WhisperKool XLT 6000, XLT 4200, XLT 1600, XLT 3000, XLT 8000 User Manual
XLT SERIES
OWNER’S MANUAL
FOR:
XLT 1600
XLT 3000
XLT 4200
XLT 6000
XLT 8000
The Coolest Thing In Wine Storage
We manufacture, test and certify 100% of our wine cooling units in
the USA. By sourcing the best components and closely controlling our
manufacturing processes, we can assure the highest-quality, lowest
defect manufacturing rates in the industry.
Copyright © 2011. WhisperKOOL Wine Cellars. All rights reserved.
This manual, the product design, and the design concepts are copyrighted by WhisperKOOL, 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 WhisperKOOL.
Every eort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. WhisperKOOL is not responsible for printing
or clerical errors.
WhisperKOOL 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 WhisperKOOL. All rights reserved.
Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. WhisperKOOL assumes no liability with regard to the performance or use of these products.
Rev. 2-1-11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 2
Receiving and Inspecting .............................................................................................3
Quick Start Guide ............................................................................................................4
Preparing the Wine Cellar ............................................................................................. 5
Installation .......................................................................................................................10
Using the WhisperKOOL System ..............................................................................13
Liquid Measuring Thermostat System ...................................................................14
PDT JR. Operating Instructions .................................................................................15
PDT Operating Instructions .......................................................................................16
Normal Operation .........................................................................................................17
Maintenance Schedule ................................................................................................17
Ducting Option ..............................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting Guide ...............................................................................................19
Troubleshooting Checklist .........................................................................................24
Temperature Dierential Testing .............................................................................26
Technical Assistance .....................................................................................................29
Accessories ......................................................................................................................29
Limited Warranty & Terms and Conditions .......................................................... 30
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!
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
into the cellar. It is important to follow the cellar construction guidelines provided on page 5
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 with proper ventilation.
• Humidity Control: There are no separate controls for maintaining proper humidity.
Humidity is managed through the design and engineering of the unit. 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 dissipate excess condensations.
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 below 55°F. 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.
Page 2 XLT 020111
RECEIVING & INSPECTING THE UNIT
Customer Warranty Registration
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE REGISTRATION/WARRANTY CARD UPON RECEIPT OF THE UNIT.
By completing the Product Registration Card, you will be conrmed in our customer database ensuring that your information is on le to help you obtain ecient warranty service.
Please refer to pages 30 and 31 for complete terms and conditions, warranty guidelines, and
policy for your WhisperKOOL Extreme Series cooling unit.
Receiving and Inspecting the Unit
Please examine the WhisperKOOL packaging for any damage to the carton. Note any damage
on the original bill of lading, shipper’s receipt, or airbill. Damaged merchandise, including
unstable cabinets, should not be accepted. Contact WhisperKOOL Customer Service at 1-800343-9463 ext.799 immediately if you have a defective or damaged product.
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 with Brass Fitting
• Thermostat
Page 3 XLT 020111
QUICK START GUIDE
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:
1. Inspect the unit before installation. If damage is found, please contact your distributor or
WhisperKOOL 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 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 65-70°F.
6. After testing, remove the “by-pass plug,” mount unit to desired location, and install the PDT
thermostat into the plug. Upon plugging the unit in and turning it on , there will be 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
required 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 Whisperkool website at
www.whisperkool.com.
9. 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
WhisperKool’s authorization. This will void your warranty.
If you encounter a problem with your WhisperKool unit, please refer to the Troubleshooting
Checklist on pages 24-28. If you have any further questions, concerns, or need assistance, please
contact WhisperKool 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.
Page 4 XLT 020111
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.
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.
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 and 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,
WhisperKOOL provides a specially designed ducting accessory kit for the XLT unit. Please contact
Customer Service to order the ducting accessory kit by phone (800) 343-9463. 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. See page 29 for list of
Ducting Kit options.
Page 5 XLT 020111
Front of
WhisperKOOL
Wine Cellar
Exhaust Room
Intake
Exhaust
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 clearance in the
front of the unit, as fans blow down at an angle
and should not be obstructed by racking. There
should be a minimum three-foot horizontal clearance from the rear of the unit as well. 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 door jam. 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
lower insulating rating of glass.
Page 6 XLT 020111
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
WhisperKOOL Customer Service to obtain a specially designed ducting accessory kit for the XLT unit
(see page 29). Using any other ducting system voids warranty.
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
Back - Exhaust Room
Exhaust Fan
85ºF
Front - Wine Cellar
WhisperKOOL
(side view)
55ºF
Cellar Wall
Air Intake
Page 7 XLT 020111
Sizing the Unit to the Room
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
Cutting the Hole for the WhisperKOOL Unit
Tools Needed
Level
Hammer
SawScrewdriver
Locate the desired installation location. Using a stud nder, 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 rst
one.
Mark the horizontal lines with a level
• 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).
Cut horizontal lines from stud to stud.
Page 8 XLT 020111
• 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.
Cut vertical lines along the inside edge of the studs.
• 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-byfours 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.
Frame the hole with two-by-four supports
Page 9 XLT 020111
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