48 contiguous states - no APO/FPO, HI, AK, PR, or Canada, sorry
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48 contiguous states - no APO/FPO, HI, AK, PR, or Canada, sorry
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home page » gas refrigerator chapter » Servel RGE 400 K kerosene detail page ... you are here
Kerosene refrigerators require no electricity to operate! Heat makes cold through the natural cooling power of evaporation and condensation. A small wick-type kerosene burner heats an ammonia mixture which is permanently sealed inside the service-free cooling coils. The thermostatically controlled flame never shuts off, providing constant cooling unlike electrical compressor refrigerators which cycle off and on. Kerosene refrigerators are exceptionally durable because the constant cycle of evaporation and condensation is performed without any moving parts, which means no mechanical wear and tear. No compressor motor also means no noise and vibration, just peace and quiet.
The Servel RK 400 kerosene refrigerator has all the same features and capacity as the propane gas model including back-up AC electrical power. A small heating coil does the work of the kerosene flame when you run out of fuel. Front openings (below the door) provide ventilation, view of the fuel level pin, and allow easy adjustment of the kerosene wick. Just set the cooling level and the thermostat maintains it, in style (please note that venting is necessary with kerosene refrigerators). White (W) is the only exterior finish available in the kerosene model. The easy-to-clean white interior features adjustable, removeable shelves and door bins for stocking flexibility, plus two vegetable crispers and a battery powered interior light. The large freezer compartment has a 3 position adjustable shelf. Servel makes the ONLY kerosene refrigerator in the American market - propane is a cleaner, better choice, if you can get propane tanks to the site: propane refrigerator. Drop us an email natural@colorado.net with any questions or concerns. The kerosene powered refrigerators are SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS - not always in stock - no credit cards accepted for the keresene fridge. If you email, be sure to include city, state and zip code (residential or business address) for an invoice to purchase or check stock. The propane version is always in stock, but the keresene refridgerator is a rare request.
Servel RK400 kerosene powered refrigerator with freezer
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Servel kerosene refrigerators are a special order item (no credit cards accepted) and can take +/-3 weeks for delivery (200 pound crate on a pallet). Drop us an email natural@colorado.net or fax 720-293-1705 with city, state and zip code (business or residential address?) for an invoice. We must check to be sure motor freight is economically available in your area before securing the order. |
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Kereosene powered refrigerators need their wicks adjusted weekly and their exhaust flues cleaned regularly because of soot build-up from the relatively dirty fuel. Kerosene refrigerator manufacturers do not make their own wick-type burners. Aladdin® supplies all of their kerosene burners, so replacement parts are readily available. Model number is on the side of the burner or on the knob. Replacement parts are available directly from AladdinLamps.com. The Servel/Dometic RK400 kerosine refrigerator uses a full brass #23 Aladdin Burner, which interchanges parts with almost all other Aladdin burners except the #32. The #23 wick burns for approximately 1,200 hours (50 days), so you need eight for a full year of 24/7 operation. All other parts will last for many years. It is not unusual to get twenty years out of an Aladdin burner with proper care and handling. We suggest also getting one spare flame spreader, 67/40 flue, and a wick raiser to make it easier when cleaning. Rather than shutting down unit while replacing wick and cleaning parts, you can simply exchange them. Always having an extra/spare burner assembly on hand would be wise in a remote location. The burner assembly and 67/40 (40mm tall) #23 burner flues are not that easy to break, but you never know.
| Americana 400 Specifications | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | RGE 400B | RGE 400W | RK 400W | |
| Exterior color | Bisque | White | White | |
| Fuel | LP gas | LP gas | Kerosene | |
| Electrical | 120V AC 60 Hz/325W |
120V AC 60 Hz/325W |
120V AC 60 Hz/325W |
|
| Dimensions | ||||
| Height | 63-1/2" | 63-1/2" | 70-1/2" | |
| Width | 23" | 23" | 23-3/8" | |
| Depth | 26-1/2" | 26-1/2" | 27-3/16" | |
| Weight | 167.4 lbs. | 167.4 lbs. | 189 lbs. | |
| Door hang | Right | Right | Right | |
| Tank volume | N/A | N/A | 2.5 US gal. | |
| Energy use in 24 hrs., avg.* | ||||
| Electricity | 3.9 kwh | 3.9 kwh | 3.9 kwh | |
| Fuel | 1.1 lb. | 1.1 lb. | .24 gal. | |
*
Electrical consumption figures are for backup power when out of gas.
