Q1: We need refrigeration, so where do we start?
A: First we suggest reading our web pages named; All Packages, System Details and Why Eutectic to gain a broad understanding of the systems packages available. Then if you are unsure as to which system is most suitable, obtain inside dimensions, insulation thickness and any other relevant details of your cabinet or cabinet to be, and phone or email Ozefridge.

                Q2: What will we need to complete the project?
A: The Ozefridge systems are complete pre-gassed and ready to install. To install the system you will need a helper, some hand tools and a hole saw to prepare a pipe entry hole through the cabinet. These items are listed in the installation manual. (The eutectic tank is sent dry to reduce freight cost and make fitting easier. The eutectic solution is readily obtainable.)

                Q3: Can I install the Ozefridge system myself?
A: Anyone that can use basic tools should be able to install this system. With the help of an assistant and the installation manual supplied, the Ozefridge should be in and running in about *2 to 3 hours. If preferred we can recommend a local refrigeration company to supply and install your new system. (Important: *See note at the bottom of the FAQ's)

               Q4: What about the gas and pipes?
A: The system is pre-gassed with R134a. Simply locate the tank (or plate) and the refrigeration unit, *couple up the two pipes, open the valves and you are ready to power up. All described in the manual. (Important: *See note at the bottom of the FAQ's)

               Q5: But what if I still have questions about the installation?
A: At Ozefridge we are only a phone call away 24/7.

               Q6: Where should I locate the E480 Refrigeration Condensing Unit?
A: The need for the condensing unit to effectively dispose of the heat it removes from the cabinet, is paramount.
Locate the unit in a dry location where air entering the condenser at the rear is not air that has exited the fan area above the E480.
Do not locate the unit in a cupboard, under the bunk etc without separated air in and air out openings or using water cooling.

               Q7: Is it better for the refrigeration unit to be air cooled or water cooled?
A: All E480 systems are air and water cooled. They operate as air cooled only untill the condenser temperature reaches 32C when the water cooling is added automatically. This digital controll provides the best possible condensing and power efficiency.

               Q8: We are cruising the tropics soon, do we need water cooling for our refrigeration unit?
A: Yes, all Ozefridge systems are both air and water cooled, so you will not have condensing problems anywhere!

               Q9: The Ozefridge condenser water cooling, how does it work?
A: The model P3 pump kit is powered from a fused circuit standard on all of our refrigeration units. You simply connect the supplied vinyl food grade water pipes to the condensers two 10mm nipples and pump, connect the pump power lead to the refrigeration unit pump terminals on the E480 and switch the 'plus water' switch on. When the compressor runs and the condenser temperature reaches 32c, the pump will run also. (Press the lower left controller button to read the condenser temperature)

               Q10: What happens if there is a blockage in the water line or the pump fails?
A: Being both air and water cooled, the system will continue cooling as a air cooled system albeit slower.

               Q11: Why does Ozefridge emphasize the importance of good condensing?
A: The condenser disposes of the heat removed from your cabinet. The quicker and more efficiently this happens, the sooner the system switches off. Australia's environment can be harsh, hot and dry and we have seen many under condensed European systems fail here because their engineering does not suit our conditions. And they fail when it is the hotest, just when you need refrigeration the most!

               Q12: Can I run the system from a 240 volt generator power when available?
A: Absolutely, both the 12volt DC and the 240 volt AC supplies can remain connected at all times. When AC power is available, the system automatically uses that as a priority. When the AC generated or shore power is switched off, the E480 will automatically resume operating from the DC supply.

               Q13: Where is the refrigeration gas stored?
A: Ozefridge systems are supplied gas charged with refrigerant R134a. The required amount of gas is stored inside the E480 refrigeration unit. *After coupling the pipes, two valves are opened to allow the system to operate. Explained in the owners manual.

               Q14: 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.

               Q15: Is the refrigeration gas safe?
A: The refrigerant gas used is the environment friendly and non-flammable R134a. The quantity is less than 200 grams. (<255 grams for twin plate systems)NO other gas should be substituted.

               Q16: Why does Ozefridge only manufacture eutectic systems?
A: The eutectic system although more expensive initially, has benefits and efficiencies that make it by far the most suitable refrigeration method where power supply is limited, erratic and varied. (See our page 'Why Eutectic')

               Q17: 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 32-29 tank = 4Lt, 45-32 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 12 to 25 amperes.

               Q18: Why is the Ozefridge digital 'Sure-Thaw' controll method so beneficial?
A: It reads the actual eutectic mass temperature internally. 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 (phase change)is happening. Hold-over time is expanded with this method of controll.

               Q19: 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, run periods are optimized, and now with ECO2, battery drainage is minimal.

