Lanark Outdoor Beer Fridge
Modification
To stop
beer from freezing in the winter simply override the light in the fridge to come
on when the temperature in the fridge gets cold enough to freeze the beer. I
found the door switch is usually located near the light. The door switch is
connected in the normal closed position so when the door is open the light
comes on. Just short the switch when it is cold; the light (40 watt heater)
comes on to keep the beer from freezing. Here are the steps required:
Step 1:
Find a 240V wall mount thermostat (not 24V!). The one shown is a model CT60A.
Modify it if required to turns on just below freezing. I had to cut off a low
end tab on this one to allow it to switch below freezing.
Step 2: Find an old power cord (preferable white) and
connect it to the thermostat with a couple of Marrettes. Install into an outlet box for optimum
safety. Strain relief the wires. For this demo I protected the wires with some
duct tape after wrapping the wires around the thermostat a couple of times.
Step 3: Pull out the panel that houses
the light. The panel on this fridge snaps in to/out of place.
Step 4: Drill a hole in the panel
and insert a grommet so the wire does not get damaged.
Step 5: Insert wire and strain
relief with a little knot.
Step 6: Connect up the wires so the
thermostat is connected in parallel with switch so that either the door switch
or the thermostat completes the circuit allowing the light to turn on.
Here is a bigger picture.
Step7: Install the switch housing
and tape the wire out of the wife’s view. I finally got to use the white hockey
tape. I am not a big fan of white hockey tape on the stick!
Step 8: Plug in the fridge, ensure
the light goes on and off as it is supposed to.
Adjust the thermostat to turn the light just below freezing and enjoy
cold beer year round without worrying about it freezing.
WARNING: To avoid the
risk of electrical shock, death or fire, have a qualified electrician or
serviceman install this modification to your fridge.
WARNING: Not all
fridges are the same so this solution may not be possible on all fridges.
WARNING: Excessive
visits the beer fridge may cause drunkenness.