Correct temperature control in brand refrigeration equipment Ariada is a key factor ensuring the safety of products and long-term operation of the compressor. Many owners are faced with the need to change standard factory settings immediately after purchase or as a result of seasonal changes in the indoor climate. Proper control of the microclimate inside the chambers allows not only to extend the shelf life of perishable food, but also to significantly reduce energy consumption.
Unlike household models, professional cabinets and display cases Ariad are often equipped with more complex control systems that require a careful approach. Errors in setting parameters can lead to overfreezing of vegetables or, conversely, to spoilage of meat due to insufficient cold. In this material, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for various types of controllers used in this equipment.
It is worth noting that before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that the seals are in good working order and that there is no excessive load on the shelves. If you have just installed the device, let it sit before turning it on. Only after stabilizing the internal processes can you begin to fine-tune the thermostat.
Features of Ariad temperature controllers
Brand equipment Ariada is equipped with electronic control units of various modifications, the most common of which are series Evco, Dixell and our own designs factory. Electronic thermostat ensures high accuracy of maintaining the specified parameters, but requires an understanding of the logic of the menu. In the basic state, the display usually displays the current temperature inside the chamber, and changing settings is hidden in the service access levels.
The main difference between professional controllers and household analogues is the presence of separate settings for turning the compressor on and off, as well as defrosting parameters. It is important for the user to distinguish between the concepts of “set point” (target temperature) and “differential” (range of fluctuations). For example, with a setpoint of +4°C and a differential of 2 degrees, the compressor will turn on at +5°C and turn off at +3°C.
⚠️ Attention: Before changing the factory parameters in the controller menu, be sure to fix the initial values. Accidental reset of the settings can disrupt the defrost system operation algorithms, which will lead to freezing of the evaporator.
Some models of showcases are equipped with digital panels with touch controls, where access to deep settings is protected by a PIN code or key combination. This is done to prevent the store staff from accidentally changing the mode. Accessing hidden functions often requires pressing several buttons simultaneously for several seconds.
Adjustment in models with a mechanical thermostat
In older or budget series of refrigerators Ariad mechanical regulators are still used, which are rotary knobs with a digital scale. There is no digital display here, and temperature control it is done exclusively visually by the position of the arrow or marks. The numbers on the scale (usually from 1 to 7 or from Min to Max) do not correspond to degrees Celsius, but indicate the intensity of cooling.
The operating principle of such a device is based on the expansion of the sensitive element when heated, which closes the electrical contacts. Turning the knob towards higher values increases the operating time of the compressor, lowering the temperature in the chamber. It is important to understand that sharp turns of the handle can lead to sticking of contacts or damage to the thermostat bellows.
For correct settings in the summer, when the ambient temperature is high, the handle should be set to maximum values, ensuring intensive operation of the unit. In winter, when working in a heated room, the load can be reduced. If you hear that the refrigerator is working non-stop and the food is freezing, you need to turn the regulator towards the minimum.
- 🌡️ Position "1" or "Min" corresponds to the minimum cooling power (temperature about +8..+10°C).
- ❄️ The position in the middle of the scale usually provides standard storage mode (+3..+5°C).
- 🔥 Position "7" or "Max" makes the compressor work almost continuously, lowering the temperature to 0°C and below.
After any change in the position of the mechanical handle, you must wait at least 4-6 hours to stabilize the thermal regime. An instant response of the system is impossible due to the inertia of the chamber walls and air volume. Only after this period can you evaluate the effectiveness of the changes made.
Setting up electronic controllers Evco and Dixell
Modern low-temperature and medium-temperature cabinets Ariada are most often equipped with controllers Evco (EVK, EVD series) or Dixell. These devices allow you to set precise values in 0.1 degree increments. To enter the user menu, you usually need to press and hold the "Set" button or the "Set" + "Down" combination for 3-5 seconds. The display will flash "StS" or the value of the current setpoint will flash.
In the parameters menu you can change not only the target temperature, but also the hysteresis (differential). Differential parameter is critical for the life of the compressor: a range that is too small will lead to frequent starts, and a range that is too large will result in fluctuations in the temperature of the products. The optimal value for medium-temperature chambers is considered to be a range of 2-3 degrees Celsius.
Sequence of actions:1. Press and hold SET (3 sec).
2. Select the SP (Set Point) parameter.
3. Use the arrow buttons to set the desired value.
4. Press SET to confirm.
Setting the defrost parameters in these controllers deserves special attention. If you notice frost on the back wall, you may need to adjust the intervals between defrost cycles or the duration of the process itself. However, it is recommended only for specialists to interfere with the factory defrost settings (AdF, IdF), since an error can lead to damage to the products.
