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Walk-In Freezer & Coldroom Troubleshooting Guide | Wessex Refrigeration Hire

Operating & Troubleshooting Guide

Your Guide to Operating
Walk-In Freezers & Coldrooms

Welcome to Wessex Refrigeration Hire! Our walk-in freezers and coldrooms are designed to deliver high performance, backed by our award-winning service team. Follow these best practices to protect your inventory and ensure smooth operation.

Wessex

Guide

Best Practices

Key Tips to Prevent Problems

Avoid common operational issues and unnecessary engineering call-outs with these simple daily tips.

Dedicated Power Supply

Always connect to a reliable 13-amp power source. Never use multi-plug adapters or long extensions.

No Hot Loading

Never load warm or hot products into the room. This prevents immense system strain and icing.

Keep Doors Closed

Avoid propping doors open. Temporarily turn the system off during extended loading periods.

Ensure Proper Airflow

Leave at least 600mm clearance around the evaporator unit and don’t stack items to the ceiling.

Manual Defrost Only

Use the GOVI defrost function to clear ice. Never use tools, hammers, or sharp objects on the fins.

Ventilation Matters

Keep external condenser grilles completely clean and unobstructed from boxes or debris.

Why Airflow is Critical

Maintaining proper internal airflow is essential for your walk-in freezer or coldroom’s efficiency. Blocked airflow is the number one cause of icing, temperature fluctuations, and equipment failures.

Clear the Evaporator

Ensure there are no obstructions directly under or immediately in front of the ceiling evaporator unit.

Aisles and Stacking

Keep central aisles clear. Do not stack products flush against the walls or all the way to the ceiling.

The Circulation Path

Air must freely circulate from the evaporator at the top, down the opposite wall, and back along the floor to operate correctly.

Properly stocked walk in coldroom showing good airflow paths

Safety, Operation & Maintenance Tips

Master the daily operation of your Wessex coldroom to ensure maximum longevity and safety for your staff.

Safety Guidelines

Working in sub-zero or chilled environments requires care. Follow these essential safety protocols to protect your team.

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Wear Correct PPEStaff working inside for over 10 minutes must wear thermal clothing, gloves, and non-slip footwear.
Condensate ManagementEnsure proper drainage from the unit to avoid ice buildup or slip hazards outside the room.
Emergency ReleaseRegularly test the internal emergency door release mechanism and report any damage immediately.

Operating the Room

Ensure the refrigeration unit is operating efficiently by following best practices for loading and temperature management.

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Ideal TemperaturesMaintain -15°C for general freezer use, or +3°C for general fridge use, unless specific products require otherwise.
Pre-CoolingAlways allow the empty unit to reach its target set temperature before you begin loading inventory.
Load Pre-ChilledTo maintain maximum efficiency, avoid introducing warm or ambient items directly into the freezer.

Using the Digital Controller

Our units utilize premium GOVI digital controllers. Use these specific button combinations to manage settings.

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Unlock ControllerPress and hold the DOWN arrow (▼) for 5 full seconds to unlock the keypad.
Set TemperatureUnlock, press SET once, adjust using the UP/DOWN arrows, and confirm by pressing SET again.
Manual DefrostUnlock the keypad, then press and hold the UP arrow (▲) for 5 seconds to initiate a defrost cycle.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Routine checks and proper cleaning ensure a hygienic environment and prevent mechanical issues.

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Weekly ChecksVisually inspect door seals, listen for any unusual vibrating noises, and ensure the condensate drain remains clear.
Safe CleaningUse non-chlorinated detergents and soft cloths for internal panels.
No Direct SprayingNever spray water or jet-wash directly onto the evaporator unit to protect sensitive electrical parts.

Troubleshooting Guide

Before calling our support team, run through this quick checklist to resolve the most common issues immediately.

Identified Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution
High Temperature Alarm Door left open, hot loading of products, or physically blocked internal airflow. Close the door immediately. Check PVC curtains and clear airflow paths. Run a manual defrost cycle and confirm the setpoint.
Excessive Ice Build-Up Frequent/prolonged door openings allowing humidity in, or blocked evaporator airflow. Minimize door use. Ensure PVC strip curtains are properly fitted. Clear all physical obstructions away from the fan unit.
No Power / Display Off The local isolator switch has been turned off, or a circuit breaker has tripped. Turn on the rotary isolator switch. Reset the local circuit breaker. If unresolved, contact an electrician to check the supply.

For more in-depth troubleshooting tips, please refer to the downloadable PDF guide.

24/7 Support for Your Equipment

Wessex walk-in freezers and coldrooms are built to last, but if you encounter an issue that you cannot resolve using this guide, our expert engineering support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.