Installing a fridge (1 Viewer)

[BuilderBob]

Greetings
I am in the process of installing an automatic three way fridge (Thetford N4000) I am fairly happy with most of it, the bit I am struggling with is:-

I need a 12v signal from the engine (Mercedes Sprinter) to tell the fridge to switch to 12v DC, any ideas where I can pick that up from?

 

[Stealaway]

Ignition supply to the radio ?

 

[mitzimad]

if you cant find a d + signal you can use a smartcom relay which you set to click in at around 13 volts i dont know what van your working on but some ducatos have a convertors block in the driver side pillar and ive heard that merc sprinters often have similar under the drivers seat

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[mitzimad]

Ignition supply to the radio ?

ignition supply doesnt signal that the engine is running just that the ignition is switched on

 

[mitzimad]

what are you using as a split charge relay? sorry just seen its a sprinter your building
only hearsay but try under the drivers seat

 

[BuilderBob]

Thanks for the input chaps, The igition / radio idea is a good thought, I hadn't thought about it not necessarily telling the engine is running.

I'm using an MVM voltage sensitive relay for my B2B, cut in at 13.7v cut out at 12.8v.

Don't think I'd know where to start with a 'smart com relay'

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[Mikeco]

I just wired mine to the vehicle battery through a relay which kicks in when the engine is running.

 

[BuilderBob]

Hadn't thought of using the vehicle battery for the actual supply, that might be an idea.

How did you trigger the relay?

 

[Mikeco]

It kicks in at around 13v so it sends a signal to the fridge as soon as the engine is started. It’s been working for 9 years with no problem.

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[BuilderBob]

Cheers Mike
You've been most helpful, changed the way I was going to it, for the better.

 

[poppycamper]

I just wired mine to the vehicle battery through a relay which kicks in when the engine is running.

But surely MikeC you still have to find an engine running signal to "kick in" the relay

 

[Mikeco]

But surely MikeC you still have to find an engine running signal to "kick in" the relay

No, soon as the engine is running the alternator starts to charge the vehicle battery which kicks in the relay which comes in at around 13 volts. It’s a voltage relay not an ignition one which I have on the step.

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[poppycamper]

Ah.. sorry thought you meant standard relay with input from engine and not a voltage relay.

No, soon as the engine is running the alternator starts to charge the vehicle battery which kicks in the relay which comes in at around 13 volts. It’s a voltage relay not an ignition one which I have on the step.

 

[mitzimad]

if you have a voltage sensing relay then use that too switch a second relay for the fridge