Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts

DJHcom

Member
Jul 31, 2014
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0
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Hi all,

Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?

Thanks,
Dominik
--
- The good the bad and the ugly and its all me -
 
Depends on the make and model.

JR Wright

>
> Hi all,
>
> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
>
> Thanks,
> Dominik
> --
> - The good the bad and the ugly and its all me -
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
According to the Dometic manual, the 12V DC coil is 215 Watts and does not provide full cooling as when in AC mode.
The AC coil is 325 Watts with 120V.
--
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
 
Is your information for a 3-way refrigerator? He is asking for DC draw in DC mode. The Frig always draws 12 VDC, no DC no Cooling

JR Wright
\

>
> According to the Dometic manual, the 12V DC coil is 215 Watts and does not provide full cooling as when in AC mode.
> The AC coil is 325 Watts with 120V.
> --
> Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
> 1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
> 455 F Block, G heads
> San Jose
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
> Hi all,
>
> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
>
> Thanks,
> Dominik

I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3 running in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things cool.

--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
 
J.R., I believe he is talking about a 3- way fridge. They have an A.C. Heat
element, as well as a 12 volt d.c. element, and a propane burner office.
If it is a modern automatic switching model, it also has a 12 volt
d.c. circuit board that consumes a bit of power no matter which mode you
are operating in.
The original swedish built 3 way Dometic model was entirely manually
switched including lighting the propane burner. It would operate sitting on
your work bench with no 12 volt hook up. I used to have a take out fridge
sitting on a sawhorse in my shop that was hooked up to a 20 pound
propane tank. I used it to hold "adult beverages". I sold it to a guy that
was building a food cart out of a van based mini motorhome that I sold him.
We both were happy.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 10:51 AM John Wright via Gmclist <

> Is your information for a 3-way refrigerator? He is asking for DC draw in
> DC mode. The Frig always draws 12 VDC, no DC no Cooling
>
> JR Wright
> \
> > On Jul 1, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Bill Wevers via Gmclist <

> >
> > According to the Dometic manual, the 12V DC coil is 215 Watts and does
> not provide full cooling as when in AC mode.
> > The AC coil is 325 Watts with 120V.
> > --
> > Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
> > 1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
> > 455 F Block, G heads
> > San Jose
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Which places don’t allow propane use in motion?
I guess I must have violated this many time over the years.

Emery Stora

>
> You are correct. It's primary mode of operation is propane. Many places do
> not allow propane appliances to operate in motion. That is why the 12 volt
> system is used. It is more of a "keep cold" mode for traveling, after you
> have previously cooled it down with either propane or 120 volt A.C. modes.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
>> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:22 AM RJW via Gmclist

>>

>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way
>> fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Dominik
>>
>> I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3 running
>> in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
>> found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
>> In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way
>> to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things cool.
>>
>> --
>> Richard
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> SE Michigan
>> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>>
>>
>> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
>> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
You are correct. It's primary mode of operation is propane. Many places do
not allow propane appliances to operate in motion. That is why the 12 volt
system is used. It is more of a "keep cold" mode for traveling, after you
have previously cooled it down with either propane or 120 volt A.C. modes.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:22 AM RJW via Gmclist
wrote:

> > Hi all,
> >
> > Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way
> fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Dominik
>
> I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3 running
> in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
> found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
> In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way
> to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things cool.
>
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Your fridge should have a label. My vintage Norcold 838EG3 from the early 1980s label says 16A 225W when running on 12V DC.
12V DC mode is only for use while traveling and is barely adequate for maintaining the inside at a safe level. Even when running on gas mode the
fridge uses some 12V to run the circuit board, light bulbs and ignitor.
--
Jeremy Sanford
Sacramento, CA
1977 Kingsley
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html

 
 
You and I both, Emery. The Washington State Ferry System, and the ones that
travel between U.S. and British Columbia, all insist that all propane be
extinguished and they provide tags that you must put on your Propane Valve
handle before you board. I know that the Holland Tunnel as well as the
Boston "USED TO REQUIRE THE SAME THING" I don't know for sure if they still
do.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:33 AM Emery Stora via Gmclist <

> Which places don’t allow propane use in motion?
> I guess I must have violated this many time over the years.
>
> Emery Stora
>
>
> > On Jul 1, 2020, at 12:29 PM, James Hupy via Gmclist <

> >
> > You are correct. It's primary mode of operation is propane. Many places
> do
> > not allow propane appliances to operate in motion. That is why the 12
> volt
> > system is used. It is more of a "keep cold" mode for traveling, after you
> > have previously cooled it down with either propane or 120 volt A.C.
> modes.
> > Jim Hupy
> > Salem, Oregon
> >
> >> On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 11:22 AM RJW via Gmclist

