Professional refrigeration equipment of the brand Frigoglass is widely used in retail for demonstrating drinks, dairy products and confectionery products. Correctly setting the temperature in such display cases is not just a matter of comfort, but a critical condition for compliance with sanitary standards and maintaining the presentation of products. Errors in calibration can lead to damage to the product or, conversely, to its freezing, which is especially important for expensive drinks in glass containers.
The adjustment process may seem complicated due to the variety of controllers used, such as Carel, Dixell or Eliwell, which are installed by the manufacturer. Each of these thermostats has its own operating logic and set of parameters that can be changed by the user. Understanding the basic principles of interaction with the control panel will allow you to quickly adapt the equipment to the current needs of a store or warehouse without calling a service engineer.
In this manual, we will analyze the basic algorithms of actions for popular models of controllers, consider the influence of external factors on the operation of the unit and answer frequently asked questions about operation. Correct setting temperature range will ensure stable operation of the compressor and extend the service life of all equipment.
Determining the type of control controller
The first step before starting any manipulations is visual identification of the installed electronic control unit. In showcases Frigoglass most often there are digital thermostats, which differ in the appearance of the front panel and the location of the buttons. The most common models are series Dixell XR, Carel pRack or Eliwell.
Inspect the display carefully: if you see the manufacturer's logo or characteristic button designations, this will help you find the corresponding technical documentation. Often, a diagram is pasted on the inside of the door or on the back panel of the unit, which indicates the exact type of electronics used. Model identification controller is a key point, since the key combinations for entering the menu can differ radically between different brands.
⚠️ Attention: Before attempting to change the factory settings, make sure that you have access to the passport products. Resetting default parameters without knowing the original values may interfere with the operation of the defrost or compressor protection system.
Some modern models may be equipped with universal touch screen control panels, where settings are made through a graphical interface. In such cases, the procedure is simplified to selecting preset modes, but access to deep settings still requires entering a password or activating the specialist mode.
Configuring Dixell and Eliwell controllers
Brand controllers Dixell and Eliwell are the de facto standard for many models of refrigerated display cases. To change settings on these devices, you usually do not need to enter a deep service menu; it is enough to know the basic combinations. To change the target temperature, press and hold the set button (often indicated as SET) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes on the display.
Use the up or down arrows to change the value. After selecting the desired indicator, press again SET to save or wait a few seconds until the autosave timer activates.
To access more subtle settings, such as hysteresis (the difference between turning on and off) or the fan start delay, you need to enter the parameters menu. This is usually done by long pressing the button SET (about 7 seconds) until the inscription F1 or P1appears. Here you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor and operating modes in extreme conditions.
Adjusting parameters on Carel controllers
Equipment Frigoglass is often equipped with advanced controllers Carel, which have a more complex menu structure. The standard procedure for setting the temperature here also begins with a short press of the button SET. The display will light up the current setting, which can be changed using the navigation arrows.
A feature of the systems Carel is the presence of different access levels. The basic level allows you to change only the temperature, while changing the operating logic (for example, defrost cycles) requires entering the menu with a password. The standard password is often 00 or 31, but it can be changed by the integrator during installation.
When working with these controllers, it is important to pay attention to the flashing indicators that indicate the status:
- 🌡️ Flashing thermometer - the defrosting process is in progress or operation in emergency mode.
- ❄️ Snowflake - the compressor is operating in normal cooling mode.
- ⏱️ Clock - a temporary delay in starting the compressor after a power surge is activated.
If the display shows dashes or an error code, checking the temperature settings is impossible until the fault is eliminated. In such cases, the system blocks changes in parameters to protect the equipment.
Optimal temperature conditions for different products
The correct choice of temperature conditions directly affects the safety of products. For refrigerated display cases Frigoglass there are recommended ranges that should be followed for various product categories. Setting the temperature too low can lead to crystallization of the liquid in drinks, and setting it too high can lead to the growth of bacteria.
The following is a table of recommended settings for the main groups of products stored in commercial refrigeration equipment:
| Product Type | Recommended Temperature (°C) | Permissible fluctuations |
|---|---|---|
| Beer and soft drinks | +3.. +5 | ±1.5 |
| Dairy products | +2.. +4 | ±1.0 |
| Confectionery | +4.. +6 | ±2.0 |
| Vegetables and fruits (display cases) | +6.. +8 | ±2.5 |
When setting Please note that the temperature sensor is usually located in the evaporator area or on the rear wall, where the temperature is always lower than in the product display area. Therefore actual temperature on the shelf it may be 2-3 degrees higher than that displayed on the display. For precise control, use a remote thermometer placed directly among the goods.
