I need an electrician's help

So I'm following the ebay aquarium temp controller build and I ran into a problem.

The controller is rated for 10 amps, but my freezer says it pulls a max of 12 amps. Is there any way to make this temp controller work with my freezer?

I just got the controller in today; it's the one mentioned in the original thread -- the STC 1000 found on ebay.

Thanks!

I highly doubt that freezer is going to pull 12a continuous. It's likely the peak draw upon startup so you should be fine.

If you want to be on the safe side you can buy a relay thats rated for 15 amps, or if its cheaper return it and get a contoller rated for 15amps. With electricty you want to oversize.

The max amps will only be pulled for a second while the compressor starts. The continuous draw will be under 2 amps.

If the compressor pulls 12 amps at startup wouldn't that fry the controller?

That controller should be more than fine, it's rated 10A at 250V. And as mentioned, that max draw would only be momentary anyway.

I repaired industrial controls for quite a few years. The peak current draw is going to be for a few milliseconds and then drop off. In addition there is typically a safety factor in component ratings (padding if you will). That said, you technically should be using a 15 amp controller but I honestly believe that this one will handle it for just fine.

Thanks for the help, everybody!

Another question -- would a 16 gauge wire work or should I go buy the 14 gauge? Thanks!

Go with 14 or 12.

dmbRedGetta said:

So I'm following the ebay aquarium temp controller build and I ran into a problem.

The controller is rated for 10 amps, but my freezer says it pulls a max of 12 amps. Is there any way to make this temp controller work with my freezer?

I just got the controller in today; it's the one mentioned in the original thread -- the STC 1000 found on ebay.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

It says right on there current is 1.69A....that is less than 2 amps, and only when the compressor is running....the max is referring to the in-rush current when the compressor kicks on...so it only lasts a second....

As dumb as this sounds, I didn't even see that -- I was more focused on the max.

dmbRedGetta said:

As dumb as this sounds, I didn't even see that -- I was more focused on the max.

Click to expand...

ha ha ha...I can't tell you how many times I've done that...Sometimes I have a hard time seeing the trees when the forest is in the way...

:cross: