SERVICE MANUAL for the 30" ELECTRIC MODULAR DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP February, 1996 Printed in U.S.A.
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR INSTALLING AND SERVICING THE FOLLOWING WHIRLPOOL 30" ELECTRIC MODULAR DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP, MODEL: RC8700ED RC8720ED THE MANUAL IS DESIGNED TO BE USED ONLY BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. THE SERVICE INFORMATION IS ORGANIZED TO HELP YOU EASILY FIND WHAT YOU NEED. CHECK YOUR LOCAL BUILDING CODE FOR THE PROPER MODE OF INSTALLATION. IN THE ABSENCE OF LOCAL CODES, THIS UNIT SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA NO.
Cooking Products Service Manual 4321973 Original April, 1996 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page iii Table of Contents Page Important Safety Information ....................................................................................................... iv Installation Highlights .......................................................................................................................1-1 Before You Start .........................................................................................
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION This service manual is intended for factory-service technicians only. We recommend that customers DO NOT service their own units, because of the complexity and risk of high-voltage electrical shock. WARNING Fire Hazard The following information is used throughout this manual, and should be read carefully. Do not obstruct the flow of combustion and ventilation air.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-1 INSTALLATION HIGHLIGHTS BEFORE YOU START Proper installation is your responsibility. Make sure that you have everything necessary to properly install the cooktop. It is the responsibility of the installer to comply with the installation clearances specified on the model/serial rating plate. This plate is located on the left side of the cooktop’s plenum.
CUTOUT DIMENSIONS countertop 27-7/8" (73.3 cm) cutout width 15/16" (2.4 cm) minimum distance to backsplash or vertical wall 5" (12.7 cm) 20-7/8" (53.2 cm) cutout depth Install rear wall junction box in shaded area. Darker shaded area is preferred. 1-7/8" (4.8 cm) minimum space to front edge of countertop Select required duct cutout (see page 1-5 for exhaust duct cutout location) Countertop must be supported within 3" (7.6 cm) of cutout floor 17" (43.2 cm) 11" (27.9 cm) 8" (20.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-3 TOOLS & MATERIAL YOU WILL NEED ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION Phillips screwdriver Metal cutters Gloves Caulk gun with weatherproof caulk Electric or hand drill Pliers Safety glasses Measuring tape Duct tape NOT SHOWN: Wall or roof cap Metal ductwork 2 sheet metal screws to attach transition duct to venting adapter. Two U.L.-listed 1/ 2" conduit connectors.
VENTING REQUIREMENTS For the quietest and most efficient operation: WARNING • Use 26-gauge minimum galvanized, or 25gauge minimum, aluminum metal duct. Poor-quality pipe fittings can reduce air flow. (Note: Local codes may require a heavier-gauge material.) Flexible metal duct is not recommended. • Do not exhaust more than one downdraft cooktop into a single duct system. • Keep the length of duct and number of elbows to a minimum. • Keep the size of the duct uniform.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-5 are shown below, and on the following page. Make sure that there is proper clearance within the wall or floor for the exhaust duct before making cutouts. Determine the best type of venting method to use. The cooktop can be vented through the rear wall, or through the floor. Common venting methods and the types of material needed 20-7/8" (53 cm) 28-7/8" (73.3 cm) 14-3/4" (37.5 cm) 6-15/16" (17.
12" (30.5 cm) minimum 6" round PVC sewer concrete pipe slab 5" to 6" round metal transistion 6" round metal duct 6" round PVC coupling wall cap 6" round sewer pipe window well Seal the space between the outside of the wall cap inlet and the inside of the PVC coupling with weatherproof caulk. 6" round 90˚ PVC sewer pipe elbow 6" (15.2 cm) minimum 6" round PVC coupling Tightly pack gravel or sand completely around pipe.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-7 Chart To use the following chart, list the number of each piece, and the length of straight ductwork that you intend to use. Multiply the equivalent length by the number of pieces. Add the totals to get the total equivalent length of your duct system. Two duct system configuration examples are shown on the following page. The cooktop is equipped with a dual-range blower.
