I picked up an old laboratory incubator last fall and have slowly been working on it; did a test hatch, as all seemed to be working well, and ended up having a huge (108) temp spike, so thougth I'd best get a new thermostat. I have the GQF thermostat that's recommended for older cabinet model upgrades:
https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=149
Problem is, when my brother (I know nothing about electronics) went to install it last night, he found there were THREE wires for the heating untit (which is on the bottom & runs up both sides...it's made by Acra Electric Corp. and we couldn't find any info. on it on the 'net. It was manufactured in 1965, so no wonder! This is an OLD bator, but hold temp and humidity extremely well so I am REALLY hoping I can moderate the temps & be able to use it) - the new thermo has two. Bro said if it was his, he'd just wire the two that are not the ground together and just see what happens, but he doens't want to fry it out or anything since it's mine.
So, I hope I'm remembering everything bro said. There are 3 white wires, 1 is the obvious ground, the other 2 both go to the black plastic junction thingy, and there is a "jumper wire" (I think that's what he called it) between the two. That wire is white. I took a bunch of pics and didn't resize them so you would be able to see large enough pics, so sorry if it takes awhile to load them up! I wasn't completely sure WHAT exactly to take pics of, so I took several of the entire bottom. So - what we need to know is:
1) does anyone know why there are 3 wires on the heating unit?
2) can we wire the two non-grounds together?
3) any advice you can give for the actual wiring up of the themostat would be greatly appreciated!
Also - the bottom insulation "appears" to be corrugated cardboard sprayed with a coating of....GADS....asbestos! Since this bator was made in the mid-60s, that would make sense. Can anyone confirm by the pics if that's what it is? IF so, what do you suggest as alternative insulation so I can get it out of there, or do I need to? THANKS for all feedback!
Many, many thanks!!! Also, ANY feedback on anything else you see - much appreciated!!!
https://www.gqfmfg.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=149
Problem is, when my brother (I know nothing about electronics) went to install it last night, he found there were THREE wires for the heating untit (which is on the bottom & runs up both sides...it's made by Acra Electric Corp. and we couldn't find any info. on it on the 'net. It was manufactured in 1965, so no wonder! This is an OLD bator, but hold temp and humidity extremely well so I am REALLY hoping I can moderate the temps & be able to use it) - the new thermo has two. Bro said if it was his, he'd just wire the two that are not the ground together and just see what happens, but he doens't want to fry it out or anything since it's mine.
So, I hope I'm remembering everything bro said. There are 3 white wires, 1 is the obvious ground, the other 2 both go to the black plastic junction thingy, and there is a "jumper wire" (I think that's what he called it) between the two. That wire is white. I took a bunch of pics and didn't resize them so you would be able to see large enough pics, so sorry if it takes awhile to load them up! I wasn't completely sure WHAT exactly to take pics of, so I took several of the entire bottom. So - what we need to know is:
1) does anyone know why there are 3 wires on the heating unit?
2) can we wire the two non-grounds together?
3) any advice you can give for the actual wiring up of the themostat would be greatly appreciated!
Also - the bottom insulation "appears" to be corrugated cardboard sprayed with a coating of....GADS....asbestos! Since this bator was made in the mid-60s, that would make sense. Can anyone confirm by the pics if that's what it is? IF so, what do you suggest as alternative insulation so I can get it out of there, or do I need to? THANKS for all feedback!
Many, many thanks!!! Also, ANY feedback on anything else you see - much appreciated!!!
