WHISPER KOOL 17-1103 User manual

XLT
WhisperKOOL
Owner’s Manual
®
Protecting Your Investment In Fine Wines

Copyright ©1998-2004 Vinothèque Wine Cellars All rights reserved.
This manual, the product design, and the design concepts are copyrighted by Vinothèque Wine
Cellars, with all rights reserved. Your rights with regard to the hardware and manual are
subject to the restrictions and limitations imposed by the copyright laws of the United States
of America. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, reproduced, translated,
transmitted, or reduced to any printed or electronic medium or to any machine-readable form,
for any purpose, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Vinothèque Wine Cellars.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.
Vinothèque Wine Cellars is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Vinothèque Wine Cellars reserves the right to make corrections or improvements to the
information provided and to the related hardware at any time, without notice.
Vinothèque, and WhisperKOOL are registered trademarks, and ECE is a trademark of
Vinothèque Wine Cellars. All rights reserved.
Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an
endorsement nor a recommendation. Vinothèque Wine Cellars assumes no liability with regard
to the performance or use of these products.
Rev. 17-1103

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
What Is the WhisperKOOL®System?..................2
How Does the WhisperKOOL System Work? .............2
Receiving and Unpacking .....................3
Quick Start Guide ............................4
Preparing the Wine Cellar ....................5
Mounting the Unit ..............................6
Ventilation ...................................7
Cutting the hole for the WhisperKOOL unit .............8
Installation ................................10
Electrical Needs ..............................11
Sizing Unit to Room ............................11
Placement of Unit ..............................13
Installing Thermostat ............................13
Using the WhisperKOOL System ..............13
Condensate Evaporator Switch ....................13
Drain Line ................................13
Liquid Measuring Thermostat System .......14
PDT JR. Operating Instructions ............15
PDT Operating Instructions................16
Normal Operation.........................17
Maintenance ...............................17
Humidity Control ............................17
Troubleshooting Guide ....................18
Solutions to Common Problems ..................18
Troubleshooting Checklist .................23
Temperature Differential Testing...........25
Technical Assistance .....................28
How to Contact Customer Service.................28
Warranty Clarification .....................29
Limited Warranty ...........................31
-1-
NEW OWNERS PLEASE NOTE…
ALWAYS PLACE UNIT IN UPRIGHT POSITION
Do not start or plug-in your new unit for 24 hours after delivery. . .
Units are sometimes accidentally tipped onto their sides during
shipping which may allow compressor oil to escape their
reservoirs. . .
Premature starting—before the oil has had a chance to
resettle—can cause damage to the compressor and result in a lack
of cooling.
A DEDICATED 20 AMP CIRCUIT IS HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED FOR OPTIMUM OPERATION!

-2-
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the WhisperKOOL®wine cellar temperature and
humidity maintenance system.
Please take the time to read through the owner's manual so you understand
the correct operations of the WhisperKOOL unit.
What Is the WhisperKOOL System?
The WhisperKOOL system is a specialized piece of equipment designed to
absorb heat from a cellar and discharge it through the rear of the unit into
an adjacent room. The unit will operate 75 to 80 percent of the time in
order to maintain an ideal temperature and humidity in a wine cellar.
Essentially, it will operate as needed to absorb the heat that naturally
permeates the cellar. It is important to follow the cellar construction guides
provided within in order to maximize effectiveness based on the quality of
efficiency in the vapor barrier, therefore reduce the operating time of the
cooling unit itself.
How Does the WhisperKOOL System Work?
• The WhisperKOOL system is designed to maintain humidity, while
measuring and maintaining the wine temperature in the cellar. This is
achieved by gently cooling rather than by quick-chilling.
• Temperature Setting: The WhisperKOOL unit can be set at any
temperature within the acceptable wine-aging range of 50°F -to- 70°F. It is
designed to cool 30°F cooler than the ambient temperature of the space it
is exhausting to.
• Humidity Control: There are no separate controls for maintaining proper
humidity. Humidity is managed through the design and engineering of the
unit. As the temperature begins to drop within the wine cellar, the relative
humidity will rise, while the absolute humidity will stay the same. For more
information about this process, see Normal Operation on page 17.
All units come with a drain line for additional removal of excess condensate,
as a back up system to the Condensate Evaporator which is used to maintain
proper humidity. If the unit is installed in a high humidity area of the country,
it is mandatory to install the drain line attachment for the unit to function
effectively, preventing overflows and leaks from build up of condensate.
Failure to install the drain line voids warranty.
• The WhisperKOOL system is designed to be mounted through an interior
wall into the cellar. The unit will operate correctly in a controlled
environment to properly manage the effective cooling of the cellar. The unit
is not designed to withstand the elements of an outdoor climate where
summer temperatures exceed 85 degrees or in winter environments where
temperatures reach freezing. The components are not designed for these
extreme conditions and premature failure may occur.
Note: Improperly preparing your enclosure or incorrectly installing your
WhisperKOOL system may cause unit failure, leaking of condensation, and
other negative side effects. Protective housings can be purchased to prevent
premature failure in cases where the unit is installed through an exterior
wall.

-3-
Please examine the WhisperKOOL packaging for any damage
to the carton. Note any damage on the bill of lading, shipper’s
receipt, or airbill. Damaged merchandise should be accepted.
Contact Vinothèque Customer Service immediately.
Do not attempt to install any unit with cosmetic damage. This
includes (but is not limited to) bent flange and/or brackets. A
representative will file a claim with the shipping company,
arrange for a replacement unit to be shipped to you and for the
original unit to be picked up. In some instances, an inspection
must take place at the point of receipt, in which case you will
be contacted by the shipping company to schedule an
appointment to inspect the damaged goods.
Please leave the WhisperKOOL System in its original box until
you are ready for installation. This will allow you to move the
product safely without damaging it. When you are ready to
remove the product from the box, see Installation on page 10.
Note: Save your box and all packing materials. They
provide the only safe means of transporting the unit.
Contents:
• Owner's Manual
• By-Pass Plug
• Registration/Warranty Card
• Insulation Foam (4 strips)
• 8 - 1 3/4" Screws (18 for WK 6000 & 8000)
• Power Cord
• Drain Line
• Thermostat
RECEIVING AND UNPACKING

-4-
This guide is meant to serve as a quick reference for installation of the
WhisperKOOL unit. The remainder of this Owner’s Manual will provide more
detailed information and instructions.
Upon receiving the WhisperKOOL unit:
QUICK START GUIDE
1. Inspect the unit before installation. If damage is found, please contact your
distributor or Vinothèque Customer Service at 1.800.343.9463 ext 799.
2. The unit should remain in an upright position for 24 hours prior to
operation.
3. The unit is designed to gently cool down the temperature of the cellar over
time by cycling cooler and cooler air throughout. Test the unit prior to
installation. With power off, attach the “by-pass plug” (included in accessory
bag) to the open plug located on the unit, where the PDT thermostat will need
to be installed. Operate unit for twenty minutes. While the unit is running and
working properly, the air discharged from the front should be 10 - 15°F
cooler than the air in the room. This means that in an environment where
the air is 80°F, the unit will discharge air that is 68°F.
4. The WhisperKOOL unit requires a dedicated 110-volt 20-amp circuit (or 220-volt
depending on the unit). Use a surge protector with the WhisperKOOL unit. Do not
use a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) line.
5. For your convenience, the Whisperkool unit has two power sockets, one on the
side of the unit and the other on the back. Both sockets come covered. Remove
the cover from only the desired power socket in order to plug the unit in.
6. After testing, remove the “by-pass plug,” mount unit to desired location, and
install the PDT thermostat into the plug. There is a five (5) minute delay on
initial start up of the unit.
7. In areas of high humidity, put the condensate evaporator switch to the
“ON” position. It is also necessary to install the drain line to remove excess
condensation from the unit.
8. The WhisperKOOL unit is intended for use in properly designed and
constructed wine cellars. Hire a professional wine storage consultant with a
valid contractor’s license to build your wine cellar. Refer to the “How to Build a
Wine Cellar” video available on the Vinothèque website at www.vinotheque.com.
Install the foam strips along the inside edge of the unit’s flange to assure a
proper seal against the wall.
Never try to open the WhisperKool unit, repair it yourself, or use a
service company without Vinothèque’s authorization. This will void your
warranty.
If you encounter a problem with your WhisperKool unit, please refer to the
Troubleshooting Checklist on pages 23-26. If you have any further questions,
concerns, or need assistance, please contact Vinothèque Customer Service at
1.800.343.9463 ext. 799. Please be sure all testing has been completed prior to
contacting Customer Service. Please have your results ready for your
representative.

