Applies to
The matching Generation 1 Hot/Cold assembly with a separate Inkbird display, heating/cooling outlet module and a thermowell probe. This is not a chiller-probe replacement or a universal wiring guide.
Who should use this: Established DIY topic; customer use only for the verified matching procedure and parts. Uncertain cases go to Repairs.
Before starting
Before disconnecting leads or opening the electrical enclosure, switch off and unplug the entire Plunge from its wall supply. Keep plugs and the electrical enclosure dry. Do not work on energized equipment, splice wires or open the controller itself. Use the matching replacement supplied for this repair. If the installed equipment or replacement differs from the guide, stop and ask Plunge Support for the correct procedure.
Video
Read the preparation and completion steps as well as watching the video; the video alone omits some of them.
Steps
- Identify the matching Hot/Cold controller assembly: the external display, Heating/Cooling outlet module and thermowell probe. Record settings visible on the external display before removing power; do not open the electrical enclosure while energized or copy a calibration offset from another unit.
- Unplug the entire Plunge from the wall, then open the enclosure and photograph the original controller supply plug, labeled heater/chiller outlets, cable route and probe position. Trace and disconnect the old controller supply plug, then disconnect the heater and chiller from the old labeled outlets. Release only the ties or mounting hardware securing this assembly. Remove the old outlet module and display without cutting a cable or pulling on a connector.
- Withdraw the old Inkbird probe from its thermowell and remove the split retaining grommet as shown. Keep the thermowell itself installed; this is not the temperature probe inside the chiller.
- Mount the replacement outlet module in the original location inside the electrical box, using the mounting method supplied with the matching assembly. Mount the replacement display in its intended external position between the brackets. Do not drill into, disassemble or alter the controller.
- Identify Heating for the heater and Cooling for the chiller, but leave those two load plugs disconnected until the circulation check below. Reconnect the controller’s own supply plug to the same verified power-strip supply location used by the old controller. Do not put the chiller directly on the power strip: that bypasses the Hot/Cold control. If the original supply location or any connection is unclear, stop for Support confirmation.
- Fit the new probe lead through the split grommet, fully insert the probe into the existing thermowell as shown, and reseat the grommet. Route and secure cables without pinching them, leaving the enclosure able to close.
- With the Plunge filled, the heater/chiller plugs still disconnected and the enclosure dry and closed, restore main power to run the pump. Confirm water flows at the jets. If there is no flow, stop. Switch off and unplug the main supply again before opening the enclosure to connect heater to Heating and chiller to Cooling. Close the enclosure, restore power, confirm flow continues and set the intended temperature using the Hot/Cold guide. Do not assume the new controller already has the correct settings.
- Check the display and temperature reading. The current Plunge Inkbird operating guide explains normal switching behavior. If the display is blank, the reading is implausible or the heater/chiller behavior is wrong, turn the unit off and give Support photos of the assembly, labels and display rather than changing wiring or guessing a calibration.
Check the result
Confirm the display works, the intended setpoint is selected, the probe is fully seated and Heating/Cooling leads are in the labeled outlets. A chiller that is off at its target temperature is not by itself a repair failure.
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