pressing from one
side to the other.
9.
Reinstall door by fitting
the slots on each side
of top door edge over
the tabs on the metal
liner. Push in to insure
the door is flat. Push
up from bottom until
there is no gap
between door and
control panel. It
may be necessary
to loosen bottom
screw on each side
of control panel for
proper fit when
replacing door.  See
Figure 8f.
10. Unlatch door and
open while
supporting door on
both sides at
bottom to keep in
place. Align screw
holes and replace
screws. Tighten
screws on control
panel if loosened in Step 9.
11. Adjust door springs to balance weight of wood panel. A correct
spring setting allows door to remain horizontal in opened position,
yet will rise to close with slight lift of finger.
12. If necessary, increase tension by moving springs to a hole toward
rear of unit or decrease by moving them toward front.
See Figure 9.
Lower
Raise
Rear Leveler
3
/
16
” Socket
          Front Leveler
Figure 11
Water Line
1.
Flush water line before connecting it to water inlet valve to prevent
early clogging of filter screen.
 Place a bunched towel over end of
line to prevent splashing. Open valve for a few seconds and let
water drain into a pan. 
Turn off water supply   at shut-off valve.
Property Damage
Through
Cabinet
Through
Wall
Through
Floor
Finishing the Water
Connection
Do not solder within 6” of the water inlet valve. Damage to the
plastic parts in the valve may occur.
Use care that no sealer, dirt, or other objects enter the valve.
Damage to the filter screen may occur.
Be sure the dishwasher is placed where the water inlet valve
will be kept from freezing. If the valve freezes, it may rupture
and flooding may occur.
8
Figure 13
2.
Route water line to water inlet valve as shown in Figure 13.
3.
While firmly pulling water supply line into 90° elbow, tightly
connect water supply to water inlet valve. Supply line must be
free of kinks, scales, chips, and lubricants.
4.
Turn on water supply and check for leaks.
5.
If water inlet valve clogs, make sure water supply is off. Remove
four (4) screws at inlet end of valve and clean filter screen.
Finishing the Electrical
Connection
Electric Shock Hazard
Make sure electrical power has been disconnected at fuse box
or circuit breaker box.
The dishwasher must be connected to a grounded metal,
permanent wiring system. The equipment-grounding
conductor must be run with the circuit conductors and
connected to the appliance’s equipment grounding terminal
or lead. It is the consumer’s responsibility to contact a
qualified installer to make sure the electrical installation
conforms with the National Electrical Code and local codes
and ordinances.
Do not connect the dishwasher to the power supply until the
appliance is permanently grounded.
All wiring connections must be enclosed in the junction box.
This unit has copper lead wires.
Joining aluminum building wire to stranded copper wire
should be done by a qualified electrician using materials
recognized by UL and local codes.
Do not use an extension cord. Such use can result in fire,
electrical shock, or other personal injury.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in death or
serious injury.
9
1.
Remove junction box cover and pull house wiring into junction
box. See Figures 14 and 15.
2.
Use a UL listed strain-relief bushing, not included, at box to
stabilize wiring.
IMPORTANT:  Be sure electrical cable is routed behind
dishwasher’s motor and rear frame and away from motor bracket
tines.
Electrical Supply
Securing the Dishwasher
10
Floor Anchoring
This procedure is difficult and should be used only if countertop
mounting brackets cannot be used.
1.
Screw 
1
/
4
” lag screws, not included, through holes provided in
frame rail. See Figure 17.
2.
Use expansion fasteners if floor is concrete.
Figure 17
Use 
1
/
4
” Lag Screws
(not included)
Checking the Installation
1
1
Before starting the dishwasher,
check these items:
All packing materials and consumer literature have been
removed from unit.
Dishwasher is level and securely fastened.
Water and drain lines have no kinks.
Wiring connections to junction box are tight.
Water supply is turned on.
Joints are free of leaks.
Replacing Door
1.
Refer to Step 5, numbers 9 and 10, for replacing outer door.
2.
Turn electrical supply on.
Ground Wire
Junction
Box Cover
Black Wire to
Black Wire (Hot)
White Wire to
White Wire
(Neutral)
Strain Relief
(not included)
Figure 15
Through
Wall
Through
Cabinet
Junction Box
(in place)
Through
Floor
Figure 14
Operate the machine through at
least one fill and pump-out,
checking the following items:
At first fill, make sure water completely covers filter surface.
(Motor pump sound may be heard before water enters unit).
At pump-out, make sure all water is pumped out.
Check water connections again for leaks.
Electric Shock Hazard
If all connections are correct, there are no leaks,
and unit runs properly, replace the kickplate
assembly before placing unit into operation.
Failure to follow this warning could result in
electric shock.
The dishwasher must be secured to keep it from tilting when door
is opened. Choose one of the methods described below to secure
unit.
Countertop Anchoring
1.
Adjust levelers (see Step 7)  so mounting brackets touch
underside of countertop. IMPORTANT: Dishwasher must rest
on floor—do not hang from countertop.
 See Figure 16.
2.
Screw mounting brackets firmly to countertop using screws
provided in literature packet.
3.
Open and close dishwasher door slowly. If door hits mounting
bracket screw heads, adjust front levelers.
3.
Inside junction box, attach ground wire under head of grounding
screw and tighten. See Figure 15.
4.
Connect incoming black lead to dishwasher’s black lead and
incoming white lead to dishwasher’s white lead with wire nuts or
other suitable connectors, not included. Wire nuts should be tight.
5.
Replace junction box cover. See Figure 15.
Reinstalling Kickplate Sound Baffle
Assembly
18 
11
/
16
5
/
16
Figure 9
Move springs toward
rear of dishwasher to
increase tension.
Figure 10
Use Phillips Head Screws #8 x 
5
/
8
(included in the literature packet).
Figure 16
1.
Place adjustable toeplate (leaving insulation attached) in back
of kickplate assembly.
2.
Hold assembly on each side and, with the sound baffle closest
to the dishwasher, place under back side of door. To avoid
damage to the floor, raise assembly slightly and slide back
until it touches the front frame.
3.
Keep assembly flat and aligned on both sides, pull forward
about 
1
/
2
” to 
3
/
4
”. Then rotate assembly up under the dishwasher
until the sound baffle is horizontal and the kickplate is vertical.
4.
Replace two screws in kickplate assembly.
154256102
(5/97)