DIY Fridge - Thermostat

[LadyInBed]

I have an L shaped evaporator and for space / size reasons it has to mounted verticallyin the corner of the box, so on plan view it looks like this: L

Should the thermostat sensor be mounted High or Low / near the evaporator or as far as possible away from it?

 

[pvb]

I'd fit the thermostat fairly high, and around the middle of one of the long sides of the box. Actual positioning isn't crucial, so give thought to convenience of reaching the thermostat.

 

[ParaHandy]

Somebody elsewhere in pbo gave a cautionary warning abt a diy thermostat (assuming you're not fitting the type of sensor clamped to the evaporator). If i remember correctly, (s)he said such a device would cause the compressor to short cycle which would overheat it and shorten its life ...

I've just built a fridge (waeco compressor) and would have been tempted by a diy thermostat but found the clamp-to-the-evaporator sensor works well ...

 

[LadyInBed]

The thermostat isn't diy, it came with the kit from Penguin - Vitrifrigo System.

Oops! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Your post prompted me to look at the instructions again /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

"Connect the thermostat sensor to the evaporator plate" /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

but it still leaves the question near the top or the bottom of the evaporator plate, or doesn't it matter as it is connected to the plate?

 

[William_H]

I would guess that the thermostat if attached to the evaporator should be near the gas exit as opposed to the gas entry point which would get very cold very quickly with the compressor running. By going to the outlet areea the gas will have warmed a little in taking heat from the box and so will more truly reflect the temp of the box.
on this argument you would put the thermostat as far away from the evaporator as possible to reflect the warmest temp.
Of course the adjustment of the thermostat can be varied to give desired temp. throughout the box but I imagine firther from the evaporator or at least further from the cold gas coming in will give less cycling off and on. good luck olewill or have I got it all wrong?