Commercial refrigeration equipment Frigoglass deservedly enjoys the trust of owners of retail chains, supermarkets and convenience stores. Correct initial setting of temperature conditions and operating parameters is the foundation for long-term preservation of products and minimizing energy costs. Errors at the start of operation can lead to damage to the product or premature wear of the compressor.
The process of configuring the controller may seem complicated only at first glance. Modern electronic control units, such as Carel, Dixell or Evco, which are often installed in units of this brand, have a logical menu structure. You just need to carefully follow the algorithm of actions and know the basic parameters for your type of product.
In this guide we will analyze in detail all the stages of putting equipment into operation. We will discuss the intricacies of calibrating sensors, setting defrost cycles and deciphering emergency codes. Proper setup will allow your equipment to operate in optimal mode for many years.
Initial startup and basic calibration of the controller
After installing the refrigerator Frigoglass in place and connecting to the power supply, you cannot immediately load products. The equipment must sit for several hours if it was transported in a lying position so that the oil in the compressor flows into the crankcase. After turning on the power, the controller's digital display will light up and the system's self-test will begin.
The first thing you will see is the current temperature inside the chamber. However, these readings may not be correct without prior calibration. If the sensor is misaligned or installed incorrectly, the controller will “think” the chamber is warmer or colder than it actually is. This will lead to incorrect operation of the compressor.
To start working, you must set the desired temperature setpoint. This is usually done by pressing and holding the Set key (often indicated as SET) for 3-5 seconds. The display will flash the current setpoint value. Using the “up” and “down” buttons, the required value is set. For medium-temperature display cases this is usually a range from +2 to +5 °C, and for low-temperature display cases - from -18 to -22 °C.
Key point is a hysteresis check. This is the temperature difference at which the compressor turns on and off. Too narrow a hysteresis will cause the engine to operate in a mode of constant starts and stops, which is detrimental to it.
Setting up automatic defrost cycles
Regular removal of ice from the evaporator is a critical procedure for any refrigeration equipment. In refrigerators Frigoglass this process is usually automated and controlled by an electronic controller. Incorrect setting of defrost intervals will either lead to fouling of the evaporator, or to excessive energy consumption and overheating of products.
There are two main types of defrost: electric heating elements and hot gas. Most models use electric. You need to configure three main parameters: the interval between defrosts, the duration of the defrost itself and the drip time. The interval is usually set in hours (for example, every 4 or 6 hours of compressor operation).
The defrost duration should be sufficient to completely melt the ice, but not excessive. The standard time is from 15 to 30 minutes. If you set the time too short, the ice will not have time to melt. If it is too long, the food may defrost, and the heating elements will run idle.
⚠️ Attention: Drain time is a pause after the end of heating, when the fan has not yet turned on. This is necessary so that the water flows into the tray and does not evaporate onto the food. Do not ignore this parameter, it protects the quality of the product.
To access these parameters, you often need to enter the advanced menu. Usually this is a combination of buttons, for example, pressing the power key and the settings button at the same time. In this menu you will find parameters Pd (frequency), Id (duration) and dd (draining time).
☑️ Checking defrost parameters
Adjusting the operation of fans and evaporator
Circulation of cold air inside the chamber Frigoglass is provided by evaporator fans. Their work is synchronized with the work of the compressor, but has its own characteristics. For example, when the door is opened or at night, in energy saving mode, the rotation speed or operating mode of the fans may change.
It is important to set the delay for turning on the fans after the end of the defrost. If you start them right away, they will spread hot, humid air throughout the chamber, which will lead to the rapid formation of new frost on products and shelves. The standard delay is about 2-5 minutes after the end of the defrost cycle.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the condenser fans (if this model has them). They turn on when the pressure in the system increases. If they do not work correctly, the refrigerator will not cool well and the compressor will overheat. In some controllers, you can set the threshold value of the condensation temperature to turn them on.
Heat transfer efficiency directly depends on the cleanliness of the evaporator lamellas and the correct operation of the fan. If you notice that the temperature on different shelves of the display case is very different, the air flow may be disturbed or the fan cycling setting has gone wrong.
