compact refrigerators --- inverter ?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by rumbarrel, Jun 30, 2008.

  1. rumbarrel

    rumbarrel Light Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2008
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    OK, i need confirmation on this..........

    from what I've gathered in my research is that you multiply amp consumption by 115-120 to find out wattage required for the unit.

    So if a 1.7 cubic ft. compact refrigerator says power consumption is .7 amps, the wattage required to run it would be about 84 watts....

    so, then, say a 180 watt inverter should be able to run it, no problem...right?? :biggrin_2556:
     
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  3. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    You're right Rumbserel' that it only takes a few watts to 'run ' a fridge, but it takes a whole lot more than that to start em! A compact fridge WILL peg a 1500 watt inverter on start up. It's a function of how those type of AC motors work.
     
  4. rumbarrel

    rumbarrel Light Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2008
    Gardnerville, NV
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    so then, what size inverter would be recommended for a 1.7 cubic foot fridge that says .7 amps consumption???
     
  5. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    The 1500 would start the fridge as long the truck was running. It'd only draw hard a second or two. So that size or bigger.

    Also remember that unless the fridge is specifically made for mobile use they won't last a long time. Compressor mounting springs break and she'll start rattling to wake the dead. Depends on how truck rides and the roads ya drive as to how long they'll go. Had a Kenmore with separate freezer door that went almost 2 years. And I would definitely get the two compartment style. Much bigger freezer that way.
     
  6. rumbarrel

    rumbarrel Light Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2008
    Gardnerville, NV
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    well, i guess a fridge is OUT for me! :biggrin_25513:

    my company wont let me have a 1500 watt'er

    darn it!
     
  7. kimmeegoose

    kimmeegoose Light Load Member

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    Oct 1, 2008
    Indiana
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    My hubby can only have a 1000 watt inverter and has trained with 2 different trainers that ran a fridge and a microwave. One I know had a tv too. From what I'm reading and the inverters I've looked at, a 1000 watt inverter usually has a 2000 watt peak which means it will handle the startup spike from your fridge. I'm guessing that, since everything I'm reading says microwaves use more energy than the fridges, the guy with the fridge, microwave and tv probably didn't run the microwave and tv at the same time. Hope you find a set up that works for you.
     
  8. CommDriver

    CommDriver Road Train Member

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    These are expensive. But if you have the money and are looking for a truly dependable travel cooler, this is what you need. They operate off of a compressor, like traditional refrigerators, and are made for travel so don't make noise. There is a digital read out so you know at all times what the temperature is inside. Important if you have medicine that needs to stay refrigerated.

    I have a 3000 watt inverter but couldn't handle the noise of the compressor mounting springs of a traditional frig.

    This is just one model and what I have. I think a company called Waeco makes one that stands upright with a frig and freezer compartment. This one doesn't have separate compartments, but I can set the temperature to below freezing and it will turn anything to ice. It runs off AC or 12 volt power. I run it off 12 volts and it maintains 38 degrees consistently which is the temp I have it set at. It's an Edgestar.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  9. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Far from it my friend. The small microwaves they sell in truck stops, only use an 800.

    I have the large dorm fridge. It peaks around 4-500 watts when it kicks in. Then drops back down to around 100 watts of draw.

    I use a 1500 watt invertor. But I can't recall a time I have ever drawn more than 70% off of it with everything going at once.

    You can power the fridge on an 800 easily. Just make sure, if at all possible. You hook it directly to your batteries. This is critical, as your fuses may not be able to handle the load of a cigerette lighter plug in design.

    Just may sure you have everything turned off, when you're out of the truck for an extended time (60 hours or more). Even less for smaller inverters.

    The main concern for most people. The size they actually use, can dictate the reliabilty of the inverter. The larger inverter you can use, the less strain will be placed on the inverter itself while in use. And the less draw there is on your batteries. Smaller inverters require more fan usage to keep them cool, so your batteries tend to drain quicker.
     
  10. labagiamf

    labagiamf Light Load Member

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    Do you still have your Edgestar freezer & would you reccommend it? Did you buy it online,and if you did,how would you rate the vendor?
     
  11. cpassey

    cpassey Light Load Member

    I use 2 - 12 volt colman coolers...Double stacked...I don't open the bottom one very often and it will freeze stuff...
    It also helps to use ice(in a container) or frozen bottles of water to help keep the cooler extra cold...Ice will last quite a long time...

    :biggrin_25525:
     
    labagiamf Thanks this.
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