Turning a coolbox into a fridge…

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Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • #39156
    dopeydaz
    Participant

    Hi all,

    I have just acquired this… The coolest thing ever!!1

    I have also bought a 2nd hand fridge, i am going to dismantle the fridge and install the compressor and condenser into the above cooler.

    to do this i will need to take pipes off, then the system will need to be regassed. I am trying to do this on a budget can i regas it myself using cans of R134a bought from a motorfactor? Or does anyone know anyone who will regas it cheaply in or around edinburgh?

    #261475
    kwatt
    Keymaster

    No, it’s not a DIY job by any stretch, you will need special equipment to do that if it’s even possible.

    K.

    #261476
    dopeydaz
    Participant

    Re: Turning a coolbox into a fridge…

    I was under the impression it is possible to re-gass a fridge?

    #261477
    kwatt
    Keymaster

    Re: Turning a coolbox into a fridge…

    Yes, it is totally possible.

    However…

    You really need to know what you’re doing in relation to gas charges.

    You need certification now to deal with R134a from a legal standpoint or you are breaking the law.

    You need specialist brazing equipment for thin copper pipes or you need special Lokrings and Lokring tool to make joints.

    The second hand fridge probably won’t chill enough to effectively cool that space with the little evaporator.

    You’d need to put a thermostat of some sort in there in any event to control it and be able to mount that correctly so it cooled without overfreezing.

    A cool box isn’t sealed so you’d get ice build up from condensation.

    Need I go on with the rest of the technical issues in doing this? 😉

    Basically, it’s nowhere near as simple and straightforward as you think and, if used outside as intended, probably not safe either from an electrical standpoint.

    K.

    #261478
    dopeydaz
    Participant

    Re: Turning a coolbox into a fridge…

    Yeah thanks – you’ve killed my dream lol…

    I am still determined, think i need to think and plan a bit more – it is sealed in the same way as a fridge is which i was surprised at. Obviously if i cut holes to put pipes through it will not be sealed so that is something i have to address – i am very good with electronics so using a thermostat won’t be a problem.

    It won’t be used outside either so will be safe as a beer fridge in the garage!

    Thanks for your help – project on hold… for now till i try and think of a better way to make it self cooling… Any ideas?

    Cheers

    #261479
    cockney steve
    Participant

    look on fleabay for a commercial chiller….cheaper, more effective ,less environmental damage…and you won’t risk injury by playing with toxic refrigerants!

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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