Recreational

Vehicle
Equipment
Specialists

PORTABLE COMBINATION
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZERS

12 / 24 VOLT - BATTERY
220 VOLT - MAINS

LOWEST AVERAGE
POWER CONSUMPTION
IN SOUTH AFRICA

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE GREATEST SATISFACTION FROM YOUR
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER, IT IS RECOMMENDED YOU STUDY THE
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
 CONTENTS
● COMPANY PROFILE 1
● SAFETY INSTRUCTION / SAFETY HINTS/ DEFROSTING 2
● FREEZER CALENDAR / INSTALLATION AND POSITIONING 3
● RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE SETTINGS 3
● HOT AND HIGH HUMIDITY CLIMATES / FREEZER STORAGE GUIDE 4
● FEATURES AND PARTS LOCATION 5
● FLOOR MOUNTING PLATE 6
● TURBO FREEZE AND BATTERY MANAGER - OPTIONAL FITMENT 6
● ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT 7
● SETTING THE ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT 7
● TRAILER/CARAVAN POWER CONNECTIONS 8
● CONNECTIONS AND WIRING 8
● POWER PACK 9
● BATTERY INFORMATION AND GLOSSARY OF TERMS 10/11/12
● SPLIT CHARGING SYSTEMS 13
● CARE AND CLEANING 14
● TROUBLE SHOOTING 14
● INFORMATION ON STAINLESS STEEL 15
● DIMENSIONS 16
● MAINTENANCE 17
● GUARANTEE 18
● RUST FREE GUARANTEE / SERVICE NUMBER 19

COMPANY PROFILE
In the early 1990's, NATIONAL LUNA was very active in the solar electrical market and rapid
expansion was being made in the areas of low cost housing and remote medical stations where
no Eskom electricity was available. One of the greatest demands at the time, was that of medical
vaccine refrigeration which had to meet the very stringent World Health Organization's specifications.
Development of such a refrigerator took place and was launched in 1993.
A number of these refrigerators were sold to customers who used them in their remote lodges on
game farms as well as being placed at the back of 4x4 vehicles. As time passed, a greater demand
for our high quality 4x4 refrigerator unit evolved. During 1998 it was decided to develop a full
range of specialized 4x4 refrigerator/freezer units to meet this increasing demand. This new
product has evolved from field experiences derived not only from our own, but that of many 4x4
enthusiasts and resulted in a refrigerator/freezer range that is very robust in design, utilizes very
little power from the battery, and is fitted with management information indicators which allows
the user to understand exactly how the refrigerator is operating.
1
 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

! (E) Earth

!
WARNING !
This Green and
appliance Yellow
MUST be
earthed ● CAUTION! IF THE POWER SUPPLY
Connect 3 pin CORD IS DAMAGED IT MUST BE
REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER
plug as
(N) Neutral (L) Live OR IT S SERVICE AGENT OR A
follows :
Blue Brown SIMILARLY QUALIFIED PERSON IN
ORDER TO AVOID A HAZARD.

SAFETY HINTS
Do not store bottled food The unit must not be
Never splash water/liquids
or drinks when in the operated next to explosive
onto the appliance
freezer mode gases

1 2 3

Do not use flammable Do not put volatile This refrigerator is not

sprays near the unit when chemicals such as benzine suitable for the storage of
it is in operation in the refrigerator corrosive chemicals or liquids˚

4 5 6

DEFROSTING
• Disconnect the power supply. Failure to disconnect the power supply may result
in electrical shock or personal injury.

• Remove all food and baskets from the freezer and store in a cool place.
• Leave the freezer door open. To speed up the process, place a plastic bowl of hot water in the
freezer.
• Once the ice has melted and the water has been removed, clean and dry the freezer section.
• Replace food and baskets.
• Do not forget to reconnect the power supply.

NB. Never hack/chip at the ice with a plastic or metal tool in an attempt to hasten the process.

2
 HOT & HIGH HUMIDITY CLIMATES

If you are operating your refrigerator in a hot or humid climate it is important to follow these tips.

