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Main
Date: 04 Nov 2006 10:38:51
From: Bob F
Subject: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
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I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
failure
The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
usually set to 35-40F.
Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
Each lasted a year or so.
Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
I am doing that is killing the freezers?
Bob F
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Date: 05 Nov 2006 00:27:33
From: Ralph Mowery
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
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"Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:ooCdnWFfDcgUQ9HYnZ2dnUVZ_hydnZ2d@comcast.com...
>I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> failure
>
> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> usually set to 35-40F.
>
> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> Each lasted a year or so.
>
> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>
I hope someone answers that for you. Seems that a freezer set too high and
the room temp at 55 deg may be a killing combination.
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 12:55:57
From: prograde
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
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The coils might be iced up. Try unplugging it for 24 hours to defrost
it, and see if it works after that.
(note, if it is iced up, there will be a lot of water on the floor
after defrosting!)
It sounds like the way that you are running the probe inside is
defeating the gasget - allowing humid air inside, which can cause ice
to form more quickly. ...I'm only guessing.
-prograde.
On Nov 4, 1:38 pm, "Bob F" <bobnos...@gmail.com > wrote:
> I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> failure
>
> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> usually set to 35-40F.
>
> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> Each lasted a year or so.
>
> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>
> Bob F
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 13:26:32
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
There is no ice at all. In the summer it gets a tiny bit on
the inside walls. (Not "frost free")
Bob
"prograde" <prograde@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1162673756.802402.52270@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> The coils might be iced up. Try unplugging it for 24 hours to defrost
> it, and see if it works after that.
>
> (note, if it is iced up, there will be a lot of water on the floor
> after defrosting!)
>
> It sounds like the way that you are running the probe inside is
> defeating the gasget - allowing humid air inside, which can cause ice
> to form more quickly. ...I'm only guessing.
>
> -prograde.
>
> On Nov 4, 1:38 pm, "Bob F" <bobnos...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> > failure
> >
> > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> > usually set to 35-40F.
> >
> > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> > Each lasted a year or so.
> >
> > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
> >
> > Bob F
>
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 15:35:51
From: MDixon
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
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Bob F wrote:
> I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> failure
>
> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> usually set to 35-40F.
>
> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> Each lasted a year or so.
>
> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
I'm not following how you are wiring in the thermostat. With mine you
just plug the sucker into the cord. Is yours requiring more
sophisticated wiring than that? If so, have you wired it correctly?
It really sounds like the differential on the thermostat may be too
tight. I should be at least 3.5 degrees. Also the probe should be in
open air, not in water or in liquid. If it is in liquid it can run the
compressor too long and cause the freezer to burn up. I've been using
my same old upright freezer for at least 7 years with no end in site...
Cheers,
Mike
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 13:29:11
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
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"MDixon" <me@privacy.net > wrote in message
news:4r4bt7Fnfd95U1@individual.net...
> Bob F wrote:
> > I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> > failure
> >
> > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> > usually set to 35-40F.
> >
> > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> > Each lasted a year or so.
> >
> > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>
> I'm not following how you are wiring in the thermostat. With mine you
> just plug the sucker into the cord. Is yours requiring more
> sophisticated wiring than that? If so, have you wired it correctly?
>
It is essentially as you describe. The relay just isolates the thermostat
from the high compressor current.
> It really sounds like the differential on the thermostat may be too
> tight. I should be at least 3.5 degrees. Also the probe should be in
> open air, not in water or in liquid. If it is in liquid it can run the
> compressor too long and cause the freezer to burn up. I've been using
> my same old upright freezer for at least 7 years with no end in site...
I don't know the differential. The probe is in open air.
Bob
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Date: 05 Nov 2006 10:14:40
From: MDixon
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
Bob F wrote:
> "MDixon" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
> news:4r4bt7Fnfd95U1@individual.net...
>> Bob F wrote:
>>> I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
>>> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
>>> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
>>> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
>>> failure
>>>
>>> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
>>> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
>>> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
>>> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
>>> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
>>> usually set to 35-40F.
>>>
>>> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
>>> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
>>> Each lasted a year or so.
>>>
>>> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
>>> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>> I'm not following how you are wiring in the thermostat. With mine you
>> just plug the sucker into the cord. Is yours requiring more
>> sophisticated wiring than that? If so, have you wired it correctly?
>>
>
> It is essentially as you describe. The relay just isolates the thermostat
> from the high compressor current.
>
>> It really sounds like the differential on the thermostat may be too
>> tight. I should be at least 3.5 degrees. Also the probe should be in
>> open air, not in water or in liquid. If it is in liquid it can run the
>> compressor too long and cause the freezer to burn up. I've been using
>> my same old upright freezer for at least 7 years with no end in site...
>
> I don't know the differential. The probe is in open air.
Either the differential is too tight, or the relay is being wired in
such a manner that the compressor is cycling too long. The thermostat of
the freezer should be set to the maximum setting. Then the temp
controller should turn on the unit at say 40F and turn off the unit at
35F. The duty cycle of the freezer is probably much less than 50%. 50%
would not mean 12 hours on and 12 hours off. It would mean 30 min on and
30 min off. No one publishes duty cycle info much anymore so to find
it you would have to contact the manufacturer of your unit.
Bottom line, if you've killed two units, I suspect it is something with
the way you are taking the thermostat out of the loop. With a normal
temp controller the thermostat is not defeated, it is used as an on/off
switch for the entire freezer. Find a way to make your relay work in
that fashion.
I may have missed exactly how you are wiring your unit, but it doesn't
sound like a simple plug the device into the controller scenario.
