Thetford N4000 Series, N4080, N4090, N4141, N4142, N4145 Manual

Introduction

General
This is the installation manual for the Thetford N4000 series refrigerator. The manual is meant for qualified installers who will install the refrigerator in a caravan or camper. Read the information and instructions carefully and follow them strictly to install the refrigerator safely and correctly. Also read the warnings in the user manual before testing the refrigerator after installation. This document is version 691830/0424-V06 of the installation manual. Our policy is one of continuous development and improvement. Specifications and illustrations may change subsequent to publication. Please visit www.thetford.com for the most recent version.

Serviceability

The installer of Thetford products is responsible for correct installation according to the Thetford installation instructions to ensure the functionality and serviceability of the product.
In terms of serviceability, this means that a dealer or authorised Thetford service partner must be able to remove and re-install the Thetford product within the time that is allowed according to the Thetford time-list, using standard tools and equipment.
This is to claim any warranty during the warranty period after the purchase date.
In case of any queries on this subject, a Thetford local service representative can be contacted for additional support related to the installation of the product.

Designation codes, drawings and models

Each product has a specific identification code, the designation code. The designation code can be found on the data badge. See chapter Service & questions for the location of the data badge. The different positions of the code stand for different variations of the refrigerator. In these instructions, the designation will be used as reference.

Table 1: Designation example

Gas specifications

Before installation

Read the applicable instructions in chapter Safety first.

Content of the box
For the single-piece packaged appliance, check the content:

• Appliance
• Shelves, drawers and bins
• Installation package
• User manual
• Installation manual

If something is missing, please contact your dealer.

Only small refrigerators: carry the refrigerator at the strap handles on top. Do not use your knee to lift the refrigerator.

Installation dimensions

The indicated dimensions refer to the cabinet enclosure of the appliance.
Ensure that the furniture panelling is able to handle the forces created by the connection.
When a model N4141 or N4142 refrigerator is put next to a wall, it is important to keep a minimum distance of 15mm between the door and the wall, to be able to open the door completely.
For flat door models, excluding N4080, there is also the possibility to build in the refrigerator in such a way that the refrigerator door is aligned with the front of the installation cabinet.

Table 3: Mounting dimensions

*Height is including feet (8mm), except for models N4141 and N4142. Models N4141 and N4142 have no feet. For these models, maintain a minimum distance of 12mm from the floor to prevent the door from scratching the floor.

Preparations
Make sure the refrigerator can be installed on a flat and stable floor. For optimum performance the refrigerator must be level. Performance is still guaranteed within the limit of ±2.5 degrees.

Notice that the tilt of the chassis or floor can already be a few degrees.

Ventilation
The refrigerator performance depends on good ventilation through two vents in the wall of the vehicle. Cold air comes in through the lower vent, passes the cooling unit and leaves hot through the upper vent.

Vents are available at authorised local Service Centres. For further instructions, see the installation instructions of the vents.

• Combustion gasses will be extracted via the heat cap (1) through the upper vent, when installed properly.
• For PVC tubes and/or water tubes within the sealing space, Thetford recommends using a heat shield or creating a minimum distance of 35mm (2) between heat cap and tubes.

Table 4: Vent size

Vent position
The recommended installation is when the vents are not covered.
See Table 2: Available drawings and modelsfor the applicable 2D-drawing for more detailed installation information.

When installation is next to the caravan door, make sure that there will be at least a 25mm distance between the vents and the door.

1. Min. 25mm

Make sure that combustion gases can not enter the living area.

Power supply
The refrigerator is designed for powering by liquid gas (propane, butane or a mixture of these both), 12V DC or 230V AC.

Connection points
The connection points for gas, electricity and CI-bus are located at the rear of the refrigerator.

1. Electricity connection point
2. Gas connection point

CI-bus connection point.

The CI-bus connection is not available for models with a battery pack.
Do not use the CI-bus cable clip to guide any other cables than the CI-bus connector cable.
For detailed information about the type and dimensions of the inlet of the gas tube technical drawings are available upon request.

Wiring diagram
To connect AC and DC power supply use this diagram:

11. orange
12. purple
13. black
14. red
15. white
16. DC connection
17. AC connection

Refer to the sticker on the refrigerator for the complete wiring diagram.
See Table 2: Available drawings and modelsfor the applicable 2D-drawing for connector set-up.