6 " Round Duct System Equivalent Length 30feet (9.1 m) Or Less Set Blower To “Low” Range 6 " Round Duct System Equivalent Length Greater Than 30-feet (9.1 m) Set Blower To “High” Range Example: Example: blower at “high” range blower at “low” range 5" to 6" transition 2' (61 cm) 5" to 6" transition 2' (61 cm) 4' (122 cm) 4' (122 cm) 6", 90˚ elbows 6", 90˚ elbows 6" wall cap 6' (183 cm) 6' (183 cm) (2) 90˚ elbows 12' (366 cm) straight 5 " to 6 " transition Wall cap = 10 ft. (305 cm) = 12 ft.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-9 CHANGING THE RANGE SETTING 2. Rotate the blower to the proper angle needed for your installation. The blower can be swiveled 90˚. To rotate the blower: IMPORTANT NOTE: This cooktop is equipped with a dual-range blower. The range is determined by a “restrictor ring” (see below) on the inlet of the blower. When the ring is installed, the blower is at the “low range” setting.
INSTALLING THE COOKTOP To install the cooktop, refer to the following steps. 1. Lift the cooktop from the shipping carton and remove the shipping materials, hardware package, and printed material. 2. Connect the duct system (if necessary, see pages 1-4 through 1-9 for ducting requirements). NOTE: It may be easier to connect the cooktop power supply wiring before it is installed in the cabinet.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-11 ELECTRICAL SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS WARNING • A time-delay fuse, or circuit breaker, is recommended. The fuse must be sized as per local codes in accordance with the electrical rating of the appliance specified on the model/serial rating plate, which is located on the left side of the vent’s plenum. • The cooktop must be connected with copper wire only.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard An electrical ground is required on this cooktop. Do not connect to the electrical supply until the cooktop is permanently grounded. Disconnect power to the junction box before making the electrical connection. This cooktop must be connected to a grounded, metallic, permanent wiring system, or a grounding connector should be connected to the grounding terminal or wire lead on the cooktop.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-13 Wiring To A Cabinet Or A Wall-Mounted Junction Box GROUNDED NEUTRAL UNGROUNDED NEUTRAL 1. Connect the bare and white appliance cable wires to the white (neutral) power supply wire. 1. Connect the white appliance cable wire to the white (neutral) power supply wire. 2. Connect the bare grounding appliance cable wire to the green grounding power supply wire. 2.
Wiring To The Cooktop Junction Box GROUNDED NEUTRAL UNGROUNDED NEUTRAL 1. Connect the bare and white appliance cable wires to the white (neutral) power supply wire. 1. Connect the white appliance cable wire to the white (neutral) power supply wire. 2. Carefully check each connection and make sure that it is secure, and that no bare wires can short together. 3. Twist a wire connector over the free ends of the white wires. 4. Position the wires inside the junction box, and install the cover.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 1-15 VENTING OPERATION CHECK 1. Make sure that all of the control knobs on the cooktop’s control panel are turned to OFF. 2. Install the cartridges, accessories, and drain jars on the cooktop (refer to the “Use and Care Guide” for the procedures). 7. Turn on the fan switch. If the downdraft vent system is operating properly, the blower should pull the flow tester card into the air intake of the cooktop.
— NOTES — 1-16
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 2-1 THEORY OF OPERATION THE COIL ELEMENTS The coil module consists of one 6", and one 8" element. The elements are controlled by an infinite switch. When a switch is turned to the Low, Medium or High position, contacts L1 to H1, and L2 to H2 close, and provide 240-volts to the element. At the same time, contacts L1 to P close, and provide 120-volts to the surface unit indicator light.
THE RADIANT ELEMENTS The ceramic glass module consists of one 6" and one 8" element. The elements are controlled by an infinite switch. When a switch is turned to the Low, Medium or High position, contacts L1 to H1, and L2 to H2 close, and provide 240-volts to the element. At the same time, contacts L1 to P close, and provide 120-volts to the surface unit indicator light. A resistor inside the switch also energizes and creates a heat load, which opens cycling contacts L2 to H2.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 2-3 THE GRILL ELEMENTS When a switch is turned to the Low, Medium or High position, contacts L1 to H1, and L2 to H2 close, and provide 240-volts to the element. At the same time, contacts L1 to P close, and provide 120-volts to the surface unit indicator light. A 2800-watt grill module is available for use in this cooktop.
