This is a rubber seal that fits inside the control plate touchpad on Zone 11K 36" evaporative coolers, keeping water and debris away from the electronics behind the control panel. It's a direct replacement for a cracked, hardened, or missing seal on this specific model.
The control box on an evaporative cooler sits in a wet, outdoor-exposed environment by design, and the seal around the touchpad is the only barrier keeping moisture off the circuit board and switches behind it. On the Zone 11K 36" model, this rubber gasket is a wear item — it hardens and shrinks with UV and temperature cycling over time, which is when leaks into the control box start. This is a genuine PolarCool replacement part sized to match the original factory seal on this specific chassis. Note: If you would like to review the manufacturer Product Specifications, Warranty, Brochure, etc., for this system, please refer to the "Resources (System Manuals and Warranty)" Tab above on this page.
Critical Fitment & Requirements
- Zone size: 36" — fits Zone 11K 36" gray rotomolded plastic evaporative cooler models only.
- Material: durable rubber construction, designed for internal placement inside the control plate touchpad.
- Part number: 1028-6013.
- NOT compatible with other evaporative cooler models or brands.
- NOT the correct seal for Zone 18" or 24" models, or for the 36" model that pairs with SKU 1028-3500 — check your model's original seal part number before ordering.
The most common failure on these control box seals isn't the rubber itself — it's reassembly. If the control plate is torqued down unevenly or the seal gets pinched or folded at a corner during reinstall, you create a gap that water will find on the next rainstorm, and that leads straight to a corroded board and a dead controller. Seat the seal fully in its channel before you set the plate down, then snug the fasteners in a crisscross pattern rather than working around the perimeter in one direction, so the gasket compresses evenly. Always de-energize the unit at the disconnect before opening the control box, consistent with standard electrical lockout practice for servicing line-connected equipment.
Key Benefits
- Genuine PolarCool replacement component, matched to the original factory fit on Zone 11K 36" units.
- Durable rubber construction built to handle outdoor moisture and temperature exposure.
- Internal touchpad placement shields sensitive electronics from water and debris.
- Straightforward installation — accessible for DIY owners and professional installers alike.
- Restores the control box's moisture barrier, extending the operating life of the unit.
| Spec | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | 1028-6013 | — |
| Type | Control Box Seal | — |
| Material | Durable rubber | — |
| Zone Size Compatibility | 36 | inches |
| Placement | Internal / inside control plate touchpad | — |
Note: See 'Resources (System Manuals and Warranty)' Tab above for full specifications.
Compatibility & Fitment
- Fits: Zone 11K 36" gray rotomolded plastic evaporative cooler models.
- Does NOT fit: other evaporative cooler models or other brands.
- Does NOT fit: Zone 18" or 24" models, or the alternate 36" configuration requiring SKU 1028-3500 — use that part number instead if your unit calls for it.
Compliance & Environment
| Item | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Power Safety | Disconnect power to the unit before removing the control plate or servicing the seal. |
| Material Handling | Rubber seal component; no special disposal requirements indicated by manufacturer. |
FAQ
Will this seal fit my 18" or 24" Zone cooler?
No. Part 1028-6013 is built specifically for the Zone 11K 36" gray rotomolded plastic model. For 18", 24", and 36" models that use a different seal, you need SKU 1028-3500 instead.
Where does this seal get installed?
It installs on the inside of the control plate touchpad, protecting the electronic enclosure behind it from water and debris intrusion.
What material is the seal made from?
It is made from durable rubber, chosen to hold up to repeated moisture exposure and outdoor environmental conditions.
Can I install this myself?
Yes. Disconnect power, remove the existing control plate, install the new seal inside the touchpad, then reassemble and restore power. No specialty tools are required.
Does this seal work on other evaporative cooler brands?
No. It is compatible only with Zone 11K 36" gray rotomolded plastic models. Confirm your model before ordering.
Warranty & Registration
Manufacturer warranty terms for this part are not detailed in the provided source data. Refer to the "Resources (System Manuals and Warranty)" Tab above for manufacturer warranty documentation and registration steps, if applicable. Ask us before you order if you're unsure whether this seal matches your control plate.