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To inverter or not to inverter??

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by tbrown_sd, Oct 8, 2012.

  1. Oct 8, 2012 #1
    tbrown_sd

    tbrown_sd Light Load Member

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    Mar 31, 2011
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    Need a Power Inverter for this Fridge/Freezer - or is 12v okay?

    I got this for my husband last year and he had to come home for medical reasons before he got a chance to take it out there. I thought he would need to get a power inverter to use in the truck, but now it seems he can just use in 12v. Can this fridge/freezer run from 12v or does he need an inverter?

    View attachment 37212

    Specifications:•Model: FP430
    •Brand: EdgeStar
    •Operates as a portable freezer or refrigerator
    •Flash Freeze function
    •Rounded edges make it safe around the family
    •Capacity: 43 qt. (equivalent to 60 12oz. cans)
    •Easy-to-use control panel
    •Temperatures: -8 to 50 degrees F
    •Voltage power (AC or DC)
    •6 foot 12/24 volt detachable power cord
    •8 foot 115 volt detachable power cord
    •Warranty: 1 year parts; 90 days labor
    •EdgeStar 43 Quart 12V DC Portable Fridge/Freezer
    •Durable and rugged design
    •ETL approval
    •Insulated lid
    •Side-grip comfort handles
    •Compressor-based cooling method freezes fast
    •Input voltage: 115 V/60 Hz
    •Power: 65 W/0.75 A
    •Weight: 45 lbs
    •Internal Dimensions: 11" H x 11 7/16" W x 14 15/16" D (large basket) / 7" H x 11 7/16" W x 7 1/16" D (small basket)
    •External Dimensions: 20 13/16" H x 24 11/16" W x 17 11/16" D
     
    tbrown_sd, Oct 8, 2012
    tbrown_sd, Oct 8, 2012
    #1
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  3. Oct 8, 2012 #2
    VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    It appears to be compatible with both AC and DC. If you hard wire it to your truck for direct 12VDC it will be fine. I run a 12 volt fridge/freezer and it's really nice not having to monkey around with an inverter for it.
     
    VisionLogistics, Oct 8, 2012
    VisionLogistics, Oct 8, 2012
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  4. Oct 8, 2012 #3
    tbrown_sd

    tbrown_sd Light Load Member

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    San Diego, CA
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    Okay, I'm showing how not hip I am to this stuff, but when you say hard wire, what do you mean? I'm trying to determine if he can just plug into 12v right from the cab or if more is entailed. If he gets a power inverter his company has to install and charges $100. Even if that's not such a bad deal, he would have to pay again if he transfers to another truck; as he's waiting for a transfer to another division in the company, he doesn't want to turn around and pay again.

    I guess the question is whether the unit will run efficiently from 12v in the cab...?
     
    tbrown_sd, Oct 8, 2012
    tbrown_sd, Oct 8, 2012
    #3
  5. Oct 8, 2012 #4
    VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    What does the manual say? Can you refer to it for installation instructions? Those little cigar lighter outlets don't deliver much in the way of amperage, and they like to blow fuses / melt down. The inverter would likely be wired to the batteries, so much in that same way could the fridge be wired directly. I guess if the unit has a lighter plug it is probably rated for such use and you could try it and see if it blows a fuse or gets hot. Compressor type units usually require more than what a cigar lighter can deliver. Good luck.
     
    VisionLogistics, Oct 8, 2012
    VisionLogistics, Oct 8, 2012
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  7. Oct 8, 2012 #5
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The compressor type units don't draw much power except right at start up and can also be wired directly to a fused source like the binding posts used for some CB setups or connected via solderless connectors to terminals of the proper polarity in a fuse panel. They won't draw the batteries down if you don't run the truck for a couple of days, either.

    I had a Koolatron that used either and used the AC plug with the inverter because all of the outlets in the truck were corroded from long use and the lighter plugs didn't work without burning the plugs, a new receptacle cured that for me, so I could use a straight 12 volt cooler and the new truck hasn't burned any plugs for me, yet.
     
    25(2)+2, Oct 8, 2012
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  8. Oct 8, 2012 #6
    Quickfarms

    Quickfarms Heavy Load Member

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    small inverters can run off of the cigarette lighter plug. The issue is does each plug have its own fuse or are they all on one fuse. Hardwiring a separate fuse panel to the batteries is better than using the cigarette plugs.
     
    Quickfarms, Oct 8, 2012
    Quickfarms, Oct 8, 2012
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  9. Oct 8, 2012 #7
    MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

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    MsJamie, Oct 8, 2012
    MsJamie, Oct 8, 2012
    #7
  10. Oct 8, 2012 #8
    Quickfarms

    Quickfarms Heavy Load Member

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    The problem is that the OP say 65 watts/ 0.75 amps

    This does not work since watts = volts x amps
     
    Quickfarms, Oct 8, 2012
    Quickfarms, Oct 8, 2012
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  11. Oct 9, 2012 #9
    MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

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    There's the rounding factor; manufacturers usually round up to a nice round number. 0.565A isn't exactly a round number.

    Plus, there is likely a small 110 -> 12V power supply in there, which would consume a little bit of power.

    Regardless, 65W is well within the ~120W limit of the average lighter socket.
     
    MsJamie, Oct 9, 2012
    MsJamie, Oct 9, 2012
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