Another fridge question
Evening all, Does anyone have any concrete information about how many amps a mid size fridge draws while running, and during startup? About to replace my unfixable Dometic with a residential f...
Forum Discussion
Copperhead wrote:
Dometic makes some really good 12v / 115v compressor style fridges that are far more efficient than residential units. And they are designed as direct fit replacements for typical RV/TT absorption style fridges. On Dometic's site, they say their 8 CF compressor 12v / 115v fridge uses about 9.6ah on DC and about 1ah on AC. Also states about 70w on AC power. They use variable speed compressors for reduced power consumption.
These units are 12v/24v and 114v/240v. They can be switched to what one is using.
The 8 CF compressor fridge actually has more like 10 CF storage capacity since none of the cooling fin stuff and other internal things of an absorption fridge. They just call it a 8 CF fridge to show that it is a direct replacement for a 8 CF absorption model. They also have 6 CF units.
https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/products/food-and-beverage/refrigeration/refrigerators/dometic-americana-dmc-_-143811
Our 7.5 cuft NovaKool 12/120V compressor fridge/freezer that we had for almost 6 years drew 4.4A per amp meter when cycling. 4 6V AGM's and 330W solar kept us from using the genny and we dry camped 98% of the time. Great little unit. Sold the TC and now have a TT with a 6 cuft Norcold which is working fine. Interesting to note that the 9 cuft NovaKool fridge has the same outside dimensions as the 6 cuft Norcold absorbtion fridge.
We can easily handle the power for the 9 cuft compressor fridge if the Norcold poops out with 490W solar and 4 6V GC-2 batteries. We have tested this type of fridge in the real world of long term boondock camping and as long as you are set up proprly from the start, it is a great way to go.
Dave
