Randell Refrigerator Freezer Troubleshooting When it comes to cooling food, beverages and ingredients, Randell makes some of the best refrigeration units in the foodservice industry. It’s why commercial kitchens have been relying on them for decades. Like any commercial equipment that is working 24/7, some issues can pop up over the years. But don’t worry! Whether it’s a reach-in, blast chiller, side-mount or prep table, below are common Randell refrigeration troubleshooting tips to help get the unit back on track.
Randell Refrigerator Freezer Troubleshooting Solutions
Unit Won’t Run or Pre-Chill
- Power cord is unplugged / damaged – Check if the unit is unplugged from the outlet. If the power cord is damaged, replace it immediately.
- Circuit breaker is tripped – Reset the circuit breaker
- Temperature control off or faulty – The temperature control could be turned off or broken. Contact an authorized technician to repair the issue.
- Compressor is overheated – Dirty condenser coils make it difficult for refrigerants to absorb the heat and let it out. To keep the compressor from overheating, clean the condenser coil.
- Damaged condenser fan or compressor – A faulty condenser fan or compressor will keep the unit from running. Have either issue serviced by an authorized technician.
- Damaged overload protector or compressor relay – A faulty overload protector or relay could be halting the unit. Have an authorized technician test either the overload or relay to remedy the issue.
Unit Runs Constantly
- Hot product placed into unit – Introducing hot product will raise the temperature, so the unit will have to work to lower it. If the unit is still running continuously 24 hours later, begin the troubleshooting process.
- Prolonged or frequent door openings – Introducing outside air will raise the temperature and force the unit to work harder. If the doors are kept shut for 24 hours and the unit is still running, start troubleshooting.
- Door is not sealing properly – If the door won’t seal shut:
- An obstruction may be blocking the door – If something is preventing the door from closing all the way, remove it.
- The door gasket may be worn – If the door gasket is cracked or damaged, replace it.
- Condenser coil is dirty – A dirty condenser coil must work harder to remove heat, causing the unit to run constantly. Cleaning the coil will remedy the issue.
- Condenser fan is faulty – A faulty motor can cause the fan to run continuously. Contact a technician to service the unit.
- Evaporator coil is frozen – Humid air from outside the unit may cause frost to build up on the evaporator coil. If this occurs, unplug the unit so that the coil can defrost.
Unit Short Cycles
- Dirty condenser coil – The compressor will cycle on more frequently if the condenser is dirty. To solve this issue, clean the condenser coil.
- Faulty condenser fan – Condenser fan motors can become defective overtime, causing the refrigeration unit to cycle on and off frequently. If the fan is faulty, call a technician to service the unit.
- Faulty compressor – Compressor short cycling has many possible causes. If your compressor is constantly starting and stopping, call a licensed technician to service the unit.
- Overload tripping repeatedly – A number of issues can overload your unit with electricity, tripping the overload again and again. When this happens, call an authorized technician to solve the issue.
Unit Too Warm or Not Cold Enough
- Incorrect temperature setting – The set point on the unit might be too high. See your owner’s manual for how to adjust the control set point.
- Temperature control is faulty – Test the thermostat. If it’s faulty, call a technician to service the unit.
- Door won’t seal shut – If the door won’t seal shut:
- Check for an obstruction – If something is preventing the door from closing fully, remove the obstruction.
- Inspect the gasket for damage – If the door gasket is cracked or worn, replace it.
- Dirty condenser coil – Try to clean the condenser coil at least once every few months, or consult the unit’s owner’s manual for cleaning instructions.
- Iced evaporator coil – If the evaporator coil is frosted with ice, possible causes include:
- The door may be cracked open – This can affect the cooling process in your unit. If so, close the door completely.
- A problem with the defrost system – Have an authorized technician check components in the defrost system to correct the issue.
- Damaged evaporator fan – A broken evaporator fan can cause the unit to overheat and not cool properly. Contact an authorized technician to repair fan blades or replace the entire evaporator fan.
- Refrigerant is leaking or contaminated – Your unit’s refrigerant may leak or become contaminated with oil, water or even air. If this occurs, schedule an appointment with a technician to service the unit.
Unit Too Cold
- Incorrect temperature setting – The set point on the unit might be too low. See your owner’s manual for how to adjust the control set point.
- Temperature control is broken – If the temperature control is damaged, this can cool down the unit. Contact an authorized technician to test the control and replace if broken.
Unit is Noisy
- Iced evaporator coil – A frosted evaporator coil can be tied not only to overheating but also to noise. If you see ice:
- See if the door is cracked open – This can affect the cooling process in your unit.
- There could be a problem with the defrost system – Contact an authorized technician to check components in the defrost system.
- Not level – See if the unit isn’t level. If it isn’t, adjust the leveling leg or shim casters.
- Condenser or evaporator fan – The condenser fan or evaporator fan could be damaged or hitting shroud. Remove any obstruction or have the fan replaced.
- Compressor mountings wobbly or damaged – If the compressor mountings are loose, fasten them. If there is any damage to the mountings, have them replaced by an authorized technician.
- Louver rattling – Check the mechanical compartment louver to see if it’s out of adjustment. Readjust the louver by bending or aligning the tabs, so it decreases noise. If there is significant damage, have the louver replaced by an authorized technician.
Moisture by Door or on Floor by Unit