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series

Installation and operating
instructions

Electronic refrigeration
controller with one
or two inputs
by Beta Electronics
BETA electronics Italia Srl reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any products herein to improve reliability, function or design. Beta does not assume
any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit described herein. Beta products are not designed, intended, or authorized for use as components in
systems or applications intended to support or sustain life, or for any other application in which the failure of the Beta product could create a situation where personal injury
or death may occur.
Beta Electronics Italia Srl
RC
std series

10.00 CONFI G OF THI S APPLI CATI ON
model pur c hased RC__________
# ## # MEANING SETTING
1 Main set point Limits between #3 & #4
2 Thermostat differential
(Hysteresis)
Limits 0-20 C / F
3 Minimumvalue for SET
POINT parameter
Down scale to upper
limit #4

4 Maximumvalue for SET
POINT parameter
Lower limit #3 to full
scale

5 Anticycling time Limits 3 99 sec
6 Alarmset point -50 to 50 referred to the
main set point

7 Alarmdelay on running
time
Limits 0 - 99 min
8 Defrost pause time Limits 1 - 99 Hrs
9 Maximumdefrost
duration time
Limits 1 - 99 min


10 temperature of defrost
end
Limits 55 + 50 C
67 + 122 F

11 Optimization time for
defrost end
Limits 1 - 99 min


12 temperature up-date
after defrost end
Limits 1 - 99 min
13 Compressor operating
mode during defrost
0: always OFF
1: always ON

14 Compressor operating
delay after defrosting
Limits 1 - 99 min
15 Fan operation during
defrost pause time
0: in parallel with comp
1:fan always ON

16 Fan delay at power-on
and after defrost end
Limits 1 - 99 min
17 Fan start set point temp
after defrost end
Limits 55 + 50 C
67 + 122 F

19 Offset temperature Limits 10 +10 C / F
22 temper. displayed unit 0=Celsius,1=Farenheit
23 Compressor operating
mode for probe failure
case
0: always OFF
1: always ON
2: ON/OFF by time

24 Compressor ON time
during probe failure
Limits 1 - 99 min


25 Compressor OFF time
during probe failure
Limits 1 - 99 min


34 defrost start mode at
power -on
0:after 10 minutes
1:after interval time #8

nd Alarmdelay initialization
on power-on
Limits 0 - 99 min
not displayed
*

3.00 I NSTALLATI ON

3.10 GENERAL
The controller must be installed in a place protected fromextreme vibration, impact, water, corrosive gases, and where temperatures and moisture do
not exceed the maximumrating levels indicated in the specifications. The same directives are valid for probe installation.

3.11 THERMOSTAT PROBE
The probe must be installed in a place protected fromdirect air flow, particularly far fromfans and doors, so the average temperature of the roomwill
be measured. If the probe is not waterproof, place it with the head upward, so drops cannot penetrate into the bulb and damage the sensor. Maintain
the length of the electrical wires short as possible in order to keep low the noise picked by them, otherwise you will need to use shielded conductor
where the shield will be connected to ground.

3.12 ELECTRICAL WIRING
We recommend to protect the power supply of the controller fromelectrical noise, spikes, and specially fromvoltage surges a dips. This can be easily
done following this recommendations:
-separate the power supply of the loads (compressor, heaters, fans, etc) fromthe power supply of the controller. This can alleviate problems related to
voltage dips that can arise during the switch-on of the loads, that may interfere with the controllers microprocessor causing unexpected resets.
-the cables of the probes, and the ones of the controller supply or the loads must be separate and not close, to reduce spikes and noise on the sensor.
This improves the stability of the readings, and also the precise commutation of the device.

3.13 CRITICAL ENVIRONMENT
For applications in heavy industrial environment the following rules could be valuables
-After identifying the source of noise/spikes try to apply a line filter for such source of the type specifically designed to solve EMC (Electromagnetic
compatibility) related problems. Sometimes, may be sufficient an RC type filter, also called snubber , connected in parallel to the external relays coils,
or circuit breakers.
-Use an independent power supply to feed the device in extreme cases.

