Introduction; Refrigerator - Monaco 2002 Diplomat Service Manual

This section covers operation and care of various appliances found in the
motorhome. The motorhome is equipped with a refrigerator, cooktop,
microwave, furnace, water heater, roof air conditioner and several optional
appliances. Many of these appliances operate on AC or DC current, LP-Gas or
a combination of all three.
Detailed information with CAUTION or WARNING
instructions for the various appliances, other than what is
found in this section, can be found in the manufacturer's
manual.
WARNING: Before entering any type of refueling station
make sure all LP-Gas operated appliances are off. Most
LP-Gas appliances used in recreational vehicles are vented to
the outside. When parked close to a gasoline pump it is
possible for fuel vapors to enter this type of appliance and
ignite, resulting in an explosion or fire. Carbon monoxide gas
may cause nausea, fainting or death. Operating an LP-Gas
appliance with inadequate ventilation or partial blockage of
the flue can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not
store flammable liquids such as lighter fluid, gasoline or
propane in the outside refrigerator compartment.
The refrigerator in the motorhome operates on a different principle than a
standard household refrigerator. Knowing these differences should answer
questions or solve problems that may arise. A standard household refrigerator
uses a different type of refrigerant. In a household refrigerator the compressor
pumps refrigerant vapor into a condenser where the heat from the refrigerant
dissipates and the vapor changes to a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is pumped
through a metered orifice or capillary tube at the evaporator. At this time the
refrigerant changes from liquid to a vapor. This change cools the evaporator.
Air is then blown across the evaporator and into the interior of the refrigerator.
This system is efficient as long as 120 Volts AC is available; however, this
does not allow the freedom a recreational vehicle is designed to give.
The motorhome refrigerator uses a combination of fluids and gas for
refrigeration: ammonia, water, sodium chromate and hydrogen gas. This
combination is put into a pressurized cooling unit at approximately 350 psi, is
heated to a gaseous state and then rises to the top of the cooling unit into a
condenser where it forms droplets as it cools. As the vapor condenses it
"extracts or absorbs" heat out from the inside of the refrigerator. Using gravity
the droplets return through the absorber coils to the absorber vessel to start the
process again. To insure longevity and proper operation of the cooling unit
follow the specific instructions for use and care. With the proper care and
maintenance the refrigerator should provide years of trouble-free service.
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DI PL OMAT
Appliances

INTRODUCTION

REFRIGERATOR

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