● Never store uncovered liquids or food in the compartment. This causes excessive moisture
to enter the evaporator area and may hamper operation.
● Make sure the refrigerator door is properly closed and sealed. Remove any objects that
might prevent the door from closing completely.
● Warm temperatures and high humidity affect the way your refrigerator operates.
See the Temperature Controls section on how to set the controls. (Page 7).
● Keep the refrigerator door gasket dry. Stagnant water can cause mildew to grow.
● Ensure that the refrigerator is positioned so that no obstruction of the ventilation grill occurs.
● Leave the door open when not in use.

FREEZER STORAGE GUIDE

Listed below are some tips to assist you when freezing food or packing your freezer.
Allow 1 hour of operating time before loading the freezer. When bulk freezing, load the freezer in stages
approximately 25% of the total freezer space and allow to freeze before further loading.
Divide food into reasonable portions, sized according to your requirements.
When freezing meat cutlets, chops etc., insert plastic or foil between the portions before wrapping.
This will ensure easy separation.

1 ● Always allow food to 2 ● When freezing liquids or

cool before placing soft foods never fill the containers
in the freezer. to the maximum.
During freezing some liquids
increase their volume by
approximately 10%.

3 ● All food should be 4

sealed or in airtight
● Never exceed the expiry date on
containers. the frozen foods.
This will There is a freezer calendar guide
ensure prolonged on page 3 of this instruction guide.
nutritional value
and avoid the mixing
of tastes and odours.

4
 FEATURES AND PARTS LOCATION
1
6 7 9 14 12 13

16

3 8
2

10

15
4 11

The NATIONAL LUNA refrigerator/freezer is fitted with a

12 volt DC auxiliary socket which allows the power pack
to run a 12 volt fluorescent light directly off the refrigerator.

1. Solid Lid 55mm Insulation 9. Electronic Thermostat

2. Hi Density Polyurethane Foam Cabinet 10. Base Plate Mounting Holes (underneath)
3. Stainless Steel Locking Catch
11. Built in Power Pack with Automatic change over
4. Fault Indicators
12. 12 Volt DC Output Plug (Maximum 2 Amps)
5. Stacking Basket
13. 220V Input Plug
6. External Fuse and Blown Fuse Warning Indicator
7. Refrigerator Power Indicators 14. 12 Volt DC Input Plug Cable with Hella Male Plug
- 220V - 12V - Refrigerator Running 15. 3CR12 Stainless Steel Base
8. Comfort Carry Handles 16. Interior Light

FREEZER SECTION
Take note that by setting at maximum
freeze, the unit will consume more
power from the battery. Best energy
saving setting should be in the order
of -6 o C.

5
 ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT
Led 1 Led 2
PROGRAMME SET
Depress to enter programme mode (see step 1) UP

LED 1 - Flashing indicates ‘Programme Active’

LED 2 - Compressor/thermostat - ‘On’
UP - Increases temperature setting
DOWN - Decreases temperature setting DOWN
REFLECTS FREEZING MODE PROGRAMME SET

SETTING OF THE ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT

RECOMMENDED REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER TEMPERATURE
WHEN USING AS A
FOR FOODSTUFFS FOR BEVERAGES FREEZER, TO
6¡C A COLDER SETTING MAINTAIN GOODS IN
0¡C to 2¡C A FROZEN STATE
-6¡C to -18¡C

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SETTING ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT 1

STEP 1 Depress “Programme Set” button (for approximately 2.5

seconds) until the display changes - release immediately.
Display will now read....diagram 1

STEP 2 Immediately after releasing the “Programme Set” button - 2

-18
depress again for approximately 0.2 seconds
- The Indicator will now reflect the current (previous)
temperature settings (in this example freezer set at -18¡C)
- The programme LED 1 will now be flashing.
Display will now read....diagram 2
3
STEP 3 Depress “Up” set button to increase temperature to the desired
refrigerator setting (per our example of +6¡C).
Release “Up” button when the display indicates you have
reached the desired setting.
Display will now read....diagram 3
4

10
STEP 4 The flashing LED will stop automatically after approximately
10 seconds, and the display will reflect the current temperature
inside the bin. Should the bin temperature be above your
desired setting of +6¡C the LED 2 will light up to indicate the
compressor is switched on to lower the bin temperature.
Display will now read....diagram 4

7
 POWER PACK

WARNING
! 2
Do not connect another
refrigerator to
this outlet.
3
1

1. The 220 volt supply in recreational camps sometimes is overloaded and a voltage drop
to below 200 volts AC can occur. Similarly a 220 volt generator (if not set correctly)
could either give too low (i.e. below 220 volt) or up to 260 volts if the revs are too high.
The built in Power Pack is designed to accommodate this varying 220 AC volt input.

