RV Residential Refrigerators

John & Angela wrote:

justme wrote:
It is said the sine wave inverters are better the modified inverters. However, I have been powering my cabin's refer, lights, computers and furnace for 5 years with a modified sine wave inverter (Xantrex 3kw) and have no problems. I guess because theory is better than real life to some. Also, some refrigerators require 8-10 amps at 120vac(100+amp @ 12v) and I wonder how the life of the vehicle alternator is affected by this intermittent power draw from the batteries while driving.

Good afternoon "justme". Yes in many cases modified sine wave inverters do a fine job, however with a 120 volt AC motor on many residential fridges (not all) a sine wave inverter will do a better job.

Also you may have slipped a decimal point on the power usage of a modern compressor type fridge. Although there was a time when they did indeed draw that much power, a modern residential fridge will draw around 1 amp of power when running and actually only runs about 20 minutes out of the hour.

Cheers.

J and A

I don't think I slipped a decimal point because I was reading the label on many units at the RV show. The current drain ranged from 2-10 amps at 120vac. Where did you get your information from? Also 4 door absorption units draw 5.5 amps at 120vac and 2.2 amps at 12vdc on propane. Also, every residential unit will operate properly with modified sine inverters-- albeit slightly less efficiently, but not worth noting. Also, if your can identify what residential units will draw around 1 amp, I would be greatly interested.