Freezer Failure

Freezer failure indicator

The freezer failure indicator is used to determine whether a freezer which has not been attended, was off for a considerable span of time. It consists of a closed container containing two liquids which cannot mix with each other. The lower liquid is such that it freezes at normal operating temperatures of the freezer and the upper liquid is such that it remains in a liquid state at normal operating temperatures of the freezer. Both the liquids are of different colors. The wall of the closed container has an opaque zone and a transparent zone. The second liquid can be seen from the transparent zone. If freezer failure takes place, then the first liquid melts and replaces the second liquid.

Freezer test after loss of power

In such a freezer test, jugs of water are placed as the freezer contents. The monitoring was done by using a digital multimeter. The aim of the test is to determine the temperature rise before the food softens and spoils. Also there has to be a comparison between a partially filled and completely filled freezer. The results show that ice maintains a relatively constant temperature near the freezing point. After loss of power, melting starts after 8 hours for a partially filled freezer and after 20 hours for a completely filled freezer. Thawing starts when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In the range of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, growth of spoilage bacteria occurs. The duration changes depending upon the number of times the door was opened, the temperature setting of the freezer, efficiency of the freezer insulation and ambient temperature outside the freezer.

Food safety in freezer failure

When the freezer is off due to loss of power, it must be remembered that the foods would remain safe if stored at proper temperatures. Bacteria increase fast at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and cause illness. So, an appliance thermometer should be kept in the freezer to ascertain if the temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the freezer. After freezer failure, a full freezer can hold the food safe for two days and a half-full freezer for one day. If the power appears to be off for a long time then bags of ice or dry ice should be inserted in the freezer.