Model 4 thermostat by pass

[mrmoody]

So i decided i would by pass the thermostat.  I have not even used it yet and already opened it up. Other then loose and striped heads on the fasteners this thing is solidly bilt.
So instead of doing a double male jumper I purchased a quick connect thermal cutoff that is rated for 302F degree's or 152C that I  bought online. I also bough a cold weather extension cord rated for 1875 watts due to the new controller is 1800 watts.
The reason I chose the thermal cutoff is so i can have peace of mind when doing long smokes so I don't fry my smoker if it malfunctions and so I won't have to monitor it at night. Also with the auber PID I can program it to make it more hassel free so the idea I had worked nice in my head. However after I fired it up the outside does not get hot at all so i may lower the cutoff to a lower number since its so well insulated.

Here's the website for the cutoff I got. https://www.aberdeenhomerepair.com/store/l37-941-thermal-cutoff-switch-with-spade-connectors-152c-p3577.php 

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[Three Sons BBQ]

Great!

Any photos of the mod?

[mrmoody]

I had to fix the pictures.
first one is the bag the part came in.
Next is for the extension cord.
Last is the cutoff installed.

[DivotMaker]

Nice job, Josh!  Let us know how the cutoff mod works out.

[DiggingDogFarm]

Doesn't the cut-off switch have to be exposed to the air in the smoker in much the same way that an electric dryer cut-off switch is exposed to dryer air flow?

[Walt]

I was also curious as to how it senses temp to cut off @ 302.  Granted, electricity is by no means my forte.  I am under the assumption that this cutoff actually will shut down if the IT exceeds 302.  Or is it referring to something other than IT?  How does it reset?

[DiggingDogFarm]

I assume it's like a dryer cut-off switch, it's essentially a fuse....once it trips, it's done....time to buy a new one.

[Three Sons BBQ]

Regardless... It's a safety like a fuse... Once it reaches 302 even if through the insulation... Means it must be doggone hot inside and will save the unit. 

One could place it on the inner side of the many layers of insulation.

Let's hope it never trips!

 

[mrmoody]

Yeah it is a sacrificial part. It has a resin in it that melts at 302 and cuts off the circuit that powers the heating element. Once this happens the fuse is done.  I read that the smoker should handle 500 degree's so if it is close to that or over inside due to a fault it will trip the 8 dollar fuse and save the 1600 dollar smoker. That was 1600 with shipping lol. They do make ones that you can reset but it wasn't quick connect and would have taken more wireing. But I currently have the smoker set to 325 while I season it for the first use. I'd like to smoke my turkey at 325 to get the crunchy skin. I'm pretty sure 325 inside won't trip it but I will let you know how it goes. One other thing. It doesn't have to be in the chamber to work correctly. It can be anywhere and I figured in the back between the 2 layers of insulation should be fine.  Also thanks guys.

[Walt]

Thank you for the explanation.  I always learn something new from this forum!

[mrmoody]

Well i found out the auber pid controller makes an alarm and shuts of at 272........ i won't be smoking my turkey at 325. Plus side this thing can smoke. Wow. Only took 40 minutes to reach 272 in the rain at 40 degree's.  And the out side of the box is still cold.

[mrmoody]

No problem Walt

[Three Sons BBQ]

Mrmoody....

Check your Auber... It can be reprogrammed or you have a different one than I do.

I have taken my SI3 to 300F with Auber.

[DivotMaker]

Josh, your Auber came from the factory with 290 set as the high temp alarm for both probes.  You can change this by holding the "Set" button for 4 seconds, until you see "LCK" in the display.  Input 188 to change the settings.  AH1 and AH2 can be set to the max you want.  I would think you wouldn't want to set them higher than 325.

[mrmoody]

Hey thanks for the heads up. I downloaded the manual and figured it out. Thanks for the help.