2-way option
When the 2-way option is connected, the 12V DC power supply will be deactivated and only the gas and AC power supply are available. To use the 2-way option, connect the wiring according to this diagram:

1. 12V connector to the Power Control Board (provided by Thetford)
2. Build a cable bridge (to be done by OEM)

Installing door panel
To match the refrigerator with the interior, a door panel can be installed.
For all models (exept N4141/N4142)

• Demount the door from the refrigerator.
  

• Slide the door panel into the holder.
• Install the panel retainer.
  

• Reinstall the door in reverse order.

For N4141/N4142

• Remove the cabinet door.
  

• For N4141: Slide the panels in the door and the drawer (A).
• For N4142: Slide the panels in the door (A).
• Click the panel retainer(s) in place (B).
  
  

Table 5: Panel sizes

Measurements are based on form-retaining material.

Door conversion
If needed the side in which the refrigerator door opens can be reversed.
Images may differ from your model.

N4141/N4142

• Open the door a little and push the hinge pin down with a screwdriver (1).
• Pull the hinge corner to the front (2).
• Lift the door (3) out of the hinges.
  

• Move the lock (4) on the refrigerator from one side to the other.
• Move the hinges, hinge pin, hinge hole plug, the handle (5) and the travel lock (if equipped) on the door, from one side to the other.
• Mount the door back on the hinges.
  

For all other models
To convert the door(s) on the other models, a Thetford door conversion kit is necessary. Refer to the installation instructions supplied with the kit.

Installation

Read the applicable instructions in chapter Safety first.

Connecting gas

• Connect an 8mm gas tube to the gas connecting point of the refrigerator.

Connecting electrical supplies

• Connect the AC and DC power supply according to the sticker on the refrigerator and the values mentioned in Technical specifications.
• To connect the refrigerator to the compatible central control board of the vehicle, use the CI-bus protocol (please refer to www.civd.de).

Installing

• Slide the refrigerator to the back of the furniture.
• Fix the refrigerator in place with the screws, using the pre-drilled positions in the cabinet.
• Use the white caps for finishing.
• The refrigerator has fixating points both on the left and right side of the cabinet.
  For the models N4141, N4142, N4145, N4150, N4170 and N4175 6 screws and 6 white caps are supplied. For the models N4080 and N4090 4 screws and 4 white caps are supplied.
  

• Seal the refrigerator from the living area.
  As an example how to do this: apply strips to the rear and sides (B) of the refrigerator and fix the upper and lower flap (A) of the combustion sealing.
  

• Install the vents.
  Use the proper vents for your refrigerator model. The correct measurements are shown in Before installation.

Installing vents
Upper vent 186 x 483mm

• Option 1 (preferred): Install the upper vent in the wall of the vehicle at the top of the refrigerator.
  
  1. Min. 110mm

• Option 2: Provide ventilation through a chimney on the roof.
  

Make sure, that with a chimney on the roof, the refrigerator is still accessible for service.

Upper vent 257 x 432mm

• Option 1 (preferred): Install the upper vent in the wall of the vehicle at the top of the refrigerator.
  
  1. 135 ± 5mm
  2. Min. 130mm

• Option 2: Install the upper vent in line with the top of the refrigerator.
  
  1. 135 ± 5mm
  2. 0 ± 5mm

• Option 3: Install the upper vent with a baffle (3) from the bottom of the condenser (4). Baffle dimensions:
  • If (1) is 140-150mm, then baffle (3) should be 30mm.
  • If (1) is 150-160mm, then baffle (3) should be 40mm.
  • If (1) is 160-170mm, then baffle (3) should be 50mm.
    
    1. 140-170mm
    2. > 70mm

Upper vent 281 x 523mm

• Install the upper vent in the wall of the vehicle at the top of the refrigerator.
  
  1. Min. 175mm

After installation

Read the applicable instructions in chapter Safety first.

Visual checks
Check if:

• All packaging materials have been removed.
• Sealing has been applied correctly.
• Drain hose is not pinched or blocked, has free access to the outside and the correct angle to drain.
• Ventilation openings are not blocked.
• Electrical cables are not pinched or damaged.
• Electrical cables are not routed close to heat sources (such as hob, oven or heater) and ignition sources.
• Electrical connectors are seated correctly.