3.20 MOUNTING
The model treated are a flush panel mounted instrument. We recommend to leave on the rear panel enough roomto avoid compression or excessive
bending of the cables.



2.00 SPECI FI CATI ONS gener al
DISPLAY: 3 digit, 14.2 mm, high intensity red, available also green

INPUT: one / two PTC sensor, semiconductor type (according standard
industrial type KTY81-121), available also versions 0-10V / 4-20 mA (500
ohmload)

MEASURING RANGE: -50C to 55 C / -67 F to 122 F

ACCURACY AT 25C: +/-0.5C, +/- 1 digit

RESOLUTION: 1C plus 1digit ( 8bit mechanization)

THERMOSTAT OUTPUT: relay 250 Vac- 5A / 8A according the models:
RC31: 1-spst 8A , 1-spst 8A alarmrelay option
1-spdt 8A / 16 A , 1-spst 5A alarmrelay option (230 Vac version)
RC32: 1-spdt 8A / 16A, 1-spst 8A, 5A ( 230Vac version)
RC33: 3-spst 8A (12 Vac/dc version);
1 spst 8A, 2 spst 5A (230 Vac version)
RC34: 1-spdt 8A , 3-spst 5A

POWER SUPPLY: 12 Vac/dc 10%
opt1: 230 Vac + 5/-10%
opt2: 24 Vac/Vdc +10/-5%

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
-ambient temperature 5C to 50C
-storage temperature 20C to 80C
-relative humidity 30-90%non condensing
-no shocks or vibrations
-protection grade: RC series front panel IP65, enclosure IP32

MECHANICAL DATA:
-rectangular hole panel mounting
-plastic housing self extinguishing type UL94V0
-connections through terminal block for 4 mm
2
gauge wire.

1.00 GENERAL DESCRI PTI ON

The RC series are low-cost controllers with OFF-Cycle defrost,
specifically designed to control refrigerating static units operating at
positive or negative temperatures.
This type of controller is particularly indicated, either for the
manufactures of economical refrigeration units or for contractors / end-
installers.
This series are available with different options and performances, and
mainly, in two types of case. A standard box for industrial applications,
and in a new box for showy applications.
Dependent of the model the RC series can support one or two sensors,
which can be located, if installed with properly shielded cable, up to
100mfromthe instrument without readjust. Also the devices offers one
to four relay output for compressor, defrost, fan, and alarmcontrol.
The RC 31/32/33 are available, on request, with a built in transformer to
feed it from the main line (230 Vac or 110 Vac on request). This
important feature reduce and optimize the external wiring.

Each model is capable of temperature control and alarmmanagement.
Higher models of the series can also perform defrost cycles and fan
control. According to the model, either OFF cycle defrost (with
compressor switching OFF), or HOT GAS defrost can be available.
The defrost end may be based on fixed time or evaporator temperature.

The access to operating parameters can be prevented by a specific
procedure and a combination of keys. This avoid accidental wrong
setting of the parameters by curious people.

The controllers can also perform a SELF-TEST, which allows the
operator/user to check the proper working of the controller and the
loads connected.



2 7
#14- compressor start delay after defrost: is known also as dripping
time, during this time and after the defrost, the compressor will be
maintained inoperative to assure dripping of possible water still present in
the evaporator.
Note: in both cases the fan is turned off during defrost.

#15- fan operating mode: the operator can select the behavior of fan
according his needs:
0:fan run in parallel to the compressor, 1: fan is always ON

#16- fan delay at start-up and after defrost: the function allows to avoid
a flow of hot air in the cold room at power-up and after defrost.

#17- fan start set point: the fan is turned ON only when the temperature
measured by the evaporator probe drops to this set point. Note: for
security reasons both parameters #16 & #17 interacts with the fan
behavior, then the fan is armed when the temperature is lower than par
#17 and triggered after the delay time par #16

#19- offset of temperature : is the temperature added or subtracted to
the temperature measured by the probe to compensate for any deviation
fromthe real value.

