CTD-3

Overview

The Atosa CTD-3 is a countertop glass door merchandiser cooler for displaying packaged foods and bottled beverages in a compact service area. It is part of Atosa’s countertop merchandiser range and has a listed capacity of 2.4 cu. ft.; the product family is also referred to as the 3 cu. ft. model. Its black exterior and door frame, white interior, glass door and LED interior light keep displayed products visible at a counter or service station.

The CTD-3 uses forced-air cooling and a mechanical temperature controller. Atosa’s specification for this model lists a temperature range of 33°F to 41°F. A double-pane glass door has a recessed handle, magnetic gasket and standard lock. The cabinet has foamed-in-place high-density polyurethane insulation.

Key Features

• Countertop display: Compact merchandiser format for customer-facing chilled product presentation.
• Forced-air cooling: CTD-3 uses forced-air cooling; the CTD-3S is the cold-wall model, not the model covered here.
• Product visibility: Double-pane glass door and LED interior lighting.
• Door details: Recessed handle, magnetic door gasket for a positive seal, and standard door lock.
• Interior storage: Pre-installed, removable PVC-coated wire shelves. The product specification lists three shelves.
• Cabinet construction: Black exterior cabinet and black door frame, white interior, and foamed-in-place high-density polyurethane insulation.
• Refrigerant: R600a.
• Packaged product use: Atosa lists the CTD-3 as certified for packaged foods and bottled beverages.
• Levelling: Levelling legs are listed as standard.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Atosa
• Model: CTD-3
• Equipment type: Countertop glass door merchandiser cooler
• Listed capacity: 2.4 cu. ft. (the product family is described as 3 cu. ft.)
• Exterior dimensions: 17-1/4" W × 19-3/4" D × 27-1/2" H
• Interior dimensions: 14-3/8" W × 15" D × 23" H
• Shelves: 3, pre-installed removable PVC-coated wire shelves
• Temperature range: 33°F to 41°F
• Cooling method: Forced air
• Compressor: 1/10 HP
• Electrical: 115V, 60Hz, single phase; 1.5A
• Plug and cord: NEMA 5-15 plug; 5-foot cord
• Weight: The manual lists 24 kg; a retailer listing gives 57 lb.
• Controller: Mechanical temperature controller
• Door: Double-pane glass, recessed handle, lock and magnetic gasket
• Lighting: LED interior lighting
• Exterior and interior: Black exterior and door frame; white interior
• Insulation: Foamed-in-place high-density polyurethane
• Standards stated in the product literature: Conforms to UL Standard 471 and certified to CSA Standard C22.2 No. 120.

Installation & Requirements

Placement and ventilation

Place the cooler on a solid, firm, level surface and adjust its feet to steady the cabinet. The manual calls for at least 20 cm of space between the back of the unit and the wall for ventilation. Leave room for the door to open to an angle of 160°. Keep the unit away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and do not place it where water can reach it or in a high-moisture location. The manual also advises against placing it in an environment cold enough for icing.

Keep the unit upright during transport; the manual says the angle from horizontal should not exceed 50°. After moving the cooler, let it stand for 30 minutes before switching it on. Remove the carton and packing foam, including the bottom foam, and clean the unit before use.

Electrical connection

Connect the CTD-3 to a dedicated, reliably grounded socket. The manual says the ground wire must not connect to a gas pipe, hot gas pipe or water pipe, and specifies a single power supply. Do not remove the power cord or plug, and do not pull the cord to disconnect the unit; hold the plug instead. The unit is specified for 115V, 60Hz, 1.5A power and comes with a 5-foot cord and NEMA 5-15 plug. The manual advises using a 500 VA stabilizer if voltage fluctuation exceeds AC 99V–132V. After switching the unit off, wait at least five minutes before restarting it.

Operation

Close the door and connect the power. Use the lamp switch on the control panel to turn on the interior light. The manual says the cabinet’s temperature should begin to drop noticeably after about half an hour; leave the cabinet empty for one hour after connecting power before loading it.

Adjust the storage temperature with the controller inside the cabinet. The knob scale runs from 1 to 5: turning it clockwise to a higher number lowers the temperature. The factory setting is 3, and 0 stops operation. The manual suggests setting 2 in summer when ambient temperature is high and setting 4 in winter when ambient temperature is low. Adjust the setting according to the ambient conditions and the stored products, and use the specified 33°F to 41°F operating range as the product reference.

Keep the door closed between service periods. The manual notes that frequent or prolonged door opening and loading too much warm product at one time can contribute to a high cabinet temperature.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Wipe splashed water and dirt from the cabinet with a soft cloth. After cleaning, dry the unit to avoid rust. Do not rinse the cabinet with water or clean it with a hard brush or steel brush. The manual also says not to use organic liquid, boiling water, washing powder or acidic substances to clean the unit.

If the merchandiser will be unused for a long period, disconnect the power, clean it using the manual’s cleaning instructions, and wipe water from inside the cabinet with a soft cloth. Atosa’s product literature also advises cleaning the condenser frequently to allow it to receive fresh air.

Do not place heavy articles on top of the unit, splash water directly onto it, or drill holes or install other objects on the casing. For a fault that requires service, the manual directs users to a professional rather than dismantling the unit without prior authority.

Troubleshooting

• Unit does not work: The manual identifies a poor plug connection as a possible cause. Reconnect the plug to the power supply.
• Compressor operates abnormally or makes a buzzing sound: The manual identifies voltage outside the rated range as a possible cause. Disconnect the power immediately and reconnect after the voltage returns to normal. It advises a voltage stabilizer where the power supply is poor.
• Compressor runs for a long time without frost on the inner cabinet surface: The manual identifies a refrigeration-system fault, such as leakage or blockage, and directs users to send the unit to a service department for repair.
• Frost or ice on the evaporator, very low internal temperature, and compressor that does not stop: The manual identifies a thermostat fault and advises contacting a service department for repair.
• Internal temperature is too high and the compressor does not stop: Check for poor heat dissipation or ventilation and excessively high ambient temperature; improve ventilation and the ambient conditions. If too much warm food was loaded at once, remove some. Reduce the number and duration of door openings.
• Excessive noise: If the unit is not level, adjust its feet. Fasten any loose fasteners. If pipes are touching the compressor, carefully separate the touching pipes.
• Interior lamp is not on: The manual lists a burned-out lamp as a possible cause and says to replace the lamp.

Applications

The CTD-3 suits countertop beverage and packaged-food display in cafés, convenience stores, food-service counters and other commercial service areas. Its glass door and interior light put chilled items in view, while its lock and compact format can be useful at a staffed counter or self-service point. Atosa specifies the merchandiser for packaged foods and bottled beverages; the manual says it is not suitable for storing pharmaceutical, blood or biological products.