Wall & Ceiling Framing
Build wine cellar walls using standard 2x4 or 2x6 construction methods and ceiling joists
following the guidelines of local and state codes in your area. The general rule for a cellar
is the thicker the walls, the higher the insulation factor, the better the cellar remains at a
consistent temperature.
Insulation
Insulation is REQUIRED with the use of the WhisperKOOL product; Standard “Fiberglass”
or “Rigid Foam” insulation is normally used in cellar construction, or in some cases,
“blown in” insulation is used. It is very important that all walls and ceiling be insulated to
keep the cellar temperature as consistent as possible during the summer and winter months.
The R factor or thickness of insulation is determined by the thickness of the walls and
ceiling. For example, fiberglass insulation of R13 is designed to be used in a 2x4 wall.R19
is used in a 2x6 wall. It is important to use the correct insulation for the wall thickness.
-5-
PREPARING THE
WINE CELLAR
The performance and life of your WhisperKOOL System are contingent upon the steps you
take in preparing the wine cellar.
It is highly recommended that you obtain the assistance of a wine
storage professional.
Wine storage professionals work with licensed contractors, refrigeration technicians, and
racking companies to build well-insulated, beautiful, and protective wine cellars. In some
areas of the country, these professionals are not available. We have put together some
useful tips to assist in the installation process.
Our recommendations are meant to act as a guide in the process of building a proper
enclosure. Your intended location may have specific needs that we do not address.
Vapor Barrier
Vapor barrier is REQUIRED if a climate control cooling unit is installed to keep the cellar at
the correct temperature and humidity. 6mm plastic sheeting is applied to the warm side of the
cellar walls.The vapor barrier must be either applied to the outside walls and ceiling, or if it
is impossible to get to the outside, then the plastic must be applied from within the cellar. The
most common method is to wrap the entire interior, leaving the plastic loose in the stud cavity
so the insulation can be placed between each stud. All walls and ceiling must be wrapped in
plastic for a complete vapor barrier.
In areas of humidity, such as the southern and gulf states, the vapor barrier will prevent
infiltration of warm moist air. The moist air can cause mold to form. The cooling unit will strip
excessive moisture from the air and create water, which will need to be dissipated back out
of the cellar using the Condensate Evaporator system or drain line. In dry climates, the vapor
barrier will provide more control over retaining the higher correct humidity within the cellar.
Ducting
The unit is designed to exhaust into an open area. In situations where ducting may be
necessary, Vinothèque Wine Cellars provides a specially designed ducting accessory kit for
the XLT unit. Please contact Customer Service to order the ducting accessory kit by phone
[phone]. Using any other ducting system voids warranty. Sheet rock must be
applied in the exhaust room with no vapor barrier or insulation exposed. Failure to
complete the wine cellar voids the warranty.

