Freezer cutting out in cold weather

Henry MacKenzie

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Feb 10, 2003, 4:50:42 PM2/10/03

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A recent Which? report noted that some freezers ceased to operate if the
temperature fell below 11 C. I have just checked my own freezer documents
and find that the manufacturer
suggests that it is not suitable for use where the temperature may fall
below 3 C.

As I intend to locate this freezer in an unheated garage, and anticipate
some very cold spells, I am wondering how to prevent failure. Perhaps a very
small electric heater positioned near the condenser coils, wired to operate
below say 5C, would solve the problem?

Comments sought.

Henry

EmJay

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Feb 10, 2003, 5:29:14 PM2/10/03

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"Henry MacKenzie" <hg...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:b296rh$lka$1...@knossos.btinternet.com...
: A recent Which? report noted that some freezers ceased to operate if the

.......................................
Had a chest freezer in my detached (very cold) garage for about 12 years now
with no trouble at all. As I see it, ....... if it cuts out in cold weather,
then it doesn't need to run, so, saving money ;-)
Regards MIKE.

Barry Hodgson

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Feb 9, 2003, 8:54:37 PM2/9/03

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Barry Hodgson adds:

An associate, not very clued up in the field of common sense and domestic
problem solving, demanded the store send a mechanic to check his new fridge
which had ceased to work after a few weeks. The serviceman checked it over
and announced: "It's so bloody cold in this kitchen, it doesn't need to
work!" My mate is so impressed by the economy he's achieving that he's now
thinking of putting it in the garage where it's even colder......

"Henry MacKenzie" <hg...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
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Henry MacKenzie

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Feb 11, 2003, 2:20:57 AM2/11/03

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EmJay <e...@y.com.invalid> wrote in message
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Agreed. My own experience has been similar. But.. My original query wasn't
quite accurate.
The problem occurs with Fridge /Freezers which have only one thermostat, and
the
Freezer repeatedly defrosts the food. The suppliers say that customers
should read the
instruction manual, and that the appliances are not technically faulty.

Henry

Mart Rogers

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Feb 11, 2003, 4:59:52 AM2/11/03

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"EmJay" <e...@y.com.invalid> wrote in message
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>

Nice in theory, but if we are talking about a freezer cutting out at
temperatures less than 3C then this will defrost your freezer unless the
temperature is well below freezing. If I recall correctly freezers run at
around -18C.

Might be better to try and understand the real reason for the cutout - I
doubt it is economy, more likely compressor/refrigeration protection. Anyone
know the answer?

Mart

Richard Savage

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Feb 11, 2003, 1:44:30 PM2/11/03

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I bought a Bosch Fridge Freezer a couple of years back and, IIRC, noted that it
was available in two variants: one for cooler climates and one for UK climates.
I will try to find the brochure and verify this information.

Richard

Darren Perrett

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Feb 11, 2003, 3:25:09 PM2/11/03

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"Mart Rogers" <mart....@dev.null> wrote in message
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The thermostat senses the temperature on the tail end of the evaporator in
the fridge section of the fridge freezer. The cutout temperature is variable
allowing control of the temperature in the fridge & feezer section but the
cutout is set @ around +4 to allow the evaporator in the fridge section to
fully defrost.
If the ambient temperature is very low then the fridge will not cut in,
causing the freezer to defrost.

Darren.

deepthought

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Feb 14, 2003, 12:21:36 PM2/14/03

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"Henry MacKenzie" <hg...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
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There is a minimum differential in the temp required for the freezer to work
because it is a heat pump.
They are usually designed for the amibent temp we have in our homes.
A relative of mine just moved up north and put new freezer in outbuilding.
It didn't work, and when he complained the supplier told him to read the
instruction manual wherein all was revealed.
Moved freezer to utility room it worked fine.

Henry MacKenzie

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Feb 14, 2003, 2:50:28 PM2/14/03

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Thanks for all your comments. It seems I will have to put in some electric
heat with a thermostat set at say 4 degrees.

Henry
deepthought <deepthought@NO_spammers-here.cyberdude.com> wrote in message
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Darren Perrett

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Feb 15, 2003, 2:07:24 PM2/15/03

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"Henry MacKenzie" <hg...@btinternet.com> wrote in message

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> Thanks for all your comments. It seems I will have to put in some electric
> heat with a thermostat set at say 4 degrees.
>
> Henry

It will need to be around 10 degrees to work at a minimum otherwise you will
find that the fridge does not run long enough or often enough to
maintain -18 degrees in the freezer box.

Darren.