Cheers,
Mike
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Date: 05 Nov 2006 09:49:54
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"MDixon" <me@privacy.net > wrote in message
news:4r6dirFptresU1@individual.net...
> > I don't know the differential. The probe is in open air.
>
> Either the differential is too tight, or the relay is being wired in
> such a manner that the compressor is cycling too long. The thermostat of
> the freezer should be set to the maximum setting. Then the temp
> controller should turn on the unit at say 40F and turn off the unit at
> 35F. The duty cycle of the freezer is probably much less than 50%. 50%
> would not mean 12 hours on and 12 hours off. It would mean 30 min on and
> 30 min off. No one publishes duty cycle info much anymore so to find
> it you would have to contact the manufacturer of your unit.
>
> Bottom line, if you've killed two units, I suspect it is something with
> the way you are taking the thermostat out of the loop. With a normal
> temp controller the thermostat is not defeated, it is used as an on/off
> switch for the entire freezer. Find a way to make your relay work in
> that fashion.
>
> I may have missed exactly how you are wiring your unit, but it doesn't
> sound like a simple plug the device into the controller scenario.
It essentially is. The relay is directly switched by the thermostat because
I
wasn't sure it could handle the current. When the thermostat closes,
the relay contacts close. The thermostat does not have a differential
adjustment, and after looking it up, I find the differential is 1.5 F. So it
appears I need to replace or modify the thermostat switching.
Bob
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Date: 06 Nov 2006 16:57:04
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Sun, 5 Nov 2006 09:49:54 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote:
> The thermostat does not have a differential
> adjustment, and after looking it up, I find the differential is 1.5 F. So it
> appears I need to replace or modify the thermostat switching.
That differential sounds way too tight. I think you'd be much better off
with something like 4F. What brand/model is your controller?
John.
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Date: 06 Nov 2006 09:13:56
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net > wrote in message
news:slrnekuqjo.5f0.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> On Sun, 5 Nov 2006 09:49:54 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
> > The thermostat does not have a differential
> > adjustment, and after looking it up, I find the differential is 1.5 F.
So it
> > appears I need to replace or modify the thermostat switching.
>
> That differential sounds way too tight. I think you'd be much better off
> with something like 4F. What brand/model is your controller?
White-Rodgers 266-1.
http://cgi.ebay.com/WHITE-RODGERS-FARM-HEATING-TEMPERATURE-CONTROL-266-1_W0QQitemZ140034200591QQihZ004QQcategoryZ53296QQcmdZViewItem
Bob
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Date: 06 Nov 2006 07:09:32
From: MDixon
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
Bob F wrote:
> The thermostat does not have a differential
> adjustment, and after looking it up, I find the differential is 1.5 F. So it
> appears I need to replace or modify the thermostat switching.
Problem solved...;)
Of course after hearing about the burning up and hauling away two chest
freezers, my spending $60 at Grainger for a Ranco and $5 at Lowe's for
an extension cord seems kinda cheap...
Cheers,
Mike
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 14:47:45
From: Tom Biasi
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:ooCdnWFfDcgUQ9HYnZ2dnUVZ_hydnZ2d@comcast.com...
>I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> failure
>
> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> usually set to 35-40F.
>
> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> Each lasted a year or so.
>
> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>
> Bob F
>
>
There is a limited number of reasons why they would be available cheap or
free.
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 13:34:01
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"Tom Biasi" <tombiasi@********optonline.net > wrote in message
news:x763h.31$d22.11@newsfe08.lga...
>
> "Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:ooCdnWFfDcgUQ9HYnZ2dnUVZ_hydnZ2d@comcast.com...
> >I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> > failure
> >
> > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> > usually set to 35-40F.
> >
> > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> > Each lasted a year or so.
> >
> > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
> >
> > Bob F
> >
> >
>
> There is a limited number of reasons why they would be available cheap or
> free.
>
Let's see. It could be near end-of-life. Or someone doesn't use it and
doesn't want to pay the disposal fees to get rid of it. I see several each
week on craigslist for free. The only problems are that now I have to take
it down and pay the disposal fee, and I don't want to kill another if I'm
doing the damage.
Bob
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 20:07:26
From: Tom Biasi
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:hrWdnT62saEKmtDYnZ2dnUVZ_rOdnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "Tom Biasi" <tombiasi@********optonline.net> wrote in message
> news:x763h.31$d22.11@newsfe08.lga...
>>
>> "Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:ooCdnWFfDcgUQ9HYnZ2dnUVZ_hydnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> >I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
>> > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
>> > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
>> > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
>> > failure
>> >
>> > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
>> > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
>> > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
>> > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
>> > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
>> > usually set to 35-40F.
>> >
>> > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
>> > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
>> > Each lasted a year or so.
>> >
>> > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
>> > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>> >
>> > Bob F
>> >
>> >
>>
>> There is a limited number of reasons why they would be available cheap or
>> free.
>>
>
> Let's see. It could be near end-of-life. Or someone doesn't use it and
> doesn't want to pay the disposal fees to get rid of it. I see several each
> week on craigslist for free. The only problems are that now I have to take
> it down and pay the disposal fee, and I don't want to kill another if I'm
> doing the damage.
>
> Bob
>
>
I hope you didn't think I was insulting you Bob.
I just wanted to point out that most free refrigerators are not working
properly.
I teach at a technical school, the school gets many donations a year, almost
all the donated items don't work properly.
A tight recycle time can tax a compressor or a small coolant leak can cause
your problem.
Tom
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Date: 04 Nov 2006 20:07:51
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"Tom Biasi" <tombiasi@********optonline.net > wrote in message
news:dPa3h.6702
> >> >
> >> > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> >> > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> >> > Each lasted a year or so.
