Hi all, I've got a Danby kegerator, about 7-8 years old. Went to pour a beer the other night and got zapped by my draft tower. First thought was a bad ground on the outlet, but that checked out. I used an extension cord to plug the kegerator into various outlets around the house, each time I get a steady current running through the tower and right-hand side railing. I'm thinking I've got a short somewhere. All visible wires (around the fan, compressor, etc.) appear to be in good shape, and overall the thing is in excellent condition. I've called four appliance repair co.'s here in Columbia so far, and nobody wants to look at this thing. Phoned Danby customer service. They were polite and seemed interested in helping, providing me with contact info for two authorized repair co.'s in my area. Only problem is both of their "authorized" reps had already refused to look at it per my earlier phone calls. Eventually found a place that specializes in commercial fridges that agreed to look at it if I haul it to their shop. After the conversations I had this morning with the local repair co.'s and their seeming unwillingness to troubleshoot a kegerator, I can't imagine why anyone would ever purchase one of these things. Any thoughts? Anyone with similar experiences? Alan
You may consider talking to a local electronics shop. The problem you describe is more electrical and not refrigeration related anyway. The local electronics shop, a ma and pa operation might be better able to help. You have a loose or frayed wire contacting the appliance. The extension cord is bypassing the ground plug I assume? Or the plug blades are altered somehow. Either way it is probably an easy fix. As for Danby, this is a unit sold at a price point. They are not total crap but it is not a $1,200 item either, so there is only so much they can commit to 7 years after the sale. Cheers.
Great suggestion re: the electronics shop. I'll call around. As for Danby, I haven't had any issues until the electrical short. I was just surprised at how reluctant the local appliance repair folks are to even look at it. Like its some kind of alien technology or something. Its a mini-fridge with a steel tower on top guys, c'mon.
I agree with the Disciple from the Empire State, this is an electrical problem. You might even consider a straight electrician (not talking sexual preference here) . . . they're used to making house calls and most likely it's something frayed/worn/loose. This wouldn't be a short, that would cause your CB to pop. The most common fault is your exposed wiring has aged and failed, typically this is an easy fix (other than a PITA to reach). If it were me I'd snoop around and give all the wiring a good visual inspection. There is little danger if you apply just a touch of common sense. I think deep down all kegerators owners should accept the fact they are kegerator repairpersons when they take the plunge. I've never heard of an official kegerator repairman . . . maintenance is going to be DIY in most all cases (warranty work might be the exception). Good luck.
Wiring within the compressor box looks good. My suspicion is the ones that run to the fan in the upper RH corner...wires that are enclosed within the wall/insulation As for the second part of your quote, my experience certainly confirms your statement. I'm not giving up on my Danby just yet, we've been through a lot of good beer together... but a 15 cu ft. chest freezer is being delivered to my home tomorrow afternoon.
Thought I would update this old post... Shiny new chest freezer was delivered as promised last year. Plugged it in and... same issue. Electrical current running through my body and into the floor. Called an electrician. Based on what I described over the phone, he diagnosed the cause as loose/frayed wires contacting the body of the appliance. I’m thinking, “This freezer is brand-flippin’ new, and you’re telling me that it has loose or frayed wires? What are the chances that both my old Danby and the new freezer have the same damn issue?” His response: the QC on these appliances is so poor that they probably come off the assembly line with electrical issues. The manufacturers are simply relying on the ground plug to sort it out. I was skeptical, but invited him to the house to investigate further. Turns out he was exactly right. What we discovered is that practically none of the outlets in my house are grounded. Built in 1940. Of course. Idiot. Installed a new outlet with a ground that runs directly to the box out back. Problem solved. Just wish I had called in the electrician before chucking a (perfectly?) functioning Danby kegerator.
Been up and running since early last summer. Just 4/6 faucets most of the time. Initially planned to run the two on the far right on nitro, but have been hesitant to do it because of the additional cost and hassle associated with nitrogen .
Thanks! From L to R... Homebrew barleywine Vikeman’s “Hoppy Amarillo Wheat” Homebrew house ESB Victory Brewing Prima Pils (Empty) (Empty) I’ve got a separate 5lb CO2 tank and regulator (just visible on the RH side of the photo) that I might use for the other two lines... just have to change out the stout faucet I guess. At the time that I built the keezer last summer I didn’t realize how uneconomical it was going to be to get the nitrogen system up and running.
Yes. Nice build. Needs a drip tray or a drip towel on the floor I think. Glad you got the electricity sorted. Nitro. Should only run you about $100. $50 or $60 for a nitro regulator and then whatever a small cylinder of 75/25 costs these days. You need to buy the first tank of course but I don't think you'll be far off $100. I mean, we're saving money when we brew it and keg it our-self. Right? Right? Cheers
Ha. I keep a towel on the floor for drips, but removed it before the photo for "artistic purposes." Drip tray might be in the works this summer... As for the nitro, my concern is the rate at which I'll blow through tanks more than the equipment cost. No liquid in 75/25 tanks, so how many 5 gal kegs can you really push with a small cylinder of 75/25?
I wish I knew how any kegs a small beer gas tank can push. Get that question all the time. Not as many as CO2. None of our clients are using the small cylinders either. I think the smallest is 19 Liters, roughly equivalent to the 5 gallon tank. I think. A cool drip tray hack is to use a SS mason trough. Lowes sells nice ones. That can be attached to the unit with neodymium magnets. Put a few magnets on the inside of the tray, put the tray where you need it and it is removable with no glue or drilling required. Add a little water and dish soap to keep the fruit flys etc. from taking over. Your faucet spacing might be a bit to wide though. Maybe. Cheers.
