Thermo King Reefer Container User Guide
Read through our comprehensive Thermo King user guide to ensure the operation and longevity of your reefer container. We update the guide with answers to FAQs from our customers, and our latest instruction videos.
Contents
1. Power Requirement
- The reefer container requires a 32A/400V 5-pin connection to operate.
- Using 16A/400V power is prohibited and may cause equipment failure.
2. Startup
- Connect the container to the power supply.
- Start the machine by pressing the ON/OFF button for 2 seconds.
- The machine will start and initiate the startup process.
- After the process is complete, you can begin using it.
3. Ventilation
- When the frozen load is between -0°C and -40°C, the ventilation disc must be kept closed.
- We recommend adjusting the ventilation disc to suit the load inside the container. This can help preserve, for example, fresh food. Here are some general guidelines:
- Onions: 10-40 m³/h
- Apples: 10-60 m³/h
- Bananas: 25-60 m³/h
- The ventilation is adjusted using the ventilation disc on the machine. Refer to section 4 for detailed instructions on ventilation adjustment.
4. Ventilation adjustment
The adjustment disc on top of the controller at the machine end operates manually. Adjustment range: 0-225 m³/h.
- Turn off the machine.
- Loosen the wingnut.
- If the disc is stuck, gently nudge the disc loose with a flat object (e.g. screwdriver).
- To adjust the airflow amount, turn the disc counterclockwise to increase airflow and clockwise to decrease it. Align the dot on the outer edge of the disc with the corresponding label marked on the disc (e.g., 50m³/h = 20%).
- Finally, tighten the wingnut to secure the disc in place.
5. Temperature adjustment
Thermo King MP4000
Note: You can find the same instructions in the accompanying video (with English subtitles). If you don’t see the video, enable cookies by clicking the round blue icon in the bottom left corner.
- Press the F4 button on the right to access the main menu.
- Press the F3 button to enter the SET POINT menu, where you can adjust the internal temperature.
- Press the F2 button for heating and the F3 button for cooling.
- When you are satisfied with the temperature, press the F4 button to save your selection.
Thermo King MP3000
- Connect the device to the power supply and turn it on using the ON/OFF button on the side of the panel.
- Press the SETPOINT button.
- Press the F4 button, causing the cursor to start blinking at the temperature setting.
- Use the +/-/EXIT button to choose between heating or cooling.
- Use the number buttons to set the desired temperature. If the temperature is below 10 degrees, precede the number with a 0, for example, -4 degrees should be entered as -04.
- You can also adjust the temperature up and down using the F2 and F3 buttons.
- Save the setting by holding down the F4 button until the cursor stops blinking.
NOTE: The container has an automatic defrost function. During defrosting, a yellow DEFROST indicator light will appear at the top of the internal temperature display, and the temperature may fluctuate slightly. Once defrosting is complete, the container will operate normally and no user action is required.
6. Cargo storage
- Do not exceed the maximum loading height limit marked inside the container with labels.
- The cargo should be placed on pallets to allow air circulation on the floor.
- Do not place cardboard boxes at the machine end without pallets, as this prevents air circulation.
- Do not place shelves at the machine end in a way that fills both the bottom and top of the wall with goods. The machine will not function properly, causing freezing.
7. Locking
- The container must be locked with a separate padlock.
- If the container has an access door, also secure it with a separate padlock.
8. Washing / Cleaning / Maintenance
- Maintenance washing is done with a pressure washer. However, avoid the openings at the machine end.
- Wipe off any spilled food waste or other products as quickly as possible.
- If cleaning agents must be used, their pH value should be between 7-9 and they must be suitable for food and stainless steel/aluminum surfaces. Using the wrong agent can damage the container’s surfaces and machinery.
- When renting a reefer container, remember that the use of cleaning agents is prohibited without separate permission from MC Containers.
9. Lights and Alarm
- The lights are operated by a switch located next to the door inside the container.
- The container’s alarm is activated by a button located above or below the light switch.
10. Door usage
- If the container is equipped with an internal emergency opener (strap), do not pull the door closed using it, as it will damage the mechanism.
- Keep the doors closed whenever you are not inside the container.
- If the internal temperature of the container is between 0°C and -40°C, the doors may be tight due to the vacuum formed inside. Do not force the doors open. Instead, turn off the machinery, open the ventilation disc to 20%, wait 5 minutes, and then open the door. After closing the doors, reverse these steps.
11. Storing the Container When Not in Use
- If you turn off and plan to store the container, we recommend the following actions:
- Wash the container thoroughly.
- Open the ventilation disc to approximately 20% to allow air circulation.
12. Prohibited Use
- The container must not be used to store chemicals or products that contain or produce sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
- The container must not be used to store chemicals that react with aluminum or stainless steel.
- If there is a chemical spill in the reefer container you have rented, you must immediately notify MC Containers in writing.