-6-
Unobstructed Airflow
Unobstructed airflow to and from
the unit is a critical factor in the
unit’s overall performance.
Make sure there is a three-
foot horizontal clearance in the
front of the unit. This will assure
that the unit can move the air
around in an efficient manner.
Avoid the attempt to camouflage
the unit by installing racking in
front of the unit. This will restrict
airflow and thus the unit’s ability
to work efficiently.
Mounting the Unit
The unit should be mounted
within 18 inches of the top of
the room in order to achieve
sufficient cooling. As the room
cools down, the warm air will
rise to the ceiling. Mounting the
WhisperKOOL high in the room
will create a consistently cool
environment by capturing the
warm air and replacing it with
cool air. Mounting the unit low in
the room will result in a
temperature variation in the
room due to the unit’s inability to
draw warm air from the ceiling of
the cellar to the unit itself.
Door
An exterior grade (1 3/4”) door must be installed as a cellar door. It is very important that weather stripping
is attached to all 4 sides of the doorjam. A bottom “sweep” or threshold is also required. The door must have
a very good seal to keep the cool cellar air from escaping out of the cellar. One of the most common problems
with cooling units running continually is due to the door not sealing properly. In cases where glass doors are
used and the room size is close to the recommended unit size, the next larger size WhisperKOOL should be
used. This will compensate for the insulation loss due to the inefficient door.
Front of
WhisperKOOL
Wine Cellar
Exhaust Room
Intake
Exhaust

-7-
Ventilation
The necessity of dissipating heat away
from the unit is critical to the unit’s
performance and cannot be overstated.
As the unit operates and cools, a greater
amount of heat is generated on the
exhaust side of the unit. Adequate
ventilation is required in order to
dissipate heat away from the unit. If
ventilation is inadequate, the exhaust will
heat up and adversely affect the unit’s
ability to cool. In some cases, it may be
advisable to install a vent fan to dissipate
heat within the exhaust area on the
backside of the unit. However, you must
have a fresh air inlet as well. If your unit
requires ducting, please contact
Vinothèque Wine Cellars Customer
Service to obtain a specially designed
ducting accessory kit for the XLT unit.
Using any other ducting system voids
warranty.
Unobstructed Airflow
Unobstructed airflow to and from the unit
is a critical factor in the unit’s overall
performance. Make sure there is a
minimum three-foot horizontal clearance
from the rear of the unit as well as a
minimum three foot clearance in front of
the evaporator fans. This will assure that
the unit can move the air around in an
efficient manner.
Ambient Temperature Factor
The cooling system has the ability to cool a
maximum of 30°F below the ambient
temperature in the room it is exhausting
to. Therefore you want to exhaust the unit in
a room which will not exceed 85°F.
Otherwise the unit will not have the
capacity to keep the wine at a desirable
55°F.
WhisperKOOL
Back - Exhaust Room
(side view)
Cellar Wall
55ºF
Exhaust Fan
Air Intake
85ºF
Front - Wine Cellar

-8-
Cutting the hole for the WhisperKOOL
unit
Locate the center of the room. Using a
stud finder, locate two adjacent studs in
the walls, and mark them with vertical
lines.
Using a level and a pencil, mark a
horizontal line on the wall between the
two studs, approximately 1.25 inches (or
as close as possible if more than 1.25”)
from the ceiling. Using a ruler or
measuring tape, measure 16 inches down
(22.75” for the 6000 and 8000 models),
and mark another horizontal line parallel
to the first one.
Using a saw, cut along the uppermost
horizontal line until your saw reaches the
stud. Turn the saw around, inserting it
into the cut you have just made, and cut
toward the opposite stud so that you have
a clean horizontal cut between the two
studs. Be careful not to cut into the studs
themselves. Now make the second
horizontal cut from stud to stud on the
line 16 inches below the first cut (22.75"
for the 6000 and 8000 models).
Tools Needed
Mark the horizont al
lines with a level.
Phillips
Screwdriver Saw
Level Hammer
Cut horizont al
lines from stud to
stud.

-9-
Once the horizontal lines have been cut,
make vertical cuts using the inside edge
of the studs as a guide. Once you have
made both vertical cuts, you should have
a rectangular hole in the sheetrock. Now
you have to make the same hole on the
other side of the wall. Since you already
have one hole, this is an easy process.
Using a nail, mark all four corners of the
first hole by making nail holes through the
sheetrock. Then on the other side of the
wall, connect the holes with a pencil mark
and cut.
Sheetrock alone cannot support the
weight of a 65-pound (or more) cooling
system. Therefore, it is necessary to
frame the hole that you have just cut with
upper and lower supports. Using two two-
by-fours 14.5 inches in length and eight
6d nails, secure the upper and lower
supports to the right and left studs, just
inside the sheetrock. Make sure that the
internal height remains at 16"for the
1600, 3000 and 4200 models and 22.75"
for the 6000 and 8000 models so that the
WhisperKOOL system will fit snugly
through the framed cut-out.
Cut vertical lines
along the inside
edge of the studs.
Frame the hole with
two-by-four support s.