Average consumption in 24 hours at 77°F annual ambient temperature
according to ISO standards. Actual performance may vary.
keresene fridge general installation and operation tips
Non-electric appliances such as a gas refrigerator / freezer are must-have items for "off-the-grid" sustainable living.
When you're generating your own electricity, it's not cost effective to operate large "energy hog" conventional electric kitchen appliances.
In order to keep your photovoltaic array and battery collection at a reasonable size, you'll need to buy an all-gas range, a gas hot water heater, and a non-electric refrigerator.
Inverters and generators simply can't be run non-stop and expected to last for any length of time.
Gas powered absorption cooling systems are very quiet and much more dependable than an electric refrigerator with no compressor or other moving parts to ever wear out.
A tiny pilot light is all that's needed to keep your food cold without electricity!
Click on this link: Installation Manual for the manufacturer's Servel RK400 instructions.
Their manual is filled with basic troubleshooting and operating tips - here's a few extra things to keep in mind with ANY kerosene refrigerator from ANY manufacturer:
ALWAYS have a professional plumber install your gas appliance and test
ALWAYS leave the house and then call 911 if you ever smell keresene leak
ALWAYS leave the house and then call 911 if you ever smell ammonia leak
NEVER install a kerosene appliance on carpeting or against a flammable wall
NEVER leave your kerosene appliances running unattended while on vacation
NEVER try to cool an empty kerosene fridge - it confuses the thermostat
The same advice applies to electrical or keresene refrigerators: refrigerating just air is relatively impossible.
You should always have something in the freezer and refrigerator compartments for the thermostat to sense the temperature.
If you run the unit with an empty freezer (or refrigerator compartment), the thermostat will cycle on more often, using much more fuel.
Your unit will reach temperature quicker and maintain it more effectively when you load the freezer and refrigerator with frozen milk jugs full of water.
ALWAYS allow a kerosene refrigerator to sit idle for at least 24 hours after moving
Transporting a kerosene refrigerator shakes the ammonia mixture in the cooling tubes causing bubbles to appear.
After moving into place, be sure to let it sit for at least a day to settle out the bubbles.
Vapor lock can occur, if not allowed to settle out, causing the refrigerator to fail to reach lower temperatures.
Consult the factory techs at 800-544-4881 if this happens.
Typically the unit is "burped" by turning upside down for 24 hours and then right side up for another 24 hours.
ALWAYS level your kerosene refrigerator (front to back and side to side)
In the boiler of the cooling unit, ammonia vapor is distilled from ammonia-water mixture and carried to the finned condenser where it liquifies.
The liquid flows to the evaporator inside the refrigerator where it creates cold by evaporating into the circulating hydrogen gas.
If the evaporator is not level, the liquid may accumulate forming pockets which may impair the gas circulation or block it completely, in which case cooling will stop.
NEVER install a keresene refrigerator designed for residential use in a moving vehicle
The Servel RGE400K units are not designed for mobile home, boat or recreational vehicle use.
When a kerosene refrigerator is in motion, say in a vehicle, boat, or trailer, the continuous rolling and pitching movement will not affect the actual cooling operation of the unit, but not being level will.
Safety with gas/kerosene appliances is the main issue, though.
An open flame is simply dangerous in a moving vehicle.
Once you reach a stationary point for an extended period, the gas/kerosene refrigerator must be level and stable for correct operation.
Operation on back-up electrical power is recommended when in motion, but be sure to empty kerosene out of unit.
ALWAYS allow at least minimum clearances (16" top, 2" sides & back).
Servel and Dometic state minimum clearances of 16 inches top and 2 inch on all sides, but additional air flow is better and makes the units more efficient.
The 16 inch top clearance is critical to proper operation of a kerosene burner - combustion fumes need to vent up and out unobstructed.
The more ventilation around the unit the better, though, and keep the unit out of direct sunlight to reduce energy needs.
Never, ever install any gas/kerosene burning appliance on a carpeted floor or near flammable objects on walls.
Ideally, the wall behind should be built of fire-proof materials or at least covered with non-flammable metal.
Always equip the supply tank with a professionally set regulator at 11" water column level (propane only)
This is very important to ensure efficient operation and is a standard of propane devices.
Your home's propane tank should already be equipped with a two stage regulator (as per code).
Please note that the refrigerator and its individual shut off valve must be disconnected from the gas supply piping system during any pressure testing of that system at test pressures in excess of 1/2 psig (3.5kPa).
At pressures less than that, the manual shut off valve may simply be closed.
NEVER install kerosene appliances in unventilated (air tight) structures or sleeping rooms
Gas/kerosene refrigerators consume air (oxygen) when operated on gas/kerosene power.