> >> >
> >> > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> >> > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
> >> >
> >> > Bob F
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >> There is a limited number of reasons why they would be available cheap
or
> >> free.
> >>
> >
> > Let's see. It could be near end-of-life. Or someone doesn't use it and
> > doesn't want to pay the disposal fees to get rid of it. I see several
each
> > week on craigslist for free. The only problems are that now I have to
take
> > it down and pay the disposal fee, and I don't want to kill another if
I'm
> > doing the damage.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> >
>
> I hope you didn't think I was insulting you Bob.
> I just wanted to point out that most free refrigerators are not working
> properly.
>
> I teach at a technical school, the school gets many donations a year,
almost
> all the donated items don't work properly.
>
> A tight recycle time can tax a compressor or a small coolant leak can
cause
> your problem.
Both units worked fine for months at least.
I just transfered everything to a smaller freezer. It all fit, so maybe I'll
stick
with that, although I liked having the extra space.
I'm thinking I will add a timer so that it can only turn on once an hour or
so
to reduce the short cycle problem. I'm not sure by what mechanism it
would cause harm, but it seems like short cycleing is the most likely cause
of problems, since the actual run time should be minimal.
Bob
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Date: 05 Nov 2006 09:14:37
From: Mark R
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote in message news:OJednZv-
>
> I'm thinking I will add a timer so that it can only turn on once an hour
or
> so
> to reduce the short cycle problem. I'm not sure by what mechanism it
> would cause harm, but it seems like short cycleing is the most likely
cause
> of problems, since the actual run time should be minimal.
If you have the right controller you should be able to set a temperature
spread. Set the spread a little wider, instead of 2-3 degrees make it 4-5
degrees. The compressor will run fewer times a day for longer periods,
better for the compressor.
Mark R
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Date: 06 Nov 2006 16:53:31
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Sat, 4 Nov 2006 20:07:51 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote:
> Both units worked fine for months at least.
My guess is that you just happened to get unlucky and had two used freezers
that were ready to die. You can try to get them repaired, but it'll probably
be cheaper in the end to just get another used one.
I've got a used one setup basically the same way that's been running for
years. It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong, other than just
having some bad luck.
> I'm thinking I will add a timer so that it can only turn on once an hour or
> so
> to reduce the short cycle problem. I'm not sure by what mechanism it
> would cause harm, but it seems like short cycleing is the most likely cause
> of problems, since the actual run time should be minimal.
What controller are you using? If it's one of the common Johnson/Ranco models
that most people on here talk about, there should be a way to adjust the
range of the temp swing before it kicks in. This'll prevent it from running
on/off everytime the temp goes through a small change. I'm not sure if it's
just the digital units that let you adjust that though.
John.
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Date: 06 Nov 2006 09:07:49
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net > wrote in message
news:slrnekuqd3.5f0.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> On Sat, 4 Nov 2006 20:07:51 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Both units worked fine for months at least.
>
> My guess is that you just happened to get unlucky and had two used
freezers
> that were ready to die. You can try to get them repaired, but it'll
probably
> be cheaper in the end to just get another used one.
>
> I've got a used one setup basically the same way that's been running for
> years. It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong, other than just
> having some bad luck.
>
> > I'm thinking I will add a timer so that it can only turn on once an hour
or
> > so
> > to reduce the short cycle problem. I'm not sure by what mechanism it
> > would cause harm, but it seems like short cycleing is the most likely
cause
> > of problems, since the actual run time should be minimal.
>
> What controller are you using? If it's one of the common Johnson/Ranco
models
> that most people on here talk about, there should be a way to adjust the
> range of the temp swing before it kicks in. This'll prevent it from
running
> on/off everytime the temp goes through a small change. I'm not sure if
it's
> just the digital units that let you adjust that though.
My controller is a mechanical bulb-on-a-copper-tube type, with
no adjustment for differential. I found one like it on Ebay that
said it had a 1.5 F differential.
http://cgi.ebay.com/WHITE-RODGERS-FARM-HEATING-TEMPERATURE-CONTROL-266-1_W0QQitemZ140034200591QQihZ004QQcategoryZ53296QQcmdZViewItem
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Date: 06 Nov 2006 19:25:54
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Mon, 6 Nov 2006 09:07:49 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote:
> My controller is a mechanical bulb-on-a-copper-tube type, with
> no adjustment for differential. I found one like it on Ebay that
> said it had a 1.5 F differential.
Yeah, after I got caught up on the thread I think the small differential
is your problem. Having it set to only 1.5F is going to cause the
freezer to kick on/off a lot, which is probably what is causing them
to wear out so quickly (combined with being in an unknown age/condition
to begin with).
These are the units that most homebrewers use:
http://morebeer.com/browse.html?category_id=1086
I think the analog ones are set to a 4F differential and the digital
ones let you adjust it. They're fairly expensive though.
John.
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Date: 07 Nov 2006 10:01:54
From: Mark R
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net > wrote in message
news:slrnekv3ar.5f0.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> On Mon, 6 Nov 2006 09:07:49 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
> > My controller is a mechanical bulb-on-a-copper-tube type, with
> > no adjustment for differential. I found one like it on Ebay that
> > said it had a 1.5 F differential.
>
> Yeah, after I got caught up on the thread I think the small differential
> is your problem. Having it set to only 1.5F is going to cause the
> freezer to kick on/off a lot, which is probably what is causing them
> to wear out so quickly (combined with being in an unknown age/condition
> to begin with).