☑️ Check before setting up the electronics
Table of recommended temperature conditions
For different groups of products in refrigerators Ariad strictly defined temperatures must be maintained ranges. Violation of these standards leads not only to loss of presentation, but also to the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. Below is a reference table that will help you set the correct values on the controller.
| Product type | Recommended temperature | Tolerable deviation | Shelf life (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh meat and poultry | from 0°C to +2°C | ±1°C | 3-5 days |
| Dairy products | from +2°C to +4°C | ±1.5°C | 5-7 days |
| Vegetables and fruits | from +4°C to +8°C | ±2°C | 7-14 days |
| Confectionery | from +2°C to +6°C | ±2°C | 3-5 days |
| Frozen semi-finished products | not higher than -18°C | ±2°C | 30-90 days |
When loading the chamber with new products, it is recommended to temporarily lower the temperature by 1-2 degrees below normal in order to compensate for the heat introduced by the load. After the mode has stabilized (usually after 12-24 hours), the settings are returned to standard values. Constant operation at limit values reduces the energy efficiency of equipment.
The air circulates unevenly, and the evaporator is always colder. Therefore, you should not place heat-sensitive foods directly against the back wall or vents.
Why does the temperature fluctuate?
The temperature inside the refrigerator is never static. It changes cyclically within a given differential. If you see fluctuations of 2-3 degrees on the display, this is a normal operating cyclogram of the compressor, and not a malfunction.
Diagnostics of problems with cooling
If setting the temperature in the refrigerator Ariad does not bring the expected result, and the indicators on the display differ from the real ones, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics. Often the cause of discrepancies is a malfunction of the temperature sensor (NTC thermistor). If the circuit is broken or the resistance changes, the controller receives incorrect data and controls the compressor incorrectly.
Another common problem is contamination of the condenser or impaired air circulation inside the chamber. If the ventilation grilles are clogged with dust or food, cold air does not reach the sensor, and the system “thinks” that the chamber is warm, continuing to work for wear. Visual inspection and cleaning will often solve the problem without calling a technician.
⚠️ Attention: If an error code is displayed on the display (for example, E1, E2, P1), this indicates a specific sensor or compressor malfunction. Continuing operation in emergency mode may lead to the controller burning out.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. The intake of warm air from the outside makes the unit work more intensely, but does not allow it to achieve the set temperature setpoint. The check can be carried out using a sheet of paper: if it is freely removed from a closed opening, the seal requires replacement or adjustment of the hinges.
Seasonal adjustment and energy saving
External ambient temperature directly affects the operation of refrigeration equipment. In summer, when the room is hot, heat flow through the cabinet walls increases. During this period, it may be necessary to shift the setting by 1-2 degrees towards lower values or increase the frequency of defrost cycles to compensate for heating.
In winter, on the contrary, if the equipment is located in a cool room, standard settings can lead to excessive energy consumption. Modern controllers Ariada often have an adaptation function, but in models with mechanics, manual correction is necessary. Reducing the load on the compressor during the cold season extends the life of the motor.
For maximum energy saving, it is recommended not to open the door unless absolutely necessary and not to load hot products into the chamber. Every gram of heat brought inside must be removed by the cooling system, which requires electricity. Proper organization of storage is also part of setting the temperature regime.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Ariada refrigerator not maintain the temperature, although the compressor is running?
Most likely, there is a refrigerant leak or a clogged capillary pipeline. It is also possible that the evaporator fan is faulty and the cold simply does not enter the chamber. A call to a specialist is required to diagnose the pressure in the system.
How to reset the controller to factory settings?
In most Evco/Dixell controllers, to reset, you need to go to the parameters menu (access level "Installer") and find the "dEF" or similar parameter, setting the reset value. The exact combination depends on the specific controller model indicated in the passport.
What does the flashing degree icon on the display mean?
A flashing temperature symbol usually signals an alarm. This may be the maximum temperature threshold in the chamber being exceeded or a sensor malfunction. It is necessary to check the current readings with an external thermometer.
Is it possible to use the Ariada refrigerator at temperatures below +10°C?
Most models are designed to work in the SN-T climate class (from +10°C to +38°C). Operation in an unheated room in winter can lead to solidification of the oil in the compressor and incorrect operation of the thermostat, which will disable the equipment.