Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts (Amperage of three way fridge on house battery)
| Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356293] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 12:25  |
Dominik
Messages: 78
Registered: July 2014
Location: Zurich reg., Switzerland
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Hi all,
Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
Thanks,
Dominik
- The good the bad and the ugly and its all me -
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| Re: Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356294 is a reply to message #356293] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 12:45  |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
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According to the Dometic manual, the 12V DC coil is 215 Watts (18 amps) and does not provide full cooling as when in AC mode.
The AC coil is 325 Watts with 120V.
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
[Updated on: Wed, 01 July 2020 12:45] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356298 is a reply to message #356293] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 13:21 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
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Dominik wrote on Wed, 01 July 2020 13:25Hi all,
Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
Thanks,
Dominik
I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3 running in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things cool.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356299 is a reply to message #356297] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 13:22 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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J.R., I believe he is talking about a 3- way fridge. They have an A.C. Heat
element, as well as a 12 volt d.c. element, and a propane burner office.
If it is a modern automatic switching model, it also has a 12 volt
d.c. circuit board that consumes a bit of power no matter which mode you
are operating in.
The original swedish built 3 way Dometic model was entirely manually
switched including lighting the propane burner. It would operate sitting on
your work bench with no 12 volt hook up. I used to have a take out fridge
sitting on a sawhorse in my shop that was hooked up to a 20 pound
propane tank. I used it to hold "adult beverages". I sold it to a guy that
was building a food cart out of a van based mini motorhome that I sold him.
We both were happy.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 10:51 AM John Wright via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Is your information for a 3-way refrigerator? He is asking for DC draw in
> DC mode. The Frig always draws 12 VDC, no DC no Cooling
>
> JR Wright
> \
>> On Jul 1, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Bill Wevers via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> According to the Dometic manual, the 12V DC coil is 215 Watts and does
> not provide full cooling as when in AC mode.
>> The AC coil is 325 Watts with 120V.
>> --
>> Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
>> 1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
>> 455 F Block, G heads
>> San Jose
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356300 is a reply to message #356298] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 13:30 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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You are correct. It's primary mode of operation is propane. Many places do
not allow propane appliances to operate in motion. That is why the 12 volt
system is used. It is more of a "keep cold" mode for traveling, after you
have previously cooled it down with either propane or 120 volt A.C. modes.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:22 AM RJW via Gmclist
wrote:
> Dominik wrote on Wed, 01 July 2020 13:25
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way
> fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Dominik
>
> I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3 running
> in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
> found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
> In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way
> to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things cool.
>
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356302 is a reply to message #356296] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 14:00 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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You and I both, Emery. The Washington State Ferry System, and the ones that
travel between U.S. and British Columbia, all insist that all propane be
extinguished and they provide tags that you must put on your Propane Valve
handle before you board. I know that the Holland Tunnel as well as the
Boston "USED TO REQUIRE THE SAME THING" I don't know for sure if they still
do.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:33 AM Emery Stora via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Which places don’t allow propane use in motion?
> I guess I must have violated this many time over the years.
>
> Emery Stora
>
>
>> On Jul 1, 2020, at 12:29 PM, James Hupy via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> You are correct. It's primary mode of operation is propane. Many places
> do
>> not allow propane appliances to operate in motion. That is why the 12
> volt
>> system is used. It is more of a "keep cold" mode for traveling, after you
>> have previously cooled it down with either propane or 120 volt A.C.
> modes.
>> Jim Hupy
>> Salem, Oregon
>>
>>> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:22 AM RJW via Gmclist
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Dominik wrote on Wed, 01 July 2020 13:25
>>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way
>>> fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Dominik
>>>
>>> I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3
> running
>>> in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
>>> found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
>>> In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way
>>> to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things
> cool.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Richard
>>> 76 Palm Beach
>>> SE Michigan
>>> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>>>
>>>
>>> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
>>> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356303 is a reply to message #356300] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 13:32 |
stu@97381.com, Emery
Messages: 232
Registered: June 2020
Karma: 2
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Which places don’t allow propane use in motion?
I guess I must have violated this many time over the years.
Emery Stora
> On Jul 1, 2020, at 12:29 PM, James Hupy via Gmclist wrote:
>
> You are correct. It's primary mode of operation is propane. Many places do
> not allow propane appliances to operate in motion. That is why the 12 volt
> system is used. It is more of a "keep cold" mode for traveling, after you
> have previously cooled it down with either propane or 120 volt A.C. modes.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
>> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:22 AM RJW via Gmclist
>> wrote:
>>
>> Dominik wrote on Wed, 01 July 2020 13:25
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way
>> fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Dominik
>>
>> I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3 running
>> in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
>> found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
>> In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way
>> to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things cool.
