Symphony 1 Freezer Notes
- Jessica McFarland
Symphony 1 Freezer Notes
March 2021
After the Symphony 2 died, we replaced it with the old Symphony 1 freezer. Turned it on, temp lowered to about -60 before I left for the day. It then shut itself off overnight. Tech support said that the power switch is a breaker. If the freezer detects > 20A, it shuts down as a protective measure. Spikes in amperage are more likely to occur if the freezer is cycling. Thus, tech said to set freezer at -86 (lowest possible to\emp) to prevent it from cycling and thus, hopefully prevent it from shutting itself off. This seems to have worked as the freezer has continued to run.
The digital display says the temp fluctuates between -67 and -72. The chart recorder (which measures temp from a different location/process than the digital display) registers -80. An independent thermocouple (from a visiting ThermoFisher tech) measured -76. So, it’s pulling decent temp.
The amperage spike issue could be the result of a worn breaker but without an electrician evaluation, there’s no way to be sure. Replacing the breaker will cost about $600 (parts and labor) since we have to use an outside vendor. Also, before replacing the breaker the freezer should be evaluated by an electrician to verify there are no other issues. This will cost more $$. Moreover, the battery ($100) needs to be replaced. The freezer was installed 10/2011, so is nearly 10 years old which is about its lifespan. Just doesn’t seem worth it to invest more money in it at this point.