Panasonic NI-GT500 Anti-Calc Steam Generator Iron Instruction Manual

Panasonic NI-GT500 Anti-Calc Steam Generator Iron

Safety precautions

To reduce the risk of electric shock, injury, fire, loss of life, and damage to equipment or property, always observe the following safety precautions.

Explanation of symbols
The following symbols are used to classify and describe the level of hazard, injury, and property damage caused when the denotation is disregarded and improper use is performed.

WARNING

• Denotes a potential hazard that could result in serious injury or death.
• Denotes a hazard that could result in minor injury or damage your belongings.

The following symbols are used to classify and describe the type of instructions to be observed.

• This symbol is used to alert users to a specific operating procedure that must not be performed.
• This symbol is used to alert users to a specific operating procedure that must be followed in order to operate the unit safely.

WARNING

• Do not use when the power plug or power cord is damaged or hot. Never use the iron if the power plug fits loosely in a household outlet.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock, or fire due to a short circuit.
• Do not leave the iron unattended while it is connected to the outlet.
  • Doing so may cause fire.
• Do not connect or disconnect the power plug and the appliance plug to a household outlet or the power base with wet hands.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock or injury.
• Do not damage, modify, forcibly bend, pull, or twist the power cord. Do not place anything heavy on or pinch the power cord.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock or fire due to a short circuit.
• Do not allow the power cord to touch hot surfaces of the iron.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock or injury.
• Do not use with the power cord bundled.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock or fire due to a short circuit.
• Do not use the iron with wet hands.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock or fire due to ashort circuit.
• Never modify, disassemble, or repair the appliance by yourself.
  • Doing so may cause ignition or injury due to abnormal operation. Contact an authorized service agent for repair.
• Do not use in proximity of flammable materials (such as benzine or the like).
  • Doing so may cause an explosion or fire.
• Do not wrap the power cord around the iron for storage.
  • Doing so may cause breakage to the wire of the power cord, and may cause electric shock or fire due to a short circuit.
• Do not immerse the iron in water or other liquids.
  • Doing so may cause burns, electric shock or fire due to a short circuit.
• The iron is not to be used if it has been dropped, and there are visible signs of damage or if it is leaking.
  • Refer servicing to authorized service personnel.
• Do not use in a way exceeding the rating of the household outlet or the wiring.
  • Exceeding the rating by connecting too many plugs to one household outlet may cause fire due to overheating.
• Always ensure the appliance is operated on an electric power source matched to the rated voltage indicated on the iron.
• Fully insert the power plug.
  • To reduce the risk of injury, electric shock or fire. Regularly clean the power plug to prevent dust from accumulating.
• Disconnect the power plug and wipe with a dry cloth. Independently use a household outlet, and do not use extension cord.
  • Failure to do so may cause electric shock or fire.
• This product must use an electrical outlet with earth connection.
  • Failure to do so may cause fire or electric shock.

WARNING
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

• Failure to do so may cause an accident or injury.
• Immediately stop using and remove the power plug if there is an abnormality or malfunction.
• Using it in such conditions may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
• <Abnormality or malfunction cases>
• The power cord is damaged (like it cracks, or the core wire is exposed).
• The main body, power cord or power plug is abnormally hot, deformed or discolored.
• The product cannot power on occasionally after the power cord is moved.
• The power plug or power cord smells of burning.
  • Immediately request inspection or repair at an authorized service center.
• If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service center, or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
  • Failure to do so may cause an accident or injury.
• Be sure to take out the water tank when adding water; be sure to install the water tank in place when installing it back to the power base.
  • Failure to do so may cause electric shock.
• The iron must be firmly rested on the power base, and the power base must be placed on a flat and stable surface. When this product is used as a horizontal steam iron, the iron must be used on a flat, stable surface.
  • The iron may be scratched, or even injuries or scald may be caused if the iron falls over.