>
> These are the units that most homebrewers use:
> http://morebeer.com/browse.html?category_id=1086
>
> I think the analog ones are set to a 4F differential and the digital
> ones let you adjust it. They're fairly expensive though.
>
As an aside, what about putting the bulb in a small container of water? It
will take a little longer for the temp of the water to rise, and when the
compressor comes on, it will take longer for the water temp to drop. That
might build in a little extra differential spread as well? How does everyone
have there's set up? Inquiring minds want to know.... because the kegs have
recently arrived and buying a freezer is the next item on my list of things
to do. Yahoo, I get to start off 2007 with beer on tap.
Mark R
|
| | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 16:20:54
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 10:01:54 -0600, <marknorayspam@noev1spam.net > wrote:
> As an aside, what about putting the bulb in a small container of water? It
> will take a little longer for the temp of the water to rise, and when the
> compressor comes on, it will take longer for the water temp to drop. That
> might build in a little extra differential spread as well? How does everyone
> have there's set up? Inquiring minds want to know.... because the kegs have
> recently arrived and buying a freezer is the next item on my list of things
> to do. Yahoo, I get to start off 2007 with beer on tap.
Generally this is not recommended. You are correct in that if the probe
is in water there will be a delay between the ambient air temp and the
water temp. However, if you think about it this isn't really a good thing.
The freezer won't run as often, but when it does run it'll run for much
longer at a time. When it finally does get the probe in the water down to
it's cutoff temp, the actual ambient air temp will be much lower than the
reading on the probe. After the freezer shuts off the water temp will
continue to drop. This has the effect of making your water (and beer)
temps fluctuate up and down a lot more than if the probe was measuring
the actual ambient air temp. Temp swings are generally not a good thing
for the fermenting yeast.
The temp swing probably isn't horrible as long as the volume of water the
probe is in is relatively small compared to the volume of the beer (I would
definitely not put the probe in the beer), but there's really not much
advantage to this that I can see. If the volume is small enough to
minimize the temps swings, you're not going to get much benefit as far
as spreading out your differential either.
John.
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 08:49:39
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net > wrote in message
news:slrnel1cs0.op2.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 10:01:54 -0600, <marknorayspam@noev1spam.net> wrote:
> > As an aside, what about putting the bulb in a small container of water?
It
> > will take a little longer for the temp of the water to rise, and when
the
> > compressor comes on, it will take longer for the water temp to drop.
That
> > might build in a little extra differential spread as well? How does
everyone
> > have there's set up? Inquiring minds want to know.... because the kegs
have
> > recently arrived and buying a freezer is the next item on my list of
things
> > to do. Yahoo, I get to start off 2007 with beer on tap.
>
> Generally this is not recommended. You are correct in that if the probe
> is in water there will be a delay between the ambient air temp and the
> water temp. However, if you think about it this isn't really a good
thing.
> The freezer won't run as often, but when it does run it'll run for much
> longer at a time. When it finally does get the probe in the water down to
> it's cutoff temp, the actual ambient air temp will be much lower than the
> reading on the probe. After the freezer shuts off the water temp will
> continue to drop. This has the effect of making your water (and beer)
> temps fluctuate up and down a lot more than if the probe was measuring
> the actual ambient air temp. Temp swings are generally not a good thing
> for the fermenting yeast.
>
> The temp swing probably isn't horrible as long as the volume of water the
> probe is in is relatively small compared to the volume of the beer (I
would
> definitely not put the probe in the beer), but there's really not much
> advantage to this that I can see. If the volume is small enough to
> minimize the temps swings, you're not going to get much benefit as far
> as spreading out your differential either.
It would seem that you could adjust the volume of water
to adjust the differential as needed. Or, you could put
the bulb inside any other material, or even insulate it
to get a similar effect. That said, I dug a replacement
refridgerator thermostat out of my collection of things
I had saved because I knew they would be useful some
day. It seems to have a larger differential and seems to
be working OK.
Only time will tell if the dead freezer problem is gone.
Bob
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 18:06:28
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 08:49:39 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote:
> It would seem that you could adjust the volume of water
> to adjust the differential as needed. Or, you could put
> the bulb inside any other material, or even insulate it
> to get a similar effect.
Well, as I mentioned the more you use a method like this to
adjust your differential, the more of a temp swing you're
going to introduce into the actual beer. That's not something
you would normally want to do.
John.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 10:16:24
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net > wrote in message
news:slrnel1j1u.op2.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 08:49:39 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
> > It would seem that you could adjust the volume of water
> > to adjust the differential as needed. Or, you could put
> > the bulb inside any other material, or even insulate it
> > to get a similar effect.
>
> Well, as I mentioned the more you use a method like this to
> adjust your differential, the more of a temp swing you're
> going to introduce into the actual beer. That's not something
> you would normally want to do.
Why would using a method like this to increase the
differential be any different than any other way of
increasing the differential? It seems to me that the
end result would be the same.
Bob
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 18:23:29
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 10:16:24 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote:
>
> "John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net> wrote in message
> news:slrnel1j1u.op2.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
>> On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 08:49:39 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
>> > It would seem that you could adjust the volume of water
>> > to adjust the differential as needed. Or, you could put
>> > the bulb inside any other material, or even insulate it
>> > to get a similar effect.
>>
>> Well, as I mentioned the more you use a method like this to
>> adjust your differential, the more of a temp swing you're
>> going to introduce into the actual beer. That's not something
>> you would normally want to do.
>
> Why would using a method like this to increase the
> differential be any different than any other way of
> increasing the differential? It seems to me that the
> end result would be the same.
