Question: Installing temp control into mini-fridge fermenter

[Dirt_McGirt]

I'm converting a used mini-fridge into my first fermenter, and need to create a place for the temp controller probe and the cord for my heating source to pass through. What have you guys done in this situation? I was hoping for feedback before I start drilling holes all willy-nilly. I can provide details or pics if that helps.

*I did attempt a search for this since I'm sure it's addressed elsewhere, but came up empty.

 

[Homercidal]

I ran the heater cord and temp probe wire between the door seal and door frame on my first ferm chamber.

After I killed that one I got a chest freezer and for that I cut a small hole right in the door seal in the back and ran both wires through it. Then I mounted the control right on top of the chest freezer door. (Well, I say "mounted", but in reality it's just sitting up there and will fall off the back if I lift the lid. I just bought some velcro to attach more securely.)

I know some people have cut an opening in their freezer and mounted an STC right into the freezer, and others have drilled holes for the cords and then filled the openings with silicone after the control was mounted.

 

[Dirt_McGirt]

Did you first ferm chamber's door seal ok with the 2 cords in the way? I replaced the door shelving panel last night with slightly thicker 1/8" hardboard, and it's a tight fit, as it is. I'd love to do that if possible, though, since getting drilling and sealing a hole large enough to get the heater cord through will be a pain.

When you cut a gap in the door seal, did leave the cut flaps open or did you seal them back shut with something?

 

[Dirt_McGirt]

Whelp, surpisingly the seal is now worked in and supple enough that I can fit both cords in there and still shut the door. Did not expect that, at all. I guess problem solved unless something changes....

 

[Homercidal]

Did you first ferm chamber's door seal ok with the 2 cords in the way? I replaced the door shelving panel last night with slightly thicker 1/8" hardboard, and it's a tight fit, as it is. I'd love to do that if possible, though, since getting drilling and sealing a hole large enough to get the heater cord through will be a pain.

When you cut a gap in the door seal, did leave the cut flaps open or did you seal them back shut with something?

My first was an upright Freezer from my BIL house. It was an old POS to begin with and the door was problematic all along. But, I don't think it sealed up tight with the cords in the way and produced plenty of moisture inside.

When the accident happened the door would have have closed without a pair of latches to pull it tight.

If I had it all to do over again, I'd have just punched a small hole in the door seal and threaded the cords through that.

Also, I misremembered something: On my ferm chamber I drilled a small home in the back edge of the lid, and another hole on the bottom of the inside of the lid and threaded the cords through those holes. Works pretty good.

I did poke a hole in the door seal of my Cheese Cave fridge and it also works great. Much safer than trying to drill a hole where it might cut a coolant line.