4.01-2: Kelvinator 1930 Medium Speed, Condensing Unit

HHCC Accession No. 2003.030	HHCC Classification Code: 4.01-2

Description:

A second generation, coil spring mounted medium speed, condensing unit with belt driven, single cylinder, reciprocating compressor, copper tube and finned, single pass air cooled condenser and 4 lb refrigerant receiver, with 1/6th HP electric motor. A refrigerating machine for the Canadian home, with a new sense of quiet that it would be characteristic of the best of the industry’s offerings in the early growth years of the household refrigerator in Canada. Designed and manufactured by an acknowledged market leader of the times with facilities in London Ontario, Kelvinator, 1930.

Group:

4.01 Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Condensing Units - Household

Make:

Kelvinator

Manufacturer:

Kelvinator of Canada, London Ontario

Model:

CA530

Serial No.:

25157C

Size:

16x 14x 13’h

Weight:

70 lbs

Circa:

1930

Rating:

Exhibit, education, and research quality demonstrating the early growth years of the industry in Canada

Patent Date/Number:

Provenance:

From York County (York Region) Ontario, once a rich agricultural hinterlands, attracting early settlement in the last years of the 18th century. Located on the north slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, within 20 miles of Toronto, the County would also attract early ex-urban development, to be come a wealthy market place for the emerging household and consumer technologies of the early and mid 20th century.

This artifact was discovered in the 1950’s in the used stock of T. H. Oliver, Refrigeration and Electric Sales and Service, Aurora, Ontario, an early worker in the field of agricultural, industrial and consumer technology.

Carries an original shop tag from T. H. Oliver refrigeration, pumping OK Dec 1969

Type and Design:

Designed for SO2 refrigerant many of these units were converted to methyl chloride

Construction:

Assembled on pressed and formed steel base plate

Material:

Special Features:

Accessories:

Capacities:

Performance Characteristics:

Operation:

Control and Regulation:

Targeted Market Segment:

Consumer Acceptance:

Merchandising:

Market Price:

Technological Significance:

As significant marker of a new level of quiet and smooth operation for rfrigerating machines of the time, to be tolerated in the kitchens of the nation the