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Chest Freezer Controller Chest Freezer Controller
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Old 07-01-2008, 03:06 PM   #1
cactusgarrett
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Default Chest Freezer Controller
I searched around and can't seem to find the answers to my questions, but i think that might be more of a function of me not having electrician experience, and things not being easily spelled out for me. So, please pardon the ignorance.

I'm trying to rig something to control fermentation temps, lager, etc. and i've got a chest freezer (free) which doesn't go above freezing temps when set at it's warmest setting.

Which type of temperature controller would i need to get? How would this work, in general? From what i can figure it seems like the simplest way would be to plug the freezer into a temp controller that basically regulates the power (on/off) to the freezer to maintain the warmer temps? Or do i need to do alot more work on this?

I'm just trying to get something made (preferrably on the cheap) to accurately and precisely hit temperatures using this chest freezer.

Thanks.
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Old 07-01-2008, 03:10 PM   #2
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You will spend about 50 bucks on the cheapest unit. I recommend buying one that is prewired. You can find a digital Ranco unit on ebay or an Analog Johnson Controls at any online homebrewshop.
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Old 07-01-2008, 03:19 PM   #3
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What I'm counting on...as I have begun collecting parts for my Kreezer...
Yes, the temp control just plugs into the wall, and the freezer plugs into the controller.
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Old 07-01-2008, 03:29 PM   #4
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Here's what I bought on Ebay for my chest freezer, works great.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RefrigerationTemp-Control-Johnson-Control_W0QQitemZ370064763577QQihZ024QQcategoryZ42 911QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Old 07-01-2008, 03:35 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Wortlover View Post
that would work great ... add in a 6'-10' 14ga. extension cord and you have a fully functioning temp. controller.

I wouldn't buy the pre-wired ones. It is very simple to wire (pm if you need better diagrams) and takes about 1/2 hour. To get a controller pre-wired you're looking at about $30 more than you'll spend to wire it yourself.
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Old 07-01-2008, 03:46 PM   #6
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Again, pardon the ignorance, but what would you have to wire, vs. what would be pre-wired?
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Old 07-01-2008, 04:00 PM   #7
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I use a Love TS-13010 digital controller.



I bought a heavy duty extention cord, cut it in half and wired it this way.



I tape the sensor to the side of my bucket fermenters and it works like a champ.
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Old 07-01-2008, 04:15 PM   #8
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You should use at least #12 wire for a freezer, #10 would be better. #14 is a bit small and will be hard on the compressor when it starts up. Compressors have a high starting current and the resistance of the smaller wires will cause a voltage drop making it harder for the compressor to start.
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Old 07-01-2008, 04:42 PM   #9
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Important note to anyone using these diagrams: the numbers on the terminals don't match, so be sure to check the diagram on your temp controller before wiring!

Ed,

I've seen this wiring diagram posted elsewhere and I'm confused by it.

When wired as you show, the controller will have to be set to Heat mode (d0 set to Ht).

Logically, I would have expected it to be wired the opposite way as I show below. This is the way I have mine wired and I have d0 set to Co.



Do you have a specific reason for wiring to the NC side of the relay?

-Joe
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Old 07-01-2008, 04:49 PM   #10
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Christ, these diagrams are spinning my non-electrician brain. Is this model in the ebay link a "plug and go" controller in that i can plug it into the wall and plug the freezer into the unit and go?
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