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Guide for Appliance Recyclers <br />® How do I remove mercury switches correctly? <br />Removal instructions for chest freezers, washing machines, gas ranges, and water <br />heaters are given in this manual. In some cases, these directions may be applied to <br />other appliances; however, specific guidance from the appliance manufacturer should <br />be obtained if you have any uncertainties. <br />Chest Freezers <br />June 2004 <br />KI <br />Lj <br />Some chest freezers that have an interior lid light contain a mercury switch in the light <br />socket that is designed to turn the light on when the lid is opened. Other chest freezers <br />have a manual light that does not contain mercury, but if the freezer has a light in the <br />cover and no visible push-button mechanism, it probably contains a mercury switch. <br />Upright models and smaller chest freezers do not have mercury switches. The switches <br />are common in both older and newer models; however, all manufacturers stopped <br />using mercury switches in freezers as of January 1, 2000. <br />Switches in newer models are more accessible and can be pried or lifted out, but some <br />older models require removing or cutting away some of the plastic lid liner or insulation <br />surrounding the switch assembly. Switch removal generally takes from one to five <br />minutes, with older models taking longer. <br />Chest Freezer Diagram Showing Location of <br />Interior Lid Light Socket Assembly Containing Mercury Switch <br />0 <br />Light Socket <br />0 Assembly <br />01 <br />