New to this - Norcold running only on DC?

tegdesign · Oct 14, 2014

I've only owned my boat for a couple of weeks. So much to figure out!! So I'm new to most systems on board.

One of my concerns is that my Norcold fridge is currently only running on DC. I have no generator, but a 2000w inverter/charger. This is something that's on my list to figure out this winter.

My concern is this is going to be hard on my batteries even though I'm usually plugged into shore power. It seems that a constant drain on the batteries to run the fridge and consequently inverter/charger constantly topping up the batteries is going to be hard on them. Am I right?

O C Diver · Oct 14, 2014

Not really a problem as the batteries aren't draining when you are hooked to shore power. The inverter / battery charger acts as a power supply to feed the fridge. When underway, the alternator on the engine does the same thing. The only time you draw down the batteries is when you aren't hooked to shore power and the engine isn't running.

Ted

DavidM · Oct 14, 2014

Ted is correct.

First check to make sure the AC breaker that feeds the fridge is on. Then look to see where it is plugged in. Sometimes you have to pull the fridge out because the outlet is directly behind it, sometimes accessible nearby.

Plug in an AC light or something to confirm that the AC outlet is hot.

David

rochepoint · Oct 14, 2014

tegdesign said:
I've only owned my boat for a couple of weeks. So much to figure out!! So I'm new to most systems on board.

One of my concerns is that my Norcold fridge is currently only running on DC. I have no generator, but a 2000w inverter/charger. This is something that's on my list to figure out this winter.

My concern is this is going to be hard on my batteries even though I'm usually plugged into shore power. It seems that a constant drain on the batteries to run the fridge and consequently inverter/charger constantly topping up the batteries is going to be hard on them. Am I right?

Our NovaCool fridge/freezer is only 12 volt always on 24/7/365. The inverters charger looks after the batteries on shore power, the alternator when motoring and the batteries when anchored. We usually get 3/4 days at anchor before having to charge using the genset to power the inverters charger. Is your fridge dual 12volt DC/120volt AC or just straight 12volt like ours?

Welcome aboard

tegdesign · Oct 14, 2014

My fridge is supposed to be 12 / 110. I've made sure the appropriate circuits were on. Next step is pulling the unit out of the casework to see if there is a cord unplugged.

bligh · Oct 14, 2014

tegdesign said:
I've only owned my boat for a couple of weeks. So much to figure out!! So I'm new to most systems on board.

One of my concerns is that my Norcold fridge is currently only running on DC. I have no generator, but a 2000w inverter/charger. This is something that's on my list to figure out this winter.

My concern is this is going to be hard on my batteries even though I'm usually plugged into shore power. It seems that a constant drain on the batteries to run the fridge and consequently inverter/charger constantly topping up the batteries is going to be hard on them. Am I right?

How do you know its only running on DC?

tegdesign · Oct 14, 2014

Because it turns off when I turn off the DC circuits, but the AC circuit is on.

MurrayM · Oct 14, 2014

Hi tegdesign, welcome aboard

Say, did you take your avatar using film? Pentax 6x7? Mamiya 7? LF?

New to this - Norcold running only on DC?

tegdesign

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O C Diver

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DavidM

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rochepoint

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tegdesign

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bligh

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tegdesign

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MurrayM

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