               Q20: Is it better to use the larger plate?
A: Yes, if practical, the larger eutectic capacity provides greater hold-over and is more efficient on power consumption.

               Q21: Why doesn't Ozefridge weld the stainless steel eutectic plates to their base plate?
A: Our eutectic tanks & plates are bolted together using a flexible seal and stainless steel bolts and nuts. This eliminates fractures that can occur in welded joints caused by the constant expansion and contraction.

               Q22: 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 so cheap in the long term.

               Q23: 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.

               Q26: 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!

(NOTE: *Australia requires qualified persons do the refrigerant pipe connection! For others this process is fully explained)
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F.A.Q's.
Testimonials:
                We try hard at Ozefridge to provide good service so these comments are always appreciated....

          Ian Walker. WA. Just a few words to thank you for the prompt and enthusiastic service you have provided since my first dealings with you. The ozefridge is a huge improvement over my previous fridge and consumes less than half the power for the same outcome. What impressed me most however is that you could supply me with a replacement water pump within 48 hours while I was cruising Shark Bay. From the same location it took 4 weeks to get my computer repaired, your service was like a breath of fresh air.

           Paul Turton: Just a quick note to let you know that the fridge has been installed and has been working beautifully, I am very happy with the final performance and of course the cold beer is excellent!

          Grant Barnett, Nth Queensland. Hi there at Ozefridge. Thanks for providing such a well designed & constructed product. I have installed it & a week later tested it out on the Hinchenbrook region of North Queensland. This system already works much better than the one it has replaced.

          Richard Williams. WA. I am your #1 salesman over here in the West so please don't hesitate to use me if you have someone interested who wants to chat with a current owner.

          Kingsley. SA. thanks again Peter you were spot on, I had accidently knocked the plug out, and thanks again for your prompt response to my questions it is appreciated.

          Steve and Jo Crix. We really appreciate your after care services

          Mike and Sigang, Far north Qld. Hi Peter, The fridge has been going for weeks now and we are very happy with it.

          Gary LA. You understand customer service. Not a lot of businesses understand that concept today. I have shown your system to a number of people and everyone is very impressed.

          Bruce Sagnol. (Rockhampton Qld.); I would like to thank you for your outstanding after sales support. The part arrived the next day as promised and the fridge is working again. Its refreshing to deal with people who show a genuine interest in their product and customers and take a no B.S. approach to warranty claims.

           Dr. Neil NZ: Just thought I'd drop you a line to let you know the fridge is working very well - beers are finally cold!

           Merv Stephensen: Qld: The Ozefridge has arrived safely, thanks. I am thrilled with its innovation and its attention to detail.

           Ken Pugh (USA. visitor to Aust) "Your service is outstanding!!! Thank you."

           Peter Wederell NZ: "Thanks, You guys are amazing for customer service and have a great product, will recommend."

           John Boyce. (Sydney): I am thrilled with the way all our food is kept chilled & my wife, the "Lady Admiral' who bosses this lowly ships captain around a lot thinks your product is great !

           Geoff Ingram Qld: "I purchased a fridge from you earlier this year and everything is going great."

           Ray Pickles NZ: Thanks for your help recently in sending and then helping me to get the parts needed for my fridge.

           Sam Ross, Northern WA: "Thanks for sending the fridge system, arrived in one piece, its working very well in the 30c + up here. I'm using a 150 ltr cabinet and partitioned it of half way with a small gap at the back, I'm running the cut out on -25c".

           Bob E from Buddina: "The fridge works well and am happy with the unit supplied - the quality is very good".

           Michael “Dorothy LaVinia” Sydney: "Hi Peter, Thanks again for your assistance. I left the unit running overnight on 12 volts and checked it this morning. It is going gangbusters with a freezer temperature of -13 and the condensing unit case is barely warm. We left a plastic cup of water in the bottom of the freezer cabinet and, as you would expect, it was frozen solid this morning. This wouldn't have happened with the previous unit. It runs quietly too compared with the old one. I really appreciate the way you have always been available to help me with advice. There are not many suppliers who care about their customers as much as you obviously do and I'll certainly be recommending you to any of my boating friends who are looking at refrigeration."

           John and Wendy from NZ wrote: "Have installed the unit and am very pleased with it! Excellent and easy to install."

           Brian Milton. Sydney, Emailed: "It is very difficult to get this type of service these days. I will have no trouble recommending and praising OzeFridge to my friends in the boating community. Well done and thanks again for your assistance".

           Arthur R from Navini Island (South Pacific) Emailed: :"The three frig/freezer units continue to operate very well thank you; these are certainly one of the best pieces of equipment I have installed on the boat, and meet our requirements very well".

