Q16: Can I boost the refrigeration speed?

A:  Yes, with the units speed switch, select automatic or +40% modes. The +40% mode over-rides the Ozefridge compressors automatic speed adjustment and allows the compressor to run at maximum speed.

Q17: Where is the refrigeration gas stored?

A:  All Ozefridge systems are supplied gas charged. The required amount of gas is stored inside the refrigeration unit. After coupling the pipes, two valves are opened to allow the system to operate. (All explained fully in the owners manual.)

Q18: What about any future servicing?

A:  The Ozefridge system is similar to a domestic refrigerator, simple and reliable. Should repairs be required any competent refrigeration mechanic can quickly connect to the external service valves for system analysis without welding or fitting additional devices. If preferred, the system valves can be closed off isolating the gases and the refrigeration unit sent to Ozefridge for repair.

Q19: Is the refrigeration gas safe?

A:  The refrigerant gas used is the environment friendly R134a. The quantity is less than 200 grams. (About a 3/4 of Coke can full!) 

Q20: Why does Ozefridge only manufacture eutectic systems?

A:  The eutectic system although more expensive initially, has benefits that make it by far the most suitable refrigeration method where power supply is limited, erratic and varied. (See our page 'Eutectic Systems')

Q21: How can I estimate how often a system will run to re-freeze the eutectic solution in my cabinet?

A:  The easiest way is to use a container similar in size to the eutectic tank you intend using, (our 32-26 tank = 4Lt, 45-30 tank = 8Lt, 50-40 tank = 5Lt). Fill the container with water and place in your deep freezer for at least 4 or 5 days. Then put this frozen container high up inside your empty boat cabinet and see how long it lasts before totally thawing. This will give a guide as to how long each freeze / thaw cycle of a eutectic system will be. For example, if the test lasted 48 hours then your system will run for one freeze cycle every second day . Each re-freeze cycle will be approx 2.3 hours (small tank) to 4.7 hours long (large tank) and consume a total of approximately 11 to 23 amperes.  

Q22: Why is the Ozefridge digital 'Sure-Thaw' so beneficial?

A:  Only Ozefridge has the 'Sure-Thaw' digital controller that guarantees proper freeze and thaw on each and every cycle.  Without this unique control feature the systems function would be erratic with no means of ensuring that the eutectic benefit is operative. 

Q23: Does the 'Sure-Thaw' controller lower the power consumption?

A:  Absolutely, with proper eutectic phase-change guaranteed on each cycle by this unique controller, unnecessary compressor running is eliminated and run periods are optimized.

Q24: Is it better to use the larger tank / plate?

A:  Yes, if practical, the larger eutectic capacity provides greater hold-over and is more efficient on power consumption.

Q25: Why doesn't Ozefridge weld the stainless steel eutectic tanks to the base plate?

A:  Our eutectic tanks & plates are bolted together using a flexible seal. This eliminates fractures that can occur in welded joints caused by the constant expansion and contraction. 

Q26: Why are eutectic refrigeration systems so efficient on power?

A:  Refrigeration systems are more efficient when heat rapidly saturates the evaporator, and as the eutectic evaporator is in a liquid it can rapidly absorb heat and lower temperatures. By comparison aluminum plate evaporators cooling the air run at much less efficient temperatures where the refrigeration systems coefficient factor is very low. (Put a hot can of drink in ice water and another on the shelf of a fridge at the same temperature. You will be drinking the one from the ice water ten times sooner!) So not only is the system operating in much more efficient conditions, it does the job so much quicker and with the eutectic hold-over, runs much less often. An aluminum evaporator plate system will typically cycle say 10 minutes on 20 minutes off. (Two cycles per hour or 48 cycles per day while the Eutectic system runs once per day or twice in hot conditions.)

Q27: But aren't aluminum plate evaporator systems cheaper.

A:  Yes they are, but try buying one with a decent warranty against gas leaks developing. The aluminum plate is soft and the refrigeration gases can easily be lost if the plate is punctured or corrodes when the anodized coating is scratched. Such happenings are common and cause contamination of the entire refrigeration system which can render it virtually useless.  While costing less initially they will forever consume much more battery power and prove to be not cheap in the long term.

Ozefridge now also manufacture and sell plate systems for those wanting an economy installation. These air cooled only systems operate from both 12 & 240 volts and come with a 400mm x 440mm white powder coated aluminium evaporator plate, digital controller and are easily installed. These complete systems sell for $990.00. incl GST. (See bottom of Products page)

Q28: How do I work out the capacity of my cabinet in liters?

