Defrost timers substitutable?

[Karloss]

Needing to replace defrost timer in Whirlpool fridge model - ET8CHMXKQ06.

Timer part # - WP2314156

          BUT - 

timer #482493 looks like same thing, for like $30 less.

According to a parts guy, they do not show to interchange.

        BUT - 

It seems the only diff may be a "movable" lead on the second one to allow for more universal applications.

And possibly mounting.

And, I think somewhere I saw that the #48 one may be an old # for the WP one.      Thank you,  Karloss

[Karloss]

Heres the #WP -  and below it, the #48.

Also, then I find this -   http://www.supco.com/web/supco_live/products/UET120.html               Karloss

 

[Karloss]

I keep reserching, and it seems the main or only diffs are the frequency and duration of defrosting.

I don't want to waste money needlessly.   Karloss

[lvasquez11]

You can find it on ebay !

 

options are limitless Part number: 215846602

Part number: W10822278

[Karloss]

Ivasques - Thank you for your response, but I think you read my post wayy to fast.

I know I can get many different ones many different places.

My question was - How do they differ?

All use the same plug, and are same or similar casing.

Re read my post please.     Karloss

9 hours ago, Karloss said:

I keep reserching, and it seems the main or only diffs are the frequency and duration of defrosting.

I don't want to waste money needlessly.   Karloss

 

[J5*]

they are  generally a generic item , 

 

the usual differences are the amount of time between defrosts 

 

check the wiring diagram on the casing and pin configuration 

i can buy em down here for about $6 each 

 

[Karloss]

No problem on the wiring, as long as the new part has the same internals.

Thats part of what I'm asking.

Ok, let me ask in a different way -  There are dozens or hundreds of different part #s of defrost timers.

BUT I have a feeling techs carry just a few on their truck, that they know - (Even though the guy with the parts catalog wouldnt agree), substitute just fine.

Am I correct?   Karloss

[J5*]

yes thats right 

[johntech]

Some defrost timers are wired to work on compressor run time and others are set up to run all the time. 

[Karloss]

1 hour ago, johntech said:

Some defrost timers are wired to work on compressor run time and others are set up to run all the time. 

Yes, and that's why some of them have a loose end pigtail to the motor so you can hook up how that particular fridge is designed.

Just check the fridge wiring diagram to see.

Am I on track here?    Thank you,  Karloss

[Hiroshi]

Check out the EDT 11 by Supco, it's got dials on it to set defrost frequency AND duration, it has no "flying" lead to deal with, it automatically adapts to the system you install it on.

I've had good performance from them on a wide range of fridges... from chinese built knock-offs to avocado green Maytags.

[Karloss]

Hiroshi - Ya, I saw the Supco earlier on, and that's one of the reasons that got me thinking these things about potential (semi, at least) universality.

I feel my question is pretty well answered, I purchased an old school style timer for $7.42 w free shipping on Amazon, movable clock lead, fixed cycling time.

"Old school" mechanical, instead of SUPCO, only because I understand it better.

 

I have the schematic for the fridge, and feel confident I'll be ok w this choice.

 

The " correct part #" according to 2 "Parts guys" was $45 at least more shipped,anywhere I looked.

 

I've got more than 10 hours screwing with learning about this, but that's cool cause I'm retired.

$45 stayed in pocket.

 

I think SUPCO has a market to advertise to, if in fact, it does replace for so many applications.

Pretty interesting, this whole specific mandated part # for stuff.

Certainly not always, but it looks like it often pays the way for parts companys.

Nothing wrrong with that, but not for me.

Thank you all,          Happy Karloss

[Karloss]

And, I don't think it's going to be some funky jineez part or something according to the Amazon listing ---

http://amzn.to/1YABhBl

Thank you folks,  Karloss

[Budget Appliance Repair]

It says OEM which is Original Equipment Manufacture part, so if it really is that is a good replacement and should come with a detailed instruction sheet to compare your wiring with to know what terminal to attach the flying lead to.

[Karloss]

The difference may be defrost frequency and duration time, but I can't see how that is so critical.  ??   ??

 

I dunno.    Karloss

[Karloss]

Anybody know if that matters?   Karloss

[Budget Appliance Repair]

Lots of times the manufactures will actually sub a new timer that has a longer duration between defrost, (the 12 hour timer is a sub for a lot of 8 and 10 hour timers as the Amazon page says.  Generally a few hours longer between defrost cycles isn't going to make much difference.

As far as the length of defrost time you really want to keep that as close to the original specs as possible but the difference between replacing a 20 or 21 minute with a 30 minute timer isn't going to really be noticed.  The defrost t-stat should usually shut the heater off before the full time allotted for defrost has been reached. 

With a longer duration timer the temps may rise a little higher then desired after a defrost and take a little longer for the system to pull the temps back down to the set temp because you will have a longer time before the compressor comes back on to start cooling - during this lag between the defrost t-stat opening and shutting off the heater and the remaining defrost time running out on the timer the temps will be getting warmer.

[Karloss]

Budget -   Very thorough answer. Great communicator.

Thank you all, Karloss