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filrupmark's avatar
filrupmark
Explorer
Sep 05, 2016

Inverter/small refrigerator

We purchased a 4.3cuft. Whirlpool refrigerator for additional refrigerator space. I want to install an inverter for traveling. Our rig currently has dual AGM batteries . The tag on the frig states .8 amp draw ? Really ! Seems lower than I thought it would be. Anyway I was thinking about a 1000 watt inverter with a double pole double throw switch for switching from inverter to shore power while hooked up. Only one circuit from my breaker panel will be hooked to the inverter. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    My 18 CF Vestfrost refrigerator consumes 88 A/H (44 @ 24V) in 24 hours in a 90F tropical climate. This post is merely and only for information and perspective about the value of insulation. It is a 400 lb monster :)
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    From my reading and searching, the smaller friges seem to be the least efficient unless you get into the big money units.
    This is correct. The power to box space ratio is better with a larger fridge. This may have something to do with lack of insulation in the smaller fridges but is also likely a product of having to power a similar sized compressor, no matter the size of the box.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    My little dorm fridge draws 80W when running. The start-up draw is considerably higher. A 600W Samlex inverter wouldn't handle the start-up draw. A 1000W Xantrex handles it easily.

    They do make a single circuit 15 amp transfer switch for not much money. That may be cheap insurance against an inadvertent switch position. I just unplug from the house receptacle and plug directly into the inverter but my inverter is close to the fridge location.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Sep 05, 2016
    Yep approx 110 watts inverter use to output 96w fridge use
    About the same as our 7.6cuft fridge
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    filrupmark wrote:
    That was a point 8 amp draw . .8 amp

    that's why i deleted my response...i misread your post. even f your fridge draws a larger load than .8-amps at startup a 1000-watt inverter should be sufficient.
  • rk911's avatar
    rk911
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2016
    filrupmark wrote:
    We purchased a 4.3cuft. Whirlpool refrigerator for additional refrigerator space. I want to install an inverter for traveling. Our rig currently has dual AGM batteries . The tag on the frig states .8 amp draw ? Really ! Seems lower than I thought it would be. Anyway I was thinking about a 1000 watt inverter with a double pole double throw switch for switching from inverter to shore power while hooked up. Only one circuit from my breaker panel will be hooked to the inverter. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

    deleted post.

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