-10-
Electrical Needs
The WhisperKOOL System requires a dedicated 110-volt 20-
amp circuit. The unit draws a large amount of amps at initial
start up. By designating a dedicated circuit breaker, you will
guarantee the unit has enough power to run effectively.
Contact your electrician for installation of this dedicated
electrical circuit.
Electrical Outlet
The unit is equipped with two electrical outlets, one for
installation inside the cellar and the other for installation
outside the cellar. Both outlets are covered and have been
secured with screws. Regardless of which side is utilized, the
other outlet must then be covered in order to avoid a live
electrical charge.
Purchase a surge protector or power conditioner to plug
your WhisperKOOL unit into. As with any sensitive
electrical equipment, the WhisperKOOL unit’s circuitry
may be damaged by power surges and spikes. Power
surges and spikes are not covered by the WhisperKOOL
warranty.
Do not use a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) with this
product. The cooling unit will draw more amperage
than the GFI will allow.
Upon plugging the unit in and turning it on, there will
be a five minute delay before the unit starts. This is
based on the function of the thermostat.
INSTALLATION
MODEL AMPS AMPS PRODUCT DIMENSIONS ROOM SIZE
(starting) (running) (H x W x D) (cubic feet)
WK 1600 28.32 4.5 15.75" x 14.25" x 17" 300
WK 3000 30.00 6 15.75" x 14.25" x 17" 650
WK 4200 32.00 9 15.75" x 14.25" x 17" 1000
WK 6000 36.00 9.5 22.5" x 14.25" x 21.25" 1500
WK 8000 36.00 10 22.5" x 14.25" x 21.25" 2000
Sizing Unit to Room
The specification chart will provide information on the unit’s room size cooling capacity.
There are circumstances in which a cellar design may require a larger unit due to some
existing design restrictions. In such a case, we recommend that the customer consider
purchasing a unit with a larger capacity to compensate for the design limitations. Issues
such as glass doors, concrete, or brick walls and floors may seem adequate but do not offer
the insulation capacity required to maintain the optimum environment.

-11-
Carefully remove your WhisperKOOL unit
from the box. Do not destroy your packing
material, as it provides the only safe
means of transporting the unit. Units
weigh 65–100 pounds and are
cumbersome for one person to carry. We
recommend that you get someone else to
help you during the installation process.
Testing Unit
Place the WhisperKOOL system on a
tabletop to prepare it for installation and
testing. Locate the by-pass plug and
insert it into the thermostat plug, located
on the front of the WhisperKOOL System.
Next, plug the system into a live electrical
outlet and turn the unit on. The system
should begin cooling. The system may
take up to 10 to 15 minutes before
running cool. Once the operation has
been tested, turn the unit off, unplug the
unit from the electrical outlet, remove the
by-pass plug, and install thermostat.
Note: If the system does not seem to be
running cool after 15 minutes, please
refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on
page 18.
Before installation, use the by-pass test plug
to test the unit.
Attach precut foam tape to the unit’s flange.
Foam Tape
Adhesive Covering
Flange
Test Plug
Applying Insulation Tape
Locate the four precut pieces of black
foam tape included with your system.
There should be two larger pieces and two
smaller pieces. Start with the large
pieces. Peel back the white-paper
adhesive covering, and attach the large
pieces to the sides of the unit flange. Then
follow with the two smaller pieces on the
top and bottom. This foam creates a tight
seal between the unit’s flange and the
wall (see illustration).
Note: Failure to install foam strips may
void the warranty.

