Can't switch off the freezer

happyshopper

My mum has just moved into a property which has an integrated under counter fridge and freezer. The brand is Hoover.

The freezer is stuck at 'on' as the bit that you hold on the thermostat control knob to turn it to '0' has broken off. I think it has been previously moved using a coin or something similar, but it's too damaged and we can't move it with a coin or screwdriver. Can anybody advise a way to get it switched off? It really needs defrosting. I have also emailed Hoover but would like to avoid an expensive call-out charge as it's presumably out of guarantee and we don't have any paperwork .

Here is a picture for illustration:
http://www.tiikoni.com/tis/view/?id=00f4b36

Was wondering if we could superglue something on top to try and turn it?

Many thanks,

hs

HappyMJ

How about unplugging it?

Turn power off at mains?

DaftyDuck

Use Araldite to repair the coin slot, or glue a tiny knob on. Just leave it to harden for 48 hours before using it.

thescouselander

Is there an isolation switch somewhere? Sometimes with built in appliances they're hidden in a nearby cupboard.

happyshopper

HappyMJ wrote: »

How about unplugging it?

Turn power off at mains?

I know it sounds ridiculous, but we can't find where it's plugged in to the mains.

DaftyDuck wrote: »

Use Araldite to repair the coin slot, or glue a tiny knob on. Just leave it to harden for 48 hours before using it.

I will give that a go, thanks.

thescouselander wrote: »

Is there an isolation switch somewhere? Sometimes with built in appliances they're hidden in a nearby cupboard.

Thanks, will see if I can find it.

Vendor didn't leave any helpful info behind, no paperwork, no manuals for any appliances, nothing. It has been a bit of a nightmare trying to work out how everything works.

Thanks all,

hs

BykerSands

Are there any unaccounted for light type switches near to the freezer, it may be on a fused spur.

Head_The_Ball

happyshopper wrote: »

I know it sounds ridiculous, but we can't find where it's plugged in to the mains....

It might be plugged into a socket behind the freezer.

Have you tried pulling it out and looking behind?

Have you tried pressing a finger or two or your thumb hard on the rotary temp setting switch and turning it? That might work.

If all else fails, you could turn the power off at the consumer unit by removing the appropriate fuse on old units or switching the appropriate breaker off on modern units.

That will mean that everything else on that circuit loses power too so make sure you don't need to use them during the defrosting period. A fridge should stay cold for hours if you don't open the door so no harm should come to its contents.

happyshopper

BykerSands wrote: »

Are there any unaccounted for light type switches near to the freezer, it may be on a fused spur.

Not sure, I'll have a look next time I'm there. Thanks.

hs

happyshopper

Head_The_Ball wrote: »

It might be plugged into a socket behind the freezer.

Have you tried pulling it out and looking behind?

Have you tried pressing a finger or two or your thumb hard on the rotary temp setting switch and turning it? That might work.

If all else fails, you could turn the power off at the consumer unit by removing the appropriate fuse on old units or switching the appropriate breaker off on modern units.

That will mean that everything else on that circuit loses power too so make sure you don't need to use them during the defrosting period. A fridge should stay cold for hours if you don't open the door so no harm should come to its contents.

Thank you. No, haven't tried pulling it out. It's integrated below the counter, so I'm not sure whether that's possible. I don't live there, so bit hard to visualise from afar. I also don't know where the consumer unit is, will certainly have a look for it next time I'm there. Will also try a strong thumb on the rotary thing, thanks for your suggestions, all helpful.

hs

EssexExile

happyshopper wrote: »

No, haven't tried pulling it out. It's integrated below the counter, so I'm not sure whether that's possible.

Probably just take the plinth off then pull it out.

zax47

How old is the property - more specifically the kitchen?

For quite some time now (since 2008) wiring regs have required us to provide separate isolation for built-in appliances precisely so they don't have to be removed to turn off the supply to them. If house/flat was built (or kitchen fitted/re-furbed) since then, then there should be an isolating switch ABOVE the counter to turn it off.

Otherwise check adjacent cupboards for sockets where it's plugged in. If it really does need removing before you can isolate it then that's considered poor design nowadays.