Fridge Freezer Defrost Thermostat

Fridge Freezer Defrost Thermostat

Important: Use the "Check this part fits your appliance" box above to make sure this product fits your appliance.

The thermostat in a fridge or freezer is the component that controls when the compressor (motor) of the fridge, freezer of fridge freezer cuts in and out on older models. It does this by having a phial, which looks like a thick piece of wire attached to the wall of the fridge or freezer or the evaporator that detects the temperature in that one spot and, the compressor is cut in and out based on that temperature.

Older analogue thermostats were generally very simple devices that simply have an on and off switch in them and often a live feed for any internal lighting.

They are very simple devices. Due to that, when they go faulty, you will usually find that the fridge, fridge freezer or freezer will either not cool at all as the thermostat is not switching on or, it will just over-freeze as the thermostat remains closed and keeps the compressor running all the time.

Newer electronic control systems use what is known as a thermistor, which is essentially a small resistor that has a resistance value that responds to changes in temperature.

Normally these are NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) type thermistors that have a resistance value that drops as the temperature rises.

These newer systems are more accurate but still do suffer from the occasional failure and the resistance readings have to be correct or the set temperature for the appliance will not be correct.

This thermostat is a genuine spare part made by the original manufacturer.

Always unplug your appliance before beginning work and replacing any parts.