Install Sensors in Cooling Units
Table of Contents
Install temperature sensors in cooling equipment using Task Manager, ensuring proper placement for accurate readings and food safety.
Each type of unit, such as walk-in coolers, under-counter refrigerators, or display case equipment, requires specific attention for optimal performance. The sensors are pre-provisioned, eliminating the need to claim the device before installation.
Install wireless sensors to send data to the cloud, see Installing Task Manager Cloud Connectors
Materials Needed for Sensor Installation:
- Sensor with mounting bracket
- Alcohol wipes (for removing frost, if present)
- Zip ties (used when adhesive mounting is not suitable)
Per Equipment Installation Best Practices:
Kitchen Cooler / Freezer
Kitchen coolers and freezers are typically stainless steel units located in the kitchen, with hinged front doors that open like a residential refrigerator. They commonly come in single, double, or triple-door configurations, with each store usually having 2–4 units. To identify whether the unit is a cooler or a freezer, check the contents—frozen food indicates a freezer.
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Installation Steps:
1. Clean and dry the surface where the sensor will be placed. If there is any frost or ice, remove it using an alcohol wipe.
2. Peel off the label backing and firmly stick the sensor to the inside wall of the unit, approximately 3–4 inches from the front door and level with the door opening. Do not install the sensor above the height of the door opening.
3. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Make sure the red dot is positioned in the top-left corner—this confirms the sensor is installed right-side up.
5. Clear any items directly in front of the sensor to prevent it from being bumped or blocked by boxes or food products.
| BEFORE Frost and Ice Removed | After Frost & Ice Removed |
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Walk-In Cooler
A walk-in cooler is a large, refrigerated storage unit used to keep perishable items at safe temperatures. Located in the back of house and accessed via a large metal door, it provides easy access and ample space for storing food in bulk.
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Installation Steps:
1. Secure the sensor using zip ties to a rack or the fan guard near the cooler entry.
2. Make sure the red dot is positioned in the top-left corner—this confirms the sensor is installed right-side up.
3. Ensure there are no items directly in front of the sensor to prevent it from being bumped or blocked by boxes or food products.
NOTE
Install one sensor per walk-in.
Duke Cold Well
A Duke cold well is a refrigerated food holding unit designed to keep pre-chilled food items at safe serving temperatures. Commonly used in buffet lines, prep stations, and serving counters, it maintains cold temperatures using refrigerated coils beneath the pans. Ideal for salads, toppings, and other cold ingredients, Duke cold wells help ensure food safety and freshness throughout service.
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Installation Steps – Top Drawer Install
1. Clean and dry the side rail near the front of the drawer to ensure a secure placement.
2. Stick the sensor firmly to the cleaned area on the side rail.
3. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Make sure the red dot is in the top-left corner to confirm the sensor is right-side up.
Installation Steps – Top Well Install
1. Remove food containers.
NOTE
Gloves should be worn when handling food containers; these are available in the kitchen and back of house.
2. Ensure the surface is dry and check for any pooling water at the bottom.
3. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Make sure the red dot is in the top-left corner to confirm the sensor is right-side up.
5. Stick the sensor to the left or right side of the front well, near the bottom.
Kitchen Freezer Drawers
Kitchen freezer drawers are refrigerated storage units commonly found in commercial kitchens, typically with one to three units per store. Featuring a durable stainless steel finish, these drawers come in single and double drawer configurations. For accurate temperature monitoring, one sensor should be installed inside each drawer.
| 2-Drawer Kitchen Freezer | 1-Drawer Kitchen Freezer |
|---|---|
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Installation Steps:
1. Clean and dry the surface, ensuring no frost or ice is visible.
2. Stick the sensor to the roof of the unit in the recessed area shown below.
3. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Make sure the red dot is in the top-left corner to confirm the sensor is right-side up.
5. Make sure the sensor does not hang below the bottom edge to prevent it from being knocked off by the drawer.
| Drawer open with white insert removed | Sensor installed in recess of ceiling | Inside of Installed Unit |
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Retail Display Cooler
A retail display cooler is typically located near the kitchen and used to store packaged sandwiches, salads, fruit, and other ready-to-eat items. Most stores have one or two units, though some may have three or four. When multiple units are present, one sensor should be installed in each cooler to ensure proper temperature monitoring.
Installation Steps:
1. Clean and dry the surface.
2. Install the sensor over the discharge air vent located below the top shelf.
3. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Make sure the red dot is in the top-left corner to confirm the sensor is right-side up.
| Sensor installed over back wall supply air | Sensor installed on back wall below top shelf |
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Back of House Short & Tall Coolers
Back of house short and tall coolers are large, stainless steel refrigeration units located in the back of the house. They typically have hinged front doors that open like a residential refrigerator and come in single, double, or three-door configurations. Most stores have between two and four units. To determine whether a unit is a cooler or a freezer, check for the presence of frozen food inside.
| Back of House Short Cooler | Back of House Tall Cooler |
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Installation Steps:
1. Clean and dry the surface where the sensor will be placed. If there is any frost or ice, remove it using an alcohol wipe.
2. Peel off the label backing and firmly stick the sensor to the inside wall of the unit, approximately 3–4 inches from the front door and level with the door opening. Do not install the sensor above the height of the door opening.
3. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
4. Make sure the red dot is positioned in the top-left corner—this confirms the sensor is installed right-side up.
5. Clear any items directly in front of the sensor to prevent it from being bumped or blocked by boxes or food products.
Cold Creamer Pan
A cold creamer cooling pan is a small refrigerated unit designed to keep creamers and other dairy products cold and easily accessible during service. Often found at coffee stations or prep areas, it maintains a consistent low temperature to ensure food safety and freshness throughout the day.
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Installation Steps:
1. Remove the containers and the metal tray from the unit.
2. Attach the sensor to the bottom of the metal tray, centered in the middle, using cable ties on both ends.
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Roller Grill Toppings Bar
The roller grill toppings bar is a self-serve station located near the roller grill, typically used for hot dogs, sausages, and taquitos. It holds a variety of cold toppings such as relish, onions, and condiments, allowing customers to customize their food to their liking.
Installation Steps:
1. Remove the food containers.
NOTE
Gloves should be worn when handling food containers; these are available in the kitchen and back of house.
2. Clean and dry the surface, ensuring no frost or ice is visible.
3. Install one sensor on the vertical wall near the bottom. Do not install the sensor on the bottom surface.
4. Press and hold the sensor in place for 30 seconds to ensure proper adhesion.
5. Make sure the red dot is positioned in the top-left corner—this confirms the sensor is installed right-side up.
WARNING
Watch out for heavy ice buildup near the top of the unit, make sure the surface is clean and dry before installing. Remove ice if there is no space to install sensor on wall.
For additional assistance, contact supporttm@ncco.com
