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Maintenance Guidelines

  • Most refrigeration is designed to operate to Class 3 which is a maximum ambient temperature up to 25°C at the condenser/motor and a maximum humidity of 60%. If the temperature is not maintained below these guidelines it will result in poor function and an increase in internal temperatures inside the cabinet
  • The condenser must be kept clean of dust or dirt on a weekly basis. If the condenser is not cleaned regularly failure of compressor and poor temperatures will result.
  • Blocking of air vent on unit or replacing panel without sufficient ventilation holes will result in poor operation or damage to unit.
  • Units must be placed in areas of ventilation or where ventilation can be installed to ensure heat can escape from the motor.
  • Placing of units in direct solar glare will affect temperature of cabinet and products on display.For example, manufacturers lighting guidelines is 600 lux.
  • Refrigeration units should not be placed near sources of heat or heating appliances.
  • Ventilation fans, air-draughts or air-conditioning units cannot be placed behind open cabinets or in front of self-service refrigerated cabinets otherwise it will result in the breaking of the invisible refrigerated air curtain and cause unit to freeze up and not work correctly. For example, manufacturers air velocity guidelines is 0, 2 m/sec.
  • Products must be pre-chilled or frozen before placing inside display cabinets. In order for chilled product to be frozen a blast chiller is required. Ifchilled products are frozen in a standard ventilated storage freezer this will cause the buildup of humidity and eventually lead to blockage of the evaporator with ice and possible compressor failure.
  • Overloading of product inside cabinet will result in poor performance. Please refer to manufacturers manual or ask our representative for advice.

Examples of how poor environmental conditions can affect your equipment:

In the example of a multi-deck also known as a dairy wall these units have an open front which is easily affected by ambient conditions.  Most manufacturer guidelines specify ambient conditions of Class 3 (see temperature & climate classes below) to ensure proper operation and function of equipment as these are the conditions that equipment has been tested.  If the temperature is not maintained below these guidelines it will result in poor function and an increase in internal temperatures inside the cabinet.

Air movement or draughts also cause problems for the function of your multi-deck and again these cabinets are tested to an air movement of 0, 2 m/sec. In places where there are draughts caused by windy weather (especially if located close to a door) or during summer time when doors are left open to create air movement to cool premises. As a result warm air will enter the cabinet disrupting the air refrigerated curtain causing temperature loss and ice up.

Electrical power consumption for multi-decks is higher and can result in operational problems for the cabinet and possible compressor failure. Never connect your to an extension lead as these types of cabinets have higher and can result in operational problems for the cabinet and possible compressor failure. ALWAYS CONSULT A QUALIFIED SPECIALIST.

The condenser must be kept clean of dust or dirt on a weekly basis otherwise if the condenser is not cleaned regularly failure of compressor and poor temperatures will result.

In the case of refrigerated or freezer storage cabinet especially in high ambient will affect performance and operation of this equipment. If high ambient temperature is an issue, for example, in a kitchen a tropicalised unit maybe required or air conditioning.  In greasy environments condensers must be cleaned regularly.

Temperature Classes

The temperature chart below shows the highest core product temperature of the warmest package equal or lower to the value.

3M1 = +5°C/-1°C

3M2 = +7°C/-1°C

3H = +10°C/+1°C

L1 = -15°C/-18°C

L2 = -12°C/-18°C

Trouble Shooting

  • Have the general operation & maintenance guidelines been checked?
  • Is power going to cabinet and are fuses & sockets working?
  • Is the condenser clean?
  • Ensure the cabinet is sited as per the instructions. It should not be in direct sunlight or in a position which restricts the flow of cool air to it.
  • Has the thermostat been incorrectly adjusted?  Is the cabinet iced up if so it will need to be defrosted over night.
  • Have manufacturer’s instructions been read and followed?