Table of typical parameters for different products
Different groups of products require fundamentally different storage conditions. There is no universal setting “for everything”. Below is a table with recommended parameters that should be set in your refrigerator controller Frigoglass depending on the loaded product.
| Product type | Recommended temperature (°C) | Defrost interval (hours) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy products | +2 ... +4 | 4-6 | High |
| Vegetables and fruits | +4 ... +8 | Rarely / No | Very high |
| Frozen meat | -18 ... -22 | 6-8 | Low |
| Confectionery | +2 ... +6 | 4-6 | Medium |
| Frozen fish | -20 ... -24 | 6-8 | Low |
When loading the display case with vegetables, it is important do not block the air ducts. Unlike meat, vegetables “breathe” and produce heat, so they require stable, but not too intense airflow. For freezing, the absence of temperature fluctuations is critical, so defrost intervals here can be increased to minimize thermal effects.
If you change the store's assortment, be sure to double-check the controller settings. Operating the freezer in refrigerator mode will lead to freezing of vegetables, and operating the refrigerator in freezer mode will damage the compressor due to continuous operation.
Deciphering error codes and diagnostics
Modern technology Frigoglass is equipped with a self-diagnosis system. If a malfunction occurs, an error code or a flashing symbol appears on the controller display. Understanding these signals allows you to quickly localize the problem without calling a technician.
The most common codes are related to temperature sensors. For example, a code E1 or a flashing thermometer symbol may indicate an open circuit in the air sensor in the chamber. Code E2 often indicates problems with the evaporator sensor. In such cases, the controller goes into emergency operation mode.
- 🔌 Power problems: If the display goes out and lights up again, check the mains voltage and plug contacts. Voltage surges are dangerous for electronics.
- ❄️ Insufficient cooling: If the temperature does not drop to the setpoints, check the cleanliness of the condenser and the operation of the fans.
- 💧 Leaks: Water under the display case often indicates a clogged drainage channel or incorrect defrost time setting.
In some cases, errors may need to be reset. This is done by holding the buttons for a long time or briefly turning off the power. However, if the cause of the malfunction is not eliminated, the error will appear again after a self-diagnosis cycle.
Hidden parameters of the service menu
The service menu often hides parameters such as compressor, display calibration and alarm history. The entrance there is usually protected by a password or a complex combination of buttons to prevent accidental changes of settings by store personnel.
⚠️ Attention: If the alarm code is on the display, do not try to immediately reset it by simply turning the device on and off. First, write down the code, find its decoding in the instructions for the specific controller model and check the corresponding unit.
Energy saving and night mode
Operating a commercial refrigerator is a significant expense for electricity. Controllers Frigoglass allow you to optimize these costs without compromising storage quality. The Night Set function is especially relevant for stores that operate 24 hours or have night breaks.
The essence of the mode is to change the temperature settings and turn off the internal lighting at night, when the flow of customers is minimal. The rotation speed of the evaporator fans may also decrease. This allows the compressor to rest and accumulate “cold.”
To activate this function, you must configure time intervals in the controller menu. Usually these are parameters Start Night and End Night. During this period, the temperature setpoint can be increased by 2-3 degrees (for refrigerators) or lowered (for freezers to use the accumulated cold).
Critical important do not overdo it with increasing the temperature in night mode for perishable products. Dairy products and meat require strict adherence to temperature conditions 24 hours a day, regardless of the presence of customers.
In addition to temporary settings, it is worth monitoring the tightness of the fit night curtains (if these are open showcases). When the curtains are drawn, they create a cushion of air that keeps the cold out. Regularly washing the curtains and checking their lowering mechanisms is part of the process of setting up effective operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Frigoglass refrigerator not maintain the temperature, although the compressor is running?
There may be several reasons: refrigerant leak, thermostat malfunction, freezing evaporator due to defrosting failure or a banal violation of the chamber seal (wear of seals). Check if the evaporator is covered with ice and listen to how the compressor works.
How to reset the controller to factory settings?
The reset procedure depends on the controller model (Carel, Dixell, Eliwell). This is usually done through the service menu by finding the parameter rSt or dEF and confirming the action. Be careful: after the reset you will have to reset all temperature settings.
What does a flashing light on the control panel mean?
A flashing indicator most often indicates that the permissible temperature threshold inside the chamber has been exceeded or that one of the sensors is faulty. If the defrost indicator is flashing, the defrost cycle may have taken too long or has not completed.
Is it possible to change the refrigerant in the refrigerator yourself?
No, this is prohibited by the laws of most countries and requires special equipment, a license and skills. Attempting to refuel on your own will result in compressor failure and violation of environmental standards. To do this, call a certified technician.
How often do you need to defrost Frigoglass manually?
If the automatic defrosting system is working properly and configured correctly, manual defrosting is not required for years. The exception is emergency situations or severe contamination of the drainage system, when the automation cannot cope with the drainage of water.