Using a modified sine wave inverter on a Frigidaire?

[tporter]

I'm looking into putting a new refrigerator in my motorhome. My inverter output is a modified sine wave. Are any of you using a modified sine wave inverter / charger with a Frigidaire refrigerator? Any problems? The model i'm looking at is LFHT1817.

Thank you

[PaulJ2]

wny_pat wrote:

RJ 2003 Tradition 40 wrote:

Marv Hoag wrote:
I was looking hard at a Fisher & Paykel 17cu ft French Door refrigerator. The measurements were right for a 1200 LRIM swap. Called the manufacturer today. I was informed they would not guarantee the unit if it was used with a MSW inverter, they would guarantee if used with a PSW inverter. Bummer, I have a 2000w MSW inverter. Back to the drawing board.

I'm going to add that the F&P frig has a lot of electronics, so it didn't surprise me that they wanted the PSW.

I'm going to get out my ruler and shoe horn and have another look at the Samsung RF 197. First I'm going to verify for myself that Samsung indeed approves of the MSW inverter.

Here's your answer straight from Ms. Samsung

Samsung MSW inverter question

"Thank you for your question. The modified sine wave should not be an issue since the refrigerator's power supply rectifies the voltage to DC.
- Ms. Samsung"

Huh? Actually the only thing that MIGHT be affected IS the refrigerator's power supply. Oh well.

[tropical36]

What are the pros and cons of running a standard RV elect/gas fridge on a modified sine wave inverter as opposed to a residential type fridge? We can't seem to keep it running on gas when at high altitudes and especially when going down the road.
Don't want to run the gen set unless it's hot enough for the roof a/c, so......

[doc_brown]

smlranger wrote:
I put the same fridge in my previous coach, 18 cu.ft. Frigidaire from Lowes. I called Frigidaire (Electrolux) tech support and was told they recommended pure sine wave to ensure longer component life.

Would it have really made a difference? Not sure. However, considering what I paid for the Norcold to residential swap, I decided not to take the risk. I replaced my old MSW inverter with a Magnum Energy PSW unit.

I will say I immediately noticed that the fridge ran quieter when I made the switch.

Ditto. Just put in a PSW Magnum.

[harold1946]

bluebirdPT36 wrote:
Harold1946,
Why don't you buy a quality VOM, infrared therometer, a MSW and a PSW inverter and run the test? Prove that a MSW inverter is just as good and efficient(or better and more efficient) as a PSW inverter. Report back to us when you are finished with the test.

I would be happy to do testing of inverters and refrigerators. We are at home base for three months each winter and that would be a good projet. I have all the testing equipment needed.
All I need is for you to send me one of each MSW inverter and refrigerator made so I may do a thorough assesment. :B

I almost forgot. You do not need to send an Onan Equinox inverter or an Amana refrigerator, I allready have those.

[harold1946]

tporter wrote:
Thank you for the replies. I have decided which way I will go.

Good luck with your project. You will be very happy with a residendal.

[tporter]

Thank you for the replies. I have decided which way I will go.

[wny_pat1]

RJ 2003 Tradition 40 wrote:

Marv Hoag wrote:
I was looking hard at a Fisher & Paykel 17cu ft French Door refrigerator. The measurements were right for a 1200 LRIM swap. Called the manufacturer today. I was informed they would not guarantee the unit if it was used with a MSW inverter, they would guarantee if used with a PSW inverter. Bummer, I have a 2000w MSW inverter. Back to the drawing board.

I'm going to add that the F&P frig has a lot of electronics, so it didn't surprise me that they wanted the PSW.

I'm going to get out my ruler and shoe horn and have another look at the Samsung RF 197. First I'm going to verify for myself that Samsung indeed approves of the MSW inverter.

Here's your answer straight from Ms. Samsung

Samsung MSW inverter question

"Thank you for your question. The modified sine wave should not be an issue since the refrigerator's power supply rectifies the voltage to DC.
- Ms. Samsung"

[topflite51]

2oldman wrote:

topflite51 wrote:
Peer review? What a joke, at least around here.

