Correct setting of the temperature regime in brand refrigeration equipment Polair is a critical condition for ensuring the safety of products and long-term operation of the unit itself. Unlike household refrigerators, where control is often carried out with a simple rotary knob, commercial cabinets and split systems of this brand are equipped with complex electronic controllers that require precise input of parameters.
Incorrectly set values can lead to damage to inventory due to insufficient cooling, as well as excessive energy consumption or freezing of the evaporator at excessively low settings. The owner or maintenance personnel must clearly understand the difference between the actual temperature inside the chamber and the setpoint seen by the controller.
In this material we will analyze in detail the setting algorithms for various types of thermostats used in Polair equipment, consider the nuances of calibration and ways to eliminate common errors that arise during the initial startup or reconfiguration of equipment.
Features of electronic controllers Polair
Modern Polair refrigeration equipment is based on the use of specialized microprocessor controllers that control the operation of the compressor, evaporator and condenser fans, as well as the defrost system. The most common models are Carel, Eliwell and their own developments under the Polair brand (often labeled as PC100, PC110 or newer versions). These devices provide high accuracy of climate control, but require a competent approach to configuration.
The main difficulty for an inexperienced user is the presence of several menu levels. There is a user level, where only the current temperature and possibly changing the target setpoint are available, and a service level, hidden by a password or key combination. It is in the service menu that key parameters are set, such as hysteresis, compressor start-up delay and defrost type.
⚠️ Attention: Making changes to service parameters without understanding their physical meaning can lead to equipment failure or violation of product storage conditions.
The control interface is usually represented by a digital display and three or four buttons. Combinations of presses (short, long, simultaneous) perform different functions, which requires careful study of the instructions for a specific controller model. For example, holding the "Set" button for 5 seconds can put the device into programming mode, while a short press will simply turn on the backlight or show the setpoint.
Algorithm for setting the temperature for different models
The process of setting the temperature directly depends on the controller installed in the cabinet. For popular models Carel (PJ series or similar) the procedure is as follows: you need to briefly press the "Set" button to see the current setting. The flashing value can be changed using the up or down arrows. After selecting the desired value, confirmation occurs by pressing “Set” again or automatically after a few seconds of inactivity.
In controllers Eliwell (for example, EWDR series or older versions) the logic is similar, but the duration of holding the buttons may differ. It is often necessary to press and hold the setting button for about 3 seconds until the indicator light appears. It is important not to confuse the compressor switch-on temperature and switch-off temperature, since in some menus the delta (difference) is displayed, while in others - absolute values.
☑️ Check before setting
For controllers Polair of our own production (often found in cabinets of the ShV, ShN series) it is typical to have a separate “Mode” or “Func” button. Switching between operating modes (cooling, defrosting, setting) is carried out by successive presses. In some modifications, to enter the menu you need to press two buttons at the same time, for example, “Up” and “Down”.
Particular attention should be paid to the moment of first switching on. After power is applied, the controller goes through a self-test cycle, during which time any button presses may be ignored or, conversely, reset to default settings. It is recommended to wait 1-2 minutes after plugging in before starting to manipulate the control panel.
Table of standard temperature conditions
The choice of the correct temperature depends on the type of product being stored. Polair commercial refrigerators are divided into medium-temperature (for products that do not require freezing) and low-temperature (for freezing and storage in deep minus temperatures). Below is a table of recommended settings for various product groups.
| Equipment type | Recommended setting (°C) | Acceptable range | Product type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium temperature (SW) | +2...+4 | 0...+7 | Dairy, meat, gastronomy |
| Low temperature (ShN) | -18...-20 | -15...-24 | Frozen semi-finished products |
| Pastry cabinet | +4...+6 | +2...+8 | Cakes, pastries with cream |
| Cabinet for vegetables | +5...+8 | +3...+10 | Vegetables, fruits, herbs |
It is important to understand that set is not always the exact air temperature at each point in the chamber. Due to the circulation of air flows and heat losses through doorways, the actual temperature may differ by 1-2 degrees. That is why professionals use calibration or adjust the setpoint empirically, relying on the readings of an independent thermometer located in the loading center.
When changing the type of loaded products (for example, switching from storing vegetables to storing semi-finished meat products), it is necessary to give the equipment time to stabilize the new mode. The process of entering the mode can take from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the initial temperature of the product and the volume of the chamber.
Adjusting hysteresis and delta
One of the key parameters affecting the efficiency of the refrigerator is hysteresis (or differential). This is the temperature difference between turning the compressor on and off. If the hysteresis is too small, the compressor will turn on too often, causing it to wear out quickly. If it is too high, the temperature in the chamber will fluctuate greatly, which is dangerous for the products.