THE FAN MOTOR MANUAL OPERATION AUTOMATIC OPERATION The fan motor is operated by a fan switch that is located on the control panel of the cooktop. When the switch is turned “ON,” contacts BK to BR close, and provide 120-volts to the fan motor. Whenever the grill module is turned on, contact L1 in the infinite switch provides 120-volts to the fan motor through a metal shunt, or jumper, in the plug of the grill element, and the fan motor will operate automatically.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-1 COMPONENT ACCESS THE COOKTOP COMPONENTS Component Locations OPTIONAL GRILL COVER AIR GRILLE OPTIONAL GRIDDLE OPTIONAL CERAMIC SURFACE UNIT OPTIONAL COIL SURFACE UNIT (MODEL RC8720 USES NON-REMOVABLE SURFACE UNITS) OPTIONAL GRILL ELEMENT, GRILL ROCKS, & GRATES CONTROL PANEL AIR INTAKE VENT VENT CHAMBER BASINS DRAIN JARS (MODEL RC8720 USES ONLY ONE JAR) FAN CONTROL LR CONTROL LF CONTROL RR CONTROL RF
Removing The Control Panel & The Surface Unit Indicator Light 3. WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Remove the control panel from the cooktop. If you are replacing the panel, remove the rubber grommet from the fan shaft hole and install it in the new panel. RUBBER GROMMET CONTROL PANEL N FA Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury. ON F OF CAUTION 4.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-3 Removing A Control Switch WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. 1. Remove the control cover (use the procedure shown on page 3-2). 2. Disconnect the wires from the old control switch and reconnect them to the new one. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury.
Removing The Cooktop WARNING 1. Turn off the electrical power to the cooktop. 2. Remove the modules, accessories, and air grille from the cooktop and set them aside. Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. NOTE: If the fan motor is supported by something other than the cooktop, remove the six screws from the top of the vent housing (see below) to release it from the cooktop.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-5 4. Remove the five control knobs from the control shafts. 5. Remove the indicated torx screw and the metal insert from each of the the controls and remove the control panel. 6. Remove the four hex-head screws from the control cover. HEX SCREWS (4) CONTROL COVER 4 6 7 3 8 2 LO CONTROL KNOB F 9 OF HI 10 TORX SCREW METAL INSERT 7.
Removing A Terminal Block WARNING 1. Refer to page 3-4 and remove the cooktop from the countertop. 2. To remove the rear terminal block, remove the seven indicated hex-head screws. Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. To remove the front terminal block, remove the two indicated torx screws and the four hex-head screws from the burner box, then remove the three hex-head screws from the front terminal block.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-7 Removing The Fan Motor WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury. CAUTION 1. Turn off the electrical power to the cooktop. 2. Remove the four hex-head nuts from the fan motor. 3. Unplug the quick-disconnects from the fan motor and remove the motor from the vent housing. 4.
MODULE COMPONENTS The Ceramic Surface Unit RCM30DB/Q Removing The Glass, Element, Or Limiter WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard 3. Remove the seven hex-head screws from around the ceran glass frame and lift it off the base. 4. If you are replacing the ceran glass, remove the eight clips and push the old glass out of the frame, then install the new glass and clips. Make sure that you install the new glass with the large element outline toward the raised opening in the frame.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-9 NOTE: If you are replacing an element, perform steps 5 and 6. If you are replacing just a limiter, proceed to step 7. 5. With the wires connected to the terminals, lift the old element out of the base, and install the new one in its place with the terminals positioned the same as the old one. ELEMENT 6.