CAUTION

• Do not insert pins or needles into the iron or use the product on clothes with sewing needles or the like inserted.
  • Doing so may cause electric shock or injury.
• Do not put the soleplate too close to you or others since steam may unexpectedly erupt from it.
• Doing so may cause scalds or injury.
• Do not use the appliance with the exception of fabric.
  • Failure to do so may cause damage it.
• Do not store the product until it has fully cooled down.
  • Doing so may cause scalds.
• Do not take out the water tank while you are using the product.
  • Doing so may cause water leakage.
• Do not store the product while the power cord is twisted.
  • Doing so may cause breakage to the wire of the power cord, and may result in scalds, electric shock or fire due to a short circuit.
• Do not add perfume, vinegar, starch, descaling agents, ironing aids or other chemicals in the water tank. Please only use room-temperature pure water or distilled water in this product.
  • Otherwise the clothes may be stained or discolored.
• Do not use any ironing accessories available on the market.
  • Doing so may cause burns or damage to cloth due to incorrect operation.
• Do not use the iron near walls or furniture that cannot withstand high temperature or humidity.
  • Doing so may damage the wall or furniture.
• Do not move or lift the power base by pulling on the hose.
  • Doing so may damage the hose, thus resulting in electric shock or fire.
• Do not use steam when wearing gloves through which steam can penetrate.
  • Doing so may cause scalds.
• Do not use the product with the hose compressed or clogged.
  • Otherwise, the hot water may come out from the power base and thus damage the floors and carpets or result in scalds.
• Do not use the product with the hose or power cord entangled.
  • Doing so may damage the hose, thus resulting in electric shock or fire.
• Do not use steam while the iron is rested on the power base.
  • Doing so may cause scalds.
• Do not tilt or move the power base violently back and forth.
  • Doing so may cause water leakage.
• Do not touch the hot surface (such as the surface of the soleplate, any side of the iron, the hose, the heat-insulation pad and the hot area around it) during use.
  • Doing so may cause scalds.
• Do not place your hands, feet, etc. under the ironing board.
• Do not place the iron on your hand, knee or any other part of the body.
• Do not use steam when the iron is partially sticking out from the ironing board.
• Do not use steam while the iron is rested on the power base.
  • Doing so may cause scalds.
• Do not tilt or move the power base violently back and forth.
  • Doing so may cause water leakage.
• Do not touch the hot surface (such as the surface of the soleplate, any side of the iron, the hose, the heat-insulation pad and the hot area around it) during use.
  • Doing so may cause scalds.
• Do not place your hands, feet, etc. under the ironing board.
• Do not place the iron on your hand, knee or any other part of the body.
• Do not use steam when the iron is partially sticking out from the ironing board.
• Disconnect the power plug by holding the power
• plug instead of pulling the power cord.
  • Failure to do so may break the power cord, and may cause burns, electric shock, or fire due to a short circuit.
• Care should be taken when using the iron.
  • Steam emission may cause burns.
• Use the product only for its intended purpose, for ironing fabrics. To protect against burns or injury to persons, do not steam fabrics while being on the body.
  • Failure to do so may cause injury.
• When using with following fabric, test on an inconspicuous area, or place a cloth over the fabric to prevent the fabric from marking.
• Expensive or specially processed fabrics (velvet, acrylic, nylon, cashmere, etc.)
• Fabrics that are labeled as “low heat” or “medium heat”, or dark colored fabrics.
  • Failure to do so may cause damage fabric.
• Always unplug the power plug during filling, emptying, cleaning and not in use.
  • Failure to do so may cause electric shock or fire due to electrical leakage resulting from insulation deterioration.
• When ironing wet clothes, please use the dry-ironing mode.
  • Failure to do so may cause scalds due to hot water splashes from the main body.
• Place the iron correctly as instructed after use.
  • Failure to do so may cause the product to fall over, thus resulting in injury or scalds.

Parts identification

1. Level adjustment button (for NI-GT500 only)
2. Level indicator (for NI-GT500 only)
3. Scale inhibition box (for NI-GT500 only)
4. Steam button
5. Soleplate
6. Water outlet
7. Water inlet
8. Heat-insulation pad 9
9. “MAX” water level mark
10. “MIN” water level mark
11. Water tank
12. Water tank handle
13. Water tank latch
14. Power base
15. Cable trough
16. Cable holder
17. Power plug
18. Power cord
19. Control panel
20. Hose
21. Iron
22. Power cord sheath
23. Thermostat indicator/ Level scale mark (for NI-GT200 only)
24. Temperature selector (for NI-GT200 only)
25. [ Knob Plug type may vary comply with respective country or region requirement.