#22- displayed unit: the measured unit displayed can be changed. This
instrument can show Celsius or Fahrenheit degrees.

#23- compressor behavior with probe failure: In case of probe failure,
the thermostat output works according to the configuration of this
parameter until to the defect is removed.
There exist the following possibilities:
0= the compressor output is always OFF
1= the compressor output is always ON
2=the outputs are turned ON and OFF by an emergency routine
according to the settings of parameters #24 and #25 . In this case it is
possible to keep the temperature of the cold roomclose to the desired
value balancing the on and off time of the compressors.

#24- compressor ON time: the time of compressor on in case of probe
failure if #23=2

#25- compressor OFF time: the time of compressor off in case of
probe failure if #23=2

#34- defrost after power-on: when this parameter is set to 0 the first
defrost after power-on will be after 10 minutes. The following defrost
operations will be conducted at the regular interval set by par #8 . When
this parameter is set to 1 the first defrost will be after the delay posed by
par #8.
8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 ANOMALI ES SI GNALI NG
MSG CAUSE OUTPUT
HtA
blinking
Measured temperature is
higher than #1+ #6
Max temp alarm
*Alarmoutput ON
*other outputs not
change
LtA
blinking
Measured temperature is
lower than #1- #6
min temp alarm
*Alarmoutput ON
*other outputs not
change
PF1 The probe input line 1 is
open or short circuited (cold
room)
*Alarmoutput ON
*The compressor
operation is according
to #23
*other outputs not
change
PF2 The probe input line 2 is
open or short circuited(
evaporator)
*Alarmoutput ON
*The compressor
operation is according
to #23
*other outputs not
change
HLA High limit alarmtemp.
temp is higher than +50 C
/ 122 F
*Alarmoutput ON
*other outputs not
change
LLA High limit alarmtemp.
temp is higher than 55 C
/ -67 F
*Alarmoutput ON
*other outputs not
change
EE Memory data failure All outputs OFF


12 Vac
AC
LINE
Thermosta
PTC-
* STD version with SPDT and SPST
* 12 Vac/dc power supply
PTC1
250 Vac 8A
comp 1 alarm
AC
LINE
comp 1
Thermosta
PTC-
alarm
PTC1
* STD version with SPDT and SPST
250 Vac 8A
* 230 Vac power supply
250 Vac 5A
250 Vac 8A
AC
LINE
comp 1
Thermosta
PTC-
12 Vac
PTC1
* 12 Vac/dc power supply
* STD version with
250 Vac 8A 12-18Vdc
alarm
outpu
TTL
max
50mA
AC
LINE
* STD version with SPDT and SPST
250 Vac 8A
* 230 Vac power supply
250 Vac 5A
* 12 Vac/dc power supply
* STD version with SPDT and SPST
AC
LINE
compressor heather
250 Vac 8A 250 Vac 8A
Thermosta
PTC-
12 Vac
PTC1
PTC2
Evaporato
PTC-
12 Vac
AC
LINE
heather compressor
Thermosta
PTC-
PTC1
* STD version with SPDT and SPST
* 12 Vac/dc power supply
250 Vac 8A 250 Vac 8A
Opt. with defrost end by time (one temp sensor
Evaporato
PTC-
Thermosta
PTC-
PTC1
PTC2
compressor heather

3
6
6.00 OPERATI NG PARAMETERS
RC 31 32 33 34
# MEANING SETTING A C D D
1 Main set point Limits between #3 & #4 * * * *
2 Thermostat
differential(Hysteresis)
Limits 0-20 C / F * * * *
3 Minimumvalue for SET
POINT parameter
Down scale to upper
limit #4
* * * *
4 Maximumvalue for SET
POINT parameter
Lower limit #3 to full
scale
* * * *
5 Anticycling time Limits 3 99 sec * * * *
6 Alarmset point -50 to 50 referred to the
main set point
* * * *
7 Alarmdelay on running
time
Limits 0 - 99 min * * * *
8 Defrost pause time Limits 1 - 99 Hrs * * * *
9 Maximumdefrost duration
time
Limits 1 - 99 min