The Coil Surface Unit RCM10DB/Q Removing A Coil Element & Connector WARNING 4. To replace the coil element connector, remove the coil module from the cooktop. Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. COIL MODULE Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury. CAUTION Personal Injury Hazard 5. Remove both coil elements, (see step 3), as well as the reflector bowls from the module. 6.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-11 OPENING COIL ELEMENT CONNECTOR SCREW COIL MODULE TOP INSULATOR PIN PRONG WIRE SCREW PRONG MOUNTING BRACKET TERMINAL BLOCK BASE BASE SCREW (7) COIL ELEMENT CONNECTOR MOUNTING BRACKET SCREW 3-11
The Grill RCM20DB Removing The Grill Element WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard 1. Turn off the electrical power to the cooktop. 2. Make sure that the grill element is cool. 3. To remove the grill element, remove the grill grates from the cooktop. 4. Unplug the grill element and remove it. Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 3-13 Removing A Terminal Plug Connector WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury. CAUTION Personal Injury Hazard When you work on the cooktop, be careful when handling the sheet metal parts. Sharp edges may be present and you can cut yourself if you are not careful. 1.
— NOTES — 3-14
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 4-1 COMPONENT TESTING TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING Electrical Shock Certain procedures in this section require electrical tests or measurements while power is applied to the cooktop. Exercise extreme Hazard caution at all times. If test points are not easily accessible, disconnect power, attach test equipment, and reapply power to test.
LIMITER RADIANT ELEMENTS 2A COOKTOP SENSING ROD HEATING COIL SENSOR TUBE LIMITER INSULATION 1A SENSOR 2A SENSOR TERMINALS ELEMENT TERMINALS 1A WARNING WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 4-3 COIL ELEMENTS GRILL ELEMENTS BACK ELEMENT FRONT ELEMENT WARNING WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Electrical Shock Hazard Disconnect from electrical supply before servicing unit. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock or other personal injury.
Troubleshooting Chart PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION Element does not heat. No line voltage. Loose or bad wiring. Defective element. Repair or replace wiring (see wiring diagrams). Test and/or replace element. Element barely heats. Low line voltage. Line voltage should be minimum 240-volts. If necessary, electrician should repair cause for low line voltage. Repair or replace wiring (see wiring diagrams). Test and/or replace switch. Loose or bad wiring connection at element or terminal block.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 5-1 TECH TIPS SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM Model RC8700ED L1 N FAN MOTOR BLACK WHITE GREEN FAN SWITCH BK BR BL L2 GROUND RED W GN BL GRILL ELEMENT SHUNT LR INFINITE SWITCH BK L1 H1 P BR BR L1 INDICATOR LIGHT P OR OR BR BL RR INFINITE SWITCH L1 Y H2 RR ELEMENT BR L1 L2 BR LR INFINITE SWITCH V H2 L2 OR P H1 R R RF INFINITE SWITCH BK L2 LF INFINITE SWITCH GRILL ELEMENT SHUNT BR H1 P
