Gas regulator 11" vs 13" WC??

[Joe417]

Had an issue the passed week with fridge not holding temp while traveling.

Got home, checked everything out and regulator measured 8" WC. This was an almost new regulator which worked a bit over 1 year. It would not adjust any higher.

Re-installed the original 10 year old regulator which measured about 11.5" WC. Fridge is back up and running.

In doing this I noticed Norcold specifies 13" WC requirement. I may not have been paying close attention, but I've never noticed anyone talking about setting their regulator at 13". I found some info that 10" to 14" was the acceptable appliance design spec.

I notice that all the regulators I could find info on are set to 11" from the factory.

Anyone know of why we use 11" as the general standard if the fridge is designed for optimum operation at 13"?


By the way, 8" WC at my Norcold N641 set to max would maintain 40* to 45* depending on the outside temp. At ambient temp of ~92*, 11.5" WC will hold 32* with control set to 7.

[Joe417]

I gave Northwood Mfg. a call today and let them know that all their TC owners manuals incorrectly called out 13" WC as gas regulator pressure. Should be 11.

This was on page 6 of the 2 older TC manuals and page 9 of the 2 newer manuals.

I didn't check the TT and FW manuals.

[nineoaks2004]

WC should be at 11.0 to 11.5 that is pretty standard.

[time2roll]

If you want a new regulator I recommend Cavagna brand.

[Joe417]

I stand corrected.

I'm going to blame this one on the wife, as she was reading the info to me and then pointed to it and said "see". I know better than to argue. Thought it best to ask here first.

Norcold manual specifies 11" WC.

She had the camper manual reading Northwood's take on the LP gas system. Page 6 of the June 2004 manual. I wonder if they've corrected it since then?

[dougrainer]

Below is from Norcolds Service manual and this is also listed on the Refer DATA tag on the inside of the refer. Doug
LP gas (propane) Operating pressure-----10.5 to 11.5 in. w.c.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Exactly where did you notice the 13" WC spec ? 🙂

[Old-Biscuit]

Never seen a statement specifying 13" WC for ANY RV absorption fridge by ANY mfg.

10.5" to 11.5" operating range for water heaters, stove top burners/ovens & fridges etc
Orifices have been designed for this specification in order to properly mix with air supply (fuel/air ratio is very narrow)

Where did you read this 'Norcold specifies 13" WC requirement'?
Got a LINK


Biggest issue with absorption fridge cooling abilities are due to RV MFG NOT properly installing them (tight clearances/proper draft--air flow) as required by the Fridge MFG.


BTW......11" WC is standard for residential applications also