Refrigerators Ambient Temp Range and Control Sys

GenKreton · 06-06-09, 09:54 AM

I've seen several sources lately that mention refrigerators cannot be kept in an ambient temperature below a certain level. The oft recited minimum for a refrigerator is 60 F. It says below these levels, the compressor will not run long enough and the air inside will be kept too warm. My confusion is, I thought the refrigerators simply sensed the internal temperature and ran the compressor until it was where it was needed.

Can anyone elucidate how a refrigerator control system works so I can understand why this minimum exists? It also exists for freezers but it is usually cited to be 0 F.

Thanks!

06-06-09, 09:54 AM	#1
GenKreton Lurking Renovator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 29 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Refrigerators Ambient Temp Range and Control Sys I've seen several sources lately that mention refrigerators cannot be kept in an ambient temperature below a certain level. The oft recited minimum for a refrigerator is 60 F. It says below these levels, the compressor will not run long enough and the air inside will be kept too warm. My confusion is, I thought the refrigerators simply sensed the internal temperature and ran the compressor until it was where it was needed. Can anyone elucidate how a refrigerator control system works so I can understand why this minimum exists? It also exists for freezers but it is usually cited to be 0 F. Thanks!