CoolTrol® Frequently Asked Questions
For your ease and convenience, our technical support team has compiled a list of answers to questions most commonly asked by our customers.
If your issue cannot be resolved here, please give us a call at 800.377.5439, ext 1. We’re always happy to speak with you directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I change the CoolTrol set points?
1: Press [Setup] repeatedly until the display reads: “Setup Menu/Set Cooler
Temp.” Press [Enter]
2: Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the temperature set point.
When the set point is what you want, press [Enter].
3: You can return to the normal scrolling display by pressing [ESC], or you
can just wait a minute, and the controller will return to normal operation.
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How do I set the time on CoolTrol?
1: Press [Setup] until the display reads: “Setup Menu/ Set time/date.”
Press [Enter].
2: Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the time and use the left and
right arrow keys to move the curser to the next setting. Press [Enter]
when done.
3: You can return to the normal scrolling display by pressing [ESC], or you
can just wait a minute, and the controller will return to normal operation.
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What if my CoolTrol needs service?
If you should ever need service for the CoolTrol system, you can call NRM and receive phone support or set up an appointment for a controls technician to come out to your location. You are also free to work through your regular service technician. NRM is always happy to provide phone support and parts to your preferred technician.
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Can my refrigeration technician still service my cooler?
Absolutely! If your refrigeration technician is unfamiliar with CoolTrol they can simply switch CoolTrol to “Service Bypass” and service your equipment no differently than they would a cooler with an ordinary thermostat. When the mechanical equipment is running correctly, they can simply switch CoolTrol out of “Service Bypass” into “Run” to restore the energy-saving features.
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What is the “Run/Service Bypass” Switch?
This switch is available to instantly take CoolTrol’s control of the cooler/freezer away. This switch is used for a couple of different purposes:
1: Your service technician can put CoolTrol into “Service Bypass” so they can
work on your refrigeration equipment no differently than they would a
cooler/freezer with an ordinary thermostat.
2: If you suspect CoolTrol has a problem with the cooler/freezers control.
3: If a problem has been determined with CoolTrol and you want your
cooler/freezer to run the same as it did before CoolTrol was installed.
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Where is the “Run/Service Bypass” Switch?
The “Run/Service Bypass” switch is located on the right hand side of the cooler. If you ever need to put CoolTrol into “Service Bypass,” simply move this switch down to bypass the Cooler/Freezer.
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What is the difference between the “Run/Service Bypass” Settings?
CoolTrol has two operating positions: “Run” and “Service Bypass.” When the switch is in the up or “Run” position, CoolTrol has full control of the cooler/freezers temperature and fan cycling. When this switch is in the down or “Service Bypass” position, CoolTrol’s control has been taken away. This means the existing mechanical thermostat is now controlling your cooler/freezer and the evaporator fans will run continuously. This is the way your cooler/freezer was controlled before CoolTrol was installed.
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I put CoolTrol into “Run” and the fans and compressor shut off. Is this okay?
This is normal operating procedure. CoolTrol has a built in 6-minute time delay when CoolTrol either powers up or is flipped from Bypass into Run. After the 6-minute time delay, CoolTrol will resume its normal operation.
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Are there any ramifications with putting CoolTrol into “Service Bypass?”
Yes, the main and most important issue is that your cooler/freezer no longer has energy savings measures available when it’s operating in Service Bypass. Your cooler/freezer should run fine (as long as refrigeration equipment is working properly), but you are not saving any energy. (Isn’t this why you purchased CoolTrol in the first place?).
Another issue with “Service Bypass” is that your cooler may not have any defrost times set. When CoolTrol is in “Run,” it will control the air defrost in a cooler, but when in bypass mode it will not perform any defrosts. If your existing defrost clock has been disabled you cooler will not perform any defrosts while in Service Bypass. If it is a freezer that is bypassed, no need to worry because CoolTrol does not perform its own defrost. CoolTrol is wired to let the existing time clock perform its original defrost schedule.
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How many sensors does CoolTrol use?
CoolTrol has two sensors for each control point. One sensor is our “Room Sensor, ” which is used to control and monitor the temperature of the controlled space. Our second sensor is the “Coil Sensor, ” which is used to control the length of defrosts and also the ability to safely shut the evaporator fans OFF after pump down.
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Where are the CoolTrol sensors located?
CoolTrol’s “Room Sensor” is placed in the return draft of the evaporator fans in the controlled space. This is usually located behind the evaporator unit on the wall. If this space is not available or determined unsatisfactory, it is then usually located next to the existing mechanical thermostat. CoolTrol’s “Coil Sensor” is located in the fins of the evaporator coil. Note: If the sensor is hanging out of evaporator coil just push the sensor back into the fins of the coil.
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Do I have to maintain my CoolTrol equipment?
The CoolTrol system does not require any scheduled maintenance. The only item that should be changed once a year is the Economizer Air Filter. NRM is always updating its CoolTrol software. You may contact NRM at anytime to see if your CoolTrol can be updated to the new program version. Please note that your refrigeration system should be regularly maintained. We always say, “CoolTrol is only as good as the refrigeration system in which it’s installed.” If your refrigeration is not running at peak performance, this will impact CoolTrol’s potential savings.
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Is it okay that my cooler/freezer seems to run all the time, but is maintaining temperature?
This is cause for concern because it means you are not saving any energy. There can be a couple of reasons for this. First, check the “Compressor Run %.” Next, flip CoolTrol into “Service Bypass.” If the cooler/freezer begins to run better, call NRM. If it is still running continuously, call your service technician.
