Installing a Universal Digital Refrigeration Control Danfoss ERC 213

In this video, we provide an overview of universal digital controls, talk about the Danfoss ERC 213, and install the ERC 213 on a reach-in freezer. We also solve a few more problems along the way.

The ERC 213 kit comes with a quick start guide, the actual controller, and some temperature sensors. One sensor is typically for the box and the other is usually for the coil (for defrost). The controller has a few multifunction keys, including selection buttons, a set button (for setting the setpoint), a defrost button, and a power button. The controller also comes with a means of adjusting the depth of the controller. Terminals are on the back, including high-voltage and low-voltage ones. There is also a wiring diagram on the front showing how everything connects.

The quick start guide also shows the wiring diagram, the technical specs, and an overview of the buttons and functions of each component that comes with the controller. Using the app, you can set the defrost parameters to some predefined settings, but the guide shows you how to set custom parameters. The guide also gives you codes and shows you how to set up the control for different sensor resistances.

Bryan shows how to switch between quick configuration modes. After holding the top left button for a few seconds, o61 should appear. At that rate, you can click the bottom left button to switch through applications via quick configuration, starting with AP0. You can switch through application modes by pressing the up and down arrows; the modes have different refrigeration and defrost conditions, including medium-temp refrigeration with natural defrost and one sensor (AP1) and freezer with electric defrost and two sensors (AP5).

While wiring in the controls, we noticed that the crimp connections were all compromised, so we remade all the connections and put in a new relay. The hard start kit appeared to be in good condition, but the run capacitor was nowhere near its expected performance, so constant inrush current could have been a possible cause of the wiring problems.

This particular reach-in freezer switches the neutral side of all circuits, so we had to account for that in our wiring. However, the control works if we swap line and neutral, so that's the configuration we use.

The controller won't force defrost in pull-down mode. You need to provide adequate time for the temperature to pull down before defrost can occur. You can also set various defrost parameters, such as the temperature unit and defrost intervals.

After a few days, the controller seems to be doing well with the reach-in. Older mechanical controls tend to require more adjusting and visits to the site, so electronic universal controls are good for getting things right the first time and boosting customer trust.

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