A:  To establish a cabinets capacity multiply the width x depth x height in centimeters, then move the decimal point three digits left to give the result in liters. 

Q29: How important is my cabinets' insulation?

A:  The thickness and quality of the cabinets insulation is most important. A refrigeration system removes heat from the insulated cabinet causing the cabinet and stored product's temperature to be lowered until the required temperature is reached and the refrigeration unit is switched off.  Now how long the refrigeration remains off for is determined by how effective the insulation is at resisting heat trying to penetrate into the colder interior. The thickness, quality and seal of the insulation are the important factors. 

Q30: Why do you recommend thicker insulation in the base of the cabinet?

A:  Heat penetrates the cabinet in a rising manner. Therefore the shortest way for it to penetrate a cabinet is upward through the base, secondly on an upwards angle through the walls and least likely through the top. We recommend at least 100mm of high density urethane for the base, 75mm for the walls, while  50mm is adequate for the top. Add 50% for freezer cabinets.

Q31: What insulation material could I use for my new built-in galley cabinet?

A:  Generally refrigeration grade high density urethane slab or two mix high density urethane poured insitu is quite satisfactory specially if thickness is as much as practical and the insulation is installed with NO voids and is properly sealed. Fibre glass over urethane panel provides an excellent cabinet. Cabinet interiors are best made from non heat conductive materials such as fibre glass or plastics.

Q32: What are common problems with older cabinets?  

A:  A common cause of heat gain into a cabinet is delaminating. This is where the insulation has become detached from the cabinets inner or outer liner. Air can fill the vacant area depositing water where the insulation should be rendering the insulation useless. To check, first empty the cabinet then tap the insides to locate any looseness. Check the outer cabinet for sweating or water dripping stains. If there is a problem then it may be easier to rectify before fitting refrigeration.

Q33: How do I check my lid or door seal for air leakage?

A:  Place a torch inside on a dark night and check for any light escape areas. Remember, every bit of heat that enters the cabinet has to be extracted by the refrigeration system!

Q34: My cabinet is difficult to clean. Are there any tips?

A:  After cleaning, thoroughly dry and warm the interior if possible. Use some old style floor wax to coat the cabinets entire interior. Remove excess wax then operate cabinet. This will make the next cleanout much easier, reduce the possibility of odour build-up and restrict any moisture from entering insulation through any defect in the interior seal.

Q35: So where are these Ozefridge systems made? 

A:  Ozefridge products are engineered and manufactured in Australia to Australian build standards.

Q36:  What advice do you offer when selecting a system?

A :  Be informed and purchase a system package that is appropriate for the application. Be aware that some companies offer systems bit by bit, so get quotes for ALL that is needed for a complete system and avoid paying through the neck for add-ons later that after all, were essential for the system to operate correctly in the first place.

Q37: We priced a comparable imported system recently, so why do Ozefridge systems cost so much less?

A: We are the actual manufacturer with a more direct distribution to you. Our products do not suffer from the numerous mark ups that the imported models have built into their pricing. The Ozefridge system has more standard features provides superior performance yet costs less than any other similar systems, in fact half the cost of some equivalent imports!

Q38: What do I get when I purchase an Ozefridge System Package?   (See System Packages for full details)

Stainless Steel housed Model C350 or C380 condensing unit and eutectic tank/ plate including:

• 12/24 volt DC & 110/ 240 volt AC refrigeration operation. (12/24 only with the C380)

• Powerful  Danfoss  BD50  or BD80 compressor with fail-safe protection / automatic resetting.

• Air & water cooling condenser. (Use as either air cooled only or both  air & water cooled )

• Digital temperature monitor / read out via LED.

• Digital sure-thaw temperature controller.

• Compressor speed selector switch.

• Controller by-pass switch for manual operation.

• Condenser air only or plus water cooling selector switch. 

• 120mm automatic condenser fan with built in overload protection.

• External refrigeration and electrical couplings.

• External refrigeration Schroeder service valves on both discharge and suction lines.

• Gas charged with R134a refrigerant. 

• Condenser pump power connection via internal relay. (For optional pump if required)

• Eutectic tank or eutectic plate that best suits the application. 

• 2 meters of insulated refrigeration lines with sealed connections.

• 12 page Installation / operators manual.

• Local support where you can talk to the actual manufacturers, not a brochure reader!

• one year warranty.