Starting and changing the temperature of your refrigerated container

Starting up a 20-foot refrigerated container involves three steps: connecting it to a suitable three-phase power supply (3 phases without neutral + Earth, 32A), starting the refrigeration unit, and then setting the target temperature directly on the control panel.

The operation takes less than 2 minutes and requires no special technical skills, provided that a few preliminary checks are carried out.

In this guide, we detail each step as it is carried out in our depots before each delivery, with supporting video.

What is the start-up of a refrigerated container?

La mise en route (ou mise en service) désigne l'ensemble des opérations qui permettent de passer d'un conteneur frigorifique à l'arrêt à une chambre froide opérationnelle : alimentation électrique, démarrage du groupe frigorifique et programmation de la température souhaitée. Contrairement à une chambre froide traditionnelle, un conteneur frigorifique ne nécessite aucun montage ni raccordement complexe : une fois posé sur un sol stable et branché, il est prêt à fonctionner.

At Cubner, each refrigerated container undergoes a Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) test before delivery: a complete check of the refrigeration unit, temperature probes, refrigeration circuit, and leaks. This inspection guarantees a smooth start-up process; the container shown in the video even bears its "PTI OK" label on the refrigeration unit.

Before starting: essential checks

A few simple precautions will ensure the proper functioning of your refrigerated container and the longevity of its refrigeration unit:

• A stable and level ground: a flat base (concrete slab, blocks or compacted stabilized material) ensures good circulation of the refrigerant and drainage of condensate.
• A suitable power supply: refrigeration units for shipping containers operate on three-phase power. Check that your installation has the required power and electrical protection (see step 1).
• A clear area is required around the refrigeration unit: the refrigeration unit draws in and expels air at the front. Keep the front of the container clear to prevent any recirculation of warm air.
• Closed doors: before starting, close the container doors to allow for a rapid and even temperature drop.

Step 1: Connecting the refrigerated container to the electricity supply

The connection is made via the dedicated socket located on the refrigeration unit, at the front of the container. Simply connect the power cable to your electrical source: construction site distribution board, building electrical cabinet, or a generator of appropriate size.

What type of power supply will be needed?

A 20-foot refrigerated container operates on a 400V three-phase power supply (without neutral) with a 32A circuit breaker (D curve) (indicative values: refer to the nameplate of your refrigeration unit). If your site does not have three-phase power, solutions exist: our teams will guide you towards the appropriate configuration during the project assessment. If in doubt, have your installation checked by a qualified electrician before the initial connection.

Step 2: Starting the refrigeration unit

Once the container is powered, switch the unit's switch to "ON". The controller (also called a control panel, or controller in English), here a Thermo King MP3000 on a Magnum group, one of the most widespread standards along with Carrier and Daikin controllers (performs its self-diagnosis: the screen displays "Checking memory, please wait" for a few seconds, then the main menu appears with the container ID and the date.

The indicator lights on the top panel provide an at-a-glance overview of the unit's status: compressor running (COMP), heating mode (HEAT), defrosting (DEFROST), temperature within the target range (IN RANGE), and any alarms (ALARM). At startup, the red display shows the actual temperature measured inside the container.

Step 3: Setting the target temperature

The final step is to program the temperature the container must maintain, called the setpoint. On the controller's keypad, access the "TEMP. SETP." parameter, enter the desired value, and then press Enter. In the video, the setpoint drops from 25,0°C to 20,0°C in a few seconds. The refrigeration unit then automatically adjusts its operation to reach and maintain this temperature, accurate to within a tenth of a degree.

Before loading your goods, check that the screen does not display any alarms (“NO ALARMS”) and that the IN RANGE light comes on once the target temperature is reached: your container is operational.

What set temperature should you choose depending on your usage?

A refrigerated container covers both positive cold (preservation of fresh products) and negative cold (freezing and deep-freezing). Here are the commonly used storage ranges, which should be adapted according to the regulations applicable to your products:

After the initial setup: good practices

• Pre-cool before loading: allow the container to reach its set temperature empty. Loading goods into a still-warm container prolongs the temperature drop and unnecessarily puts strain on the generator. And above all, it's not recommended.
• Load products that are already at temperature: a refrigerated container is designed to maintain cold, not to rapidly cool hot merchandise.
• Limit door openings: each opening lets in hot, humid air, which the group will have to compensate for.
• Let the automatic defrosting do its thing: the controller triggers regular defrosting cycles (DEFROST light); this is normal operation, not a fault.
• Monitor the ALARM indicator: if the alarm persists, note the displayed code and contact your supplier.

Features of the 20-foot refrigerated container

Indicative values ​​for a standard 20-foot refrigerated container — exact specifications depend on the brand of the refrigeration unit (Thermo King, Carrier, Daikin) and the year of manufacture:

Why choose Cubner for your refrigerated container?

With our IceCubner range, we offer 20-foot refrigerated containers for sale and rent, all systematically tested ( PTI ) before delivery. Our subsidiary Calcub handles custom conversions (service doors, strip curtains, lighting, dual-temperature partitions), and our logistics teams ensure delivery and installation throughout France. Find details of our commitments on our warranties page, including the exclusive lifetime warranty on one-trip containers.

Frequently asked questions about starting up a refrigerated container