> >>

> >>> Hi all,
> >>>
> >>> Can anyone tell me the power consumption (amperage) of a three way
> >> fridge as installed in the GMC running off 12 V DC ?
> >>>
> >>> Thanks,
> >>> Dominik
> >>
> >> I just measured the amperage draw of my 20-year-old Norcold 641.3
> running
> >> in 12-volt mode and it shows ~13.5 amps. New specs, according to what I
> >> found on the web is "Ampere Rating: 3A AC/14.8A DC"
> >> In my experience, running a 3-way refrigerator on 12 volts is a good way
> >> to discharge a battery bank and not really a good way to keep things
> cool.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Richard
> >> 76 Palm Beach
> >> SE Michigan
> >> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
> >>
> >>
> >> Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator,
> >> Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> Which places don’t allow propane use in motion?
> I guess I must have violated this many time over the years.
>
> Emery Stora

Emery,

Many bridges and almost all tunnels have the signs up. There are even some that require vehicles carrying propane to stop and be inspected. Of those,
most of the officers were asleep and the one in about Baltimore (unsure) I just indicted by hand signal that the propane valve was off. That is how
we travel anyway.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Matt I am familiar with restrictions on bridges and tunnels but it appeared that
James was referring to roads.
Emery

>
> e in
 
The Danfoss compressor in the Vitrifrigo is rated at 4 Amps at 13 Volts when engaged.

D C "Mac" Macdonald, Grand Lake & OKC - OK, AGLCA (#217) & USPS (AP), Sugar Sand Jet Boat Only, USAF & FAA Retired, Amateur Radio K2GKK, Since 30 Nov 1953, k2gkk hotmail dot com

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Jeremy Sanford via Gmclist
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 13:45
To: gmclist
Cc: Jeremy Sanford
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts

Your fridge should have a label. My vintage Norcold 838EG3 from the early 1980s label says 16A 225W when running on 12V DC.
12V DC mode is only for use while traveling and is barely adequate for maintaining the inside at a safe level. Even when running on gas mode the
fridge uses some 12V to run the circuit board, light bulbs and ignitor.
--
Jeremy Sanford
Sacramento, CA
1977 Kingsley
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Emery, I got to thinking about the motor vehicle laws concerning use of
propane appliances while under way, and took a look on Google. I could not
find any state that specifically prohibits use while traveling, only in
tunnels, bridges, gas stations, etc.
So I stand corrected. Sorry for the confusion I may have caused.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Wed, Jul 1, 2020, 12:59 PM D C _Mac_ Macdonald via Gmclist <

> The Danfoss compressor in the Vitrifrigo is rated at 4 Amps at 13 Volts
> when engaged.
>
> D C "Mac" Macdonald, Grand Lake & OKC - OK, AGLCA (#217) & USPS (AP),
> Sugar Sand Jet Boat Only, USAF & FAA Retired, Amateur Radio K2GKK, Since
> 30 Nov 1953, k2gkk hotmail dot com
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gmclist on behalf of Jeremy
> Sanford via Gmclist
> Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 13:45
> To: gmclist
> Cc: Jeremy Sanford
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Power consumption of fridge at 12 Volts
>
> Your fridge should have a label. My vintage Norcold 838EG3 from the early
> 1980s label says 16A 225W when running on 12V DC.
> 12V DC mode is only for use while traveling and is barely adequate for
> maintaining the inside at a safe level. Even when running on gas mode the
> fridge uses some 12V to run the circuit board, light bulbs and ignitor.
> --
> Jeremy Sanford
> Sacramento, CA
> 1977 Kingsley
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u42733-jsanford.html
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> Matt I am familiar with restrictions on bridges and tunnels but it appeared that
> James was referring to roads.
> Emery

As for roads, I have never seen such a restriction on public roads.

Not Ever.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Back to the original question. A lot. I plug in coach the day before trip and run Norcold refrigerator on AC. On the road on DC it maintains temp
just fine. At short fuel stops I leave it on DC. If pulling over for longer (lunch) and not running generator, I switch to propane. It will run a
long long time on propane to cool or just hold temp. On the road the 80A alternator does fine with 12V frig and the other loads. I do hear the whine
of it working though, so try not to discharge the house with the frig for too long as that stacks the Amp draw. Of course if dry camping go propane
and AC mode with AC available at campgrounds. Unit has been 100% trouble free for about 10 years. I’d do same again.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
Thank you all for your information.
It is important to know that on 12V the cooling capacity is much lower than on 110V.
Thank you all.
Dominik
--
- The good the bad and the ugly and its all me -
 
Have a look at the new Norcold 12-24 dc 120 ac compressor refrigerators. I have one we use for a backup freezer at home. They can be used as a
fridge or turned up to a freezer. If I lose the lower cabinet in my GMC when the Dometic dies, I can stack two, with one set as a freezer and one as
a refrigerator if I want. The 12 volt feed gets a 10 amp fuse for operation. Substantially less than an absorption unit and colder in the bargain.
They autoswitch, and favor AC if it's available.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
Based on what I see on my Trimetric battery meter, I would guess my Norcold 641.3 draws somewhere around 15 amps on the 12v setting. I generally see
about a 6 - 8 amp draw on the meter while my solar is is charging at 8 - 10 amps. I generally just shut the fridge off if I am going to be parked
for a short time for lunch etc. and turn it back on once we are about to get underway. I always drive with the propane valve in the off position at
the recommendation of Mac the Fire Guy.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member