Control panel

emperature selector (for NI-GT200 only)

Operating instructions for each part

Be sure to disconnect the power plug from the power outlet before filling the water tank with water. Do not take out the water tank while you are using the product.

• Water inlet
  Hold the water tank handle, press the water tank latch upward, take out the water tank, and add water through the water inlet. Make sure that the “MAX” water level mark on the water tank is not exceeded.
• Level adjustment button (for NI-GT500 only)
  Press the button to set the level according to the materials
  of clothes (See the section “Fabric and ironing recommendations”).
• Temperature selector (for NI-GT200 only)
  Select an appropriate temperature level according to materials of clothes (See the section “Fabric and ironing recommendations”).
• Power button
  Press the power button. The product will start working. At this time, the power indicator turns on in red.
  To power off the product, press and hold the power button for about three seconds to disconnect the power supply.
• Steam switching button
  This product can switch between the enhanced steam level and the eco steam level through the steam switching button. Please select an appropriate steam level according to the thickness of clothes.
  • Eco steam level: suitable for light clothes that need a little steam.
  • Enhanced steam level: suitable for heavy clothes that need much steam.
    The product starts with the eco steam level by default. Press the steam switching button to switch to your desired level. It takes about 3 minutes for the eco steam level indicator or enhanced steam level indicator to become steady on from flashing in the process from the start to the completion of preheating of the power base.
• Level indicator (for NI-GT500 only)
  When the iron starts heating, the level indicator starts flashing. After the iron finishes heating, the level indicator becomes steady on. During ironing, the level indicator is always on. The quick care indicator turns on in red and the optimal care indicator turns on in blue.
• Thermostat indicator (for NI-GT200 only)
  When the temperature selector is set to the steam-out range, the thermostat indicator will turn on when the iron starts heating and will turn off when the iron finishes heating. During ironing, the thermostat indicator will turn on and off to indicate that the iron is heating.
• Water shortage indicator
  When the water level of the water tank drops below the “MIN” water level mark, the water shortage indicator will turn on and two beeps will be sounded to remind you of insufficient water of the water tank. In this case, disconnect the power supply, remove the water tank, inject water into the water tank through the water inlet and install the water tank back into the main body. Then the water shortage indicator will turn off and the product can start to work properly again.
• Scale inhibition box (for NI-GT500 only)
  Advanced anti-calc technology. ∙ When water is added into the water tank, the scale inhibitor in the scale inhibition box will be slowly dissolved i nto the water to prevent scale accumulation and stabilize the steam. The service life of the scale inhibitor is about five years.
  • Cleaning frequency: about once a year.
  • Conditions of use: Assumed that 250 ppm hard water is used and the product is used two or three times a week in average (about 20 minutes each time).
  • After each use, please drain residual water in the water tank to make the scale inhibitor more stable.
  • Water may leak when the iron sprays steam at the beginning. Please press the steam level adjustment button to set the steam level to “QUICK CARE” or rest the iron on the power base for about 15 seconds.
  • Do not remove the scale inhibition box.
  • To replace the inhibition box, please send your product to an authorized service center.
• Descaling indicator
  • When the product has output steam for up to 100 minutes accumulatively (for NI-GT200 only)
  • When the product has been used for up to 3,100 minutes accumulatively (for NI-GT500 only)
    The descaling indicator will turn on, indicating that accumulated scale and other impurities in the product need to be cleared. Please operate according to “Descaling” instructions in “Cleaning”.
    After descaling, restart the product and press the reset button. Then the descaling indicator will turn off and the product can work properly again.
• Cable trough
  When the product is not in use, the hose and power cord can be stored in the cable trough.

How to use

First use

1. Remove the label on the product.
2. Set the level adjustment button (for NI-GT500 only) /temperature selector (for NI-GT200 only) of iron by following the instructions for “Steam ironing”, and then iron a wet cloth for a few minutes to clear the residue from the soleplate.