-12-
Placement of Unit
Slide the unit from the outside wall into
your wine cellar with the outer flange
flush to the outside wall. Secure the
flange to the wall through the predrilled
holes. The screws should penetrate the
studs as well as the upper and lower
supports to provide adequate support
for the WhisperKOOL System (see
illustration). Seal all cracks and gaps
around the WhisperKOOL unit with
caulking to prevent air leakage. (If you
use molding, it should be attached to
the walls, never to the WhisperKOOL
unit itself.)
Slide unit into your cellar, and secure all
screws firmly to the studs and supports.
Attach the PDT mounting bracket.
Attach the PDT to the mounting bracket.
Wall Stud
Two-by-Four Upper Support
Wall Stud
2” x 4”
Lower Support
Electrical Outlets
Drain line
Installing Thermostat
Attach the thermostat to the front of the
unit using the mounting bracket. Make
sure the black male plastic plug from the
unit is securely fitted into the female plug
located on the circuit board of the
thermostat. To complete the installation,
insert the small black screws into each
side of the thermostat PDT/PDT Jr.
securing it to the mounting bracket.
Insert the probe into a wine bottle 3/4 full
of water.
Electrical Outlet
The unit is equipped with two electrical
outlets, one for installation inside the
cellar and the other for installation
outside the cellar. Both outlets are
initially covered and secured with screws.
Select the outlet to be used and remove
that cover; the unused outlet must remain
covered to avoid live electrical charge.
Remove side electrical outlet cover for
easy through the wall installation.
Immediately replace cover when install is
completed and prior to powering up unit
if electrical cord is not attached to outlet.

-13-
USING THE WHISPERKOOL SYSTEM
¤
Location of control switches
Switches
Drain Line
All units come with a drain line for
additional removal of excessive
condensate. This is a back up system to
the Condensate Evaporator. If the unit is
installed in a high humidity area of the
country, it is mandatory to install the
drain line attachment. In high humidity,
the cooling unit will strip excess water
from the air in order to maintain the
proper level of humidity within the cellar.
The Condensate Evaporator will heat and
dissipate the excess moisture through the
rear of the unit. However in extreme
humidity, additional condensate will be
created. Conversely the high humidity air
has less capacity to absorb additional
moisture through the exhaust of the unit.
Thus the drain line will prevent overflow
and leaking by allowing for discharge of
the additional condensate. Failure to
install the drain line voids warranty.
Power Switch
The new series WhisperKOOL units come
equipped with an On/Off switch. The
On/Off switch is simply used when the
owner does not need to utilize the
equipment. Placing the power switch to
the front position allows power to flow to
the side outlet. Placing the switch in the
rear position allows power to flow to the
rear outlet.
NOTE; (It will take five minutes before
the unit begins to operate once the
switch is placed in the “On” position. This
is due to the designed safety delay in the
PDT thermostat.)
Condensate Evaporator Switch
The Condensate Evaporator is a heating
element that automatically evaporates
excess condensate that accumulates in the
cooling system as a by-product of
refrigeration. Like most cooling systems,
WhisperKOOL uses heat from the
compressor to evaporate and eliminate the
majority of the water that accumulates
during normal use. However, during
certain weather conditions or in humid
areas (above 80%), more condensate will
accumulate than the cooling system can
evaporate with heat from the compressor
alone. Only the WhisperKOOL units are
equipped with sophisticated heating
elements that automatically sense the
presence of water and work continually
until the water is gone
Setting the Condensate Evaporator to the
“On” setting causes the heating element
and the right exhaust fan to stay on
continuously to prevent excess
condensation from building up in the unit.