Functional checks
Check if:

• Appliance can be switched on/off.
• All piping and connections do not leak.
• Appliance can operate on gas, and if the gas pressure is according specification.
• Refrigerator cools correctly, this means at 25 degrees Celsius ambient temperature the empty cooling cabinet should reach <5 degrees Celsius in 8 hours.
• Light (if present) in the cooling compartment is working.
• Vegetable bins can be removed from the appliance.
• Door can be closed correctly.

Service & questions

Read the applicable instructions in chapter Safety first.

Service
Before any service work is started, the appliance should have been left to cool and be disconnected from both the gas and electrical supplies. After each service the appliance must be checked for electrical safety, gas soundness and must be sealed from the living area.

Questions
If you have questions about your product, parts, accessories or authorised services visit www.thetford.com. If you contact an authorised local Service Centre in your country, provide the details of the model and serial number plus the date of purchase.

EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS
Thetford B.V.
P.O. Box 169
4870 AD Etten-Leur
The Netherlands
T +31 76 504 22 00
F +31 76 504 23 00
E info@thetford.eu

FRANCE
Thetford S.A.R.L.
Parc BUROPLUS / Bâtiment 6
18, Boulevard de la Paix
CS 80008
95895 Cergy Pontoise Cedex
France T +33 1 30 37 58 23
F not available
E infof@thetford.eu

SCANDINAVIA
Thetford Scandinavia Bangatan 6
521 43 Falköping
Sverige
T +46 31 336 35 80
F not available
E infos@thetford.eu

UNITED KINGDOM
Thetford Ltd.
Unit 6
Brookfields Way
Manvers, Rotherham S63 5DL, England
United Kingdom
T +44 844 997 1960
F +44 844 997 1961
E infogb@thetford.eu

ITALY
Thetford Italy c/o Tecma s.r.l.
Via Flaminia
Loc. Castel delle Formiche
05030 Otricoli (TR)
Italia
T +39 0744 709071
F +39 0744 719833
E infoi@thetford.eu

AUSTRALIA
Thetford Australia Pty. Ltd.
130-132 Freight Drive Somerton VIC 3062
Australia
T +61 3 9358 0700
F not available
E infoaus@thetford.com.au
www.thetford.com.au

GERMANY
Thetford GmbH
Schallbruch 14 D-42781
Haan Deutschland
T +49 2129 94250
F +49 2129 942525
E infod@thetford.eu

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
Mercè Grau Solà
Agente para España y Portugal
C/ Castellet, 36 bxs 2a
08800-Vilanova i la Geltrú
Barcelona España
T +34 938 154 389
F not available
E infosp@thetford.eu

CHINA
Thetford China
Rm. 1207, Coastal Building
(East Block) Haide 3rd Road, Nanshan District
Shenzen, 518054 China
T +86 755 8627 1393
F +86 755 8627 1673
E info@thetford.cn
www.thetford.cn

Safety

The Thetford N4000 series is a range of absorption refrigerator suitable of running on running on three different power sources; gas, 12V, and 230V. The refrigerator automatically selects the best power source. Please read the safety instructions carefully before using the appliance.

General
Risk of serious injury through and electrocution or damage to the appliance.

• Make sure the appliance is transported and handled in the upright position, or on its side with the electronics facing down.
• Do not modify this appliance, unless the modification is authorised and carried out by the manufacturer or their agent.
• If the appliance is not installed in accordance with national and European regulations, rules and standards this will void the warranty and may lead to criminal prosecution.
• Incorrect installation or maintenance of the refrigerator may cause physical injury and/ or damage to the refrigerator.
• Do not use the drawer as a step or ladder.

Installation
Risk of serious injury through burns, explosion, suffocation, electrocution, fire and poisoning or damage to the appliance.

• This appliance should only be installed by a qualified and certified professionals.
• Only a qualified person is allowed to install the refrigerator and its electrical and gas components.
• Install the refrigerator in accordance with the local/national laws.
• Wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment during the installation.
• The electrical connections and gas components must be installed in accordance with the latest technical regulations.
• Never lift or handle a refrigerator at the power supply cables.
• When positioning the appliance, ensure cables is not trapped or damaged.