Notes:

• When you use the product for the first time, you may smell an odor. The odor will disappear naturally after the product is used for several times. Please rest assured.
• When the product is used for the first time, some particles may appear on the soleplate. This is normal. The particles are harmless and will disappear after a short period of time.
• When the product is started, a sound may be heard, which is the sound of pumping by the water pump. This is normal.
• During heating of the soleplate, a few drops of water may keep dripping out for about 3 seconds. This is normal.
• After the first use, a small amount of condensate water may appear in the hose. When the product is used the next time, the condensate water will be ejected together with steam when steam is ejected from the soleplate, which will last several seconds. This is normal.
• When removing the water tank from the power base, you will see some drops of water at the position where the water tank is installed on the power base. This is normal.

Operating instructions

This product has been designed for dry ironing and steam ironing.

Dry ironing

1. Place the iron on the heat-insulation pad of the power base.
2. Connect the power supply. Then a beep is sounded.
3. Press the power button. Then the power indicator turns on. 4.1 For NI-GT500 only: Press the level adjustment button to set the level according to materials of clothes (See the section “Fabric and ironing recommendations”). The corresponding level indicator and the eco steam level indicator start flashing and the product starts heating. When the iron finishes heating, the level indicator will become steady on from flashing. This indicates that you can start dry ironing.
   For NI-GT200 only:
   Press the temperature selector to set the level according to materials of clothes (See the section “Fabric and ironing recommendations”). The thermostat indicator turns on, the eco steam level indicator starts flashing and the product starts heating. After the iron finishes heating, the thermostat indicator turns off. This indicates that you can start dry ironing.

Steam ironing

1. Place the power base on a stable surface.
2. Take out the water tank and inject water through the water inlet. It is recommended to use purified water with less mineral content. The maximum capacity of the water tank is 1.8 L. Please make sure that the “MAX” water level mark is not exceeded.
3. Place the iron on the heat-insulation pad of the power base. 4.1 For NI-GT500 only:
   1. Connect the power supply and press the power button. The power indicator turns on. Press the level adjustment button to set the level according to materials of clothes (See the section “Fabric and ironing recommendations”). The corresponding level indicator and the eco steam level indicator start flashing and the product starts heating.
   2. Wait about 2 minutes until the level indicator becomes steady on from flashing, which indicates that the soleplate finishes heating. About 3 minutes later, the steam level indicator becomes steady on from flashing, which indicates that the power base finishes heating. Then, you can press the steam button to use steam for ironing.
      • Water may leak when the iron sprays steam at the beginning. Please press the steam level adjustment button to set the steam level to “QUICK CARE” or rest the iron on the power base for about 15 seconds

For NI-GT200 only: 

1. Connect the power supply and press the power  button. The power indicator turns on. Press the steam switching button to set the steam level and rotate the temperature selector to align the desired level with the thermostat indicator (See the section “Fabric and ironing recommendations”). The steam level indicator starts flashing and the thermostat indicator turns on.
2. Wait about one minute until the thermostat indicator turns off, which indicates that the soleplate finishes heating. About three minutes later, the steam level indicator becomes steady on from flashing, which indicates that the power base finishes heating. Then, you can press the steam button to use steam for ironing.
   • Do not press the steam button when the level set by the temperature selector is outside the steam area and the steam level indicator are still blinking. Otherwise, water may leak from the soleplate.
   • Steam boost
     When the enhanced steam level is set, if you press the steam button twice in one second, steam boost will be generated in a short time (about 2 seconds).
   • Automatic shut-off
     When the product is not operated within 10 minutes or the product uses only dry ironing continuously for 10 minutes, the product will be automatically powered off. To restart the product, press the power button again.

Notes:

• During use, a few drops of water and steam may be ejected from the soleplate at the same time. This is normal.
• Do not touch the soleplate before it has fully cooled down.
• Do not iron clothes that you are wearing.
• Do not allow the soleplate surface to get close to yourself or others.
• Do not use steam when the iron is rested on the power base in case of scalding.
• During use, a large amount of steam will be ejected when the steam button is first pressed and later the amount of steam will slowly decrease and tend to be flat. If a large amount of steam is needed, please put the iron back to the power base and heat it for about 15 seconds.