To Use the thermostat:
1. Locate an empty wine bottle.
2. Fill 3/4 full with room temperature tap
water.
3. Place bottle probe securely into bottle.
4. Place bottle with probe level and to the
side of the unit in your wine cellar.
Avoid pulling too much on the probe cord.
It may become disconnected resulting in
non operation of the unit.
Note: Thermostat can be set between 50°F
and 76°F.
Remember : The WhisperKOOL System is
based on the temperature of the water .
Do not be misled by thermostats reading
air temperature. The air temperature in the
cellar will be cooler than the liquid
temperature of the water while it is coming
to optimum balanced temperature.
-14-
LIQUID MEASURING THERMOSTAT
SYSTEM
Room-
temperature
Fill an empty bottle with room-temperature
water; then insert the probe.
All WhisperKOOL units come equipped
with our Precision Digital Technology
(PDT/PDTJR) liquid temperature measuring
thermostat system. This system
incorporates the following advantages:
1. Self-Calibrating Probe: The probe
contains a sensor chip, which actually
communicates back and forth to the
thermostat. This results in a consistent
temperature setting and accuracy. Do
not remove the tip from the probe!
2. Built in Defrost Cycle: The unit is
designed to shut off for five minutes
every ninety minutes in order to prevent
frost build up. This allows the cooling
unit to continue to cool effectively in
demanding environments. A count down
timer is observed by depressing the
center button on the thermostat. (PDT
upgrade version only)
3. Heavy-duty Circuitry: The circuitry
within this new unit has been upgraded
to resist power surges, which play
havoc on electrical components. This
improvement will ensure years of
trouble-free use. However, for high
reliability, we still recommend that the
customer install a surge protector for
the unit itself.
4. Fahrenheit and Celsius Readout (PDT
upgrade version only): The thermostat
has the ability to produce the readout in
both Fahrenheit and Celsius for
overseas customers. The readout can be
changed by depressing both the center
and right buttons at the same time.
Measuring liquid temperature has a few
unique advantages:
1. Wine temperature is kept in a very
precise controlled environment. This
assures a consistent temperature.
2. By measuring the liquid temperature
rather than air, the unit will operate 75-
80% of the time. See page 2.

-15-
Indicators
There are three colored lights on the left side of the thermostat:
•PWR (Green) – When this light is on, the unit is powered.
•RUN (Yellow) – When this light is on, the compressor is
running. If the light is flashing, the unit is currently in the five-
minute lockout.
•SET (Red) – This light flashes when the set-point
temperature is changed by pressing one of the three control
buttons (see below). It flashes once for each press of the () or
() button, and twice when the 55 button is pressed.
When the unit is first turned on, all three lights flash slowly
while the thermostat starts up. Once the unit completes its
start-up check, the compressor is locked out for five minutes.
During this time the RUN light will be flashing slowly (1 flash
per second).
All three lights will flash rapidly if there is no probe connected
to the thermostat.
Buttons
To change the set-point temperature, press either the (), () ,
or (55) buttons. The SET light will flash once for each 1°F the
set-point is changed. This set-point will remain in memory until
you change it.
If you forget where the unit is set, pressing the (55) button will
reset the set-point to 55°F and the SET light will flash twice.
The temperature cannot be adjusted below 50°F or above 76°F.
Attempting to set the unit outside this range will cause the SET
light to rapidly flash.
Operation
Whenever the compressor shuts off normally, a five-minute
lockout period begins and the RUN light will be flashing slowly
(1 flash per second).
If the compressor runs for 90 continuous minutes, a five-
minute defrost cycle is forced, during which time the
compressor will not run. During this defrost cycle the RUN light
will be flashing rapidly (2.5 flashes per second).
Operating Instructions for Vinothèque PDT JR. Thermostat
PDT JR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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1. Wine Temperature Indicator: A red LED bar will light up when
the thermostat is reading the liquid temperature in the bottle via
the probe. This will remain lit and the temperature you see
displayed is what the probe is reading.
2. LED Screen: Displays your thermostat readings.
3. Wine Temperature Reading: The temperature the water bottle
is registering to the thermostat.
4. Temperature SET Indicator: A red LED bar will light up when
you are setting the temperature.
5. Unit ON Indicator: A red LED bar will light up every time the
unit turns on to run a cooling cycle.
6. SET Button: Used to set the temperature you want the unit to
maintain.
7. UP Arrow Button: Used with the SET button to set temperature
higher. In addition, by pressing and holding the button it will
allow you to see the 5-minute count down.
8. DOWN Arrow Button: Used with the SET button to set
temperature lower.
*Up and Down Arrow Buttons used simultaneously will
change the temperature read out from Fahrenheit to
Celsius*
PDT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WINE Temperature Indicator
Wine Temperature Reading LED Screen
1
32
4
5 6
78
Temperature SET Indicator
Button UPArrow Button DOWN Arrow Butto
n
Unit ON Indicator Button SET Temperature Button
Temperature
Precision digital Technology Thermostat
PDT
WINE
ON
SET 55F
SET
The unit is set at 55°F at the factory. To raise or lower the set
temperature, press the set button while at the same time
pressing either the arrow up or arrow down button.

