Chest Freezer Fermentation Chamber DIY Dangers?

rpose · Feb 9, 2015

Sorry if this is a repeated topic, I was not able to find the answer to my question. I'm looking into getting a chest freezer and converting it to use some external thermostat. I have very little circuitry knowledge. Is there any danger to causing an electrical fire from not properly wiring something? Are there any other dangers I'm not considering?

Thank You!

Paps · Feb 9, 2015

rpose said:
Is there any danger to causing an electrical fire from not properly wiring something? !

Yes.
Why not buy/use something built for this?
Here's a link to such an item.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004B4HAPO/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

soccerguy83 · Feb 10, 2015

You need to be much more specific in your question. We don't know what you are considering and therefore can't advise you on what you are not considering. If you are looking at something like an STC-1000, then yes you will need to know how to wire it. If you are looking at something like a Johnson's Controls then it's pretty plug and play.

What ever you do, I would consider putting it on GFIC.

Vakko · Feb 12, 2015

I used a Johnson controller

Homercidal · Feb 12, 2015

I would recommend the STC-1000 or STC-1000+.

You *could* wire one up yourself, there are several good threads on it in the DIY forums. But YES, you can start a fire if you hook it up poorly. Odds are you will just pop a breaker or blow a component on the device, but if you are sloppy, stray wires, poor insulation, etc. can create fires under the right conditions.

But if you can understand a drawing, strip wire and screw wires down, you could probably build one for cheap. They are basically a box you get from the hardware store, cut an opening or two, install an outlet or two, wire the STC-1000 and put it together.

The diagrams will vary depending on whether you use a single outlet (break the strap that ties the two plugs together) or install one outlet for heat, and one for cool) and maybe install a bypass outlet just to have a 110V outlet that is not controlled.

rpose · Feb 12, 2015

I am sorry I should have been more specific. I was actually looking at the Johnson Controls and now I feel really stupid for not noticing that it is a plug and play controller. Maybe someday I will be brave enough to wire one of the other controllers but for now that one will do the trick. Thanks everyone!