Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This may seem like an odd question. I would like to know if anyone knows if it's possible to take a chest freezer, eliminate the simple dial type thermostat temp controller that they come with and wire in a digital thermostat that can be programmed to 1) Allow the chest freezer to be used as a cooler. Being able to set it to only cool down to say 68F or 45F, etc and 2) Be able to program in an automatic nightime temp drop, again to whatever temp I choose. I would think that this is possible since after all it's capable of cooling down to freezing temps but I don't know how complicated it would be to eliminate the factory temp control or what type of digital thermostat I should buy. Any help would be very greatly appreciated.

That is possible. A ranco or johnson controls would be about your only option.. UNless you want high dollar gear. You woul djust have to nmake sure the cooling element is not over the recommended wattage...
-----
www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

This may seem like an odd question. I would like to know if anyone knows if it's possible to take a chest freezer, eliminate the simple dial type thermostat temp controller that they come with and wire in a digital thermostat that can be programmed to 1) Allow the chest freezer to be used as a cooler. Being able to set it to only cool down to say 68F or 45F, etc and 2) Be able to program in an automatic nightime temp drop, again to whatever temp I choose. I would think that this is possible since after all it's capable of cooling down to freezing temps but I don't know how complicated it would be to eliminate the factory temp control or what type of digital thermostat I should buy. Any help would be very greatly appreciated

You will need a line voltage T-stat. That can handle the amps of the freezer. I think the Ranco or Johnson Control will handle the load. Call Matt(MG Repites) with the watts or amps that your freezer pulls. He should be able to look it up and tell you. You will need to have it set up for cooling and not heating that Matt normaly sells. It only takes moving a jumper wire. As for the night time set back you will have to do that manually. The only auto set back that I know of is NOT on and off only and that is the type of T-stat you need. Remember to be safe.

The JC and the ranco will both handle 1500 watts. The Johnson Controls can be equipped with a night drop module but it is extreamlly expensive.. Were talking about 300-400 bucks just for the night drop freature.. Thats not an option in my opinion... And thanks for the props Fatman....
-MG
-----
www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

i think a ranco or johnson stat would be best and do the night drop manually. the existing stat on the freezer would have to be removed of course. and then the wiring checked to determine which is line or load or common, systems vary alot on wiring. next i would wire a contactor to the new stat, the contactor could be either single or double pole and have a 120volt coil rating. the ranco or johnsons would be wired to control the contactor, this takes the wattage ratings out of the picture because the contactor is handling the load not the stat. this is hard to describe in detail due to so many different types of wiring diagrams but someone in the hvac or electrical locally could do this for you. hope this may help.

vaughn