2. There is a 12 volt Hella female socket “take-off” on the unit. Please ensure that a maximum demand
of 2 amp is not exceeded (i.e. 2 x fluorescent lights).

2
3. The refrigerator is supplied with 1.5 metres of 4mm cable and male Hella plug.
It is not recommended to exceed this length.

WIRING LOSS
This refers to the voltage drop in an electrical conductor, for example from the battery to the refrigerator when
a thin wire is connected. The voltage drop is of such a magnitude as to create an artificially low voltage to
the compressor. Some compressors are designed to cut-out when the battery reaches 10.4 volts. On start-
up, the compressor draws an instantaneous peak current, which can reduce the voltage, and cause the
2
refrigerator to switch off. Normally a 4mm dual wire is the minimum thickness that should be used.

(Below is a table of wiring over distance).

Ensure that a suitable sized cable is used for the power supply line (see table): If possible, with no junction
on the wire which might otherwise cause further voltage drops.

The use of wires with inadequate dimensions may inhibit the compressor
N.B.
even if the battery is fully charged.

TYPICAL WIRING LOSSES AND THE RECOMMENDED CABLE IS LISTED BELOW

CABLE SECTION MAXIMUM CABLE LENGTH IN METRES

● Any circuit breakers must have a breaking
mm2 12 Volt DC 24 Volt DC load of not less than 20A (10A for the 24V
2.5 N/A 5 models)
4 4 8 ● Ensure the polarity is correct
6 6 12
10 10 20

9
 BATTERY INFORMATION AND GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Many users of 12 volt refrigeration/freezers do not understand the buzz words of refrigeration.

Recreational
Vehicle
TERMINOLOGY FOR THE LAYMAN Equipment
Specialists

A short explanation of the terms used :

EVAPORATOR
This is the part of the refrigeration system that absorbs heat from the box/foodstuffs. Very cold liquid refrigerant
gas (R134a) is pumped via the compressor through pipes to this area where heat energy transfer takes place
by evaporation of the refrigerant. The gas is then returned to the compressor.
CONDENSOR
The gas from the evaporator passes through the compressor and is then cooled down using a "radiator"
(similar to a motor car's radiator) before being pumped back to the evaporator. This cooling process takes
place through heat exchange. Many refrigerators have a fan to cool the "radiator" down faster.
COMPRESSOR
This is a refrigeration "pump" which pumps the refrigerant gas throughout the refrigeration system in a
continuous cycle. It is of interest to purchase a refrigerator with a reliable and energy efficient compressor
designed for off-road conditions. The compressor is linked to a thermostat which controls the temperature at
which it will be switched on and off.
THERMOSTAT
This device measures the inside temperature of the refrigerator bin and will switch off the power supply to the
compressor when the desired temperature is reached. When the bin temperature rises, the thermostat will
switch the power on again, and the compressor will run.
The colder the refrigerator is set, the longer the compressor will run. Note that more power (amp hours) is
consumed over time to do this.
REFRIGERATION CYCLE
VOLTS (V)
Typically ESKOM supplies households with
230 volt AC (alternating current). In the off-road
market the available power source is normally a
GAS FLOW
12 volt DC (direct current) car battery (main)
and an additional deep cycle battery (auxiliary). FAN -
(WHERE FITTED)

FILTER / DRYER
AMPS (A)
Current flow is measured in amps that is being HIGH PRESSURE
COMPRESSOR AT CONDENSOR
consumed by the electrical device to make it work. HOT VAPOUR CONVERTS TO LIQUID

CAPILLARY TUBE
WATTS (W)
This is total power by multiplying
volts x amps = watts. Mathematically a drop in
volts (V) will increase the current draw amps (A) EVAPORATOR
AT LOW PRESSURE
in order to provide the necessary power in COOL LIQUID CONVERTS TO VAPOUR

watts (W) to drive the electrical device.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
This is the prevailing temperature of the air surrounding the refrigerator. Ambient temperature is normally higher
during the day. The higher the ambient temperature, the more difficult it is for the refrigerator to cool down.

