Condenser fan

[desmodog]

I have a used Traulsen URS-36-DT and the consenser fan does not seem to be behaving correctly. Essentially, it is always running, regardless of whether either of the compressors is running. I know this is not standard, but is it possible that it is designed that way for this unit? The other odd thing is that it only runs if both the refrigerator and freezer are switched on (at the switches, not the cold control). So I cannot turn the freezer off and have the condenser fan run for the refrigerator for instance. (Actually, I can, by turning off the freezer with the thermostat, but not with the switch). Is this wired incorrectly, or is there a part that is not working correctly?

[KB Cool]

Post a picture of it.

[jpsmith1cm]

How about checking or posting the wiring print?

Certain DPDT stats function that way. ON closes one contact and the second contact closes at setpoint.

If the ON contacts are wired in series, then what you are describing is exactly correct.

[pecmsg]

This is the domestic model Traulsen, 2 compressors and 1 condenser.

There is a relay that brings on the fan if either switch is on.

I have a wiring diagram on PDF if you need it

[desmodog]

If I understand the wiring diagram, the condenser fan does indeed run all of the time, although it should come on with either switch on, so I would guess there is something wrong with the relay. It is no big deal unless one side gets left on for a while with the other side off.

[pecmsg]

Any SPDT 110V coil relay will work. That’s a 9 or 16W motor.

[A1 Burt]

If this is a resadentle it is probly not a lot of air flow through condensor
I would keep it runing all the time
two compressor's one condensor and not much air flow

[man from trane]

Running the condenser fan without a compressor is pointless unless you're trying to get your electric bill up. Surely that cannot be what the engineer planned. Is there maybe a pressure switch in series with the fan set too low or stuck? Something is not right.

[KB Cool]

Running the condenser fan without a compressor is pointless unless you're trying to get your electric bill up. Surely that cannot be what the engineer planned. Is there maybe a pressure switch in series with the fan set too low or stuck? Something is not right.

Tell that to Silver King. Their condensor fans are wired to run 24/7. I think it might be planned obsolescence. You know the quicker the condensor gets packed with dirt. The more likely the cap tube gets plugged that leads to compressor failure. Or their just looking out for us service techs. Keeping us employed.

[man from trane]

Tell that to Silver King. Their condensor fans are wired to run 24/7. I think it might be planned obsolescence. You know the quicker the condensor gets packed with dirt. The more likely the cap tube gets plugged that leads to compressor failure. Or their just looking out for us service techs. Keeping us employed.

Wow...at our new lowered rate of 34 cents per Kw (4x what I paid in the states) that could also add up over time running those fans continuously. I wonder what they were thinking? It would be interesting to hear their engineer try and explain that one. Maybe they are thinking that most of the wear of the fan motor occurs at startup so just keep them running, but if that's the case then the planned obsolescence theory is out the window. Either way I don't like it.

[desmodog]

There is nothing in the circuit but the master switches and the relay. It is a single condenser (and fan) with two compressors. It is designed to be built in, so the ventilation needs to be good. That said, it is a fifteen-year-old unit, and may simply be an older design less focused on efficiency.

It seems that it would be fairly straightforward to wire it so that the fan would only got on when one of the compressors did, but I don't want to do this if it is a bad idea. Does anyone know if the current UR48 models use the same design?

[nwrscold]

If the fan is wired to run all the time my guess is that your case has a non heated condensate pan and they are using the air flow off the condensor fan to speed the evaporation of the condensate. I have seen this in quite a few self contained cases.

[desmodog]

There is a heated consensate pan on the bottom of the unit. The condenser fan is on the top.