* * * *
10 Temperature of defrost end Limits 55 + 50 C
67 + 122 F
* * *
11 Optimization time for
defrost end
Limits 1 - 99 min

* * *
12 Temperature up-date after
defrost end
Limits 1 - 99 min * * * *
13 Compressor operating
mode during defrost
0: always OFF
1: always ON
* * *
14 Compressor operating
delay after defrosting
Limits 1 - 99 min * * *
15 Fan operation during
defrost pause time
0: in parallel with comp
1:fan always ON
* *
16 Fan delay at power-on and
after defrost end
Limits 1 - 99 min * *
17 Fan start set point temp
after defrost end
Limits 55 + 50 C
67 + 122 F
* *
19 Offset temperature Limits 10 +10 C / F * * * *
22 Temper. displayed unit 0=Celsius,1=Farenheit * * * *
23 Compressor operating
mode for probe failure case
0: always OFF
1: always ON
2: ON/OFF by time
* * * *
24 Compressor ON time
during probe failure
Limits 1 - 99 min

* * * *
25 Compressor OFF time
during probe failure
Limits 1 - 99 min

* * * *
34 defrost start mode at power
-on
0:after 10 minutes
1:after interval time #8
* * *
nd Alarmdelay initialization
on power-on
Limits 0 - 99 min * * * *

Note: The last parameter in the table #nd, ( not displayed) is an internal
delay, active in the power on sequence of the controller, to prevent the
triggering of alarms conditions during the cooling phase of the system. The
delay is factory programmed, and the value is 60 min.
7.0 PARAMETERS DESCRI PTI ON

#1- main set point: The temperature value required for the main cold
room. This is desired value to be reached by the process variable. It can
be adjusted between the values of parameters #3 and #4

#2- differential (hysteresis): The value that controls the compressor
operation, moving the value of the set point in such a way that the
systemdo not oscillate.

#3- low limit oper. of set point : a limit below of which is not possible
to move the set point value. Useful to discourage the user to set
incorrect temperature values.

#4- High limit oper. of set point : a limit above of which is not possible
to move the set point value. Useful to discourage the user to set
incorrect temperature values.

#5- anticycling delay time: is the minimum time between two
successive maneuvers ON ( on - off on cycle)

#6- alarm temperature: Is the value of temperature respect to the set
point that trigger the temperature alarm. If that value is positive, will be
enabled the max temperature alarm, if the value is negative, will be
enabled the min temperature alarm. Only one type of alarmis possible.

#7- alarm delay during running time: is the elapsed time between the
trigger of an alarm and the effective displayed state. NOTE that, also
exist an alarm delay initialization which is the delay between the
power-up of the instrument and the arming of the alarms.

#8- defrost cycle pause : is the pause time during the defrost cycle.
During this time the main outputs works normally. Note: when a manual
defrost is called, the time counter is reloaded to 0

#9- defrost duration time : is the time duration of the defrost. During
this interval the compressor is switched off to allow a deicing process. In
the models equipped with a second probe located near the evaporator,
(that means the defrost end probe), this time will be a security feature
function in case the temperature does not reach the programmed value
for defrost end.

#10- defrost end temperature: when the temperature measured by the
evaporator probe reach such value the defrost process end. Anyway, for
safety reasons, the defrost will be ended by time (Par #9) if the
evaporator temperature not reach the programmed value.

#11- defrost end optimization: during this time the temperature
measured by the evaporator probe, will be maintained at the
temperature of par.#10 with a differential preset of two degrees. In this
way the controller begin a regulation cycle of duration par #11, that may
keep the evaporator temperature near par #10. In such a way if par #10
is set to 2-3 degrees we can prevent excessive heating and thus
avoiding an excessive warming of the evaporator area.

