"Normal" refrigerator temps

[RRTom]

I have a norcold refrigerator. Unable to supply the model number right now.

I had the motor home a/c units set at 75 degrees. Outside temperature was 72 degrees. When I went into the motor home at 7:30 AM, the temperature in the refrigerator was 39 degrees. I am operating it on electric. Is this in the "normal range"?

[Cummins12V98]

My KitchenAid is factory set at 38 and 0. That seems to be the golden temps.

[deltabravo]

39 is good, though I like my milk cold, so I run my fridge a bit colder.

[wa8yxm]

I had outside fans but when the cooling unit failed the Service Tech who helped to replace it (it really is a two person job and she'd done it before) showed me where "Crud" (Fiberous stuff) was building up on the lower side of the heat exchanger (outside).. NOTE that it was no where near critical and now that I know how to clean it easy to blow it out but.... another 10 years it might have been a problem.

Inside fans (link follows) do a fantastic job and lessen the need for defrosting.. The set I have is 3 fans (My Fridge really needs one more and it will get it. possibly soon as I have the fan) the circulating air keeps the frost down.. Instructions say to run the power lead out the drain hose but ... I hooked to as someone up-thread suggested the HOT side of the interior light Work great

not the fan I have but close

[Edd505]

My 1st question is the the 18CF 2118 Polar Max it can be fix for under .10

Here is my post from another forum:
I know there are a number of members been fighting the Norcold Polarmax not holding temps. Over a couple years I have found they place a made in America sticker inside on the bottom where the two lower doors join. Remove it and clean the glue. The center flap may or may not work, it has to close fully to maintain temp. If it still does not close you will need 2-4 nylon 3/16 washers from any hardware store,a 5/16 socket/nut driver and a flat screw driver. Next remove the trim on the top of the left lower door, you'll find 3 5/16 bolts, remove them. You can now remove that top hinge, the door should stay. Lift it up and off the lower hinge and set it aside. Clean the lower pivot and install the nylon washers as needed to raise the door. Reinstall the top hinge & check door alignment, make sure the flap is in place putting the door back on. Check door & flap operation. It should now close as it is supposed to.

Here's a YouTube on the fix: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMsPpc3DDx0

[mchero]

philh wrote:
put a computer fan in it. Wire it to the hot side of the light switch

Please tell me how to do that on a Norcold.....


NOT!

No such thing as a hot side on a Norcold. Need to run a hot lead up the drain pipe. Finns are grounded.

[wopachop]

Awesome. Spread your knowledge like youre doing!!

[ernie1]

Wopachop: Not anymore. Some bacteria will die and be harmless but others like staph will die and leave an enterotoxin that will not breakdown until it reaches 850deg.F. If you have abused potentially hazardous food temperature wise for a short amount of time you'll get a little sick versus food that has been left out for hours which will cause you a lot of trouble. If you then cook this food it still would not necessarily safe to eat. Depends on the food and the organism.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

My compressor refer and compressor freezers are set for 35 and -10F respectfully.
Two types of baddies. Bacteria and food poisoning. Food poisoning is just that...residue left by bacteria not the organism itself. You cannot cook it safe.

Down here I have encountered food poisoning mostly with shrimp. Good looking red striped fresh smelling shrimp. Symtoms come on fast and furious. Last eight to 12 hours then depart. Leaves me afraid to go anywhere for a day or two. Chicken is another bothersome media when raw. Irradiated whole milk eliminates a lot of worry but it is not common up north in the states.

[enblethen]

May not need fan. What it may need is to have natural ventilation by proper spacing around the cooling unit. Look at the installation manual to see if unit has specified clearances.

[philh]

put a computer fan in it. Wire it to the hot side of the light switch

[Lwiddis]

Theoldwisard, thanks for reminding us about beer!

[mike-uswest]

In my last three RV's if it was close to 100 degrees, I was happy to get it below 50. My new one is pretty good, but the outside temp plays a big role in it. If you want to get a scare check the temp in a big ice chest at 100.

Mike

[Big_Katuna]

Acids and salt levels matter too.

[wopachop]

ernie1 wrote:
gdetrailer's info is spot on and I'd like to add that one must pay attention to food holding times and temperature: The longer food is kept at the wrong temperature the more that bacteria will grow and will do so exponentially. This is an important thing to know when you are dealing with potentially hazardous foods like dairy products, raw meats and sea foods. With some foods, after it's been stored or held improperly, cooking it thoroughly will not make it safe to eat.

You in the business? Sounds like things my friend says who takes temps for a living.

Gotta be careful with things like a big pan of beans. Toss in the fridge but the center stays at the dangerous levels for too long.

[wa8yxm]

Though I agree with the poster who said "As close to 32 as you can get without freezing" anyting between just above freezing and 40 is, from what I understand, normal.

When the world re-opens to to a restaurant with a fridge that has an external thermometer display you can read when they are not very busy and take a gander at the dial. Or you can click the link I will provide.. The FDA says 40 is OK, less is better so long as you don't freeze it. (Or in short exactly what I said)

WWW FDA GOV web site