Normally the probe is measuring the temp of the ambient air and the
thermostat is basing the differential directly off of the air temp. If
you are using something with a thermal mass as a buffer in order to fake
out the probe in order to artificially change the differential, then your
ambient air temp is going to differ from the target temp of the
thermostat. This is basically what causes temp swings in the beer.
I don't know, maybe it's possible to "tune" it just right. But it sounds
to me like you're going to end up with your beer swinging much more than
the differential you're trying to hit by buffering the probe.
John.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 10:52:48
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net > wrote in message
news:slrnel1k1r.op2.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 10:16:24 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > "John 'Shaggy' Kolesar" <spam@shagg.net> wrote in message
> > news:slrnel1j1u.op2.spam@weizen.shagg.net...
> >> On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 08:49:39 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> > It would seem that you could adjust the volume of water
> >> > to adjust the differential as needed. Or, you could put
> >> > the bulb inside any other material, or even insulate it
> >> > to get a similar effect.
> >>
> >> Well, as I mentioned the more you use a method like this to
> >> adjust your differential, the more of a temp swing you're
> >> going to introduce into the actual beer. That's not something
> >> you would normally want to do.
> >
> > Why would using a method like this to increase the
> > differential be any different than any other way of
> > increasing the differential? It seems to me that the
> > end result would be the same.
>
> Normally the probe is measuring the temp of the ambient air and the
> thermostat is basing the differential directly off of the air temp. If
> you are using something with a thermal mass as a buffer in order to fake
> out the probe in order to artificially change the differential, then your
> ambient air temp is going to differ from the target temp of the
> thermostat. This is basically what causes temp swings in the beer.
>
> I don't know, maybe it's possible to "tune" it just right. But it sounds
> to me like you're going to end up with your beer swinging much more than
> the differential you're trying to hit by buffering the probe.
If you had a thermo mass of say 1 cup of water on the thermostat,
the temp swing of a keg of beer would be tiny compared to the
swing that cup of water. I suppose that when the keg only has a
couple pints left, it might swing more, but it wouldn't result in
long term damage since that beer would soon be consumed.
Bob
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Date: 07 Nov 2006 19:01:50
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
On Tue, 7 Nov 2006 10:52:48 -0800, <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote:
> If you had a thermo mass of say 1 cup of water on the thermostat,
How much will only 1 cup of water effect the differential though?
You'd have to figure out the exact volume of water to give you the
differential incease you need. It's probably doable, but doesn't sound
easy without a lot of trial and error.
> the temp swing of a keg of beer would be tiny compared to the
OK, didn't know we were talking about kegs. I was thinking fermenters.
If it's a keg, then a temp swing is no big deal, so don't worry about
it. It's not going to hurt anything in a finished beer. Temp swings are
only an issue with fermenting yeast.
John.
|
| |
Date: 05 Nov 2006 03:21:41
From: Gwidman
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
"Bob F" <bobnospam@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:ooCdnWFfDcgUQ9HYnZ2dnUVZ_hydnZ2d@comcast.com...
>I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> failure
>
> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> usually set to 35-40F.
>
> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> Each lasted a year or so.
>
> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>
> Bob F
>
Bob,
Using the freezer as a cooler instead of a freezer actually puts less stress
on the unit as long as there is enough temp differential in the controller
to let the compressor rest between the on and off cycles. Setback, I think
it's called. If the freezer runs excessively, and the controller is ok, the
freezer is leaking freon and it's time for a new one. Please dispose of the
old one responsibly.
Happy Brewing,
gw
|
| |
Date: 08 Nov 2006 04:31:22
From:
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
Bob F wrote:
> I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> failure
I have a few words to share on this subject but bare with me
it may be a bit long winded. You see, I went thru all this when I built
my own fridge to create a coolbox for my home built bar.
>
> The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> usually set to 35-40F.
>
Now you suggested the ambient temp of the room is
around 55F which means you don't have far to go to achieve the set temp
of 35- 40F. This relay that you speak of may be an issue. What governs
this relay, does it have some other device it needs to satisfy other
than the thermostat? On my fridge I had to go out and buy a seperate
beverage thermostat that I could hardwire into the system. This allowed
the system to operate at "beverage temps" 32-51F.
> Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> Each lasted a year or so.
As John suggested in another post Free doesn't
nessesarily mean that its "good". It could be that the former owner
discarded it because it failed on him.
Now I too obtained most of my equipment for free, compressor,
evaporator, fan assembly etc. at appliance junkyards and yardsale
giveaways yet upon assembly and an educated eye for detail you can
typicaly tell the good from the bad. Electrical componants need to be
new such as the defrost timer hardstart relays etc. Oh and check the
accuracy of your thermostat with thermometer and see how far off it is.
This can take out some of the mystery.
>
> Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> I am doing that is killing the freezers?
It's hard to pinpiont your problem without a bit more info.
What I did was rounded up anyone who had a working knowledge of
refrideration and would pump them for info, walking each through the
anatomy of your system and how your useing it. A guy that works in the
field will absorb all you can dish quickly and surmise were the problem
lies. Doing this I learned all I needed to troubleshoot my
frankenfridge and now four years or so later she's still working hard.
I still have to fiddle with the old girl now and again to make sure
she's still hummin the right tune but going through this will help you
in the long run. Hopfully you have a refridgeration guy to tap on for a
few detailed answers. Good luck and let us know how your progressing!
Steve
|
| | |
Date: 08 Nov 2006 09:21:57
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
<smhoneydo@aol.com > wrote in message
news:1162989082.917885.59260@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Bob F wrote:
> > I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> > failure
>
> I have a few words to share on this subject but bare with me
> it may be a bit long winded. You see, I went thru all this when I built
> my own fridge to create a coolbox for my home built bar.
