Forum Discussion

wbbeesley's avatar
wbbeesley
Explorer
Jul 12, 2013

norcold vs domestic refrig

i have two questions I had a Norcold and never made any noise my new camper has a domestic and when on gas, it sounds like motor running when it kicks on. is this normal?

what does the 12v battery actual control on the refig. if the battery is low it will not light even when I hear the ignition kick on and the flame actually for a few seconds. I low battery lights the ignition but not the refrig. is there a gas valve the electricity opens? just trying to understand how it works.

it also appears the domestic draws more electricity. just curious. I took it back and they heard nothing and charged me 20 dollars because no warranty work was done.
  • wbbeesley's avatar
    wbbeesley
    Explorer
    Jul 12, 2013
    thank you for the information
    The refrig is in a slideout of a SP260 Surveyor. the fan makes sense for both reasons the noise and the slight more draw on the system. We like the camper but we have already decided the next slideout will not be the kitchen and a 5th wheel trailer.

    next step is find a way to turn off the radio back light. it is like a flood light. I like it dark when I sleep and do not use the radio when boomdoging.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jul 12, 2013
    Some fridges have "mullion heaters" which keep condensation off the door gasket surfaces. If you new one has that feature, it'll pull more power than you're used to with a fridge that doesn't have it. Or has it turned off.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 12, 2013
    You have to have a good 12V supply for it to work.
    I suspect the motor sound is a fan the coach manufacturer installed to aid in circulation. Otherwise all you should ever hear is a faint gurgle now and then.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jul 12, 2013
    DOMETIC :B

    BOTH Norcold and Dometic will draw about the same 12 volts and 120 when on 120. Depending on your model and installation, you MAY have a 12 volt cooling fan in the rear that runs when the back side of the refer gets hot enough. Yes, the 12 volts operates the controls and the Gas Valve solenoid. But uses milliamps. IF your refer is in a slide room, then the odds are you have a cooling fan. Doug
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Jul 12, 2013
    We have a norcold and I know the 12V controls the control panel on the front of the frig. Without 12 v the frig will not operate.

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