10
START UP CURRENT

THIS IS THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM RELATING TO UNRELIABILITY OF THE

PERFORMANCE OF ANY 12 VOLT OFF-ROAD REFRIGERATOR /FREEZER. (SEE WIRING LOSS PAGE 9)

When a compressor starts up initially, it will draw many times more than it’s rated current (amps).
Depending on the type of compressor fitted to a 12 volt refrigerator, this “instantaneous” start-up current could
range from 4.7 amps to 33 amps.
This creates major problems where bad connections and thin wiring have been installed on the 12 volt system.

BATTERY PROTECTION LOW VOLTAGE CUT-OUT

FACTORY SET “BATTERY LOW” CUT-OUT VOLTAGES

COMPRESSOR CUT - OUT RESTART

12 Volt DC 10.4 11.7

24 Volt DC 22.8 24.2

INSULATION
Most refrigerator/freezers are insulated using a high-density polyurethane foam. Heat energy transfer takes
place through the foam. The higher the ambient temperature outside, and the colder the refrigerator/freezer
bin temperature inside, the more energy will be lost through heat exchange.
It stands to reason that an increase in insulation thickness will reduce this ‘loss’ considerably.

Insulation Information
Energy loss takes place
when hot air surrounding
Setting the refrigerator at
the cabinet and cold air
maximum freeze will consume
inside escapes through
a lot more power (amp hours)
the insulation
from your battery.

Insulation thickness

Compressor area

Ambient heat
energy in

STANDARD VERSUS TROPICAL CONDITIONS

An international standard of refrigerator/freezer testing is based on 32OC and 43OC ambient temperature.
In South Africa, it is not uncommon for the ambient temperature to be above 32OC. In summer, a poorly
insulated freezer left in a closed motor vehicle may fail to operate effectively causing defrosting.

ENERGY LOSS
For the purposes of simplicity, energy loss can be regarded as the extra power needed to drive the compressor
longer to compensate for ‘lost energy’ permeating through the wall of the refrigerator into the bin. (Heat
exchange).

Poorly designed refrigerator insulation combined with small compressors may reach a stage whereby the
total refrigerator system is incapable of functioning effectively under high ambient temperature conditions.

12
 SPLIT CHARGING SYSTEMS
There are a number of split charging systems being offered to the 4x4 industry.

1. Manual battery change over switch - this requires the driver of the vehicle to switch from the main
battery to the auxiliary or vice versa. However, the NEGATIVE of this system is that you disconnect
a battery from the alternator and it may never get a full charge. (Causing permanent damage to
the battery).
2. Solenoid / relay type systems - these typically use a small relay or solenoid which is not capable
of handling the current required to charge the auxiliary battery.
These systems also tend to work off the ignition or alternator, which connects both batteries when
the car is started. Wiring done by normal auto electricians is too often too thin to handle the power
required in a good split charging system.
3. Time delay systems - these are now recognized by most 4x4 specialists as a better methodology
whereby the main battery gets a full charge for approximately 4-6 minutes before a large solenoid
connects both batteries. Cable thickness 16mm2 - 35 mm2 (Welding Cable).

NATIONAL LUNA has in its

experience of field problems
and discussions with leading
4x4 specialists developed a fully
comprehensive split charging
system called the INTELLIGENT
BATTERY MANAGER SYSTEM
which caters for all conditions
of battery charging. It also has
a battery monitor, which
indicates to the driver the state
of both batteries, with an alarm
to indicate when the battery
gets excessively discharged.

