The refrigerator thermostat (cabinet thermostat, commonly known as the fridge control) is the part that senses the cabinet temperature with the sensing bulb at the end of the capillary tube and switches the compressor on and off. When the thermostat fails, the compressor either never stops and the cabinet overcools, or never starts and the cabinet warms up. This category brings together mechanical thermostats for single- and double-door household refrigerators, freezers and display cabinets, as well as digital thermostats used in commercial refrigeration cabinets.
Mechanical Refrigerator Thermostat: Selection by Model Code
What determines the choice of thermostat is not the brand of the refrigerator but the model code on the removed thermostat (e.g. K59-L1102). The same rule applies to household refrigerators such as Vestel, Beko, Arçelik or Regal. Commonly used codes:
- K60, single-door refrigerator: Single-door refrigerator thermostat K60-P1129
- K59 / VT9, double-door refrigerator: Double-door refrigerator thermostat K59-L1102 (VT9, long), Ranco VaRifix VT92, with 2 m capillary tube and the 0 … +7 °C range VT9 three-terminal thermostat, 2 m
- K54, freezer (three terminals): Freezer thermostat K54-P1168 and K54-P1168, model with 1.2 m capillary tube
- K50, display cabinet, chest freezer and freezer: K50-P1127 chest freezer thermostat, K50-P1126 freezer thermostat and Ranco K50-P1125 display cabinet thermostat
If the model code cannot be read, compare three values: capillary tube length (1.2 m or 2 m), number of terminals and operating range (e.g. 0 … +7 °C). If you are not sure, you can send a photo of the thermostat to our WhatsApp line.
Digital Cabinet Thermostat: Cold Rooms, Display Cabinets and Commercial Cabinets
In commercial refrigeration, the mechanical thermostat is replaced by a digital thermostat with sensor. The temperature is read on the display, and the set point and differential are adjustable. In dual-sensor models, the second sensor on the evaporator controls the end of the defrost cycle.
- Single sensor, cooling control: Evco EV3X21N7, Evco EVKB21, Eliwell EW 961 Plus and DRC DCB 31 (16 A)
- Dual sensor, cooling and defrost: Evco EV3B23N7 (compressor, defrost and evaporator fan), Eliwell EW 974 Plus and DRC DCB 51
- 12–24 V DC powered applications (12 volt refrigerator): Evco EV3201N3
- Replacement sensor: Evco EVTPN615F200 NTC sensor (IP67, 1.5 m)
Thermostat or Another Part?
If the cabinet is not cooling, check whether the compressor is running, the fan motor and the refrigerant pressure before the thermostat. On a mechanical thermostat, the contact should be closed when the cabinet is warm and the dial is at the coldest setting. If the contact stays open, the thermostat needs to be replaced.