Inverter use

America bell · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:56 pm Post subject: Inverter use

I have a 25 cruiser ( recent purchase). I am putting in a refer. I hope to use the inverter to power it. The inverter has a dedicated outlet. I need to use the outlet by the kitchen but it is only shore power. Can I hook the inverter to this outlet as well. Or is it not good to have an outlet that is shore power and inverter. Also. Thanks

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:27 pm Post subject:

You need to install a 12 volt refrigerator. A 120 volt fridge will run off an inverter, but you lose a lot when inverting from 12 volts to 120 volts.

You can look into getting a 12 volt/120 volt Engel or ARB Fridge/Freezer. Many on C-Brats have done it. Very efficient.

Peter & Judy · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:33 am Post subject:

I don't have a refer in my C-Dory but I do have on In my camper. My 2 way ac-propane fridge stopped working on propane, so I decided to upgrade my batteries and try to run it on inverted DC power. Big mistake, too much power loss in the conversion. I now installed a Dometic compressor fridge and in runs perfectly off 180 watts of solar power, with power to spare even in he shade. Buy and DC engel or similar and forget the inventor.

ssobol · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 1:48 am Post subject:

Many options for 12v DC powered fridges.

journey on · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:52 am Post subject:

Journey On has a Norcold refrigerator which runs on 12 VDC and 120 VAC. It does this by having an internal converter which allows either voltage to be used. In 15 years of use, its never failed. Keeps makes Judy happy and the beer cold. Came that way from the factory

BTW, I understood all 25's came with a refrig. At least since 2005. Some people have removed them. We enjoy a refrig because we had to use an ice chest for years.

Boris

thataway · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 7:28 pm Post subject:

I believe refrigerators are still an option. Our 2007 25 did not originally have a refrigerator.

I agree don't try and run a 110 V ref. off an inverter. There are many 12 volt compressor or 12V DC and 120 V AC compressor refer.

You would need a transfer switch if you were to make the one outlet inverter and mains power. Please be very careful, if you don't fully understand the use of 120 V and use of an inverter. Mixing the two without proper switching can be catastrophic.

There are 2 types of refrigeration systems used in the RV world. That is an absorption type of refrigeration, which uses a heater and ammonia gas. These can be 120 V, 12 v and propane. These are NOT suitable to use on a boat.

There are compressor type, and that is what you should be using. There are places to use an inverter, such as powering an induction burner, or microwave. But these take larger inverters and large battery banks.

I realize that it seems one can save some money by using a small 120 V AC type of refrigerator. In the long run it is more expensive, because of the battery power needed.

journey on · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:44 pm Post subject:

Well, I'll be darned. When we bought Journey On from the factory in 2005, the refrig was included, not an option. Just checked the bill of sale. Also no mention of a refrig in the present brochure.

Learn something new every day.

thataway · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2022 10:39 pm Post subject:

journey on · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2022 11:53 am Post subject:

Also, the inverter uses ~0.5 amps (500 milliamps) when it's on standby. Thats 12 amp-hrs per day, used or not.

I keep forgetting to turn off the DC power to the inverter and it keeps chugging away. OK, I'm getting old.

Boris

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2022 2:28 pm Post subject: