DC compressor fridge power usage question
Hey guys - Looking for some help on a fridge topic. First post and have been reading as much as possible on this forum as well as others on the topic... has been very helpful. Quick summary of my ...
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I have a NovaKool, I believe it is 4.3 cf. The unit works great at moderate temperatures with compressor use of 30-50%. When the ambient temps increase into the 80 degree range the unit runs almost constantly. I was really surprised at the difference especially because mine is surrounded by additional insulation. Be sure you have plenty of ventilation around the unit. I hooked up a couple of computer fans to keep air moving past the compressor fins.
I believe the unit pulls about 3.5 amps so on a hot day you will pull 60 A/H or perhaps even more. On cooler days you will be as low as 20 AH. 40 AH is probably average. Be sure you use heavy gauge wiring. My unit was at the opposite side from the batteries and was installed by the Northstar with 10 gauge wiring. I had a drop of about 0.5 volts at the refrigerator. I rewired with 6 gauge. Some people (even manufacturers) seem to think that you only need light wiring for 12v use. The opposite is true. To prevent voltage drop due to resistance, you need very heavy gauge wiring for 12v applications.
I believe the unit pulls about 3.5 amps so on a hot day you will pull 60 A/H or perhaps even more. On cooler days you will be as low as 20 AH. 40 AH is probably average. Be sure you use heavy gauge wiring. My unit was at the opposite side from the batteries and was installed by the Northstar with 10 gauge wiring. I had a drop of about 0.5 volts at the refrigerator. I rewired with 6 gauge. Some people (even manufacturers) seem to think that you only need light wiring for 12v use. The opposite is true. To prevent voltage drop due to resistance, you need very heavy gauge wiring for 12v applications.
