How to replace the outdated TAM-125 freezer thermostat with a modern one

Installation Guide: Replacing TAM-125 Thermostat with RANCO K56 / K57 in Atlant Freezers

The TAM-125 thermostat (including the TAM-125-1M revision) is used in freezers and dual-compressor refrigerators made by Atlant (MXM, MM series, etc.). Excellent European replacements for this part are the RANCO K56-S1970 and RANCO K57-L2829 (2.5m capillary tube) thermostats.

1. Core Specifications Comparison

  • Application: Freezers / Freezer compartments (LBP).
  • Cut-out Temperature Range: -20°C to -26°C (depending on the dial setting).
  • Additional Features: Supports high-temperature alarm indication (red "Alarm" light) when the temperature rises above -12°C to -15°C.

2. Wiring Re-pinning Diagram

Please pay close attention when reconnecting wires, as pinouts differ between the K56 and K57 series:

TAM-125 Terminal Option 1: RANCO K56-S1970 Option 2: RANCO K57-L2829 Wire Function
Terminal 3 Terminal 3 Terminal 6 Common / Main Power Supply (Live / Line In)
Terminal 4 Terminal 4 Terminal 4 Output to Freezer Compressor
Terminal 6 Terminal 6 Terminal 3 Output to High-Temp Warning Light ("Alarm")
Terminal 8 Not used / "Super Freeze" switch Super Freeze mode indicator lamp wire (isolate or connect to switch if present)
Housing (Ground) Earth Terminal Earth Terminal Yellow-green ground wire connected to chassis

3. Step-by-Step Installation Process

  1. Disconnect Power: Unplug the appliance from the 220V mains outlet.
  2. Remove Control Panel: Remove the protective control mask/housing, pull off the adjustment knob, and unscrew the thermostat mounting nut.
  3. Reconnect Wiring: Transfer the wires from the old TAM-125 to the new RANCO (K56 or K57) strictly following the selected column in the table above.
  4. Route Capillary Tube: Uncoil the capillary tube smoothly without kinks or sharp bends, and route it along the original path to the freezer evaporator. Gently loop any excess tubing (K57 features a 2.5m capillary) behind the panel.
  5. Reassembly: Secure the thermostat body with the mounting nut, then reattach the control panel and adjustment dial.

4. Post-Installation Verification

After powering on the freezer:

  • In a warm compartment, the compressor should start immediately, and the red "Alarm" warning light should turn on.
  • Once operating temperature is reached (after 2–4 hours), the red light must switch off, and the compressor should begin cycling on and off normally.

You can purchase a modern thermostat for your Atlant freezer from us here