12V - 120V Norcold Fridge.

[thriftydutch]

Last weekend my electric fridge stopped working on 12 volts.It still runs on 120 volt. I called Thetford but they have no parts for this unit anymore. It is 29 years old. Could the problem be the relay which switches the power supply from 12 volts to 120 volts in the power supply unit be the problem. There is 12 volt power coming in.
I know the fridge is old and I should buy a new one but $1500.00 US is a little rich for my blood especially when paying in Canadian dollars.

[Chum_lee]

thriftydutch wrote:
Problem solved. Put in a new relay switch. Works perfect. Good for another 29 years. Thanks everyone.

Was it hard to locate a replacement relay?

No, I found it in our local electronics store here in Toronto

Now that's what I'm talking about. Good work!

Chum lee

[dclark1946]

Curious about how the compressor is powered with the two different power sources.

[thriftydutch]

No, I found it in our local electronics store here in Toronto

[enblethen]

Thanks for the update!
Was it hard to locate a replacement relay?

[thriftydutch]

Problem solved. Put in a new relay switch. Works perfect. Good for another 29 years. Thanks everyone.

[Chum_lee]

The use of compressors, freon, evaporators, etc. in refrigeration has been around since around 1920. Just because the original manufacturer (assembler) of your current refrigerator no longer carries parts for your unit does not imply that they are no longer manufactured or available. Just that the manufacturer no longer supports that model in their current line. Often, I've found that mechanical/electrical parts are available, just not from the most convenient or obvious sources. (cabinet, shelving, latches/hinges, trim, excepted) They won't call you, and, most likely, won't return your calls, or, do your homework for you. (there's no money in it) You have to find and contact them. Google is your friend.


Chum lee

[Matt_Colie]

Dutch,

So what I did when mine was dying, get a small inverter and run it on the 120V out of that. It ran well for a few more years before the compressor took a fatal hit.

Mine was a couple of numbers older, but the same idea.

Matt

[Old-Biscuit]

It's amazing the info that can be available WHEN a model number is provided.

[enblethen]

Page 6 of this manual talks about a relay that automatically switches from 120 volts to 12 volt DC operation. This relay could be bad. There is a fair wiring diagram.
Manual

[thriftydutch]

It is a Norcold DE-704D

[enblethen]

What is your model of refer?
There is places to get parts for many older units.