fairway2002 wrote:
just a FYI Defrost Cycle does also take care of you frost free option
Sort of.
So called "frost free" fridges are not really "frost free"..
Instead they should be called "automatic defrost" fridges.
Manual defrost fridges typically have the cooling coils exposed to the inside of the fridge.
"Frost free" fridges HIDE the coiling coils behind a false wall in the back of the freezer. The fridge and freezer air is circulated by a small fan located at the coils in the freezer.
These coils will build up frost and eventually the frost turns to ice from the on/off cycles of the compressor. As ice builds you get less cooling resulting in longer compressor on times.
Hence the need for a defrost cycle..
To make the defrost cycle faster the coils are equipped with a small 200W-250W heating element. When defrost cycle is on, the compressor is turned off and the heating element is turned on.
Defrost cycle only happens when the fridge T stat calls for cooling AND the timer has timed out the 10hrs or so of compressor run time.
By adding a switch to disable the defrost cycle I am reducing the chance of the defrost heater using up extra battery capacity while I am traveling and or overnighting. This allows me to run with only one pair of GC batteries instead of two pairs and not having to worry about running out of battery when overnighting due to an unexpected defrost cycle. A significant savings in weight and cost.
I have also tested how long I can allow the defrost cycle to be turned off before the ice builds up too much.. Typically 5 to 6 days, any more than that the compressor will start running longer and things in the freezer like ice cream get too soft.
It will not cause any harm by TEMPORARILY disabling the defrost cycle for a few days.
I simply turn off the defrost when I disconnect from shore power, I leave it off while I am driving and even when stopping overnight without shore power.. Once I get to my destination with shore power I turn the defrost back on..
The main thing is to remember to switch the defrost back on.
