Defrost timers

[MicahWes]

I think spraying WD40 on the gearing at install is a bad idea. Those gears run dry, and the pinions are greased at the factory. You are adding dirt-collecting oil to the gears, and possibly washing away the grease from the pinions.

[Jared Fetter]

Regarding the 9145-00:

Have you guys had good success with these things controlling a moderate load?

Usually on large systems they are just switching control loads, but we have had some bad luck controlling compressor loads with them. Evidently if you take the timer apart and look at the contact points, they are puny compared to the mechanical timers, and we've had some fail years ago.

I'd like to start using them more often because of dual voltage/battery backup.

Example, I have a make-line type cooler that needs a timer added. I believe the paragon terminal E is rated at 30 Res amps, and my compressor amps are probably around 12A. Should be well within ratings.

[2sac]

Jared, I know you're asking about the Paragon, but let me tell you about problems with the Grasslins which are rated @ 40 amps. Specificly on True freezers. It's very common for the compressor relay contacts to weld shut. This is on a pump rated no more than 14 amps. I was told by True it is due to the inrush of current on startup especialy after a defrost. Their solution is to add a relay, which they did on later models. My solution is to install a Paragon mechanical timer.\
EDIT: We use Grasslins alot. I have not had issues on tin cans with welded contacts, only on semi's. Grasslins seem to have a short life. I can't say I've seen one last more than a couple years at best.

[Jared Fetter]

Yeah, we've considered adding a relay with the digital timers, but then it's getting to be a chore...
They already are double the price of the analog, then the wiring and relay, extra time....

But the alternative is the analogs, which aren't as versatile, and if you ever program a long Time-OFF defrost for the middle of the night..and the timer loses power.... Call back

[benny42]

Which brand do you guys find to be the most reliable? Seems like I'm constantly replacing paragon. Always sticking in defrost. The last few, I've gone with Grasslin. Also, I have a catalog that sell the Paragon timer motor by itself....anybody tried that?

The motor is usually not the fail point on the Paragon. The gears wear out and the they stop turning.

[kamersoutdoor]

I stock the 9145's on my truck and one 9045. Those two will cover 100% of the timers I will come in contact with.

Ryan..
KE2 is an awesome and innovative concept. Went to a class on them sposored by my supply house, problem is they're a hard sell in my area/current market!

[ryan1088]

I stock the 9145's on my truck and one 9045. Those two will cover 100% of the timers I will come in contact with.

Ryan..
KE2 is an awesome and innovative concept. Went to a class on them sposored by my supply house, problem is they're a hard sell in my area/current market!

I just put 2 in this last week. So far no issues and seem to be doing a great job

[Fridge Repairer]

Grasslins were fine for a while...lately i've been having problems with the contacts welding shut so I am back using Paragon timers