Battery Manager Kit

13
 CARE AND CLEANING
Your refrigerator should be cleaned in the following manner, both on installation and when
defrosting. It is important that you keep the inside and outside of your refrigerator/freezer clean
to prevent bacteria and odours from forming. Remove all food and disconnect the power source
before cleaning.
Failure to disconnect the power may result in
! electrical shock or personal injury.

DO NOT use metallic scouring pads, brushes, any abrasive cleaners or alkaline
solutions. Use a soft sponge or a soft cloth.

Interior:
Wash the interior of the refrigerator with a mild household cleaner or 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate
of soda diluted in 250ml of warm water. Rinse with warm water and dry.
Exterior: N.B. DO NOT use a garden hose to wash the refrigerator exterior as
this could jet water into the electronics
Wash the exterior with the same solution as for the interior.

DO S - ✔ DON TS - ✖
● Routine simple and gentle cleaning ● Use coarse abrasive powders
● Use cleaners showing “Suitable For ● Use metallic scourers (or brushes with
Stainless Steel” metal bristles)
● Employ repeated Routine Cleaning rather ● Use the “Silver Cleaners”
than an aggressive single cleaning

TROUBLE SHOOTING
Please check the following points: - Should the refrigerator not get cold -
• the temperature setting may be incorrect on the electronic thermostat.
• an electrical fault may have tripped the main circuit board in the house.
• the power source may have been switched off or disconnected at the plug.
• the air circulation may be blocked around the compressor area by paper or plastic.
Number
of Flashes ERROR TYPE
Operational errors will cause the fault ID Battery protection cut-out
LED (Point 4 on pg 5) to flash a number 1 (The battery voltage was below the battery cut-out setting. See page 12).

of times. The number of flashes depends

Fan over-current cut-out
on what kind of operational error was 2 (The fan loads the electronic unit with more than 0.5 Amps or 1 Amp peak)

recorded. Each flash will last 1/4 second. Motor start error
(The rotor is blocked or the differential pressure in the refrigerator system
After the actual number of flashes there 3 is too high(>5 bar))
will be a delay with no flashes, so that the Minimum motor speed error
(If the refrigerator system is too heavily loaded, the motor cannot maintain
sequence for each error recording is 4 minimum speed 1,900 rpm)
repeated every 4 seconds.
Thermal cut-out of electronic unit
5 (If the refrigeration system has been too heavily loaded, and the ambient
temperature is high, the electronic unit will run too hot)

14
 INFORMATION ON STAINLESS STEEL
CARE, MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF STAINLESS STEEL

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel stems from an extremely thin but tenacious and self
repairing film which forms on its surface. This imparts the properties of stain resistance,
non-tainting of food, hygiene, cleanability and aesthetic appearance which make it the ideal
choice for many domestic articles. Further, it does not chip, flake, crack or break. Stainless
steel will be unaffected by the normal conditions of household use. Routine simple gentle cleaning
will reward the owner with a product which retains its properties and appearance throughout
years of constant daily usage. Because of its reputation for durability stainless steel is sometimes
assumed to be indestructible, and therefore subjected to misuse or even abuse. Care should be
taken to avoid such “abnormal” use.

ROUTINE CLEANING: Stainless steel’s best friends are quite simply soap, or mild diluted detergent,
or diluted ammonia in warm water, applied with a soft cloth or synthetic sponge. Rinse well, dry
with a soft cloth. Occasionally the use of a mild household cleaner (e.g. Handy Andy“), a fine
synthetic scourer (green “Scotch-Brite”“) or a brush with nylon bristles may be used. Routine
cleaning applied repeatedly over several days will often remove heavy soiling, and staining which
has occurred will become less noticable (may even completely disappear).

NOTES: Avoid contact with aggressive chemicals.

Dilute Nitric Acid (up to 20%) is a “Friendly” acid to stainless steel- the ONLY acid which may
be used with no risk to stainless steel.
Avoid prolonged contact with heavily spiced or salty food, raw bloody meat, some salad dressings,
citrus juice (especially lemon juice), etc.
Slight residue of grease, fat, oil is often the cause of dull bluish film.
Rub in direction of finish.
Do not leave ordinary steel in contact with stainless steel under damp conditions.