> >
> > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> > usually set to 35-40F.
> >
>
> Now you suggested the ambient temp of the room is
> around 55F which means you don't have far to go to achieve the set temp
> of 35- 40F. This relay that you speak of may be an issue. What governs
> this relay, does it have some other device it needs to satisfy other
> than the thermostat? On my fridge I had to go out and buy a seperate
> beverage thermostat that I could hardwire into the system. This allowed
> the system to operate at "beverage temps" 32-51F.
>
>
> > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> > Each lasted a year or so.
>
> As John suggested in another post Free doesn't
> nessesarily mean that its "good". It could be that the former owner
> discarded it because it failed on him.
> Now I too obtained most of my equipment for free, compressor,
> evaporator, fan assembly etc. at appliance junkyards and yardsale
> giveaways yet upon assembly and an educated eye for detail you can
> typicaly tell the good from the bad. Electrical componants need to be
> new such as the defrost timer hardstart relays etc. Oh and check the
> accuracy of your thermostat with thermometer and see how far off it is.
> This can take out some of the mystery.
>
> >
> > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
>
> It's hard to pinpiont your problem without a bit more info.
> What I did was rounded up anyone who had a working knowledge of
> refrideration and would pump them for info, walking each through the
> anatomy of your system and how your useing it. A guy that works in the
> field will absorb all you can dish quickly and surmise were the problem
> lies. Doing this I learned all I needed to troubleshoot my
> frankenfridge and now four years or so later she's still working hard.
> I still have to fiddle with the old girl now and again to make sure
> she's still hummin the right tune but going through this will help you
> in the long run. Hopfully you have a refridgeration guy to tap on for a
> few detailed answers. Good luck and let us know how your progressing!
>
I don't have any friends with expertise in this area, which
is why I posted here.
I replaced my high quility - low differential thermostat with a
refrigerator type thermostat in a newer, smaller freezer. It is
working fine at this point. Only time will tell I guess.
Bob
|
| |
Date: 10 Nov 2006 04:23:13
From:
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
Bob F wrote:
> <smhoneydo@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1162989082.917885.59260@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > Bob F wrote:
> > > I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> > > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> > > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> > > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> > > failure
> >
> > I have a few words to share on this subject but bare with me
> > it may be a bit long winded. You see, I went thru all this when I built
> > my own fridge to create a coolbox for my home built bar.
> > >
> > > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> > > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> > > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> > > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> > > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> > > usually set to 35-40F.
> > >
> >
> > Now you suggested the ambient temp of the room is
> > around 55F which means you don't have far to go to achieve the set temp
> > of 35- 40F. This relay that you speak of may be an issue. What governs
> > this relay, does it have some other device it needs to satisfy other
> > than the thermostat? On my fridge I had to go out and buy a seperate
> > beverage thermostat that I could hardwire into the system. This allowed
> > the system to operate at "beverage temps" 32-51F.
> >
> >
> > > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> > > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> > > Each lasted a year or so.
> >
> > As John suggested in another post Free doesn't
> > nessesarily mean that its "good". It could be that the former owner
> > discarded it because it failed on him.
> > Now I too obtained most of my equipment for free, compressor,
> > evaporator, fan assembly etc. at appliance junkyards and yardsale
> > giveaways yet upon assembly and an educated eye for detail you can
> > typicaly tell the good from the bad. Electrical componants need to be
> > new such as the defrost timer hardstart relays etc. Oh and check the
> > accuracy of your thermostat with thermometer and see how far off it is.
> > This can take out some of the mystery.
> >
> > >
> > > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> > > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
> >
> > It's hard to pinpiont your problem without a bit more info.
> > What I did was rounded up anyone who had a working knowledge of
> > refrideration and would pump them for info, walking each through the
> > anatomy of your system and how your useing it. A guy that works in the
> > field will absorb all you can dish quickly and surmise were the problem
> > lies. Doing this I learned all I needed to troubleshoot my
> > frankenfridge and now four years or so later she's still working hard.
> > I still have to fiddle with the old girl now and again to make sure
> > she's still hummin the right tune but going through this will help you
> > in the long run. Hopfully you have a refridgeration guy to tap on for a
> > few detailed answers. Good luck and let us know how your progressing!
> >
>
> I don't have any friends with expertise in this area, which
> is why I posted here.
>
> I replaced my high quility - low differential thermostat with a
> refrigerator type thermostat in a newer, smaller freezer. It is
> working fine at this point. Only time will tell I guess.
>
> Bob
Ok, if you have no friends to tap on then lets work on this a
little differently. When you got this fridge/freezer home did you give
it an initial test drive to see if it had enough umph to get the job
done? Did it get real cold and hold it there for several days? It
needs to at least do that before considering it for this use. Then when
selecting your replacement thermostat are you choosing an external unit
that you hang on the outside of the unit and fish the probe into the
box or is it a hardwire componant thats installed inside the box
replacing the original and operates at "beverage temps" somewhere
around 31-45deg.F ? The external units are popular , easy to install,
yet may require some fiddling to find the "differential" of your set
temp vs. your actual operating temp. Many folks don't go the way of the
hardwire unit unless they feel at comfortable dismantling their fridge
and it's related internal parts. I know I had to find a local supply
house that sells only to wholesale licened profesionals and pretend I
was one of the same and picked up several items for mine. If you've
done all of this it "should" be operating at the temp you have
selected. When you troubleshoot these things it's important to
systematicly go through each link in the chain of things with ample
review time before you can sit down. Let us know.
