Fridge/Freezer ckt monitor

[CDC]

I am looking for a device to monitor a ref./freezer circuit. Is there a relay/device that installs inline with the ref. cord? That way if the ref. was unplugged or if the ckt was off or tripped you would get an alarm. Size is the problem with all the relays and plug assemblies I have been able to come up with. Before I invent one I need to know if there is already one on the market. Thanks, CDC

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

If you really need a relay and want to base it off of current draw, there is something like THIS (but it's expensive).

There are cheaper "current switches" that have a transistor switched output.

What type of hardware will be monitoring these devices?

 

[Rupp]

http://www.smarthome.com/71933/Freezer-Watchdog-FF47/p.aspx

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

http://www.smarthome.com/71933/Freezer-Watchdog-FF47/p.aspx

I quickly looked at that link and it monitors temperature, not power to the freezer (unless I mis-read).

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

THIS looks interesting for $40 and provides a contact closure.

 

[ewiz]

Do you really want a current sensor? Fridges go off and on all the time. Isn't the drop in temperature what would be more important? For example, the fridget door could be ajar all night, but the current sensor may not tell you that).
Sticking a temperature probe inside the fridge and monitoring temperature drops may be an alternative approach.

 

[CDC]

I am not wanting a current based monitor. I don't see how that could work and not cause false alarms. I am also reluctant to drill a hole in the brand new ref. There is a GE NX8 in use for the alarm signal. In my mind I see a 120v coil triggering N/O-N/C contacts with a time delay on the contacts. The Elkl 960 TDR is a similar relay but not avail. with a 120v coil. Thanks for the link to the smarthome device but that is X10, so I would question its reliability. Thanks again, CDC

 

[Rupp]

Thanks for the link to the smarthome device but that is X10, so I would question its reliability. Thanks again, CDC

I thought the device I linked to was a contact closure device that could be connected to a X10 device. You also normally have a hole into the freezer via the ice maker water supply.

 

[Rupp]

There are many other options such as:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012K6GA/ref=as...ASIN=B00012K6GA

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016LFWFK/ref=as...ASIN=B0016LFWFK

You can also use a one-wire temp sensor system to monitor these areas as well.

 

[gatchel]

You could use a number of these products to accomplish what you need. Use a remote temp probe and sneak it through the door or insulation some how.


http://www.winland.com/TempandHumidityAlerts.htm

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

The OP wants a 120 VAC voltage monitor to the power input of the freezer, not temp input indication.

 

[signal15]

I put the ELK temp sensors in my freezers, and if the temp goes above 10 degrees for more than 30 minutes, it sends me an SMS and announces over the voice system. I also graph the power usage on them with the Brultech, but it doesn't send me an alert if it's not using any power.

How do these power monitors not false alarm when the freezer shuts off?

Technically, the freezer can have power but not be cooling properly (which is what happens to my 30 year old commercial freezer). I think temperature monitoring is more reliable.

 

[gatchel]

The OP wants a 120 VAC voltage monitor to the power input of the freezer, not temp input indication.

I understood that. For reasons that signal15 mentioned above this post, I suggested what I thought was a better way to do it, that's all.

This will definitely work if power monitoring is what is decided upon.

http://www.winland.com/products/Power-OutA...er-OutAlert.htm

It works by using a resistor element internally to heat a thermal switch. This generates the time delay mentioned to prevent false alarming. There is also a delay when power comes back on which is nice so you don't get repeat alarms when the power is intermittent.

 

[CDC]

I'm not sure how I can put one of those Elk temp sensors inside the fridge in 700k home and make it look right. I do agree that monitoring the temp would be the best way to monitor the fridge but it is brand new and I am looking for options. Thanks for all the input, CDC

 

[signal15]

I'm not sure how I can put one of those Elk temp sensors inside the fridge in 700k home and make it look right. I do agree that monitoring the temp would be the best way to monitor the fridge but it is brand new and I am looking for options. Thanks for all the input, CDC

I am monitoring 2 freezers right now. An old commercial freezer in the garage, and a brand new one in the basement. I just ran the wire and mounted the little box that that temp probe connects to behind the freezer, and then drilled a hole in the back and zip tied the probe to the back of a shelf. Everything will be hidden. Warranties be damned! If you drill the hole cleanly enough, you can pull it out if you need to and fill the hole with something that matches the color of the freezer. Even if they notice it and say something, you can just play dumb.

The way I look at it is my new freezer was $800, and if it dies, I'll probably lose 300 pounds of meat. Warranty doesn't cover that, and it's a wash at that point.