RUST STAINS: If heavy, swab with diluted 10%-15% Nitric Acid on a sponge, followed by routine
cleaning. Light stains will be removed by repeated routine cleaning.

WATER MARKS/LIME SCALE: Prolonged soaking in a 25% vinegar solution or 5% Nitric Acid
solution will loosen the deposit. Periodically rub with a nylon bristle brush or synthetic scourer.
Follow by routine cleaning.

NITRIC ACID: It is not an overly dangerous acid, but due protection to skin and eyes must be
taken, and it must be kept out of reach of children. Neutralise with soda bicarbonate or ammonia,
or dilute extensively before disposal.
If the above solutions do not prove to be adequate, please seek further advise from SASSDA -
(Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association) before employing other treatments.
Please take care when using abrasive pastes and scourers as alteration of the appearance may
occur.

SAADA: Tel No : +27 11 803 5610/20 Internet : www.sassda.co.za

Fax No.: +27 11 803 2011 e-mail : [email protected]

These solutions are based on experience and given in good faith, but no responsibility will be
accepted, nor any claim entered, for any damage or problems resulting from the employment
of the “suggested solutions” given above.

15
 DIMENSIONS

390mm
280mm
480mm

190mm 875mm
40 Litre
200mm
65 Litre 1075mm
390mm
590mm
200mm

280mm
280mm

525mm
725mm 600mm

400mm

National Luna reserves the right to change specifications without notice

425mm
345mm
675mm
80 Litre 975mm
225mm
120 Litre 1175mm

200mm

425mm
625mm 200mm

345mm 475mm

750mm
550mm

800mm
465mm
 MAINTENANCE
● Disconnect the power supply. Failure to disconnect
1 the power supply may result in electrical
shock or personal injury.

REMOVAL OF SIDE COVER

● Tip refrigerator so as grill area is at the top (Pic 1)
● Remove screws from base plate (6xM5 screws) and
from the sides of the power pack (4xM3 screws - Pic 2)
2 ● The grill will now slide away easily

REMOVAL OF POWER PACK

● Remove side cover (Pic 1 and 2) and 4xM4 screws (Pic 3)
● Remove colour coded cables/terminals using long
nosed pliers (Pic 4)
● Power Pack can now be easily removed
3
REPLACING THE INTERIOR LIGHT FUSE
● Without removing the Power Pack, release the face
plate. (Pic 5)
● Replace the 5x20 1.6 amp “Slo-Blo” fuse as shown
in (Pic 6)

4 5 6

CHANGING INTERIOR LIGHT BULB

● Using a very narrow screw driver/thin flat plate, or nail file, remove the front lens of the light
fitting. (Pic 7). The lens/cover has a “snap-in” click fitting in the 4 obvious slots on the lens/cover.
Replace the ‘festoon’ bulb with a 24 volt 5 watt replacement.

SNAP - IN FITTINGS
The exposed
7 bulb in the
lid housing
after lens/
cover has
been
removed

17
 Recreational
Vehicle
Equipment
Specialists

Optional, Durable Protective cover with zips

All units are fitted with grade

3CR12 stainless steel base and
grade 430 stainless steel interior.
(Grade 430 exterior optional).

2 YEAR (24 MONTH) RUST FREE GUARANTEE

NATIONAL LUNA guarantees to the original purchaser that the unit sold is
free from corrosion for a period of 2 years, from the original purchase date,
subject to the following conditions:

● This guarantee does not extend to units that have been found to be subject to
misuse, abuse, neglect or accidental damage.
Please read page 14 and 15 relating to stainless steel Information.
● Repair and maintenance of the unit by a workshop other than an appointed
NATIONAL LUNA service agent or NATIONAL LUNA branch will render the
guarantee null and void.
● Claims are to be reported immediately.
● This guarantee applies to the cabinet and door of the unit only.
● At NATIONAL LUNA’S discretion, the repair or the replacement of defective door/s
will be carried out in accordance to accepted commercial standards.

PLEASE RETAIN YOUR ORIGINAL PURCHASE INVOICE

Technical
Enquiries
19