12 volt dc / 120 ac appliance

[dave17352]

My dan foss 12 volt refer also switches to 120 when plugged in. So which is better. 12 volt dc or using my 2000 watt inverter and running it on AC.

This model draws 5 to 6 amps DC. I have a 8 gauge wire about 8 foot long running to the refer for DC.

Thanks

Dave

[MEXICOWANDERER]

My 24-volt only system was claimed to be 11% more efficient than using AC straight. The inverter wants it's cut of the percentage too. Too many conversions to be efficient. That's why I went single-power source.

[ktmrfs]

I'd make two measurements

1) with a DC hall effect clamp on ammeter measure the current draw when running on DC.
2) Using the same meter Then measure the draw on the inverter 12V input when running on the inverter.

whichever is lower is the way to run it.

[theoldwizard1]

dave17352 wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Run it on DC !

Now I will really confuse you !! The Danfoss "control box" actually convert 12VDC to 3 phase AC.

I kinda wondered how that happened. !

3 phase AC is MUCH more efficient than single phase (no "coasting" after the peaks and valleys). The cost difference in the inverter is not that significant.

Danfoss has been bought and sold several times in the past 5-10 years. The brand names seems to be fading but it has an excellent reputation.

[MitchF150]

Yeah, I knew that... Just trying to lighten things up a bit! 🙂

Mitch

[Kayteg1]

Read the fridge label.
On my Dometic 120v offers 2.7 amp=320w when
12C takes 18W = 216W.
Going now to Alaska, the 216W might be enough, but in the past traveling southern states, I rather take 320W power over 216W.
My truck has build-in inverter, so I have no problem to use any of them, so the cooling power is my only criteria.
Still I am too lazy to run additional wires and switch it to propane.

[dave17352]

My nova kool switches to ac power when ever I am on shore power. Mitch you are talking a propane fridge I am talking a compressor fridge. But I think you new that. 🙂

[MitchF150]

I run mine on 12v all the time... It's just the heat to make it work comes from the propane tank... 😉

Mitch

[wa8yxm]

I run mine on DC because AC is not always there but DC is... I do keep an AC cord about however because.. Well I've had a couple times DC wasn't (Due to cable failure) but Mine draws only about 3-4 amps. And when I unplug from teh park and hit the road. It keeps right on freezing.

[dave17352]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Run it on DC !

Now I will really confuse you !! The Danfoss "control box" actually convert 12VDC to 3 phase AC.

I kinda wondered how that happened. !

[theoldwizard1]

Run it on DC !

Now I will really confuse you !! The Danfoss "control box" actually convert 12VDC to 3 phase AC.

[Lwiddis]

What is the efficiency of your inverter?