Important late model refrigerator controls

[JBinKC]

I learned this today about Dometic refrigerators, thanks to lewster, a highly esteemed Rivet Master on Air Forums:
"CLC or CLIMATE CONTROL is a switch that controls a frame heater. This switch is engaged in high temperature AND humidity conditions when moisture is found on the refrigerator frame where the door seals make contact. The moisture on the frame impairs the sealing properties of the door ... leading to air leaks, lower internal fridge temps and the formation of frost and/or icing of the cooling fins. This heater draws less that 0.5 amps

LAC /LAT or LOW AMBIENT CONTROL or TEMPERATURE is a switch that activates a circuit to bypass the door switch to allow the interior light to remain ON when the door is closed! This is done when the outside (ambient) temperature is below 50*F. The intent is to create a mild heating effect in the fridge section that will tell the thermostat to engage the cooling unit to cycle every 35-55 minutes. This will help keep the temps in the freezer (uncontrolled) in the proper freezing zone. In low ambient temps, if this switch is not engaged, the fridge will stay cool, the cooling unit will not cycle, and the freezer will warm beyond its acceptable range. It also keeps the cooling unit from freezing (there is water in the coolant mix) by cycling the cooling unit.

This switch should not be operated if the ambient temps are above 50*, as it will negatively affect the cooling operation of the fridge."

[10Smiles]

JB,

Thank you for the information on the LAC control. We recently purchased a 2005 Classic that has the Dometic refrigerator with the LAC mode button.

What bugs me is that the interior light does not turn on when the door is open, just when the LAC button is depressed.

I guess there is a problem with the refrigerator interior light switch. I guess I will have to take this switch apart. Any other ideas??

Thanks,
David

[JBinKC]

David: I’ll just bump this thread to keep it in front of the forum. I hope a forum electrical techie will chime in to help you find the refrigerator light gremlin. Also, you might give Airstream Support a call at 877.596.6505. Have the last six digits of your Airstream’s serial number handy. Lastly, Dometic may have tech support, but I haven’t tried it. Best wishes.

[withidl]

Very good information! I might add that on my 2002 ASCL (May 2001 build date) the 10 cf Dometic has these same switches, but instead mounting them on the front panel as per your photo, they are mounted on the top underside of the freezer door frame where they are essentially out of sight even with the freezer door open unless one purposely looks up at them; thus some of us may be unaware that they are there. The two switches are "rocker" type (black with red when on) and are labeled "Low Ambient Switch" and "Climate-Control Switch".

[Planenut]

Old Thread but I have an 04 with the Climate Control but I don’t see the other LAC/LAT.

I live in South Carolina on the coast… I guess I should have the Climate control on most of the time…?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Planenut

Old Thread but I have an 04 with the Climate Control but I don’t see the other LAC/LAT.



I live in South Carolina on the coast… I guess I should have the Climate control on most of the time…?

I only turn mine on when I see condensation on the top edge of the outside of the door. It is just a small heater that dries the door skin on that top edge. A power drain I don't need when off grid.