Wiring temp controller to compressor?

[NPaulson]

Hey guys, I've been searching the forums and haven't found a conclusive answer, so I figured I'd straight out ask. I have a 7.0 cf GE freezer that I am wiring a Love temp controller to. I thought I remember reading somewhere that I should avoid wiring it into the compressor because it will fry it out quickly. Is this true? If so, where/how should the controller be wired? Thanks in advance!

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Just wire it directly to the power cord (i.e., cut the plug off of the freezer and splice the Love controller into the cord). Some people have concerns about short cycling the compressor, but I've never heard of anyone actually experiencing a failure. Even so, keeping a temperature differential of 2-3 degrees should prevent any problems.

 

[KCBrewer]

Is it a concern of frying the compressor or the controller?

I can see Yuri's point of conern for short cycling the compressor. When I read your post, I took it as a concern for the controller. I'm not familiar with the LOVE controllers specifically, but I would assume the issue would be the ability to handle the max amp load (at startup), and over time, burning out the circuitry prematurely if not made to handle the load.

Whether you wire it to the plug or directly to the compressor, the controller will be handling the same load (or more if the freezer has a light and it's on when the controller kicks on). This can be solved by using the conroller to switch a relay rated for the full load of the unit to switch the power, rather than directly through the controller.

 

[NPaulson]

I was more worrying about the compressor. I'm pretty to new to this, luckily I have a relative who's a professional electrician to help me wire it all up but I just wanted to be prepared. So there's no worries about blowing the compressor?

 

[KCBrewer]

All is well then. Just heed the advice of Yuri and keep a 2-3 degree differential to discourage short cycling.

 

[NPaulson]

Thanks everybody. Much appreciated. I'll post the build pics when all is said and done. Should be operational soon!