Norcold moisture reduction heater switch

[dclark1946]

Just completed our initial checkout of our new KZ Spree 263 RKS on a two day campout. I have been going through all the manuals and was specifically looking for location of the fridge moisture reduction heater switch. The manual for this N811 F mentions the heater but nothing about a switch to disable it like our previous Norcold on our 2007 Spree. Anyone know how to disable the heater to reduce power consumption?

Also this fridge appears to have the optional fan that I can hear come on periodically. The schematic shows a temp switch in series so I am assuming this operates when the outside temp goes above a certain set point.

[dclark1946]

johnm1 wrote:
Has anyone figured out how to add an on/off switch to the Norcold N811 fridges?

I think it would go in the exterior service panel area. I have not got to serious about putting one in since we did ok on our first (for our new trailer)2 week dry camping trip last summer. Our DC current consumption is higher but our battery and daily charging seems to be adequate.

[johnm1]

Has anyone figured out how to add an on/off switch to the Norcold N811 fridges?

[opnspaces]

According to the linked guide from Soundguy it's the divider heater. #8 circled on the last page.

[xyzHollyxyz]

I found this. If I read it correctly, your heater amp draw is minimal...(scroll to page 4)

Norcold Manual

[dclark1946]

johnm1 wrote:

SoundGuy wrote:
Page 5 of this Norcold N61X / N81X fridge owner's manual clearly indicates it does have what Norcold calls a "moisture reduction heater". My recollection is that the Norcold in our previous KZ Spree, probably an N611, had this climate control circuit but I don't recall if it had a switch to turn it off.

OK - I've been all over the fridge and haven't seen a switch (anywhere on the doors or inside the fridge itself). I haven't looked behind the vent panel outside though. Anyone know how to disconnect this "moisture reduction heater" on the Norcold N811 units?

Well that was my original question. I think there is no switch unless you add it. Our Norcold in our 2007 KZ Spree had a switch in the door jam area.

[johnm1]

SoundGuy wrote:
Page 5 of this Norcold N61X / N81X fridge owner's manual clearly indicates it does have what Norcold calls a "moisture reduction heater". My recollection is that the Norcold in our previous KZ Spree, probably an N611, had this climate control circuit but I don't recall if it had a switch to turn it off.

OK - I've been all over the fridge and haven't seen a switch (anywhere on the doors or inside the fridge itself). I haven't looked behind the vent panel outside though. Anyone know how to disconnect this "moisture reduction heater" on the Norcold N811 units?

[Joe_Way]

SoundGuy wrote:
...I added my own switch....

Surprised you don't have an LED bulb in there...

[SoundGuy]

johnm1 wrote:
I thought the Norcold fridges didn't have the door seal heater.

Page 5 of this Norcold N61X / N81X fridge owner's manual clearly indicates it does have what Norcold calls a "moisture reduction heater". My recollection is that the Norcold in our previous KZ Spree, probably an N611, had this climate control circuit but I don't recall if it had a switch to turn it off.

[SoundGuy]

dclark1946 wrote:
Where did you locate your switch?

Where? :h Click on the link - switch is clearly shown in the pic. 😉

[johnm1]

I thought the Norcold fridges didn't have the door seal heater.

[dclark1946]

SoundGuy wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Norcold did away with on/off switch for the door flap heater.

Must be a conspiracy :W ... schematics for my own Dometic DM2652 indicate the fridge clearly has a climate control circuit and a switch on the eyebrow to turn it on/off but no way, no how does my particular fridge have that switch so I added my own switch. If the OP's Norcold likewise lacks a switch I'd imagine the same mod could be done with it as well.

That is what I have in mind if it looks like power consumption is excessive when we are dry camping.

Where did you locate your switch?

[SoundGuy]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Norcold did away with on/off switch for the door flap heater.

Must be a conspiracy :W ... schematics for my own Dometic DM2652 indicate the fridge clearly has a climate control circuit and a switch on the eyebrow to turn it on/off but no way, no how does my particular fridge have that switch so I added my own switch. If the OP's Norcold likewise lacks a switch I'd imagine the same mod could be done with it as well.

[Old-Biscuit]

dclark1946 wrote:

I guess the condenser fin temp will be somewhat dependent on the outside ambient temp?

Any idea how much current the door flap heater draws?

Flap heater.........0.25A
Fan.................0.36A


Condenser fin temp.....
Fan ON >130*F
Fan OFF <115*F

[dclark1946]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Norcold did away with on/off switch for the door flap heater.
But heater only operates when fridge is ON :S

Fan is controlled by snap-disc t-stat attached to condenser fin and closes/opens based on condenser fin temp ---not ambient air temps

I guess the condenser fin temp will be somewhat dependent on the outside ambient temp?

Any idea how much current the door flap heater draws?