Some of you have seen my last post on battery and fridge. Well I finally hooked up temp. House power to Montana and charged the battery full. But still trying to figure a way to shut off fridge, because it's probably going to be 3-4 wks before we can make our first trip( still a lot to learn) and we want to be prepared. Anyway re-read inverter manual and it say turn off switch,which I did and the cooling fan came on and the fridge did not go off. I left it for about ten minutes and fan still runs as does fridge. So more research, I traced the cables to the battery,no problem and then I noticed a power cord from the inverter to an outlet and then wiring going from the outlet to,I'm assuming the fridge. Am I ok just unplugging the inverter from the outlet. Kind of confusing because I would have though to see wiring from inverter to fridge? Sorry to be a pest to all you good people but I'm going hunt around to see if there is an elec. schematic for the Fifth.

The fridge will continue to run with shore power hooked up. Your inverter may be a charger also, which explains its fan running. And it's unlikely there's a separate connection to the fridge from the inverter. I'm thinking that inverter powers everything, but without a schematic it's difficult to say. Is there a breaker on the refer circuit? Please post the make/model of the fridge and the inverter.

What kind of fridge?Doesn't it have an ON/OFF button?Can't you just unplug fridge power cord?The more questions I ask.......the more I get the feeling this is NOT an RV fridge but a residential fridge??

Old-Biscuit wrote:The more questions I ask.......the more I get the feeling this is NOT an RV fridge but a residential fridge??Yes, it is. OP first discussion

Sounds like you have an automatic transfer switch which is powering the refrigerator when you turn the inverter off. After turning the inverter off why not turn the refrigerator off inside of it self.

Since the OP has decided to start another thread, I suggest reading his post from yesterday so we don't end up repeating it.

Fridge making bald spot bigger | Good Sam Community

4x4FF
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015
FWIW,

When I installed the residential fridge in my 5th wheel I wired a switch with a pilot light to the outlet that powers the fridge. I have the switch in an out of the way spot thats easy to access. That way if I have it plugged in at my house I can just flip a switch and I know the fridge wont be running.

Steve
Curlida
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
Hey Jim-Linda I'm guessing they took the access panel out because I have looked outside and in. Anyway I got the info I need and as I just said, will share if anyone wants or needs to know.
Curlida
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
OK,last one on this inverter. I emailed the WFCO and got a quick response to call them with more info. I did and spoke with John (not sure if ok to give last name on forum) but he was VERY helpful. He explained how the inverter operates in detail. So if any of you would like this info,I will be more than happy to explain. Thanks again to everyone.
Jim-Linda
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2015
If this was an install to replace the RV fridge, the outside access door should still be there. Remove the door(two quarter turn knobs) and unplug the AC cord.

Jim
Curlida
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
Sorry should have proof read first. I meant with PB in, I have display and indicator lights. So sticker labeled, PB out for remote operation is unclear to me and again nothing in manual
Curlida
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
Thanks toolguy5,
I want to share w/ all that are supporting me and maybe some newbies will like this info. After MORE investigating: # 1 what a bad way to mount the inverter. I think I mentioned that I must use a flashlight and mirror to see display and indicator lights. The front faces rear of fifth and close to frame. #2 sticker on Inverter says PB must be out for remote operation, but I'm not sure I'm clear on this, I went and looked again with good morning sun light and mirror and when PB is out the is no display or indicator lights on. W/PB display and ind. lights on. As I'm sure it is the same with many of you, being retired it's harder to keep up with Technology:)
Toolguy5
Explorer III
Jun 08, 2015
When plugged into shore power the inventor should help charge your battery. If you unplug the shore power your battery will still drain after a few days. You will have to disconnect the battery to keep if from drawing.
The invertor has power from battery for the fan to run and everything that is on you 12volt system. Sensors, lights, things like that.
Curlida
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
To 2oldman,
Don't know why I didn't think of kit2 breaker but it shut the fridge off,thanks again. The only other question( and I don't like bothering folks about stuff I should be able to figure, but being a newbie,I guess better safe ....) anyway,is it ok to leave the inverter on,because when I shut it off the fan in back keeps running and nothing in the manual about leaving it on or off.
Curlida
Explorer
Jun 08, 2015
Thank you 2oldman,
I do have a fridge manual and it does say just turn it off,but does not say where? I figure it out eventually. Since I only received one 12v battery, we are looking at the best alternative, solar, 6v battery bank, etc. what makes it a little difficult is we are both on a fixed income,so costs are a factor also.
Appreciate all the good advice here.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 08, 2015
After watching a couple youtube vids, I can see that it's no easy feat turning one of these refers off (which is just weird). You'll have to try flipping breakers, like, the kit2 (likely kitchen) is a good start. I don't recall if you have the refer owner manual, but I'd sure be looking there. Perhaps you can find a manual online. The best I can see online is that you can take it in and out of demo mode, which means it's on, but doesn't cool. It's all very strange to me.

And no, your inverter is not a charger, and I can't say what all it powers without you actually trying everything.

Thanks for providing that info.

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Fridge making bald spot bigger

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