Running fridge on 240v from inverter (1 Viewer)

Dec 23, 2014
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Is it possible to run our MH fridge from the 240v supplied by the on board 1800w inverter. It appears that if the gas and engine are off and the inverter is on then the fridge can be powered but for how long I have no idea.
 

MikeD

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Dec 21, 2011
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What size leisure batteries and solar panels do you have?

I am no expert but I think people will need that information. (y)
 
OP
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Dec 23, 2014
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Two x 85 amp batteries and a 140w SP. If off EHU we would normally use gas but that is not an option on a ferry.

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Lenny HB

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Oct 18, 2007
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Why would you want to do that?
Fridges are most efficient on gas, they also have a 12v heating element. What you are suggesting would be the least efficient way of running it. Running on 240v from an inverter would use the same power as running on 12v plus the power the converter consumes.
With 2 say 100A/H leisure batteries and not wanting to discharge them more that 50% you would be looking at approx 6-10 hours depending on model of fridge.
 

DBK

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Two x 85 amp batteries and a 140w SP. If off EHU we would normally use gas but that is not an option on a ferry.
How long is the ferry? We leave ours turned off doing Plymouth to Santander and things don't defrost. Just put something in it for the first night like a frozen moussaka and it will still be partially frozen when you arrive. But leave the ice tray empty if you don't want a mini-flood. Of course run it at home for a good 24 hours before you leave to get it thoroughly cool.

However, it is possible to get an EHU or some ferries. The refrigerated trucks use them.
 

mjltigger

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Why would you want to do that?
Fridges are most efficient on gas, they also have a 12v heating element. What you are suggesting would be the least efficient way of running it. Running on 240v from an inverter would use the same power as running on 12v plus the power the converter consumes.
With 2 say 100A/H leisure batteries and not wanting to discharge them more that 50% you would be looking at approx 6-10 hours depending on model of fridge.

There might be some benefits.. Some fridges aren't thermostatically controlled on 11v so in theory might run for less time over a period when on 12v..

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pappajohn

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Compressor fridge or absorption ?

Absorption fridge may draw up to 10amps per hour.....every hour.
They are only thermostatic on 230v and gas

A compressor fridge uses far less and only runs for 30 to 40 minutes total per hour so may be viable short term.

As already suggested......load the fridge with frozen goods and turn it off.
Even on a 12hr crossing it will still be frozen as the door will remain closed.
 

pappajohn

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Not these days, for about the last 10 years they have had thermostatic control on 12 volts.
You learn something new every day.

I was going by my 2001 kontiki.
Of course, american fridge freezers as fitted in my 1999 RV dont run on 12v anyway....gas or mains only..
But there again, they are practically domestic quality....and size.

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funflair

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Dec 11, 2013
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Compressor fridge or absorption ?

Absorption fridge may draw up to 10amps per hour.....every hour.
They are only thermostatic on 230v and gas

A compressor fridge uses far less and only runs for 30 to 40 minutes total per hour so may be viable short term.

As already suggested......load the fridge with frozen goods and turn it off.
Even on a 12hr crossing it will still be frozen as the door will remain closed.
Absorption as it has a gas option, compressor would not have this option.

Martin
 
OP
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Dec 23, 2014
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Ships about 550 ft. Travel time is about 12 hours.
Just thought that using the inverter would ensure thermostatic control and as the fridge / freezer will already be cold would not use that much power.
Its an absorption fridge.
Brittany Ferries refuse to provide an EHU. Reasons given, not enough, need for a special very expensive adaptor.

If it can't be done we will work around. Thanks for comments. (y)

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Last edited:

funflair

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You could try a dummy run at home if you really want to leave it running but I wouldn't risk it.

Put a couple of frozen meals or even bottles of water in the freezer and then load these into the fridge just before you switch it off. It will still be cold 12 hours later.

Martin
 

ukbill

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in a straight answer to your question,do not use the inverter use the gas
 

DBK

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Ships about 550 ft. Travel time is about 12 hours.
Just thought that using the inverter would ensure thermostatic control and as the fridge / freezer will already be cold would not use that much power.
Its an absorption fridge.
Brittany Ferries refuse to provide an EHU. Reasons given, not enough, need for a special very expensive adaptor.

If it can't be done we will work around. Thanks for comments. (y)
Twelve hours is nothing, as already suggested make sure the fridge is well filled and well chilled then add something frozen and just close the door. Do a trial at home if you want.

Something like this is useful, you can get cheaper ones but this looks good quality.

Amazon product ASIN B0084ZEE4Q

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jonandshell

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Dec 12, 2010
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We run ours off the inverter on the Harwich to Hook of Holland crossing.
6.5 hrs at 140w will soon kill the average leisure battery though. Our large traction bank van copes however.
You need to make sure your battery charger is switched off, otherwise the battery is trying to charge itself!
 

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