Forum Discussion

TenOC's avatar
TenOC
Nomad
Jul 30, 2016

Refigerator light off switch ????

I have a Norcold Model 821 refrigerator. When I close the door the internal light goes off -- like it should.

I am wanting to mount a small 12 volt fan inside my ref to allow for better cooling. I plan to mount it to the switch that controls the internal light. The problem, I can not find any "door switch" . . :h

A friend suggest simply connect to the wire that powers the light, but if I do that the fan will not run when the door is closed. . . . :h . . . :h


Question, do RV refrigerators use some other method to turn the light off when the door is closed. Or where or where do they hid the switch?

5 Replies

  • TenOC's avatar
    TenOC
    Nomad
    Jul 30, 2016
    Joe417 wrote:
    On my N621, 12V runs to the light and the door switch controls ground.

    I never thought that ground could be controlled by the door switch. It will be safe since it is only 12 VDC.

    I hooked the fan to the 12V side of the light and grounded the fan to the evap cooling fins. That is what my friend was saying, but I did not believe him. I am glad to know that it works.



    Problem solved Thanks
  • Joe417's avatar
    Joe417
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2016
    On my N621, 12V runs to the light and the door switch controls ground.

    I hooked the fan to the 12V side of the light and grounded the fan to the evap cooling fins.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2016
    I had the same problem on our previous trailer. Had to run the wire through the back of the frig and down to the control board to pick up the power needed for the fan.

    I could not fish the wire through the drain tube so I VERY CAREFULLY drilled a small hole through the back of the frig. Be careful and don't drill into something that will toast your frig.

    I have a lot of tools and used my video inspection camera to make sure I had a clear and safe path....again be careful.. Doable, but can turn into an "interesting" and somewhat challenging project.
  • cbshoestring's avatar
    cbshoestring
    Explorer II
    Jul 30, 2016
    TenOC wrote:
    I have a Norcold Model 821 refrigerator. When I close the door the internal light goes off -- like it should.

    Are you sure it goes out...:B

    A friend suggest simply connect to the wire that powers the light, but if I do that the fan will not run when the door is closed. . . . :h . . . :h

    It is possible that there is constant power within the light box. That power goes "thru" the box to the switch---back to the lamp.

    A quick search on Youtube shows such a mod on an atwood...




  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 30, 2016
    Lamp Assembly
    The operation of the fresh food compartment 12 Vdc
    lamp is controlled by a magnet activated reed relay
    switch. The switch is in the optical control circuit
    board and the magnet is permanently mounted on the
    underside of the door's top trim piece.

    Run wires down thru drip pan drain hole and hose into outside compartment. Connect to 12V DC power source....on/off switch with 1A in-line fuse.

    (Drill 1/4" hole in drain hose approx 2" above drip cup so hose can remain in drip cup and wires exit drain hose)

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,349 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 16, 2026