NORMAL OPERATION
WhisperKOOL systems are designed to maintain both
temperature and humidity. Once the system is installed and the
temperature set, it will run continuously until the wine cellar
is at your set wine temperature. This may be as much as three
weeks, depending on the size of the room, the quality (R-value)
of insulation, the original temperature of the wine, and the
number of bottles residing in the cellar. Once the cellar has
achieved the set temperature, the WhisperKOOL unit will cycle
to maintain ±0.5°F of your set temperature.
The WhisperKOOL system will run more often than a
refrigerator or air conditioner, due to its gentle cooling
and humidity maintenance.
People often make the mistake of comparing the performance
of refrigerators with the performance and cycling of wine
storage equipment. Wine cellar cooling systems are highly
specialized and designed for one purpose only–long term
storage of wine.
Maintenance
The following maintenance should be performed on your
WhisperKOOL unit at least once every six months to promote
longevity and optimal performance.
Vacuum the back and front of the WhisperKOOLunit to clean
the coils and prevent air blockage. The condenser coils reside
behind the grill on the back of the WhisperKOOLunit. Don’t try
to open the unit itself. Just vacuum the surface of the grill
and remove any lint or dust that has accumulated.
Humidity Control
There are no separate switches in order to maintain humidity.
The cooling unit is designed to maintain relative humidity at
50-70%.
The WhisperKOOL units do not create humidity. If you live in a
dry area of the country you many need to create humidity in the
wine cellar. This can be done by introducing a non-heat
humidifier, or installing a small fountain within the cellar.
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The back side of a
WhisperKOOL unit.
Intake Grill
Drain Line

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Problem Likely Cause Remedy
The unit does not
cool the room Inadequate door seal See “Door Seal” section on pg. 20
Improperly mounted unit See “Unit Mounting” section on pg. 20
Unit has inadequate ventilation See “Airflow” and “Ventilation” sections on pg. 19
Foam strips are not attached See page 11 (in the “Installation” section)
Water leaking Condensate Evaporator is not See Water Leaking, Rear in the
from the rear properly set for local climate “Condensation” section on pg. 21
Drain line is not attached See “Drain line” section on pg. 21
Unit is icing up Thermostat is faulty See “Thermostat” section on pg. 20
Unit is low on refrigerant See “Icing Up” section on pg. 21
Unit isn’t running Problem with local electrical See “Power Requirements” section on pg. 21
or makes intermittent circuit
clicking noises
Try this first!
Clean off any accumulated dust, lint, or other debris from the front and rear
intake grills. This will restrict the airflow and may affect the unit’s ability to
function properly. Periodically cleaning the unit’s vents will help assure
maximum cooling efficiency.
Airflow
Proper airflow is critical to the performance of the WhisperKOOL unit. Any
obstruction to the intake and exhaust ports on either side of the unit will
compromise the unit’s ability to cool. Make sure the WhisperKOOLunit fan vents
are clear. Check the front and rear intake vents for any possible obstruction.
There should be a minimum clearance of three feet directly in front of the intake
and exhaust vents.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Before contacting Customer Service regarding a performance issue with your cooling unit
(does not cool, leaks, ices up…), please review the following troubleshooting information and
complete the Troubleshooting Checklist found on page 23. It is designed to help you identify
the issue yourself and provide appropriate advice to remedy the issue or problem.
If you are unable to identify or solve the issue after completing and following these steps, fax
a completed Troubleshooting Checklist to Vinotheque Customer Service at 209.466.4606. The
checklist will provide Customer Service with background information on your cooling unit
installation and wine cellar to better assist you in resolving the issue. Be sure to include
accurate contact information