>>
>> --
>> Richard
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> SE Michigan
>> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>>
>>
>> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
>> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356309 is a reply to message #356301] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 14:58 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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The Danfoss compressor in the Vitrifrigo is rated at 4 Amps at 13 Volts when engaged.
D C "Mac" Macdonald, Grand Lake & OKC - OK, AGLCA (#217) & USPS (AP), Sugar Sand Jet Boat Only, USAF & FAA Retired, Amateur Radio K2GKK, Since 30 Nov 1953, k2gkk hotmail dot com
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Jeremy Sanford via Gmclist
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 13:45
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Jeremy Sanford
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts
Your fridge should have a label. My vintage Norcold 838EG3 from the early 1980s label says 16A 225W when running on 12V DC.
12V DC mode is only for use while traveling and is barely adequate for maintaining the inside at a safe level. Even when running on gas mode the
fridge uses some 12V to run the circuit board, light bulbs and ignitor.
--
Jeremy Sanford
Sacramento, CA
1977 Kingsley
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356310 is a reply to message #356309] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 15:13 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Emery, I got to thinking about the motor vehicle laws concerning use of
propane appliances while under way, and took a look on Google. I could not
find any state that specifically prohibits use while traveling, only in
tunnels, bridges, gas stations, etc.
So I stand corrected. Sorry for the confusion I may have caused.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 12:59 PM D C _Mac_ Macdonald via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> The Danfoss compressor in the Vitrifrigo is rated at 4 Amps at 13 Volts
> when engaged.
>
> D C "Mac" Macdonald, Grand Lake & OKC - OK, AGLCA (#217) & USPS (AP),
> Sugar Sand Jet Boat Only, USAF & FAA Retired, Amateur Radio K2GKK, Since
> 30 Nov 1953, k2gkk hotmail dot com
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gmclist on behalf of Jeremy
> Sanford via Gmclist
> Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 13:45
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Cc: Jeremy Sanford
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts
>
> Your fridge should have a label. My vintage Norcold 838EG3 from the early
> 1980s label says 16A 225W when running on 12V DC.
> 12V DC mode is only for use while traveling and is barely adequate for
> maintaining the inside at a safe level. Even when running on gas mode the
> fridge uses some 12V to run the circuit board, light bulbs and ignitor.
> --
> Jeremy Sanford
> Sacramento, CA
> 1977 Kingsley
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html
>
>
>
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| Re: Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356327 is a reply to message #356293] |
Wed, 01 July 2020 18:54 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Back to the original question. A lot. I plug in coach the day before trip and run Norcold refrigerator on AC. On the road on DC it maintains temp just fine. At short fuel stops I leave it on DC. If pulling over for longer (lunch) and not running generator, I switch to propane. It will run a long long time on propane to cool or just hold temp. On the road the 80A alternator does fine with 12V frig and the other loads. I do hear the whine of it working though, so try not to discharge the house with the frig for too long as that stacks the Amp draw. Of course if dry camping go propane and AC mode with AC available at campgrounds. Unit has been 100% trouble free for about 10 years. I’d do same again.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356350 is a reply to message #356293] |
Thu, 02 July 2020 07:38 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Have a look at the new Norcold 12-24 dc 120 ac compressor refrigerators. I have one we use for a backup freezer at home. They can be used as a fridge or turned up to a freezer. If I lose the lower cabinet in my GMC when the Dometic dies, I can stack two, with one set as a freezer and one as a refrigerator if I want. The 12 volt feed gets a 10 amp fuse for operation. Substantially less than an absorption unit and colder in the bargain. They autoswitch, and favor AC if it's available.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts [message #356364 is a reply to message #356350] |
Thu, 02 July 2020 12:07 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Based on what I see on my Trimetric battery meter, I would guess my Norcold 641.3 draws somewhere around 15 amps on the 12v setting. I generally see about a 6 - 8 amp draw on the meter while my solar is is charging at 8 - 10 amps. I generally just shut the fridge off if I am going to be parked for a short time for lunch etc. and turn it back on once we are about to get underway. I always drive with the propane valve in the off position at the recommendation of Mac the Fire Guy.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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