Very old Admiral fridge icing up

[canyn]

Yes.  I got here looking for advice.

My old (45-50 years) Admiral fridge I keep as a keg cooler iced up.  I pulled out the freezer floor/shelf to help with the defrosting process...looking for a failed defrost termination (tstat) device or some other problem. 

The fascia/panel between the fridge and the freezer has a wire loop taped to the inside of it.  There are two LARGE wires feeding each end of the loop...red and white.  The looped wire is marked '105ºC'.

There is clearly beaucoup current feeding this loop of wire.  BUT...there is ZERO air circulation past/over this panel.  It fits smack up against the evap styroroam piece AND has a spun fiberglass strip that fits directly against the loop. 

What IS this thing?

 

Thanks for the education!

 

[Budget Appliance Repair]

That's the "Mullion Heater" and it doesn't get up to 105 degrees Celsius - that rating is just what the wiring is rated at.

This heater is usually at a maximum of 2 - 5 Watts and keeps the center mullion strip warm so it doesn't sweet and rust.   Lots of times on the control area you will have an "Energy Saver Switch" which when turned on this heater is off - supposedly saving energy, (pennies a year) or "Moisture Reduction" which when turned on the heater is ON to reduce moisture.  

[canyn]

Thank you!

I am aware of such moisture reduction warming devices, but have never seen such.  I would have guessed they were more of a foil/sheet affair for the purpose of covering a large area.

I appreciate you taking the time to explain.  'Mullion Heater' is certainly new to me!  Sounds like a stocking cap worn over a bad haircut.