Steve
|
| | |
Date: 10 Nov 2006 12:03:26
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
<smhoneydo@aol.com > wrote in message
news:1163161393.279743.170300@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Bob F wrote:
> > <smhoneydo@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:1162989082.917885.59260@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > >
> > > Bob F wrote:
> > > > I seem to be having my second failure of a chest freezer
> > > > used as beer cooler. The failure mode is that the unit runs
> > > > continuously but doesn't get the temp to drop more than
> > > > a few degrees. It also seems quieter when running after
> > > > failure
> > >
> > > I have a few words to share on this subject but bare with me
> > > it may be a bit long winded. You see, I went thru all this when I
built
> > > my own fridge to create a coolbox for my home built bar.
> > > >
> > > > The space it is in in my basement is currently about 55F.
> > > > The temp controller is a mechanical thermostat with
> > > > the sensing bulb passing into the unit between the lid
> > > > gasket and the top of the chest wall. The thermostat controls
> > > > the power to the compressor through a relay. The temp is
> > > > usually set to 35-40F.
> > > >
> > >
> > > Now you suggested the ambient temp of the room is
> > > around 55F which means you don't have far to go to achieve the set
temp
> > > of 35- 40F. This relay that you speak of may be an issue. What governs
> > > this relay, does it have some other device it needs to satisfy other
> > > than the thermostat? On my fridge I had to go out and buy a seperate
> > > beverage thermostat that I could hardwire into the system. This
allowed
> > > the system to operate at "beverage temps" 32-51F.
> > >
> > >
> > > > Both units were obtained used for cheap or free, so maybe they
> > > > were just worn out. They seemed to work fine for awhile.
> > > > Each lasted a year or so.
> > >
> > > As John suggested in another post Free doesn't
> > > nessesarily mean that its "good". It could be that the former owner
> > > discarded it because it failed on him.
> > > Now I too obtained most of my equipment for free, compressor,
> > > evaporator, fan assembly etc. at appliance junkyards and yardsale
> > > giveaways yet upon assembly and an educated eye for detail you can
> > > typicaly tell the good from the bad. Electrical componants need to be
> > > new such as the defrost timer hardstart relays etc. Oh and check the
> > > accuracy of your thermostat with thermometer and see how far off it
is.
> > > This can take out some of the mystery.
> > >
> > > >
> > > > Has anyone else had similar problems? Is there something that
> > > > I am doing that is killing the freezers?
> > >
> > > It's hard to pinpiont your problem without a bit more info.
> > > What I did was rounded up anyone who had a working knowledge of
> > > refrideration and would pump them for info, walking each through the
> > > anatomy of your system and how your useing it. A guy that works in the
> > > field will absorb all you can dish quickly and surmise were the
problem
> > > lies. Doing this I learned all I needed to troubleshoot my
> > > frankenfridge and now four years or so later she's still working hard.
> > > I still have to fiddle with the old girl now and again to make sure
> > > she's still hummin the right tune but going through this will help you
> > > in the long run. Hopfully you have a refridgeration guy to tap on for
a
> > > few detailed answers. Good luck and let us know how your progressing!
> > >
> >
> > I don't have any friends with expertise in this area, which
> > is why I posted here.
> >
> > I replaced my high quility - low differential thermostat with a
> > refrigerator type thermostat in a newer, smaller freezer. It is
> > working fine at this point. Only time will tell I guess.
> >
> > Bob
>
> Ok, if you have no friends to tap on then lets work on this a
> little differently. When you got this fridge/freezer home did you give
> it an initial test drive to see if it had enough umph to get the job
> done? Did it get real cold and hold it there for several days? It
> needs to at least do that before considering it for this use. Then when
> selecting your replacement thermostat are you choosing an external unit
> that you hang on the outside of the unit and fish the probe into the
> box or is it a hardwire componant thats installed inside the box
> replacing the original and operates at "beverage temps" somewhere
> around 31-45deg.F ? The external units are popular , easy to install,
> yet may require some fiddling to find the "differential" of your set
> temp vs. your actual operating temp. Many folks don't go the way of the
> hardwire unit unless they feel at comfortable dismantling their fridge
> and it's related internal parts. I know I had to find a local supply
> house that sells only to wholesale licened profesionals and pretend I
> was one of the same and picked up several items for mine. If you've
> done all of this it "should" be operating at the temp you have
> selected. When you troubleshoot these things it's important to
> systematicly go through each link in the chain of things with ample
> review time before you can sit down. Let us know.
>
>
What I have now is a mechanical thermostat. It is, I believe, a
thermostat manufactured for use in a refrigerator. It has a metal
tube, about 1/16" in diameter and 3 or 4 feet long which I have
snaked under the door gasket into the chect freezer. The thermostat
has 2 connectors on it connected to the the hot line of a power
cord with one connector going to the male plug end and one going
to the female receptacle end. It seems to operate proberly..
This, and the two preceding chest freezers operated fine as freezers
before adding the external thermostat. I tested that each could reach
well below 0F before use.
The previous two freezers were operated with a similar thermostat
installation, but the thermostat was not a refrigerator thermostat.
It had a 1.5F differential. Both of the previous freezers worked fine
for several months, set at around 40F. But after several months
to a year, I noticed that the freezer would be running full time
and not cooling very month.
This is all occuring in a basement in Seattle which normally sits at
55-60F.
Bob
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Date: 11 Nov 2006 14:18:28
From: jdarius@doodle.com
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
I bought a cheap and very old Montgomery Ward chest freezer 3 years
ago, and have been using it as a beer fridge just like you (thermostat
controller) ever since. No problems.
It's very common to use a freezer in this way, so you've just had some
bad luck.