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What does “Compressor %” on the CoolTrol display mean?
The “Compressor Run %” is a calculation of the amount of time that CoolTrol has called for cooling. A compressor run percentage of 80% or higher means CoolTrol is calling for cooling, but the temperature is not reaching set point.
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How does Defrost work on CoolTrol?
CoolTrol is designed to control the air defrost in a cooler, but it does not control the electric defrost in the freezer. CoolTrol is programmed from the factory to initiate a 14-minute air defrost for every 2.6 hours of compressor run time CoolTrol automatically logs the number of hours the compressor has been ON. Once the compressor has been ON for 2.6 hours, CoolTrol’s defrost will last a minimum of 14 minutes — the defrost will extend longer if the coil sensor detects any ice.
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What does “Compressor %” mean?
CoolTrol will calculate the amount of time that CoolTrol has called for cooling. This percentage is based on a 24-hour time cycle. If CoolTrol is in “Service Bypass,” it will not calculate this percentage because it is not in control of the compressor. You can also use this percentage as an efficiency monitor. If your cooler/freezer usually runs at 50-60%, but then you notice the percentage increasing on a consistent basis, you may want to schedule a preventive maintenance with your refrigeration tech.
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What do I do if my cooler/freezer doors are sweating?
If you notice that your cooler/freezer doors are starting to sweat, consider the following before adjusting your CoolTrol Door Heater Setting (see How do I change the Door Heater setting?):
1. What is the humidity in the air? If your doors only sweat when it is very
humid or raining for a long period of time, this may be normal.
2. Are all of your doors sweating, or just one or two? CoolTrol controls all the
doors of the cooler/freezer, so if there were an issue with our Door Heater
Control, all the doors would be sweating. If it’s just one or two doors, you
may be having a problem with the heater on that particular door.
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How do I change the Door Heater setting?
To change the setting for Cooler Door Heaters:
1: Press [Setup] repeatedly until the screen displays “Door Heater Setting.”
Press [Enter].
2. Use the ,¯ keys to adjust the setting between 1~5. When the desired
setting is displayed, press [Enter].
3. To exit the setup menu, press [ESC], or just wait for a few minutes,
and the CoolTrol will return to normal operation.
To change the setting for Freezer Door Heaters:
1: Press [Setup] repeatedly until the screen displays “Freezer DH
Setting.” Press [Enter].
2. Use the ,¯ keys to adjust the freezer door setting. It can be set at
a variable between 1~5, or it can be set to a fixed percentage. When the
desired setting is displayed, press [Enter].
3. To exit the setup menu, press [ESC], or just wait for a few minutes,
and the CoolTrol will return to normal operation.
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What does the “Shutdown” button do?
A CoolTrol installation includes a “Shutdown Button”. This button is for your convenience and energy savings when you are loading or doing inventory of your cooler/freezer. If you push this button once it will shut off the fans and refrigeration for 20 minutes. If you push the button again within the 20-minute period, the refrigeration and fans will go back to the original cycle. If the button is not pushed, the refrigeration and fans will automatically start after 20 minutes. If the button is then pushed after the 20-minute restart it will go into another 20-minute shutdown. After the second 20-minute shutdown, CoolTrol will not allow another shutdown until the cooler/freezer has reached set point.
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What does “Alarm Reset” do?
“Alarm Reset” is a button that is located on the right hand side of the CoolTrol. This button will shut the strobe light OFF during an alarm situation. Please note that this will not fix the alarm it will just shut off the strobe light from flashing for your convenience. As always, when the strobe is flashing you should refer to “CoolTrol Alarm Diagnosis”.
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What is my temperature differential on CoolTrol?
“Temperature Differential” is a term used by the refrigeration trade to describe the temperature difference between the time your system stops calling for cooling to the time it starts calling for refrigeration again. The “Temperature Differential” for CoolTrol is 3 degrees. For example: if your set point on your cooler is 38 degrees, this is the temperature at which CoolTrol will stop calling for refrigeration. CoolTrol will then stay idle until the temperature reaches 41 degrees. The purpose of this is to prevent your compressor from turning ON and OFF at a rapid pace. If you are concerned about your product temperatures, don’t allow the air temperature changes (your differential) to rise above the product’s recommended levels.
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How can I maximize efficiency of my cooler/freezer?
CoolTrol offers various ways to help you keep your refrigeration system running at its peak performance. You can use the information that CoolTrol collects to help you determine if your cooler/freezer is running to its maximum efficiency.
Compressor %: Check this reading at least once a week.
You will notice your cooler/freezer will maintain a constant percentage
(note that in the winter the percentage will be lower than during the summer).
If you notice this percentage climbing, you may want to consider a preventive
maintenance call by your refrigeration tech.
Cooler Setback: This option is good for coolers that don’t contain any
perishables, and allows you to increase the set point of the cooler for a period
of time. This is usually used during the time your store is closed.
(Refer to your operation manual for setup instructions).
Time/Date: As trivial as this sounds, it is very important to make sure the
Time/Date is maintained correctly. This Time is used mainly for the Shutdown
of novelty coolers, but it is also used for the Cooler Setback times.
Economizer Filter: The Economizer filter should be changed at least once a
year. The more nice cold, free air the economizer can bring in, the less the
compressor will have to run — saving money and energy.
Cooler Bypassed: If your CoolTrol is in the “Service Bypass” mode, CoolTrol
has no control of your cooler/freezer. In order for CoolTrol to control your
refrigeration and save energy, you must make sure it is kept in the
“RUN” position.
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