#12- delay up-date display: During the defrost process the
temperature shown will be blocked, after the defrost time there will be a
delay time to up-date the displayed temperature.

#13- compressor behavior during defrost: you can select the
operation mode according your needs.
0: compressor OFF during defrost, 1: compressor forced ON during
defrost (case of hot gas defrosting)


* 12 Vac/dc power supply
* STD version with SPST
AC
LINE
compressor heather
3 X 250 Vac 8A
Thermostat
PTC-sensor
12 Vac
PTC1
PTC2
Evaporator
PTC-sensor
12 Vac
AC
LINE
heather compressor
Evaporator
PTC-sensor
Thermostat
PTC-sensor
PTC1
PTC2
* 12 Vac/dc power supply
3 X 250 Vac 8A
* STD version with SPST
Opt. alarmoutput instead of fan
fan fan
12 Vac
AC
LINE
Evap. fan
heather compressor
Evaporator
PTC-sensor
Thermostat
PTC-sensor
PTC1
PTC2
* 12 Vac/dc power supply
3 X 250 Vac 8A
* STD version with SPST
fan
Cond.
Aux
relay
Wiring connections in "Hot-Gas" defrosting
with condenser fan power-off during
3.30 WIRING DIAGRAMS
We recommend to use wires of proper gauge, according to the power of the load; in any case do not exceed 4mm
2
to avoid damage of the
connector
* Mod. RC31, RC32, RC33, RC34
Drilling template
RC 31 models:
RC 32 models:
RC 33 models


4 5
4.00 FRONT PANEL FUNCTI ONS
Has two functions, 1) to display the temperature of probe 2(Evap) not active in Mod RC31, and 2) to increase the value of the
selected parameter

Has two functions, 1) To decrease the value of the selected parameter , 2) If pushed for 10 sec during normal operation it start
the SELF TEST routine.

Displays the main set point, and by a specific procedure, as described below, goes in the parameter menu, its acts as a
ENTER, and it is a confirmation for new values entered. Push this key for 10s during normal operation to display, in
sequence, the codes of the operating parameters.

Used to start a manual defrost



Keep pressed simultaneously for 10s the keys UP-DWto lock and unlock the access to operating parameters.
4.10 FRONT PANEL LAYOUT
5.00 HOW THE DEVI CE WORK 5.00 HOW THE DEVI CE WORK 5.00 HOW THE DEVI CE WORK 5.00 HOW THE DEVI CE WORK

This line of instruments were conceived to be used in installations where is necessary to control static or ventilated refrigerated units. There are 4
different types of controllers, all under the prefix RC, this controllers have 1 to 4 relay output to control compressor, defrost heater, fan and
alarms.
The instrument RC31 works with one PTC sensor, and the remaining models with two sensors, the second probe, generally, is located near the
evaporator area and is used to control the defrost function. The main probe is located in the cold roomin a place where it can sense the average
temperature. This probe constitute the main process variable, the regulation process that activate the compressor outputs.
The RC31 are the simplest ones, they acts as a thermostats, when the systemis established the controller check the process variable. If the
temp of the main cell is high than the programmed set point + the value of hysteresis an anticycling time begins, and after the elapsed time the
compressor start. This is caused by the activation of relay of the compressor. The activation continues until the temperature reach the set point
level and then the compressor stop.
This controllers can also emit alarmindications. It is possible to set up an upper or lower temp. limit (only one type can be programmed ) to
indicate a condition where the temperature of main probe fall out of the programmed limits. In all the cases to prevent false alarms there are two
different timers. One timer is activated during power-up for a fixed time to prevent false triggering during cooling of the room, the second timer
start with an alarmcondition, and when the time programmed is elapsed, the timer enables the alarmthat will be triggered if the conditions
continues to subsist. The alarmfunction cannot be disabled, but programming a very high, or low value the action can be masked.
The RC31 has a defrost function by time, this is a off-cycle defrost, that means the controller switch off the compressor at programmed intervals
causing the temperature raise in the cell above a few degrees (controlled by the compressor off time), this creates the conditions of deicing.
The RC32 series add a second sensor to improve the defrost function. In this case, reaching the programmed temperature, the defrost cycle
ends. The temperature of defrost end is sensed by the probe located in the evaporator. Because the temperature along the evaporator is not
uniform, in certain cases, could be a premature end of the deicing. This, force to increase the defrost end temperature to assure the complete ice
removing. The defrost optimization parameter allows to maintain this temperature only several degrees above zero, using a time span during
which the defrost elements are turned ON-OFF in such a way to make a regulation process around the value of temperature of the defrost end.
As a security reason the defrost will be stopped in any case by time.(Duration of defrost cycle).
The RC33 series adds to the previous performances the fan function. The fun improves the uniformity of temperature in cold room, but it is
necessary to manage it operation during the defrost period and after power-ON to avoid remix of hot and cold air. Also the fan is turn on only
when the temperature detected by the evaporator probe drops and reach the fan start set point.
The RC34 series adds to the previous facilities the alarmmanaging. This product can make a complete regulation system.