After use

1. After ironing, place the iron on the heat-insulation pad correctly, and then press and hold the power button for about two seconds. When the product shuts down and all indicators turn off, remove the power plug.
2. Take out the water tank and pour out the remaining water.
3. Install the water tank back to the power base and clean residual water from where the water tank is installed.
4. Store the product in a safe place.

Cleaning

Notes:

• After use, remove the power plug and leave the product to cool down for more than 60 minutes before any cleaning or maintenance.
• Never use such cleaning products as the thinner, cleanser and volatile solvent to wash the product. Otherwise, the product may be damaged.
  • Cleaning the main body
    For stubborn stains, use a soft cloth dipped with neutral detergent to clean the surface of the main body.
  • Cleaning the soleplate surface
    If glue or the like sticks to the soleplate surface, wipe it with a wet cloth.
• Cleaning steam vents
  If scale appears on steam vents, remove the scale with a wooden or bamboo toothpick and then wipe the soleplate with a wet cloth.
• Descaling (Please perform the operation in a place convenient for drainage)
  • For NI-GT200 only: When the product has output steam for up to 100 minutes accumulatively.
  • For NI-GT500 only: When the product has been used for up to 3,100 minutes accumulatively.
    The descaling indicator will turn on, indicating that accumulated scale and other impurities in the product need to be cleared. Please follow the steps below
    for descaling:
    1. Disconnect the power supply and wait (for more than 60 minutes) until the product has fully cooled down.
    2. Take out the water tank.
    3. Turn over the power base, place it horizontally on a stable surface and make sure that the power base is placed stably. Then rotate the bottom knob counterclockwise to remove the knob.
       Note: Scalds may be caused. Make sure the product is completely cooled before opening
    4. Turn over the power base and shake it horizontally several times to pour out the scale and impurities in the boiler inside the product.
    5. Add an appropriate amount of water to the drainage outlet on the bottom of the power base and shake the power base horizontally several times.
    6. Turn over the power base, and pour out the scale and impurities in the main body.
    7. Repeat steps 4-5.
       Repeat the cleaning process until all the scale and impurities in the main body are poured out. This can prevent a reduction of the amount of steam caused by the increase of scale.
    8. After pouring out all the scale and impurities, tighten the knob, restart the product and press the “RESET” button. Then the product can work properly.
    9. Wind and place the hose and power cord in the cable trough and store the product in a safe place.
       • Cleaning frequency:
       • For NI-GT200 only: When the product has output steam for up to 100 minutes accumulatively.
       • For NI-GT500 only: After the descaling indicator lights up. [Depending on the using region and water quality, the product may need to be descaled multiple times.]

Notes:

• Steam output may be significantly decreased before the descaling indicator turns on, depending on the using region or the composition of the used tap water. Therefore, cleaning is recommended before the descaling indicator turns on.
• If steam output is significantly decreased after cleaning, the scale inhibitor may be used up soon. Please contact the after-sales service personnel for replacement of parts.
• In addition to the reduced effect of the descaling agent, the shortened service life of the product may also result in decreased steam output.
• • When the product will not be in use for a long period of time:
  • For NI-GT200 only: Drain water in the water tank and rotate the temperature selector to set the product to the “Silk” steam level.
  • For NI-GT500 only: Drain water in the water tank and press the level adjustment button to set the product to the optimal care steam level.

Specifications

Fabric and ironing recommendations

Fabrics and usage method.

• Do not use the product on leather products.
• To iron heat-sensitive materials or dark-colored fabrics, test on a small corner of the fabric before ironing the entire garment to avoid damages.
• Keep the soleplate slightly away from the clothes when ironing clothes labeled “Use press cloth” or “Cool iron”.
• Iron the clothes labeled “No steam” in the dry ironing mode.
• To iron blended yarn fabrics, select the level according to the material requiring the lowest heat setting.
• To iron clothes without a fabric care label, select the level by referring to the following table.

Fabric and ironing recommendations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Troubleshooting