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Old 11-04-2014, 08:14 PM   #1
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Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

I just had to replace my refrigerator that gave up on me. It's the medium sized one SMB installs and thought it's the 0041 model. From Norcold web site they claim it pulls 2.8 amps. I'm finding it really pulls 5.5 amps. I haven't checked my amp gauge yet but the old one was about 3 amps and the stats shown on Norcold's site is sure different. Even their Bigger unit doesn't show a 5.5 amp draw at 12vDC. That is a huge draw even if it is more efficient.

So what does your fridge draw???

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Old 11-04-2014, 08:31 PM   #2
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

I bet they figure 2.8A average taking into account a 50% duty cycle, so 5.6A while it's running, 0A while not running.

Is your figure an instantaneous reading, or an average reading?


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Old 11-05-2014, 06:14 PM   #3
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

Instantaneous but I just don't understand why the old model pulls just at 3 amps. I can't say if it cycles less than the old one but would think that would be related to the insulation.
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Old 11-06-2014, 08:29 AM   #4
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

Dave: By "instantaneous" .........you are not setting your meter to peak hold are you?

Inductive loads (like the fridge compressor motor) will have a very high inrush current when they first start for a few milliseconds typically.
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Old 11-06-2014, 11:57 AM   #5
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

daveb: We all know I am a bonehead about electricity, but the way I determined what amps my fridge was drawing was to shut off all 12v appliances and confirm no current draw from the house battery with my Victron BMV-600 monitor, then turn on the fridge and see what amps the BMV-600 said was being drawn from the house battery. And yes, like BroncoHauler was saying, it is 3.5 to 4.5 amps when the fridge is running depending on whether the fridge dial is set to 3, 4, or 5.
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Old 11-06-2014, 01:19 PM   #6
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

Clamp meter can come in very hand. Keep one in my van all the time.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001TC...110_SY165_QL70
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Old 11-06-2014, 01:56 PM   #7
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

I'm using my link-10 monitor. I do have to subtract what else is running to get the correct measurement (right at 5.5 A) but I also tested with everything off and it's the same. And yes the is a minor difference as the fridge ramps up but not even a quarter of an amp. But 2.5 more amps? I'm looking further with a hand held meter but just want to know if others with a new fridge are seeing the same before I go further. If that is the norm I won't be a happy camper and feel Norcold is using false advertising. If the new unit pulls more but is more efficient that would be a different story yet the fact remains Norcold needs to update their site to reflect the amp draw if that's the case. To do a side by side test between the old and new unit would be difficult. Sure make an Isotherm worth the extra money if the Norcold is a power hog. I'm waiting to hear from the company.
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Old 11-06-2014, 03:56 PM   #8
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

Hey Tapatio: That low current clamp meter is pretty cool. But one question, can it be clamped over both conductors simultaneously and get an accurate reading or does it have to be clamped over only one conductor to get a good reading?
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Old 11-06-2014, 04:26 PM   #9
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

Quote:
Originally Posted by E350
Hey Tapatio: That low current clamp meter is pretty cool. But one question, can it be clamped over both conductors simultaneously
No, one conductor only.
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Old 11-06-2014, 05:11 PM   #10
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Re: Norcold DE/EV 0041 3.6 cf fridge

Dave I can't recall if the Isotherm is more efficient or not, but if you get one with their ASU (I think) it will help stabilize the fridge temps over along period of time with the frozen ice pack.


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