Thermostat controling AC power

[Gary and Cheri]

I bought a Pet Cool and have installed all the nessecary pipes to bring in cool or warm air. The Pet Cool will sit on the ground next to the TD. I would like to run a wire to an outdoor electical outlet and mount this under the TD near the Pet Cool.

My question is: can I control the Pet Cool by using a thermostat to turn the power on and off to the Pet Cool by temperature of the interior of the TD? Has anyone done this?

I am assuming I would need the thermastat to control a relay of some sort. Sorry I am not very electical.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Gary

[madjack]

Gary, you can use a regular household T-stat and a relay BUT the easiest way is to get a dedicated 120vac T-stat...they can be had for around 30-40 bucks or less from greenhouse suppliers, possibly from big box stores, pet suppliers who specialize in reptiles and most electrical supply houses...this is a link to a couple, just to show what I am talking about...shop around.....
http://btgrowersupply.stores.yahoo.net/thermostats.html
madjack

[satch]

I'm using a reg 24v ac thermo with my setup ( reg window ac that sit outside) I wired a 24acvolt transformer through the thermostat, that controls a relay that powers on/off an outlet. I just leave the power switch on the ac "on" and when the thermostat calls for cool, it powers up the outlet. I'm working on a set-up for the heater now. Hope this helps

[Lgboro]

I am building in a Petcool inside the galley in my build. Any ideas on the best location for the T-stat inside a tear to get the most even temperature. (I don't think this is a highjack if it is let me know and I'll post separately).

Is this a job (wiring a T-stat) that requires a professional or can the average person install a T-stat without too much risk to equipment or one's self?

[Gary and Cheri]

Thanks for the info guys and no lgboro you are not hi-jacking.

I believe my thermostat is going to be located half way up my wall by my feet and slightly toward the left side.

Reasons;

1. Heat rises and cool sinks. Half way should keep me average.
2. My plumbing is blowing my hot or cool air from the back right side of my TD and should swirl around to the left side. Located slightly left should be the stillest air.
3. By my feet as my breathing out hot air should have little affect. Again stillest air.

Gary

[Steve Frederick]

Why do you need a t-stat?
Mine (edit..PetCool) has one in the return air stream.
The fan runs continuously, while the compressor cycles.

If you want to control an outlet, MadJack's idea is the best.

I could build you a computer energy management system for about $15000, that can turn everything you have on/off, and rotate the trailer toward the sun every morning..and start the coffee!!

[Gary and Cheri]

Steve,

I have not used my Pet Cool yet in any environment that is plus or minus 30 degrees from 70 and assumed that the thermostat located in the pet cool would not be very accurate. Right now in Wisconsin we are experiencing 60+ degree daytime and 30 degree nights.

Also after reading for an hour at night and being ready to sleep I didn't want to get out of bed to lower the temp.

Gary

[satch]

If you want to control an outlet, MadJack's idea is the best.

These will work fine, I just didn't like the look of them, plus I can control the settings inside the cab ( if it is mounted outside) plus it did'nt cost anything since I had all the parts laying around.

[Steve Frederick]

Steve,

I have not used my Pet Cool yet in any environment that is plus or minus 30 degrees from 70 and assumed that the thermostat located in the pet cool would not be very accurate. Right now in Wisconsin we are experiencing 60+ degree daytime and 30 degree nights.

Also after reading for an hour at night and being ready to sleep I didn't want to get out of bed to lower the temp.

Gary

Our first use of the PetCool was in Cape Cod during a spell of 90-degree/90% humidity weather. We set the thermostat (trial and error)
and went to bed. It didn't freeze us out, but reduced the humidity to a comfortable sleeping level. I'm assuming that the unit cycled during the night.

[Gary and Cheri]

Rick,

I will agree, the look of the thermostat is a turnoff, but it does what I would like it to do. I am assuming the sensor is the coil part. I wonder if a nice wooden box, leaving the coil exposed, would be an acceptable way to go.

Gary

[Steve Frederick]

Here's one from Graingers. A little nicer looking. Can be wired for heating or cooling.

[satch]

Rick,

I will agree, the look of the thermostat is a turnoff, but it does what I would like it to do. I am assuming the sensor is the coil part. I wonder if a nice wooden box, leaving the coil exposed, would be an acceptable way to go.

Gary

I don't see why not.



Here's a pic of mine, I like the idea of having by my head so I can contro the settings with out getting up, plus I can shut it off/on with out getting out of the blankets

[Gary and Cheri]

Steve, I like the looks of that one. Rick, by your feet means additional sit-ups, fitness you know.

Gary

[satch]

Steve, I like the looks of that one. Rick, by your feet means additional sit-ups, fitness you know.

Gary

What ever wheels the wagon! Good luck Bro