Cable Cooler

Description

This amazing product has FOUR separate functions: 1) Designed to cool the known issue of internal and external hot cables on both older units and extend the life on newer units.  2) ‘Relay Pump Controller’ for running up to a 12 amp pump.  3) Allows for multiple Freeze Dryers on 1 pump.  4) Makes your Freeze Dryer, NEC Code Compliant: 12 amps MAX on a 15 amp circuit or 16 amps MAX on a 20 amp circuit (for longer than 3 hours use). 

Works with any Freeze Dryer that uses a 120 vac Pump. The ‘Cable Cooler’ is a switch (or relay), controlled by the ‘pump outlet’ on your Freeze Dryer to control the pump regardless of who manufactured your Freeze Dryer.  Do not wait until your cables or parts are damaged, be proactive and protect what you have today.  Our 2 & 3 Channel Cable Coolers, allow you to run up to 2 to 3 Freeze Dryers (Sm, Med, Lg or XL) with 1 Leybold Pump (Model: Neo D 16); imagine only having ONE oil change a year !!!

 

Uses:

1. Cool down both internal and external hot cables on your Freeze Dryer; by diverting your pump power to another wall circuit, than the Freeze Dryer is on.

2. Allow you to run your Freeze Dryer within the NEC Code. Most people (and many electricians) are unaware that you are not supposed to run a load, at or near the circuit breaker’s rating. The Code allows for 15 amps on a 15 amp breaker for less than 3 hours. To run many hours or a “Continuous Load”, the Code allows 80% of the breakers rating. So 12 amps is allowed on a 15 amp breaker for a Continuous Load. Likewise, 16 amps is allowed on a 20 amp breaker for a Continuous Load.

3. Allows for multiple Freeze Dryers on 1 pump.

4. Bring a new larger unit into Code Compliance. It also allows folks who are not able to install a 20 amp circuit, a safe way to divide their power load in half. >>>IF<<< your Freeze Dryer is using 12 amps or less (with heaters on), WITHOUT THE PUMP PLUGGED IN. You can then use an adapter on a 20 amp plug to 15 amp outlet. Put the 12 amp Freeze Dryer on a 15 amp wall circuit #1 with the adapter, then the Pump on a separate 15 amp wall circuit #2, via the ‘Cable Cooler’. This setup is now NEC Code Compliant, since both pull less than 12 amps for a many hour Continuous Load.  ALWAYS consult with a professional electrician; be aware, many electricians are not familiar with the 80% continuous load & time limits from the NEC Code.

 

3 Models to choose from:

1. Our ‘1 Channel Cable Cooler’ allows you to run: (1) Sm, Med, Lg or XL Freeze Dryer protecting internal and external wise from heat and damage.  It also allows your 15 amp outlets to run NEC Code Compliant (over 3 hours), by separating the Freeze Dryer and pump on 2 separate circuits.

2. Our ‘2 Channel Cable Cooler’ allows you to run: (2) Sm, Med, Lg or XL Freeze Dryers on a HR Premier Pump, or up to (3) Sm, Med, Lg or XL Freeze Dryers with a Leybold Pump (Model: Neo D 16). It also allows your 15 amp outlets to run NEC Code Compliant (over 3 hours),  by separating the Freeze Dryers and pump on 3 separate circuits.

3. Our ‘3 Channel Cable Cooler’ allows you to run: (3) Sm, Med, Lg or XL Freeze Dryers on a Leybold Pump (Model: Neo D 16). It also allows your 15 amp outlets to run NEC Code Compliant (over 3 hours), by separating the Freeze Dryers and pump on 4 separate circuits.

 

What it is not:
1. It is not to be used for your Freeze Dryer’s power. Do NOT plug your Freeze Dryer into the ‘Cable Cooler’. It is ONLY for your pump. The goal is to reduce the overall amperage on: internal wiring, the main power cord, wall receptacle, wall wiring and the breaker. Which over time can cause damage.

The Cable Cooler works with any 120 volt Freeze Dryer & 120 volt Pump, regardless of manufacturer.  You will protect your Freeze Dryer in the long run and possibly your home’s wiring.  The Cable Cooler is controlled by your Freeze Dryer; it plugs directly into the Pump Outlet (only pulling 1/16th of an amp).  So you will go from a Pump outlet draw of 8 amps, to 1/16th amp instantly!   Thus, keeping all House and Freeze Dryer wires happy & cool.  Simply run a heavy-duty extension cable, from a 2nd household circuit to the Cable Cooler and you are set.  Sleep soundly knowing that if your Pump shorts out or spikes in amperage; unlike several Freeze Dryer manufacturers, the Cable Cooler has TWO built in protection devices: an external fuse and a 15 amp breaker, that will stop all power from going to the Pump.  The front panel LED gives you confidence that power is present at the Pump outlet.

