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Temperature Logger: Different Values to the Fridge Display

The problem

A very common question is “why does my temperature logger have different values to the fridge display?” For example a fridge may have a digital display and a temperature logger but they never show the same temperature. They may show a different range (e.g. one may only fluctuate by 1° while the other by 3°), or have a different average (e.g. one may show 2 to 3° while the other 2.4 to 3.4°) or both.

Is the discrepancy showing the logger or fridge is wrong because surely it must be impossible for them to both be right?

The short answer

It is possible for the readings to be significantly different. If they are both within the required range then don’t worry about it.

If, however, they are outside the required range you will need to assume they are both correct, and determine why one of them is too hot or cold and fix the problem.

Sources of differences in temperature readings

There are a number of reasons why the readings could vary significantly.

  1. The inaccuracy of the units may cancel each other out or add to each other. That is, if you are using two devices with a 0.5° accuracy (which are both HACCP compliant) it is possible for them to differ by up to 1° to each other and still be compliant because one is half a degree low and the other half a degree high.
  2. They are monitoring different locations. There is a large temperature variation in fridges, containers, rooms etc as you move from the centre to the outside, top to bottom and even left to right. Unless the two sensors are in identical locations, they are measuring different temperatures. For vaccine fridges, even though they have a fan circulating the air, they will still have locations that are significantly cooler (where the cool air enters the fridge) to others (where there is poor air circulation or where it returns out off the fridge). Over stocking a fridge makes this significantly worse.
  3. Some devices respond to the temperature faster than other devices.  These devices will appear to have a much larger temperature variation then a device with a slow response time.
  4. Some devices provide a calculated value. This is particularly true for vaccine fridges where they simulate a vial of a particular size.

Do not assume that one is right and one is wrong. There are reasons for the variations. If you have results that you can’t explain please contact OnSolution on 02 9614 6417 and we will gladly discuss them with you.

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What is covered with our shipping insurance?

Our normal terms and conditions (like most businesses) is that you take possession the moment an order ships. If the order is lost or damaged in transit then, in theory, it’s your problem. In reality we will have a conversation and try to work out a good way to resolve the issue where we are both happy (or not too upset).

Shipping insurance is there to remove the drama. If an order is lost or damaged in transit, we will simply send out a replacement, and we will then deal with the courier directly to resolve the original problem.

Our shipping insurance also means that if an order is delayed beyond what is normal and reasonable then we will send you another shipment (stock levels permitting). Then you should receive one of them sooner, and when the second one arrives you simply Return To Sender.

How much is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance is 5% of the cost of the goods.

Is it worth it? Practically we have had far less than 5% of shipments have problems. It is, however, what Australia Post and other couriers charge. Ultimately insurance is about peace of mind and less hassle when something does go wrong.

Shipping insurance as an option

Shipping insurance is offered as an option on all our web sites. You can select it at the checkout.

For large orders our staff may also ask if you would like shipping insurance.

If you would like shipping insurance on an order you are placing with us, just ask.

Mandatory shipping insurance

Unfortunately we have had a couple of large orders not make it and then the customer refused to pay. A friend suggested that the easy way to avoid the dispute is to insure any shipments where we have a significant risk.

If you would like an immediate line of credit (30 days to pay) and have the goods ship immediately (no credit check delays) and are purchasing over $500 then we will add shipping insurance to your order.

The shipping insurance can be waived if the order is between $500 and $2,000 and you provide us with a formal confirmation that you accept responsibility of the goods once they ship.

Alternatively you can prepay by direct deposit or credit card.

What is not covered?

If there is a clear proof of delivery to the shipping address provided then we class that as delivered. Unfortunately there are cases where it is lost somewhere between the loading dock or receptionist and ending up in your hands. But we also know that a photo of the bag against a generic grey background is not proof of delivery, it is just proof of existence! It needs to be a reasonable proof of delivery.

It also doesn’t cover the expectation of overnight delivery. For example, if we were to ship to Melbourne (we are in Sydney) then we would expect it to be delivered within about 3 days. Most of the time it is overnight, but there are enough floods and other issues that regularly cause minor delays. Sending a second order the next day tends to not fix the problem. If it is super urgent, talk to us about how we can minimise the risk.

For damage claims we ask that you contact us immediately and we will probably ask for photos or some proof. The shipping insurance doesn’t cover claims weeks later. We do have warranty covering our items, but it excludes physical damage (e.g. being dropped). If the goods are damaged in transit then please let us know ASAP so we can cover it under the shipping insurance.