WIRING DIAGRAM Model RC8700ED L1 L2 BLACK RED OR P BK R L1 H1 L2 P H2 H1 LR INF. SWITCH BR OR V BR BK L1 LF INF. SWITCH GND N WHITE GREEN R L2 P H2 H1 Y BR GN INDICATOR LIGHT OR OR BK R L1 L2 P H2 H1 RR INF. SWITCH V BK L1 R H2 H2 RF INF.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 5-3 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM Model RC8720ED L1 N FAN MOTOR BLACK GREEN FAN SWITCH BK BR BK L2 GROUND WHITE RED W GN BL GRILL ELEMENT SHUNT LR INFINITE SWITCH BK L1 H1 P L1 BR BR V H2 L2 OR LF INFINITE SWITCH BK LR ELEMENT BR LR INFINITE SWITCH INDICATOR LIGHT P OR OR LF ELEMENT W H1 BR BR R LF INFINITE SWITCH Y H2 L2 R RR INFINITE SWITCH BK L1 H1 P V V RR ELEMENT LR INFINITE
WIRING DIAGRAM Model RC8720ED L1 L2 BLACK RED OR P R BK L1 H1 L2 P H2 H1 LR INF. SWITCH BR OR V BR BK L1 LF INF. SWITCH GND N WHITE GREEN R OR L2 P H2 H1 Y V GN INDICATOR LIGHT W OR W BK L1 RR INF. SWITCH R OR L2 P H2 H1 V Y BK L1 R L2 H2 RF INF.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 5-5 STRIP CIRCUITS RADIANT ELEMENT INFINITE SWITCH L1 BK L1 H1 BR RADIANT ELEMENT INFINITE SWITCH SENSOR 2A 1A H2 Y L2 L2 R N P O W “ON” INDICATOR COIL ELEMENT INFINITE SWITCH L1 BK L1 INFINITE SWITCH COIL ELEMENT H1 BR P O Y H2 L2 L2 R N W “ON” INDICATOR GRILL ELEMENT INFINITE SWITCH L1 BK L1 H1 Y BR BL “ON” INDICATOR P INFINITE SWITCH GRILL ELEMENT O GRILL ELEMENT FAN M
SPECIFICATIONS Model RC8700EDB/W MODEL NUMBER RC8700EDB RC8700EDW Procelain Black Porcelain White Control Panel Black White Control Panel Graphics White Ascot Grey Control Panel Accents Persimmon Red Persimmon Red Overall Width 29-7/8 29-7/8 Overall Depth 21-1/2 21-1/2 Cutout Width 28-7/8 28-7/8 Cutout Depth 20-7/8 20-7/8 Blower Assembly Clearance (Below Countertop) 16-7/16 16-7/16 Right Bay Open Open Left Bay Open Open Double Convertible Double Convertible Right Side R
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 5-7 MODEL NUMBER RC8700EDB RC8700EDW 2-Elements Fixed Coil Module RCM10DB RCM10DQ 2-Elements Radiant Ceran RCM30DB RCM10DQ Grill (Left Bay Only) RCM20DB RCM20DB Approved Modules— 2-Elements Fixed Coil : RCM10DB RCM10DQ 8" coil w / 5-Turns 6" coil w / 4-Turns 8" coil w / 5-Turns 6" coil w / 4-Turns Right Front 8" Element @ 2100-Watts 8" Element @ 2100-Watts Right Rear 6" Element @ 1250-Watts
Model RC8720EDB/W MODEL NUMBER RC8720EDB RC8720EDW Procelain Black Porcelain White Control Panel Black White Control Panel Graphics White Ascot Grey Control Panel Accents Persimmon Red Persimmon Red Black White Overall Width 29-7/8 29-7/8 Overall Depth 21-1/2 21-1/2 Cutout Width 28-7/8 28-7/8 Cutout Depth 20-7/8 20-7/8 Blower Assembly Clearance (Below Countertop) 16-7/16 16-7/16 2-Elements—Fixed Coil 2-Elements—Fixed Coil Cooktop Colors: Perimeter Finish Air Grille Dimensio
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 5-9 MODEL NUMBER RC8720EDB RC8720EDW 2-Elements Fixed Coil Module RCM10DB RCM10DQ 2-Elements Radiant Ceran RCM30DB RCM30DQ Grill (Left Bay Only) RCM20DB RCM20DB Approved Modules— 2-Elements Coil: RCM10DB RCM10DQ 8" Coil w / 5-Turns 6" Coil w / 4-Turns 8" Coil w / 5-Turns 6" Coil w / 4-Turns Right Front 8" Element @ 2100-Watts 8" Element @ 2100-Watts Right Rear 6" Element @ 1250-Watts 6" Elem
MODEL NUMBER DESIGNATION MODEL NUMBER R C INTERNATIONAL SALES IND.
Cooking Products Service Manual Original April, 1996 4321972 © 1996 Whirlpool Corporation Page 5-11 WHIRLPOOL ELECTRIC MODULAR DOWNDRAFT COOKTOP WARRANTY LENGTH OF WARRANTY WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR: ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY FSP ® replacement parts and repair labor costs to correct defects in materials or workmanship. Service must be provided by an authorized Whirlpool service company. From Date of Installation. WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR: A. Service calls to: 1. Correct the installation of the cooktop. 2.
— NOTES — 5-12