Calibrating sensors and eliminating errors
Over time, the readings of the built-in sensor may diverge from reality due to aging of the element or displacement of its location. If you notice that products freeze at +4°C, or, conversely, become warmer, calibration is required. In the parameters menu of most controllers there is a function for shifting readings (Offset).
To carry out the procedure, place the reference thermometer in the center of the working area of the display case. Allow the equipment to operate in stable mode for at least 2 hours. Compare the display readings of the controller and the reference device. The difference must be entered into the calibration parameter with the opposite sign.
⚠️ Attention: Do not calibrate immediately after loading a large batch of warm goods. Wait until the system reaches stationary mode, otherwise you will record the temporary error as permanent.
Also check the physical condition of the sensor. In display cases Frigoglass it is often attached to the evaporator fins or located in a special pocket on the back wall. If the sensor has moved away from the surface or is covered with a layer of ice, its readings will be incorrect regardless of the software settings.
Setting defrost and ventilation cycles
The cooling efficiency directly depends on the correct operation of the defrost system. In refrigerators with automatic defrosting (No Frost) it is important to correctly configure the intervals and duration of the cycles. Too frequent defrosting leads to excessive energy consumption and an increase in the average temperature, and infrequent defrosting leads to fouling of the evaporator and a drop in performance.
In the controller menu, defrosting parameters are usually designated as Idt (interval) and Mdt (duration). For medium-temperature display cases, the optimal interval is 6 hours with a cycle duration of 15-20 minutes. However, these values may vary depending on the humidity in the room and the intensity of door opening.
☑️ Checking the defrost system
Pay special attention to the fan operating parameters. In some models, it is possible to set a delay for stopping the fan after turning off the compressor. This allows you to more effectively use the cold accumulated in the evaporator fins before it dissipates into the atmosphere.
Diagnostics and error codes during setup
During the setup process, you may encounter flashing codes on the display. These are signals that the controller has detected an anomaly. For example, code E1 or P1 most often indicates a break or short circuit in the temperature sensor. In this mode, changing the settings is blocked.
The code HA (High Alarm) signals that the upper temperature threshold has been exceeded, which can be caused by a compressor malfunction, a refrigerant leak, or simply by opening the door for a long time. The code LA (Low Alarm) warns of a critical drop in temperature, which is dangerous for glass containers with drinks.
What to do if there are frequent sensor errors?
If a sensor error occurs periodically, check the integrity of the wiring. Vibration from the compressor may cause poor contact in the connectors. It is also worth checking the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter - it should change smoothly as the temperature changes.
If the problem returns after resetting the errors and rebooting the equipment, do not continue operation in emergency mode. This may lead to compressor failure or product damage. In such cases, professional diagnostics of the refrigeration circuit is required.
The influence of external factors on the temperature regime
Setting the temperature is not a one-time action, but a process that depends on operating conditions. Ambient temperature (room temperature) plays a key role. If the display case Frigoglass is installed in an area with a temperature above +25°C, standard settings may not be enough to maintain the regime inside the chamber.
It is also important to consider the occupancy of the display case. An empty chamber cools faster, but also loses cold faster when the door is opened. A full load stabilizes the temperature, acting as a thermal mass, but requires more powerful initial cooling. The balance between loading and power setting is the key to energy efficiency.
Regularly clean the condenser from dust. A clogged heat exchanger causes the compressor to wear out, which leads to overheating and the inability to reach the set low temperatures, even if the settings are set correctly.
Why does the display case not maintain the set temperature?
The most common reasons: the door is not closed tightly (check the seals), the condenser is dirty, a refrigerant leak or a malfunction of the temperature sensor. It is also possible that the ambient temperature in the room exceeds the permissible norms for this model (usually +25..+27°C).
How often do you need to defrost manually?
In modern showcases Frigoglass with electronic control, defrosting occurs automatically by a timer or by a sensor. Intervention is required only in case of emergency situations, for example, if an ice plug has formed in the drainage or the defrosting system has failed.
Is it possible to transport the display case in a horizontal position?
It is strictly not recommended. Transport in a horizontal position may cause oil to leak from the compressor into the cooling circuit, causing water hammer when first starting up. If transportation is unavoidable, allow the equipment to stand upright for at least 24 hours before turning it on.
What does a flashing light on the panel mean?
Depending on the model and color, a flashing light may indicate compressor operation, defrosting progress, a high/low temperature alarm, or a sensor failure. A description of the specific blinking can be found in the technical documentation for the specific controller.