Hi, I have been chasing a perplexing problem for awhile now so though I ask for group input.I have a Norcold (model N611) refrigerator that generates RFI whichmanifests its self on the AM broadcast band as an ~3Khz tone.It is radiated from, I believe, the 12 volt power lines to the refrigerator power supply. I have tried:- snap on RF chokes on all leads- Aluminum foil shielding of the refrigerator power supply- 0.047 uF caps across the power leads and to groundHas anyone else had, and solved, a problem like this? And if so what was your solution.Thanks,SteveOn edit, I forgot to mention that I am using a portable radio (not the built in radio) to track the RFI.

Well that's a bizarre one!Does it do it if your on propane or just with the 120V heater?Scott

Scott,The RFI is present only when running on gas. When I turn on the refrigerator (on gas) the light comes on, but no RFI until the solenoid closes a second or two later.I wrapped the solenoid real well with Al foil, but no reduction in RFI was noted.Steve

What is your problem????? What does the RFI do that is causing a problem????? Doug

Oh the joys of modern electronics. I had a problem of the control module in the Atwood water heater messing up my rear view camera. Fixed it with a filter meant for car stereos in the water heater's DC power feed. Just a shot in the dark, may or may not help in your case.

Wow, I have no idea then other than you could shot gun the solenoid.Good luck!

Refrigerator RFI | Good Sam Community

SteveAE
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Wayne,

Thanks. I will give something like this a try.

Steve
Wayne_Dohnal
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
The noise filter I used is this one http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL-S-10ADS-/60-1050 . I originally got it to get rid of alternator noise in an amp and it did the job. One catch is that mine is about 20 years old, so maybe the current ones are the same and maybe they're not. Looks like they also have 15 and 25 amp versions. I spotted them also on Crutchfield and ebay.
dougrainer
Nomad
Feb 02, 2014
Run a 12 volt battery wire direct from the battery positive post to the refer 12 volt input and see if the rfi goes away. Doug
SteveAE
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
SaltiDawg,

Yea, I have been working through Google. Good idea on the local car radio installer.

Steve
SaltiDawg
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
GOOGLE on: car radio rfi filter

Crutchfield has a decent discussion and offers up some $10-$20 filters.

Your best bet might be to visit a local auto stereo/electronics installer.

I'm currently dealing with an RFI problem between my Dash Cam and my Garmin GPS. Borrowing tinfoil from my helmet is helping.
SteveAE
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Wayne,

Yea, "oh-joy".
Do you happen recall any specifics about the part you used for your h2o heater?
I have been thinking about building a L or pi filter with a RFC and some caps, but I hate to, as Scott says, "shot gun" it into all the various wires...to say nothing about getting it tuned to the right frequency in the first place.

Steve
ScottG
Nomad
Feb 02, 2014
Wow, I have no idea then other than you could shot gun the solenoid.
Good luck!
Wayne_Dohnal
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Oh the joys of modern electronics. I had a problem of the control module in the Atwood water heater messing up my rear view camera. Fixed it with a filter meant for car stereos in the water heater's DC power feed. Just a shot in the dark, may or may not help in your case.
dougrainer
Nomad
Feb 02, 2014
What is your problem????? What does the RFI do that is causing a problem????? Doug
SteveAE
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
Scott,

The RFI is present only when running on gas.
When I turn on the refrigerator (on gas) the light comes on, but no RFI until the solenoid closes a second or two later.
I wrapped the solenoid real well with Al foil, but no reduction in RFI was noted.

Steve

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