Putting a Vinotemp in a closet?

[srsfsu]

I made the horrible/awesome decision to purchase one of these things on sale at Target.

Should there be any problem with running a Vinotemp 28 in a small closet?

I'm not exactly Mr. Wizard so I don't know if these things need a lot of space and or airflow to work properly.

[Rahllin]

I've heard of a few people doing it. It should be fine. If I put mine in the closet I'd make sure to open the closet every once in a while to allow some fresh air to get into the closet.

[srsfsu]

Also, it says on the back not to use it with an extension cord. I wonder why?

I think the cord will reach but it will be close.

[jkorp]

I think I recall the manual talking about recessed installation. So I think you should be fine, just leave some room around the unit for heat dissipation.

[Silound]

Extension cords merely represent a fire and safety hazard. Technically, they're not supposed to be a permanent solution (if you read the pamphlet that comes with most of them) to a wiring problem, you're supposed to use them for one time then coil them back up and put them away.


There's no problem running on on an extension cord, just ensure you have a nice heavy gauge cord (with the ground plug) and you're in good shape.

[ljh824]

Originally Posted by Silound

Extension cords merely represent a fire and safety hazard. Technically, they're not supposed to be a permanent solution (if you read the pamphlet that comes with most of them) to a wiring problem, you're supposed to use them for one time then coil them back up and put them away.


There's no problem running on on an extension cord, just ensure you have a nice heavy gauge cord (with the ground plug) and you're in good shape.

Concur. If the company says its okay to use an extension cord on their instructions, and it starts a fire, theoretically, they would be liable. I've had appliances on extension cords for years in previous houses and it wasn't a problem. I would avoid it if you can, but if you can't, make sure you get a heavy gauge cord.

[zonedar]

Originally Posted by srsfsu

Also, it says on the back not to use it with an extension cord. I wonder why?

I think the cord will reach but it will be close.

Probably due to I²R loss or voltage divider drop.

I don't know a lot about Peltier devices, but I'd bet they draw a considerable amount of current. I²R (current² x resistance of the cord plus resistance of teh plug connections) might be high enough to cause the cord to heat up a bit. If this is the issue, you can't do anything about the current as this is set by the cooler. But you can reduce the resistance of the cord by increasing the diameter of the cable as that will lower the resistance. But be aware that as you increase the length of the cord, the resistance will increase as well.

If it is voltage drop, then the same thing is the cause, cable resistance. If the cords resistance is say 1 ohm and the chiller is 10 ohms (when on) the, the chiller will only see 90% of the voltage coming out of the wall, or 99V (RMS). Again increasing the cord's wire gauge (diameter) will reduce the resistance and the subsequent drop.

That all being said, you've got a lot of wire between you're outlet and the transformer in the street. I'd think that if you got a heavy gauge cord (like an RV cord) and kept it short, you'd be okay. Probably want to stay away from a power strip, though.


FWIW,

-Zone

Originally Posted by zonedar

Probably due to I²R loss or voltage divider drop.

I don't know a lot about Peltier devices, but I'd bet they draw a considerable amount of current. I²R (current² x resistance of the cord plus resistance of teh plug connections) might be high enough to cause the cord to heat up a bit. If this is the issue, you can't do anything about the current as this is set by the cooler. But you can reduce the resistance of the cord by increasing the diameter of the cable as that will lower the resistance. But be aware that as you increase the length of the cord, the resistance will increase as well.

If it is voltage drop, then the same thing is the cause, cable resistance. If the cords resistance is say 1 ohm and the chiller is 10 ohms (when on) the, the chiller will only see 90% of the voltage coming out of the wall, or 99V (RMS). Again increasing the cord's wire gauge (diameter) will reduce the resistance and the subsequent drop.

That all being said, you've got a lot of wire between you're outlet and the transformer in the street. I'd think that if you got a heavy gauge cord (like an RV cord) and kept it short, you'd be okay. Probably want to stay away from a power strip, though.


FWIW,

-Zone

It's mainly about the voltage drop. Too small gauge of an extension cord will lose voltage, and the unit will not run to full capacity (plus there's a much greater chance of the extension cord overheating nad causing problems. Don't go with a cheap 18 gauge cord. Look for at least a 14 gauge, maybe even a 12 gauge, and try to keep the cord as short a possible. The smaller the wire gauge number, the larger the wire size, i.e., a 12 gauge wire is larger than a 18 gauge, and able to carry the home current to the unit with less resistance and a lower loss of current/ohms.

[ljh824]

Originally Posted by ljh824

Concur. If the company says its okay to use an extension cord on their instructions, and it starts a fire, theoretically, they would be liable. I've had appliances on extension cords for years in previous houses and it wasn't a problem. I would avoid it if you can, but if you can't, make sure you get a heavy gauge cord.

Sorry, for, using, all, the, commas.

I'm in a business law class for my MBA so my mind is geared towards liability right now. Can't wait until this semester is over.

[smokin' machinist]

I agree with what everyone else said. My wife bought me one at Target (it's airing out right now) and I have considered the same as far as placing it inside a closet. Knocking a hole in the wall and installing an outlet inside the closet, run from the closest existing outlet was what I am considering (checking the total load on the breaker of course). Placing the cooler in our lower level is probably what I will end up doing though.

[cbsmokin]

It would be easier to use it as an end table in your bedroom. That way you wont have to get up in the middle of the night to check on your babies. It's a new mom trick.

[LouDog]

I have a few questions.

1. Does it suck in the air from the room its in?
If so will it absorbs smells to, cause if some had a smell room you would
think the smell will be suck in.

2. I heard the older model is the one you should get because the newer one
keeps running, or something like that I'm not sure? Some one has help me with
this before, but I just wanna hear everyone else input.

[bobarian]

A Vino is no different than a regular refrigerator, there is no air "intake" just the normal air transfer that occurs when the door is opened.

Personally, I would be much more concerned with security in a dorm room than placement.