Where to mount a fridge fan thermo switch

A

ah197331

Member
Jan 23, 2012
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Hi,

I've got a fridge fan fitted to the top vent, and wanting to make it thermostatically controlled. My question is, where is the best place to mount the thermo switch (like these), and what temp switch is the best to buy?

Should I mount it on the top tube nearest to the flue and go for a 60 deg switch or mount it at the opposite end to the flue and go for a 50 deg switch? Hoping someone has been down this path before....

Andrew
 
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Burnsy

Burnsy

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Mar 26, 2012
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Hi Andrew, just had look at these switches and they are normally closed so when temp is reached they open, this is the reverse of what you need. At least from what I can make out, they are for thermal overload not activation. I am also curious on how to connect thermal switch.

Cheers
Burnsy.
 
G

grinner914

Member
Aug 3, 2011
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Bacchus Marsh VIC
Burnsy said:
Hi Andrew, just had look at these switches and they are normally closed so when temp is reached they open, this is the reverse of what you need. At least from what I can make out, they are for thermal overload not activation. I am also curious on how to connect thermal switch.

Cheers
Burnsy.
Click to expand...

If you do another search of jaycar with "thermal switch" it shows normally open versions as well.

I bought one of these probably 4 years ago, still haven't got around to fitting it yet!!

Jason
 
macca

macca

(aka maccayak)
Mar 20, 2012
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Victoria
Is it easier to get the manufacturers kit or is there a big saving? They are also available from plumbing supplies, they are quite often used in gas heaters. Tradelink have 65 & 70 deg switches

Geoff
 
coled1970

coled1970

Well-Known Member
May 27, 2012
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Mike7 said:
I followed the info here, needed to move the thermostat around a bit till I found a spot thru trial and error where the fan was not constantly on. Hope the link helps

http://www.dreampod.net/boroma/fridgefan.html

Cheers
Mike
Click to expand...

i have fitted the same setup as shown in the above link. The 70 deg thermo switch. I will get a picture of where i have mounted it and post it for you. I think at the current time it is to close to the burner. I have to check the temperature on the tube further down as i think it is cutting in to early. will do some more checks and let you know. Other than that it works very well just switching on and off. Did not do internal fan though.

Cheers
 
M

mike007

New Member
Aug 8, 2011
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G'Day Burnsy,

Sorry for the late reply, have been busy as anything. mate I didnt do the internal fan mod, only the outside one which has made a significant difference to the fridges operation in hot weather.

Cheers
Mike
 
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roadstar

roadstar

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Jan 29, 2017
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hello, ive heard that you can fit computor fans to the rear of the fridge to get heat away and this makes them work better has anyone done this ?
 
mikerezny

mikerezny

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Sep 11, 2016
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Hi,
this thread is a good place to start:

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/quiet-fridge-fan.9619/

If your fridge vents are on the off-side of the van, you might also want to investigate adding a shade cloth to keep the sun of the vents to keep the incoming air cooler.

If you have any questions or want more information, I am happy to assist. I have added a fan to my Penguin in the past month or so.

kindest regards
Mike
 
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Drover

Drover

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Nov 7, 2013
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roadstar said:
hello, ive heard that you can fit computor fans to the rear of the fridge to get heat away and this makes them work better has anyone done this ?
Click to expand...

If you browse thru this thread as well you should find pics and details http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/drovers-14-44-3.4502/

I have fitted about 6 vans up but have progressed to just sticking the fans to the inside of the top vent with Sikaflex which works a treat, a 70 deg thremo switch mounted on a spring clip which just slips onto the fins is about the best way to fit them but if you have to go out and buy all the gear you will probably better off just to buy the kits which are about $65.
 
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roadstar

roadstar

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Jan 29, 2017
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ah197331 said:
Hi,

I've got a fridge fan fitted to the top vent, and wanting to make it thermostatically controlled. My question is, where is the best place to mount the thermo switch (like these), and what temp switch is the best to buy?

Should I mount it on the top tube nearest to the flue and go for a 60 deg switch or mount it at the opposite end to the flue and go for a 50 deg switch? Hoping someone has been down this path before....

Andrew
Click to expand...
hello, im just getting it right here ...the fan is pulling heat away from the tubes ,eg pushing hot air outside and creating a flow from the bottom..Yes ? .also i saw an article where they made plastic shelves or bins for the fridge so it held the temp better when the door was opened i thought that was a good idea
 
GregW

GregW

Member
Jan 30, 2013
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Perth
image.jpeg
Hi andrew,

I have attached my switch to the top bar of the fridge, works like a treat.

I have attached a photo, the switch is in the bottom right corner of the photo.

Hope that helps.

Greg
 
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mikerezny

mikerezny

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Sep 11, 2016
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roadstar said:
hello, im just getting it right here ...the fan is pulling heat away from the tubes ,eg pushing hot air outside and creating a flow from the bottom..Yes ? .also i saw an article where they made plastic shelves or bins for the fridge so it held the temp better when the door was opened i thought that was a good idea
Click to expand...

Hi,
I wrote about the plastic trays we use in Dometic RM2350 in this thread:
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/our-new-jayco-penguin.9593/#post-170072

The trays have really helped with the temperature recovery time after the door is opened, especially around lunch time on hot days.

We found a plastic storage box from KMart ($5) that made a perfect crisper draw for the bottom shelf.
The only mod was to cut away the four dimples (feet) on the bottom so it was the correct height to fit in the space.
The added advantage is that we can fill this tray with all our vegetables in the kitchen and slot it straight into the fridge in the van.

regards
Mike
 
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Hubble80

Hubble80

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Nov 22, 2012
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I am going to do this mod to ours before we head up north. Just out of interest does it help the fridge when running on gas or only power?
 
Drover

Drover

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Nov 7, 2013
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@Rockape, cover the gap between the top of your fridge and the cupboard the hot air will flow into the gaps beside the insulation and thru the cables runs, if you look down the bottom you will probably find open cable runs, give them a squirt of canned foam, not only will the air flow be misdirected dust will get in also.....................

@Hubble80 , the fans will make the fridge run more efficient on all types of fuel but the rear of the fridge must be fitted correctly, many are not. A good read of the fitting instructions make it very clear how to instal, can't understand why the builders can't follow the directions.
 
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Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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Another question....@drover gurusan sir. (May as well strike while iron is hot)

What the best stuff to deflect the heat to the vent at the top of the fridge? Will a car windscreen defector type of material be ok?

and do you just remove the vent and put it in so that any air access to cupboards is stopped up?
 
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