Ranco ETC / Sanyo 4912

[Lepoc2635]

I finished my conversion last weekend, and I tried adding the Ranco tonight. From what I've read, the temp probe is fed through the drain hole in the back. I've removed the drain tray, but I can't see how the temp probe fits... It almost looks like it has to be bent to get past the compressor. I don't want to force it since it could be damaged. Right now, it seems like the compressor is just in the way. Any thoughts?

 

[Buford]

There's a rubber plug thing in the drain hole that you can yank out with pliers from the inside of the fridge. It's glued in. The hole is a lot bigger and easier to get things through without that in the way.

 

[Lepoc2635]

Thanks... I saw that but didn't think to remove it. Did you take any steps to fill that hole back in after you run your stuff through it? Should I worry about cold air leaking out? Once my conversion is complete, I'm going to have to make a label saying something like "Courtesy of Buford." You've really been a big help. Thanks again.

 

[Buford]

You want the hole to stay open so that any condensation from the back plate will drain out into the pan over the compressor where it will evaporate. I just yanked out the black rubber, ran the temp probe cord through it, put the drain pan back on, and just left it like that.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Yeah, I have a thought...why are you using a temp controller on a fridge?

I had mine set at 40F for a week of so and turned it up (temp down) one day and the next day my beer lines and a keg was frozen.

Now that I had a bracket I raised the temp a bit and it's fine now.

 

[Lepoc2635]

Is that exacly why you would use a temp controller? You set it at a certain temp and leave it...? Then , nothing would freeze. Maybe I'm missing something?

 

[homebrewer_99]

Is that exacly why you would use a temp controller? You set it at a certain temp and leave it...? Then , nothing would freeze. Maybe I'm missing something?

You're right, but a 4912 doesn't have a freezer...just a plate along the back wall that generates the cold. It does get frosty though.

 

[Buford]

If you turn a 4912 up to max it will freeze. Mine can get down to 29 degrees. I put a temp controller on it so I can specify an exact temperature easily without trial and error with the built-in knob, as I do adjust temp depending on beer style.