Fridge on 12v without engine running (Hymer)

[Reallyretired]

It appears that my fridge runs on 12v even without the engine running (green light). I have not come across this with previous motorhomes, which have shown a red light with engine off and green with engine running if set to 12v (not auto).
I haven't left it like this for long enough to tell whether the fridge is actually working, not wanting to run the battery down.
It occurred to me that this could be useful, for example in the south in summer with loads of solar but little gas, though care would be needed to prevent too much battery draining.
Anyone know whether this is common in Hymers?

 

[Figaro]

Not on mine

 

[Minxy]

Lenny HB

 

[NicM]

Mine does, not checked it out to see if it’s meant to though.

 

[DavidG58]

You can on mine as well by manual selection , my controller shows Amp output, I think it was around 15A with fridge running off the leisure batteries

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[Reallyretired]

15A is a lot if its going to be for hours, though OK if solar can keep up I suppose.

 

[Bobby-gg]

Fridge control relay failure?

I've had this on my cbe control panel, replaced it with a separate standard 30A relay operated from a D+ signal

 

[Lenny HB]

Yep, standard on Hymers, our first one (2008) if on auto and no gas/mains or engine 12v it would switch to leisure batteries.
Later ones only if 12v is selected manually on the fridge.

You can disable it by pulling the fuse on the EBL labeled AES. It will still work on 12v when the engine is running.

I have the AES output from my solar regulator connected to the S+ terminal on the fridge. When the batteries are charged and there is enough sun the fridge switches 12v in approx 30 min blocks.

 

[Reallyretired]

Fridge control relay failure?

I've had this on my cbe control panel, replaced it with a separate standard 30A relay operated from a D+ signal

Doesn't appear to be this as if the fridge is switched to auto rather than 12v it operates as expected, and this must be using the same relay.

I think Lenny HB has the solution.

 

[WildBunch]

Has this got anything to do with the time delay to change from 12 volt when driving to gas once stopped. This I believe this is not to allow the fridge to go on gas if in a fuel station. Perhaps I have the wrong end of the stick....again

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[Lenny HB]

Has this got anything to do with the time delay to change from 12 volt when driving to gas once stopped. This I believe this is not to allow the fridge to go on gas if in a fuel station. Perhaps I have the wrong end of the stick....again

Not really, the fridge will stay on 12v for 15min after the engine stops but if gas or mains are available it will switch to one of those sources unless 12v is selected manually.

 

[Googlebot]

Our Hymer does this, very useful when on the chunnel or short ferry crossings. It works just as well on 12v and in summer I can leave it on 12v until we go to bed knowing that the sun will recharge easily the next day.

We also have the Votronic AES output so it will use the solar when the batteries are full regardless.

 

[Reallyretired]

Well it appears it isn't a fault it's a feature so good news.