Within 10s confirmthe new selected value by pushing the SET key.
The new SET POINT VALUE will blink for 2s to indicate its confirmation and storage.
If no key is pushed within 10s, the controller will leave the modification procedure and return to normal operation

4.25 HOW TO ADJUST OPERATING PARAMETERS
Push for 10s the SET key. the LED 1 will start blinking.
On the display will appear, first the main set point value, and after few seconds, and for 2s the code of first parameter , afterwards the
previously selected value of the parameter will appear.
Within 15s modify the displayed value by pushing UP or DOWN .
Within 10s confirmthe new entered value by pushing the SET key.
The new value will blink for 2s to indicate its confirmation and storage.
On the display will appear for 2s the code of the next parameter , afterwards the value of that parameter will appear.
To modify the value follow the stated above procedure.
To modify the next parameter that follow the table of parameters, push SET key repeatedly until the proper code is displayed.

Note: If no key is pushed within 10s, the controller will leave the modification procedure and return to normal operation. Changes made following the
above procedure will be effective only after completing the steps indicated. Changes that modify timings will be effective after elapsed the current
ones while changes on other variables have immediate effect.

4.26 KEYBOARD LOCKING
In RC series is possible by pushing the UP and DOWN keys simultaneously for 10s, to unlock the keyboard repeat the same procedure.
The lock/unlock procedure will help to avoid the access to operating parameters menu, discouraging accidental changes by curious persons

4.30 DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
The display has tree digit, seven segment type. During normal working it shows the value of the temperature of probe 1, in alarmcondition it shows
the proper indication as per anomalies signaling.
The ciphers have, also, an upper point (units, tenth, and hundreds), that light-up in the following conditions: the unit point, led Nr1, blink during the
programming phase, and light stable during the compressor operation, the tenth point, led Nr2, light when the defrost function is active, the
hundreds point, led Nr3, lights when fan output is ON in models RC33 and RC34.


RC 34 model

4.20 KEY FUNCTIONS
RC series
/SET
4.21 HOW TO DISPLAY THE MAIN SET POINT
Pushing the SET key, the main set point will appear on the display for 15s.

4.22 HOW TO DISPLAY THE EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE
(Not for model RC31)
Pushing the UP key the evaporator temperature (defrost end probe readout ) will appear on the display.

4.23 HOW TO ACTIVATE MANUALLY A DEFROST CYCLE
For a manual start-up of a defrost cycle, push the DEFROST key for 3s

4.24 HOW TO ADJUST THE SET POINT
Push the SET key, the LED 1 will start blinking.
Within 15s modify the displayed value by pushing UP or DOWN accordingly. Note: only values laying within the upper and lower limits
Par 3, and Par 4 can be selected.
+