• Install the electrical and gas connections in such a way that wires can't come into contact with hot or sharp parts.
• Route the cables away from the appliance and other heat sources.
• The refrigerator must be installed in a way that allows easy access for maintenance and repairs.
• Make sure the power plug is accessible so that the appliance can be disconnected from the supply after installation.
• To avoid a hazard due to instability of the appliance, it must be fixed in accordance with the instructions.
• Do not screw into the refrigerator cabinet.
• The performance of the refrigerator may be affected by adjacent heat sources such as an oven or stove. Protect the refrigerator against any heat sources by fitting insulation.
• Make sure no equipment that produces sparks or flames is installed close to the cooling system.

Ventilation

• Make sure vents cannot be blocked by the door or other objects. An insufficient air supply can result in incomplete combustion, the forming of carbon monoxide and reduction of cooling performance.
• Ensure that vent openings are not obstructed (e.g. by opening a door) and are able to vent freely.
• In order to prevent the risk of fire in the event of uncontrolled leakage of the refrigerant system, make sure that the refrigerant charge per net room volume does not exceed 8 g/m ³ . Net room volume is defined as the gross room volume minus the volume of any product, equipment, or objects located in the living area. The refrigerant charge amount can be found on the serial label.

• The fully installed refrigerator must allow proper and complete discharge of combustion gases. Combustion gases may contain carbon monoxide. Inhalation of this gas may cause tightness of the chest, dizziness and can lead to death.
• If the lower vent is not on floor level, make sure all unburned gas will go to the outside (for example via a hole in the floor).
• Pay close attention to current regulations on ventilation in the country of use. The installation must provide for adequate air supply for combustion to the burners, safe removal of combustion products and avoidance of accumulation of unburned gases.
• To cool the system and to supply the burner with sufficient airflow, make sure that there is always sufficient ventilation through the outside vents.

Gas

• The gas pipe has to be installed free of tension.
• Never use rubber tubing.
• The refrigerator must be sealed from the living area of the caravan or motor home according EN1949. Air for the burner must not be drawn from the living area of the caravan or motor home and combustion gases must not enter the living area.
• Combustion gases must always be discharged upwards.

Electrical

• The electronic connections must be installed in accordance with the latest technical regulations.
• The electrical connections have to comply with EN60335.
• Do not locate multiple portable socket-outlets or portable power supplies at the rear of the appliance.
• There is no load dump protection circuit present on the CI-bus refrigerator electronics. Thetford requires that a load dump circuit (which complies with the relevant regulations) is installed on the CI-bus master if the refrigerator is connected to the CI- bus.
• The ground on the CI-bus connector should not be connected. Ensure that the refrigerator is using the same power supply ground as the CI-bus master unit. The ground on the CI-bus connector is only needed when using, for example, an external CI-bus service tool.
• The bridge D+ with LC+ can drain the battery, when cooling on DC/12V while the engine is not running.
• It is obligated to connect the AC wiring to a properly earthed power point.
• Cables, except heater cables, should not touch the burner box.

Commissioning
Risk of health issues or damage to the appliance.

• Do not switch on the appliance without first carrying out the visual and functional checks.
• If the appliance has been transported and/or been laid on its side, let it stay upright for 30 minutes before switching on.
• The refrigerator only runs on liquid gas (propane, butane or a mixture of these both). It does not run on natural gas or coal gas.
• It is recommended to use an additional filter when operating on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
• Any error messages coming from the refrigerator and shown on the master display, should not disturb the driver. For example: lights and/or sounds coming from the master display while driving.

Service
Risk of serious injury through burns, explosion, suffocation, electrocution, fire and poisoning or damage to the appliance.

• This appliance should only be serviced by a qualified and certified professionals.
• Never expose the refrigerator to water or moisture.

Documents / Resources

References

• Thetford North America: Trustworthy RV Products for Adventure
• Caravaning Industrie Verband e.V. - Caravaning
• Caravan Supplies in Australia | Caravan and Camping Accessories | Thetford Australia
• 赛特福德

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Download Thetford N4000 Series, N4080, N4090, N4141, N4142, N4145 Manual