Whatever base of information you use to make decisions is fine with me. You do sound pretty angry.

That's funny. I don't agree with you so I sound angry. That's peer review at its finest. All Harold asked for was a link to actual test results, instead all he gets is opinions, and since I agree with him, I'm angry. This all would be funny if it were not so inherently stupid. Yep, good ol' RV Net peer review.

[2oldman]

topflite51 wrote:
Peer review? What a joke, at least around here.

Whatever base of information you use to make decisions is fine with me. You do sound pretty angry.

[the_silverback]

I ran a UL testing lab, It was for air compressors. We did not test and therefore approve use with a modified sine wave. As others have said I would not do it.

[RJ_2003_Traditi]

Marv Hoag wrote:
I was looking hard at a Fisher & Paykel 17cu ft French Door refrigerator. The measurements were right for a 1200 LRIM swap. Called the manufacturer today. I was informed they would not guarantee the unit if it was used with a MSW inverter, they would guarantee if used with a PSW inverter. Bummer, I have a 2000w MSW inverter. Back to the drawing board.

I'm going to add that the F&P frig has a lot of electronics, so it didn't surprise me that they wanted the PSW.

I'm going to get out my ruler and shoe horn and have another look at the Samsung RF 197. First I'm going to verify for myself that Samsung indeed approves of the MSW inverter.

Here's your answer straight from Ms. Samsung

Samsung MSW inverter question

[topflite51]

2oldman wrote:
We have peer review.

So much of peer review around here is tainted. If someone does go against the forum anointed super product they are attacked. Peer review? What a joke, at least around here.

[harold1946]

Rich D. wrote:

2oldman wrote:
If MSW works for you, great. A good PSW is much less risk. Not zero, less. I think it's only fair to people reading this that they're aware of that.

X2, exactly!

Harold1946, don't expect others to do your research for you. I find much testing and documentation on sites that support "off the grid" living. I'm sure you can find them too if you really want to. There is only one type of PURE sine wave inverter which almost exactly duplicates 120 VAC household power and then there are many types Modified square wave inverters. The better the MSW, the more steps it makes to approximate a pure sine wave thereby the fewer chances of over-heating, higher power consumption and reduced motor life. MSW inverters are NOT created equally.

And, of course (like the TV commercial with the young lady and the "French Model" date) just because it is on the internet does not make it true. 14 years is a long time in the world of electronics. If your setup worked for you all this time, great. It does not mean a new energy efficient refrigerator won't be harmed by a bad MSW inverter while costing more battery consumption at the same time.

I simply asked for onereference of a link to the " thousands of them" you say are available. I would have thought you would be willing to share.
Northern Arizna Wind & Sun does not do this type of testing. I have been doing business with them since 1983. They designed the solar system for my S&B and MH. If you check with them,they will inform you that there have been several improvments to MSW inverters in the last decade, making them produce much cleaner power.
FYI; My 2009 coach has a MSW inverter powering an Amana energy star refer, an Amana 1500 watt microwave, 32" LG LED TV.
I will agree that there are bad MSW inverters, but there are also bad SW inverters.
Why in the world are you a member here if you are not willing to share information :S
I might add there are 140 Siena motorhomes, all having MSW inverters, some even with washers and dryers.

[2oldman]

topflite51 wrote:
. Or is it just an old wives tale that PSW is better than MSW?

No, it's usually an old RVers tale that certain things don't perform well on MSW.

There have been many posts on here about it. It may be a refer or a TV or a Microwave, but I can't recall a single one about how something didn't work well on PSW. Since this thread is about refrigerators, my recollection is that most do work ok on MSW. Other things, not so well, and many people run everything on the inverter, not just the refer.

We don't need no stinkin' studies. We have peer review. If that doesn't convince you, then that's just fine with me.