In Polair controllers, this parameter is often designated as Hys or dIF. The standard value is usually 2-4 degrees Celsius. To change it, as a rule, you need to enter the extended menu. For example, in some Carel models you need to hold the "Set" button for 5 seconds, then use the selection buttons to find the "dIF" parameter and change its value.
Low hysteresis (less than 2°C) is justified only in cases of storing particularly sensitive products or when the chamber is very loaded, when inertia is high. In standard operating conditions of shops and warehouses, the optimal value is 3-4°C, which provides a balance between temperature stability and compressor life.
⚠️ Attention: Excessive reduction of the differential can cause the effect of "clocking" of the compressor, which is a guaranteed path to expensive repairs in the shortest possible time.
It is also worth mentioning the switch-on delay parameter compressor after defrosting or power failure. It prevents the engine from starting under high pressure. In Polair settings this is often a parameter tdC or similar. It is not recommended to change the default value (usually 1-3 minutes) unless necessary.
Setting up automatic defrost cycles
In low-temperature cabinets and chambers with intense moisture exchange, correct defrost setting is critical. Polair equipment uses different types of defrosting: electric heating elements (Elec), hot gas (HotGas) or fan stop (Off). The choice of type depends on the design of a particular model.
The frequency of defrosting is set by the interval parameter (for example, every 6 or 8 hours) and the maximum cycle duration (for example, 20-30 minutes). It is important to configure the defrost termination. It can be completed by time or by the temperature of the defrost sensor. The second option is more energy efficient, since the heating elements turn off immediately after the ice melts, and do not operate a full cycle.
What will happen if the defrost is configured incorrectly?
If the intervals are too rare, the evaporator will become overgrown with a “fur coat”, the cooling efficiency will drop, and the compressor will work without stopping. If too frequent, the power consumption will increase and the temperature in the chamber will “walk.”
The dripper parameter (dP or dpd) is responsible for the time the water drains after defrosting before turning on the fans. If you turn on the fans too early, moisture will spread throughout the chamber and freeze on the food or ceiling. If it's too late, the water may not have time to drain into the tray. The optimal time is usually 2-5 minutes.
Diagnostics and error codes during setup
When trying to set the temperature or during operation, the controller may indicate malfunctions. On Polair displays, errors are often coded using alphanumeric combinations. For example, E1 or P1 often indicates an error in the temperature sensor inside the chamber. This may indicate an open circuit or short circuit.
If you see a flashing code or symbol, first check the integrity of the wires going to the sensor. Sometimes the problem lies in oxidized contacts or moisture getting into the connector. In some cases, reconnecting the sensor after completely de-energizing the cabinet helps.
Other common indications:
- 🌡️ High temperature: Flashing numbers or a special symbol (often “Hi”) indicate that the temperature in the chamber is above the permissible threshold. This is not always a breakdown, perhaps you just loaded warm products.
- ❄️ Low temperature: The "Lo" symbol indicates a critical decrease in temperature, which is possible if the relay is stuck or the thermostat is faulty.
- 🔌 Power problems: Some controllers show an error when there is a power surge in the network, switching to protection mode.
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the error (by turning off the power for 10-15 minutes) the code appears again, self-tuning is impossible - the sensor needs to be replaced or repaired controller.
To accurately decipher the codes of a specific model (for example, Polair DM105 or ShV 1.0), it is necessary to check the technical documentation, since the coding may differ slightly in different generations of equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Polair refrigerator not maintain the set temperature?
There may be several reasons: a door that is not tightly closed (check the seals), a load that is too warm, a faulty temperature sensor or a lack of refrigerant. Also check if the condenser is clogged with dust, which reduces the efficiency of heat transfer.
How to reset the Polair controller to factory settings?
In most Carel and Eliwell models used in Polair, a full reset is performed through the service menu (parameter rSt or similar). Often you need to hold down a combination of buttons when turning on the power. It is better to look for the exact sequence in the manual of the specific version of the controller.
What to do if the controller display goes out, but the refrigerator is working?
Most likely, the display itself has burned out or the connection cable has come loose, but the controller continues to operate in the last known mode. Check the power at the controller terminals. If the equipment freezes normally, urgent replacement is not required, but it is worth planning a repair.
Is it possible to set the temperature in a Polair refrigerator without instructions?
The basic setting can be changed by trial (Set button), but going into a deep menu without instructions is dangerous. You may accidentally change the type of refrigerant or disable the compressor protection, which will lead to breakdown.