Magic Chef Humidor Issues

[Nathan]

Allright I got this Magic Chef 52 bottle wine cooler the other day and I can't figure out where to run the wires for the fan and thermostat. I can't put it in the door because the seal wont seal then and I can't find a hole to run it through. Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks,
Nathan

[Ninja Vanish]

There is probably a drain hole in the bottom on the back somewhere...That is what I suggest...if not...drill it. That is what I would do...can't find a hole? Make one. I know grimball's coolidor had one already but his was a Haier I think. But it is typical for any fridge to have a drain hole somewhere...the trick is just finding it.

[Nathan]

I found the drain hole actually. Not big enough *mumble*

I was also thinking of drilling it but I am kinda worried to start drilling holes when I don't know where all the lines and everything are routed. I was thinking it has to be safe to drill right next to the drain hole but I am scared, especially how my projects usually go.

I am hoping to find someone with this exact cooler that has allready taken the plunge and just drill where they did and I won't have to take the chance.

[Jason Love III]

Originally Posted by Nathan

I found the drain hole actually. Not big enough *mumble*

I was also thinking of drilling it but I am kinda worried to start drilling holes when I don't know where all the lines and everything are routed. I was thinking it has to be safe to drill right next to the drain hole but I am scared, especially how my projects usually go.

I am hoping to find someone with this exact cooler that has allready taken the plunge and just drill where they did and I won't have to take the chance.

Hey Nathan - I have the exact same cooler...

For the fan I put the wires up through the drain hole, then made the "connection". For the thermostat, I drilled a hole on the LEFT-HAND SIDE, about 8 inches up from the floor and 8-9 inches in from the back. THAT'S NOT EXACT, and I can let you know 100% exactly when I get home this evening, but that's the general area where I drilled my hole. I know the temperature sensor hangs about 2 inches above the "shelf" in the back and it's about 3-4 inches away from the cooling plate. Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any more questions!!!

[Nathan]

I am using a wire I cut from an old power cord so mine wouldn't fit up that drain. Do you think it would be safe to just drill a hole about an inch to the right of the drain hole down the same way the drain hole goes? My other thought was to take off the condenser coils in the back and drill straight through the back of the unit. Do you think there is anything in either of those place for me to accidentally drill through?

I just don't want to drill through either of the sides of the cooler because of where the cooler is located and you could see the wire hanging out.

-Nathan

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by Nathan

I am using a wire I cut from an old power cord so mine wouldn't fit up that drain. Do you think it would be safe to just drill a hole about an inch to the right of the drain hole down the same way the drain hole goes? My other thought was to take off the condenser coils in the back and drill straight through the back of the unit. Do you think there is anything in either of those place for me to accidentally drill through?

I just don't want to drill through either of the sides of the cooler because of where the cooler is located and you could see the wire hanging out.

-Nathan

Take the cover off the back of the unit and you can see the drain from the back. I think you should be completely safe to drill through the shelf next to the drain hole. There are no cables or cooling tubes running there that I can see, and I have had most of this thing apart at one time or other. Personally, I would just 'enlarge' the drain hole a bit. For now, my temp probe just runs in through the door seal, and it's having no problems maintaining a seal. Eventually I will drill out the drain a bit more, but there are more pressing things to do at my house at the moment.

[Nathan]

To take off the back cover is it just the few screws above the compressor holding the cover on? When I was looking at it it seemed like I would need to take off the side covers also.

[Jason Love III]

Originally Posted by RcktS4

Personally, I would just 'enlarge' the drain hole a bit.

Sounds pretty good to me...

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by Nathan

To take off the back cover is it just the few screws above the compressor holding the cover on? When I was looking at it it seemed like I would need to take off the side covers also.

I think that is correct. I just removed the 'tray' in the bcak that diverts drip water from sitting on the compressor. I think there were only a couple of screws, and I didn't see any reason to keep this on. You should be able to see enough of what's going on then to drill safely.

[Nathan]

I actually meant the huge 3' by 1.5' (about) black metal plate over the whole unit I took that off but I wasn't able to convince myself that it was safe to drill. With another person telling me it looks safe I will just jump for it

[Jason Love III]

Originally Posted by Nathan

I actually meant the huge 3' by 1.5' (about) black metal plate over the whole unit I took that off but I wasn't able to convince myself that it was safe to drill. With another person telling me it looks safe I will just jump for it

Let us know how it goes...

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by Nathan

I actually meant the huge 3' by 1.5' (about) black metal plate over the whole unit I took that off but I wasn't able to convince myself that it was safe to drill. With another person telling me it looks safe I will just jump for it

ummmmm...

aw hell, what's a little freon between friends...

[dadof3illinois]

Let me ask a stupid question:

You have a drain hole right? But the fan cord plug wont fit through the hole?

If this is what you have then why couldn't you just cut the cord, feed it through the hole and then use a splice kit to reattach it?

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by dadof3illinois

Let me ask a stupid question:

You have a drain hole right? But the fan cord plug wont fit through the hole?

If this is what you have then why couldn't you just cut the cord, feed it through the hole and then use a splice kit to reattach it?

This is what I did for the fan, but the temperature probe for my external controller is just a little too high diameter for the hole. It's a pretty small opening - under 1/2 inch I think.

[Nathan]

The cord is too thick not just the plug. I suppose I could just buy some thinner wire to run through it. But I need to run the thermostat temp sensor through it also, so I will have to drill no matter what.