Do not run your Freeze Dryer at 15 amps for over 3 hours.  15 amps is fine for a short term interval (under 3 hours).  However the electrical standard set by National Electrical Code (NEC), considers a ‘continuous load’ as anything over 3 hours use.   If you run your Freeze Dryer longer than 3 hours, the maximum load is 80% of 15 amps, which is 12 amps for a continuous load.  The NEC states that a circuit cannot supply more than 80% of the circuit breaker’s limit.  Running with an older pump, under-rated or aging wires, or a larger pump than suggested; can cause severe damage.   If you are running over 12 amps, it is not good for ‘continuous loads’ on a 15 amp circuit (even if you have a 20 amp breaker).  Sure, you could always install a high quality 20 amp wall outlet, then have an electrician confirm your wires in the wall are 12 awg, install a ‘true’ 20 amp-100% duty cycle (not an off the shelf 80% duty cycle) breaker in your home’s breaker panel; but you will still be limited by the Freeze Dryer’s 15 amp power cable, the 15 amp IEC receptacle on the back of your Freeze Dryer.  Keep in mind the NEC standard of 80% max on a 20 amp circuit, is 16 amps for a continuous load.  See: Schneider Electric – “Clearing up Confusion over 80 vs 100 percent rated Circuit Breakers”.

If you do not have a Cable Cooler, periodically inspect: both ends of the power cord, power inlet, pump receptacle, internal wiring, control board and the wall receptacle for any melting or discoloration.  If you see any damage, contact the Freeze Dryer manufacturer for advice.

There is also the issue of internal wiring in the freeze dryer becoming overheated by running the current that powers the pump through the Freeze Dryer. We have seen it in many machines. The Cable Cooler also resolves that problem, unless there is bad wiring or bad connections in the freeze dryer.

The Cable Cooler can potentially save you from having to install a: Dedicated 20 amp outlet, 20 amp breaker, or new wires in the wall.  Simply run your Freeze Dryer on (1) 15 amp circuit and the Pump on a (2nd) 15 amp circuit, through the ‘Cable Cooler’.  With the Cable Cooler, your Freeze Dryer and Pump become 100% isolated from each other, on (2) separate household 15 amp circuits.

Example:  Freeze Dryer (10.7 amps~) on a 15 amp wall circuit #1  &  the Pump (7.5 amps~) on a 15 amp wall circuit #2 through the ‘Cable Cooler’.

Now you can instantly, easily & safely, divide up your load, over (2) regular 15 amp household outlets.  Just make sure they are not overloaded with other large draw appliances like a: microwave, air-conditioner, heater and the like.  Wall Circuit #2 should be on a separate 15 amp breaker.  Note that 17 amps is still too high for a Dedicated 20 amp circuit, according to NEC for a continuous load; so split up your freeze dryer and pump power.  So 16 amps is the maximum you can put on a 20 amp breaker for a continuous load (less than 3 hours) and remain compliant.   Thus the ‘Cable Cooler’ is a better ‘code compliant’ alternative to a dedicated 20 amp circuit.  If your Freeze Dryer is pulling 12 amps or less (without the pump), you can always purchase a 15 amp-to-20 amp adapter for your Large 20 amp Freezer Dryer if needed.  A 15 amp-to-20 amp adapter, is MORE than able to supply 12 amps.  The Freeze Dryer is not going through the ‘Cable Cooler’, only the pump is.  Now even Renters or those who are not allowed to have an installation; can up size their Freeze Dryer without a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

No special installation needed, the Cable Cooler installs in minutes, even in the middle of a batch !

Even if you have a new Freeze Dryer with an efficient pump, you should know how many amps it is pulling.  This can be done easily with an ‘Amperage Meter’ or ‘Kill-A-Watt Meter‘ purchased (then later returned), from any Home Improvement store for around $30.   See what your amperage pull is, while the Freeze Dryer is in the drying stage with the heaters on.  Odds are, you are over the allowable amperage the NEC Code states for over 3 hours use for continual use; regardless of who manufactured your Freeze Dryer.  So test to confirm you are pulling what the NEC standard allows; it should be pulling (80%< of the breaker’s rating) for over 3 hours use; if not, this safety issue can be fixed with the Cable Cooler.  With an ‘Amperage Meter’ or ‘Kill-A-Watt Meter’ you will be able to compare the before and after amperage readings; you will be happily amazed at the dramatic reduction the Cable Cooler provides.

So cool things down, split your Freeze Dryer and Pump loads in half today, with the Cable Cooler.

 

Cable Cooler Specifications:

• 15 amp peak (3 hrs max)
• 12 amp continuous (NEC code compliant)
• 120 VAC
• 1/16th amp input(s), each input(s) are separately fused ports (outlets).
• 6.25″ W  x  5.5″ D  x  3.25″ H
• Pump Port cable(s) included, 3 ft length.
• You will need to provide: (1) heavy-duty extension cable to reach your Wall Circuit #2.  Use a high quality brand name cable, based on the chart below.  Do not purchase the lowest priced cable you can find, buy the best cable you can find.  Example: If your pump uses 8.5 amps and your ‘Wall Circuit #2’ is 50 feet away, you would need a 14 gauge extension cord.

For Leybold Pump pricing contact: Bryan Nelson at TheEpicenter.com or [email protected] – Tell them ‘Frozen Right’ sent you.

International Customers Are Responsible For All Customs Fees.

Patent Pending

 

User Review of Cable Cooler – PDF

1 Ch. Cable Cooler – PDF

2 Ch. Cable Cooler – PDF

3 Ch. Cable Cooler – PDF

 

Cable Cooler – 2 Channel

 

 

Cable Cooler – 2 Channel (via Epicenter Bryan) 

 

Pump Amperage Explained (via Epicenter Bryan)