Quick build of a fermentation Chamber

[Sparkncode]

I Decided to build a quick fermentation chamber this afternoon as I realised Saturdays brew was going to need some coolking tomorrow so it gave me incentive to get it working.

I had an STC1000 and a fridge ready. Everything else I had sitting around waiting to get round to the project.
A bit rough and ready but no exposed live 230V connections and redundant strain relief. I used ferrules to make sure there were no stray wires because I had them. If I can find a longer screw I could screw the orange terminal strip to the back of the STC1000.

I used parts from an old extension cord etc. Ideally I would like an independent fuse for the STC1000 but not much risk attached to the top of a fridge, also high enough to be out the way of visiting children.
The self adhesive cable tie mounts make it easy. it is temporary but it will probably last a reasonable time.

The yellow power cord is 1.5MM^2 so a bit overkill for 230V for just a fridge but wanted the other end of the cord for My CNC mill where the thicker wire is needed. A surplus IEC computer power cord with the IEC end hacked off as the power in.

I forgot the extension cord had a neon in it so now it glows when the fridge is on.
One day I will 3d print a box with a space for the fuse and some cable glands etc for for now its functional.

 

[Sparkncode]

For those in USA or other countries that are confused by the wire colours visible.
NZ uses:
230V
Phase = red or brown
Neutral = black or blue
Earth = green or green/yellow

The harvested power cords had brown blue green/yellow but my link wires are red and black as I had spools of suitably rated wire.

 

[Sparkncode]

I checked before and after work and its cycling the fridge on and off and holding a steady 18.1C so within 0.1C of the setpoint so I'm happy but I now have 3 fridges consuming power,
The main kitchen fridge/fgreezer, the kegerator+food freezer (converted F&P active smart) and the fermentation chamber (older fridge/freezer with cold plates in both the fridge and freezer part.

I'm running out of room for refrigeration equipment LOL

 

[Sparkncode]

This fermentation chamber is working well but I would like to wire the STC1000 directly in the place of the fridges thermostat so I can have the fridge light work normally as the lighting in my shed where it is located is poor.

That requires tracing wires so not a high priority, Just a nice to have pne day.

On my kegerator I intercepted the temperature sensor of the fridge so the light in that works and the door open alarm works etc but i found a service manual for that. The activesmart was easy and being a modern design the freezer kept working even when i used the fridge as a fermentation chamber before the kegerator conversion.

I guess I should try and hunt down the service manual for the non active smart models. Its a pretty basic fridge so should just switch power to the compressor I guess so i could just pull ot appart and trace wires but they go from thermostat at top to compressor at bottom with no easy access in between. Shouldnt be many wires though.