Our refrigeration system came through without a manual. I was able to get one from AdlerBarbour, but have three questions not addressed: 1. are you supposed to plug the drain hole when in use? There was no plug with boat, but I was told to get one. 2. how long is it taking people to get the freezer cold enough to turn on the refrig. AND, then how long does it take the frig. to get cold enough to put the food in? 3. How much frost in the freezer is normal after two days use? Thanks!
- Status
Refer boxes
I'm not an expert on marine refrigeration, but here's a crack at some answers to your questions: 1) Plugging the drain hole will keep cool air from sinking out the bottom of the box into the bilge. It's a matter of efficiency - plug it (or the end of the drain hose in the bilge) and the unit shouldn't cycle as often. 2) I'm not sure what you mean about having separate controls for refer and freezer, but just turn it on and stick the food in there. It helps to add ice at least initially to get the warm air cooled down. How long does it take? Depends on how warm the air is, how big the box is, and how much warm food you have! 2) Frost in the freezer typically comes from air entering the box. Check the lid seals and minimize opening the box. I wouldn't expect too much frost in just 2 days unless you are in very hot weather, the box is opened frequently, or the seals are leaking. Hope this helps, Trevor
I'm not an expert on marine refrigeration, but here's a crack at some answers to your questions: 1) Plugging the drain hole will keep cool air from sinking out the bottom of the box into the bilge. It's a matter of efficiency - plug it (or the end of the drain hose in the bilge) and the unit shouldn't cycle as often. 2) I'm not sure what you mean about having separate controls for refer and freezer, but just turn it on and stick the food in there. It helps to add ice at least initially to get the warm air cooled down. How long does it take? Depends on how warm the air is, how big the box is, and how much warm food you have! 2) Frost in the freezer typically comes from air entering the box. Check the lid seals and minimize opening the box. I wouldn't expect too much frost in just 2 days unless you are in very hot weather, the box is opened frequently, or the seals are leaking. Hope this helps, Trevor
Cold Food
Cold Food must be maintained at 40 Degrees F or less. Don't put food in a warm fridge (above 40 deg). Hot food must be kept at 140 degrees F or more. Gord
Cold Food must be maintained at 40 Degrees F or less. Don't put food in a warm fridge (above 40 deg). Hot food must be kept at 140 degrees F or more. Gord
We'll See
Donna - I have had ongoing minor problems with my 380 freezer as well, however the dealer just had his tech out last week and serviced my unit. I had some frost on the plate Saturday, however not as much as usual. I do plug the drain in the refrigerator to keep all the cold inside. I'll let you know after the Labor Day weekend how my unit is doing. Expect some frost, but also increased efficiency. Freezer should freeze water and reefer should keep beer cold. Fair winds, Steve & Linda S/V Options
Donna - I have had ongoing minor problems with my 380 freezer as well, however the dealer just had his tech out last week and serviced my unit. I had some frost on the plate Saturday, however not as much as usual. I do plug the drain in the refrigerator to keep all the cold inside. I'll let you know after the Labor Day weekend how my unit is doing. Expect some frost, but also increased efficiency. Freezer should freeze water and reefer should keep beer cold. Fair winds, Steve & Linda S/V Options
Plug it
I forgot and left the plug out after a cleaning and I swear it added to the frost in the freezer..The drain is a direct line to a lot of moisture... As far as the cooldown time of the fridge. Do a test for your particular unit. Place a thermometer in freezer and fridge and see how long it takes to get to an acceptable temp for food staorage. Good luck Brian Crew Rest
I forgot and left the plug out after a cleaning and I swear it added to the frost in the freezer..The drain is a direct line to a lot of moisture... As far as the cooldown time of the fridge. Do a test for your particular unit. Place a thermometer in freezer and fridge and see how long it takes to get to an acceptable temp for food staorage. Good luck Brian Crew Rest
Gord - Question about Tempemperature
Gord - read your post about not puting food in a warm frig above 40F. If the frig is at ambient air temperature when arriving on board and it's turned on and food put in, it would seem that the inside of the frig would get colder and be cooler than the cabin temperature. So.... what's wrong with puting the food in? Granted, it takes a while to draw the temperature down to 40F or below, probably several hours, but wouldn't food be better off in a frig at, say 60F or 50F while it's getting cooler than sitting in the cabin at, say 80F? P.S. Typically we freeze whatever we can before puting it in the refer knowing it won't be cold when we arrive on board.
Gord - read your post about not puting food in a warm frig above 40F. If the frig is at ambient air temperature when arriving on board and it's turned on and food put in, it would seem that the inside of the frig would get colder and be cooler than the cabin temperature. So.... what's wrong with puting the food in? Granted, it takes a while to draw the temperature down to 40F or below, probably several hours, but wouldn't food be better off in a frig at, say 60F or 50F while it's getting cooler than sitting in the cabin at, say 80F? P.S. Typically we freeze whatever we can before puting it in the refer knowing it won't be cold when we arrive on board.
- Status