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Old 03-30-2015, 12:13 PM   #1
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AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

I'm trying to understand the benefit of an AC/DC fridge vs DC only.

If I have an inverter that charges my House Batteries when connected to Shore power than having a Fridge that has DC only connections is sufficient when connected to Shore power without draining the house battery.

If this is the case what is teh benefit of having an AC/DC version?

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Old 03-30-2015, 02:13 PM   #2
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

In my opinion, none for the way most of us have our vans set up.
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Old 03-30-2015, 05:19 PM   #3
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

I agree. DC only is all I would think most would need.
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Old 03-30-2015, 05:39 PM   #4
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

I'm just thinking out loud, but in the same situation I'm planning on an AC/DC model. Reasons (which may or may not be valid):

1) My previous Norcold ran "perkier" on AC even when the house bank was topped right up and in great shape. Not sure why - or if that applies to newer models.

2) Batteries have a finite cycle life, so why cycle them more than necessary (when van is plugged in and fridge could run straight from AC). That could be a lot of cycles, depending on how van and fridge are used/parked).

3) Charger running to top up batteries will generate some heat/noise that could be avoided (when plugged in).

None of this may apply to your scenario. Actually, I rarely plug in, so it's only tangential to mine, but there have been times I was plugged in for awhile (mostly when visiting/staying with friends or relatives), and I did like to be able to run the previous fridge off AC then (even though I had a charger and house bank).

Be interested in others' thoughts on it.
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Old 03-30-2015, 08:20 PM   #5
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

You know, as I thought this over more, I don't think my #2 reason would be valid. I say that because I think the charger (or inverter) does power DC loads directly when you are plugged in.

The others may or may not be a real thing.
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Old 03-30-2015, 08:34 PM   #6
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

What you would like to avoid with an DC/AC refrig is to have it running on AC when the AC is being provided by the inverter. When the Refrig is provided with both AC and DC it will choose AC...
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Old 03-30-2015, 08:55 PM   #7
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

I worked over this same issue before selecting a DC only TruckFridge. Less cost and and I am hardly ever hooked up to shore power when away from home. 270 wats of solar keeps the batteries topped up..
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Old 03-30-2015, 09:11 PM   #8
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DCHitt
What you would like to avoid with an DC/AC refrig is to have it running on AC when the AC is being provided by the inverter. When the Refrig is provided with both AC and DC it will choose AC...
I didn't know that - is it always the case? I don't have an inverter but a friend does, and his 2-way (AC/propane) fridge will not kick over to AC when the inverter is on (which it often is boondocking to power a desktop computer). But I think it does kick over to AC automatically when the rig is plugged in. I wonder if that has to do with it sensing shorepower vs. sensing the inverter (which it does not seem to do). I'll have to ask him (now I'm curious).
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Old 03-30-2015, 09:30 PM   #9
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

I trip the breaker that feeds the fridge off when I use the inverter. I also leave my fridge on for long lengths of time between trips and I don't want to cycle the batteries at night. I have my charger set to supply a maintenance level while plugged in. It's not a charging session but keeps the batteries around 13v and being the fridge runs off AC while plugged in, everything stays at a level voltage. I always avoid an overcharging situation especially when it's 100+ degrees outside.
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Old 03-30-2015, 09:43 PM   #10
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Re: AC/DC Fridge vs DC only.

Interesting, Dave. Running it on 110 is a good fit for your scenario when plugged in at home and only minimally charging.

I checked with my bud and he did say that with a whole-house inverter that situation mentioned above could happen (I hadn't realized that). He manually puts his refrigerator to propane or AC power, so that when the inverter is on (but rig not plugged in) it will not go to AC (running from the inverter/batteries, which would not be good!).

I guess there could also be a way to wire the refrigerator (AC/DC one) so that when on shorepower it would run from 110, and when on inverter/battery it would run on DC, but my brain is feeling overstretched at the moment I only have a charger (not inverter) so have not figured this out for my own rig.
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