When used in any inside area, provide a fresh air opening of at least 3 square inches (20mm) and run an insulated 2 inch (min) inside diameter vent pipe straight up through the roof.
It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector be installed in the same room as the gas refrigerator.
NEVER run the electrical power and gas/kerosene power thermostats at the same time
Backup electrical power 110 volt AC operation is STANDARD equipment on the Servel gas fridge.
Should you ever run out of gas, it's very handy.
Just be certain to never run both heaters at the same time.
Serious damage will result to the cooling unit if you do.
ANY gas/kerosene refrigerator's freezer compartment is not designed for quick freezing large quantities of food
It is recommended that all foods be pre-frozen before being placed into the freezer compartment.
If you need to put unfrozen food into the freezer, add no more than it will freeze within 24 hours (about 2 pounds per cubic foot of freezer space adding up to 5 pounds per 4 hours until freezer is full).
Keeping the refrigerator as full as possible (leave air space between packages) helps with cooling as does keeping the unit out of direct sunlight.
Always have a licensed professional plumber install your gas/kerosene appliance and test for leaks
A complete installation and operation manual is included with every appliance and must be read before installing and using.
We can not be held responsible for any damage to property or to persons caused by incorrect installation or improper use of any appliance.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to its products when considered necessary and useful, without affecting the essential safety and operating characteristics.
We are therefore not responsible for any inaccuracies due to printing, transcription, or conversational errors, whether contained in this site, any printed source, or relayed in person.
shipping and handling for Servel RGE400K kerosene refrigerator
Servel kerosene refrigerators are a special order item (no credit cards accepted) and can take 3-6 weeks for delivery (200 pound crate on a pallet). Drop us an email natural@colorado.net or fax 720-293-1705 with city, state and zip code (business or residential address?) for an invoice. If the unit arrives damaged and unacceptable, refuse shipment and it will go back to Denver and be replaced after it arrives. Be certain to inspect all cartons prior to accepting (unpacking the carton is suggested) as the freight company, Servel and/or TheNaturalHome.com cannot be held responsible for concealed ("hidden") damages found later. If a replaceable part is broken or the merchandise is only very slightly cosmetically damaged, you may elect to accept it and pursue an insurance claim against the freight company instead. If you intend to file a freight claim, be sure to note damage on the bill of lading before signing and accepting delivery. Authorized returns for refund may be subject up to fifteen percent restocking fee and must be in the original carton in new unused condition, returned freight prepaid to Denver. Actual freight cost for delivery would be deducted from balance due any return for refund. Here's our full Terms of Service Agreement
manufacturer's limited warranty
Seller (manufacturer) is the Dometic Corporation ("Dometic/Servel"). This Warranty is made only to the First Purchaser (hereafter called the "Original Purchaser") who acquires this refrigerator for their own use. This Warranty will be in effect for one year from the date of purchase by the Original Purchaser. It is suggested that the Original Purchaser retain a copy of the dated bill of sale as evidence of the date of purchase. This Warranty applies only to Dometic/Servel refrigerators installed and operated within the continental U.S.A. and Canada. This refrigerator and all of its parts are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use. This Warranty does not cover conditions unrelated to the material or workmanship of the refrigerator. Such unrelated conditions include, but are not limited to (a) faulty installation or venting and any danage resulting from either; (b) the need for normal maintenance (including the cleaning of the burner jet and flue tube and the adjustment to the gas pressure regulator), and any damage resulting from the failure to provide such maintenance; (c) failure to follow Seller's instructions for use of the refrigerator; and (d) any accident to, or misuse of, any part of this refrigerator and any alteration by anyone other than Seller or its authorized representative. In order to obtain the benefits of this Warranty, the Original Purchaser should contact Seller for location of a service center at 800-544-4881. In Canada call: 519-653-4390. Be sure to have the model and serial number of the Dometic/Servel appliance for reference. If the Dometic/Servel dealer or service center finds an item defective in material or workmanship, they will repair or replace it without charge for the material or labor. Any item which is replaced will not be returned to the Original Purchaser and becomes the property of the Dometic/Servel dealer or service center. In the event any selling dealer or Dometic/Servel service center fails to provide satisfaction for a warranty claim, the Original Purchaser should contact Seller. The Seller does not authorize any person or company to create any warranty obligation or liability on their behalf. In no event shall Seller be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. Any implied warranty, including the implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for any purpose, is limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. At time of registration, you may choose to purchase an additional four year cooling unit replacement plan for $59.95 (extended warranty on cooling system) from Seller.
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