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Date: 11 Nov 2006 16:32:59
From: jdarius@doodle.com
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
BTW...are you a homebrewer?
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Date: 11 Nov 2006 17:13:36
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
<jdarius@doodle.com > wrote in message
news:hpubl2lpihpcchv9i4qeed0c1ooot536ed@4ax.com...
> BTW...are you a homebrewer?
Yes. My cooler currently contains two cornys of beer,
3 of apple cider, two of water, and the CO2 tank.
Bob
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| | | | |
Date: 12 Nov 2006 13:48:00
From: jdarius@doodle.com
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
>Yes. My cooler currently contains two cornys of beer,
>3 of apple cider, two of water, and the CO2 tank.
>
I haven't made any in 2 years. I have 3 cornys in mine, one dedicated
to root beer.
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Date: 11 Nov 2006 04:00:53
From:
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
> > > Bob
Ok, if you have no friends to tap on then lets work on this a
> > little differently. When you got this fridge/freezer home did you give
> > it an initial test drive to see if it had enough umph to get the job
> > done? Did it get real cold and hold it there for several days? It
> > needs to at least do that before considering it for this use. Then when
> > selecting your replacement thermostat are you choosing an external unit
> > that you hang on the outside of the unit and fish the probe into the
> > box or is it a hardwire componant thats installed inside the box
> > replacing the original and operates at "beverage temps" somewhere
> > around 31-45deg.F ? The external units are popular , easy to install,
> > yet may require some fiddling to find the "differential" of your set
> > temp vs. your actual operating temp. Many folks don't go the way of the
> > hardwire unit unless they feel at comfortable dismantling their fridge
> > and it's related internal parts. I know I had to find a local supply
> > house that sells only to wholesale licened profesionals and pretend I
> > was one of the same and picked up several items for mine. If you've
> > done all of this it "should" be operating at the temp you have
> > selected. When you troubleshoot these things it's important to
> > systematicly go through each link in the chain of things with ample
> > review time before you can sit down. Let us know.
> >
> > OK! I think I found the problem!
> What I have now is a mechanical thermostat. It is, I believe, a
> thermostat manufactured for use in a refrigerator. It has a metal
> tube, about 1/16" in diameter and 3 or 4 feet long which I have
> snaked under the door gasket into the chect freezer. The thermostat
> has 2 connectors on it connected to the the hot line of a power
> cord with one connector going to the male plug end and one going
> to the female receptacle end. It seems to operate proberly..
>
In that previous paragraph we identified your replacement as
an "external type". But the key here is you suggested you may be
placeing the probe into the "freezer section" not the fridge section!
You'll be doing your work in the fridge section so "thats" where probe
needs to go! Everything else seems fine. If this is the case then thats
all there is to it. Now I'm sure you already know this but we'll
mention it anyway. Set your "external thermostat" to your desired temp
while the one in the freezer/ fridge is set to it's max cold. Ok!
> This, and the two preceding chest freezers operated fine as freezers
> before adding the external thermostat. I tested that each could reach
> well below 0F before use.
Good!
>
> The previous two freezers were operated with a similar thermostat
> installation, but the thermostat was not a refrigerator thermostat.
> It had a 1.5F differential. Both of the previous freezers worked fine
> for several months, set at around 40F. But after several months
> to a year, I noticed that the freezer would be running full time
> and not cooling very month.
This seems to be the nature of the beast. The mechanical versions
have a seemingly higher differential than the digital models. Find the
differance of your set vs. the actual operating temp. and make the
proper corrections when you set it.
Steve
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Date: 13 Nov 2006 12:48:35
From:
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
Bob F wrote:
> <jdarius@doodle.com> wrote in message
> news:hpubl2lpihpcchv9i4qeed0c1ooot536ed@4ax.com...
> > BTW...are you a homebrewer?
>
> Yes. My cooler currently contains two cornys of beer,
> 3 of apple cider, two of water, and the CO2 tank.
>
> Bob
Bob, I hope my advise is helping you figure out where the
problem lies with your fridge. After building my own from scratch I
feel I can offer some helpfull advice when troubleshooting yours. It's
been suggested that useing one of these external thermostats is
somewhat stressfull to the original unit due to a short cycling of the
unit at warmer temps. Personaly I haven't noticed this on the two that
I have used, the second of which is still in use. Good luck
Steve
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Date: 13 Nov 2006 14:06:28
From: Bob F
Subject: Re: Freezer life when used as beer cooler
|
<smhoneydo@aol.com > wrote in message
news:1163450915.105653.11000@h48g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
>
> Bob F wrote:
> > <jdarius@doodle.com> wrote in message
> > news:hpubl2lpihpcchv9i4qeed0c1ooot536ed@4ax.com...
> > > BTW...are you a homebrewer?
> >
> > Yes. My cooler currently contains two cornys of beer,
> > 3 of apple cider, two of water, and the CO2 tank.
> >
> > Bob
>
> Bob, I hope my advise is helping you figure out where the
> problem lies with your fridge. After building my own from scratch I
> feel I can offer some helpfull advice when troubleshooting yours. It's
> been suggested that useing one of these external thermostats is
> somewhat stressfull to the original unit due to a short cycling of the
> unit at warmer temps. Personaly I haven't noticed this on the two that
> I have used, the second of which is still in use. Good luck
>
It is currently working with the newer refrigerator thermostat. I
am planning to make a change when I find a suitable box. I have
a time delay relay I will add to the circuit. I will wire it so that
once the thermostat turns off, it will not try to start again for
1/2-1 hour. That should eliminate the short cycle problem for
good.
Bob
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