          Kerry L. WA: "I must say that I am impressed with the quality that I have seen so far, so impressed that I brought some of my service people in to have a look ( I run a scientific instrument company that deals with high tech analytical equipment)."

          David Lodge, "Thankyou fantastic unit and working a treat. David"

          Donald Taylor, Nth Qld: "the thing worked like a dream. I was impressed with the whole setup and workmanship."

          Ralph Barnes, WA: "Thanks again for your helpful support and advice and for such an excellent product. Regards, Ralph."

          Scott McCallister, (out there cruising with the family!) "First and foremost, I want to say thank you for your support with my fridge project and all your help since. I have replaced or repaired many systems on the boat, and without question, your refrigeration unit is the one stand out in living up to its intended purpose and your after sales support eclipses the other "support" I have received.

          Ray and Fiona, SV Willow: We have been using the fridge constantly since we installed it and we wanted to let you know that we are absolutely delighted with the unit. It has run successfully in the tropics and humidity of Fiji and New Caledonia without a hitch and has never once let us down. We love the Eco unit too as this has really been a useful addition saving us power. The delivery of the product, packaging and supporting paperwork were excellent. We cannot fault the service and support it was second to none - Keep up the good work and congratulations again on a wonderful product and a company you can be proud of.

          Ian and Sue, SV Icyred: We would like to say that your customer service was 100% and it was a pleasure dealing with you."

          John Cotterill, NSW: Thanks for your help and assistance in installing and fine tuning our Ozefridge over the Christmas.
The Ozefridge is fantastic, the fridge system, the delivery and after sales service was first class. I am very happy with the Ozefridge and what's more important my wife is happy.

          Andreas, Victoria: "Thank you Peter, I’m very happy, through out this summer the fridge has performed beautifully."

          Angus Scott-Knight, NZ: "fridge is installed and working, extensions were perfect".
  
          Ruth Cunningham (Qld) wrote in her magazine F&B: "we've since confirmed that the freezer cabinet will hold down temperatures between minus 18-20 degrees centigrade in ambient temperatures of up to 35degrees Celsius, with a maximum 24 hour draw of between 40- 45 amps! This is a fantastic result, justifying our investment in such high quality refrigeration.."

 (Ruth was so happy with the performance of the Ozefridge Eutectic Freezer system that she also replaced their 12 volt refrigerator with an Ozefridge Eutectic unit. Now two Ozefridge systems provide the refrigeration on their project boat.)

This time Ruth wrote in her magazine: "Once again we are delighted with the result, with the refrigerator only using between 30 - 35 amps a day (unreal!) to sustain 2 - 3 degrees of cold. As well, it provides a very useful back-up in that this can be converted into a genuine freezer cabinet simply by resetting the controls."
Read the full story of the Ozefridge systems fitted to the F & B project boat, Salty 27, also in the earlier edition of 'Plate Alloy'.

We appreciate and are encouragement by the kind endorsements above. Unfortunately we couldn't fit them all in here.
Thanks to all our valued customers.

IMPORTANT: As Ozefridge Industries Pty. Ltd. manufactures and supplies refrigeration systems to be installed by others and into existing cabinets that have insulation properties we can not be assured of, we do not guarantee cabinet temperature outcomes or system suitability in this or any other quotation or statement.
Links..
Value
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Ozefridge: Best value by far.
Eutectic phase change
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Compare apples with apples and Ozefridge is by far the best value.

Call for a quote..
+61 03 58265458
The vast majority of Eutectic systems do not and simply can not function properly as true eutectic systems. We have found that either the eutectic solution mix is not appropriate for the cabinet temperature therefore phase change is not occurring, and / or the system is controlled by a thermostat reading cabinet air temperature or worse still, also using an ancient mechanical type temperature controller!
If the eutectic solution doesn't freeze on each run cycle and then is able to thaw completely during off periods, then the system can not operate correctly. It is as simple as that!
Sea Media: Practical boating magazines. www.seamedia.com.au

These magazines are produced by Peter Webster and Ruth Cunningham with great passion and knowledge. Peter and Ruth are well known for their no-nonsense hands on boating know-how and experience.
Editorials and comments in their Sea Media publications are factual and not swayed by the temptation to appease high budget advertisers.



Multipanel: Cabinet & construction Panelling: www.multipanel.com.au

Multipanel manufacture insulated panels suitable for refrigerator cabinet construction. Multipanel can be supplied with a veneer on one or both sides. Cabinets constructed as advised have excellent structual, insulation and water resistance properties.
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Ozefridge
Multi-voltage Eutectic Refrigeration.
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F.A.Q's and testimonials

See Tony and his freindly team at the next boat show.

They will be there with a great display of practical fabricating materials and expert advice.
    www.multipanel.com.au
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