using power inverter for refrigator.

**polarcrafter** · 06-28-2009, 09:43 AM

This is not a fishing question, but with the knowledge of electronics on the board I hope someone could help me out.

I want to get a small refrigator to use on a pontoon or in my truck camper shell for over night or longer trips. I have looked at the 12v models but have found that 110v models offer more space and are less in cost. I know that the larger the unit the more power it will take to cool. I would like to know if the 110v unit running off an inverter will take more power from the battery to operate than a 12v assuming both units are equal in size and cooling capacity. Has anyone tried using an inverter for this type of power source???Any experiences or information will be appreciated.

**Barnacle Bill** · 06-28-2009, 11:10 AM

To give you a good answer we need more info. What is the power output of the inverter? How much power does the 110 fridge require? (inverter has to be higher than the fridge) How much power does the 12V fridge require? (what size battery would it be connected to?)

**cook** · 06-28-2009, 03:13 PM

might be better to buy a used gas generator

**polarcrafter** · 06-28-2009, 03:16 PM

A group 31 d/cycle will be providing the 12v power, The inverter I have is rated output of 400/800 watts at 115 volts ac. I do not know what the power consumption would be for either of the refrigators; but was hoping that someone might have some knowledge of the power usage of each. There are other variables that would be involved; such as, ambient temperature, temp. settings, items being cooled etc. If the converter can be used to power a 110v unit then it could be used in my shop to store beverages when not on the boat. Hope this will help some, thanks!!!

**Arkie John** · 06-28-2009, 03:21 PM

I don't know the answer to your question, but it reminded me of an "ice chest" I saw at WM that was battery operated. That just might be the ticket.

If I was going to attempt to use a 110v on my 'toon, I'd probably use it with two large capacity 12v batteries...one at a time (for space considerations).

I have a 400 watt inverter that I use for running a small fan on those really hot days. I run it off my cranking battery.

I know there are folks on here that can calculate the drain of the frig when you're able to give them the additional information. I'd be interested to know as well.

I think I might just look into that battery-operated ice chest myself.

aj

**Cane Pole** · 06-28-2009, 07:46 PM

Inrush current would be a problem. Takes a lot of I to get the compressor churning. I have a 1000w inverter to run my electric chain saw which is rated at 7.5 amps. Sometimes the circuit breaker trips when I push the go switch on the saw.

The less expensive inverters produce a modified sine wave. Be sure what you buy can run off the modified sine wave. Some devices will not work, or won't work properly. Ask first.

**Shellback** · 06-30-2009, 05:06 PM

For a pontoon boat, I'd go with an RV fridge. They will work on 12v or propane, but the propane is much more efficient! I'd think you would need a few batteries in a bank to run a 110v fridge using an inverter, and even then they would probably only last a day.

**CatFan** · 07-04-2009, 10:42 PM

Look at the specs on the refrigerator. Someplace it will list either current in Amps or power in Watts. That is the number required to figure out if it would work.

**EJL** · 08-01-2009, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by polarcrafter

This is not a fishing question, but with the knowledge of electronics on the board I hope someone could help me out.

I want to get a small refrigator to use on a pontoon or in my truck camper shell for over night or longer trips. I have looked at the 12v models but have found that 110v models offer more space and are less in cost. I know that the larger the unit the more power it will take to cool. I would like to know if the 110v unit running off an inverter will take more power from the battery to operate than a 12v assuming both units are equal in size and cooling capacity. Has anyone tried using an inverter for this type of power source???Any experiences or information will be appreciated.

I thought I answered this earlier, but I guess I lost it. After being at wal-mart today and looking at refrig. I could carry around for $69, I say go for it. You will get enough time out of one before it quits, when it does go get another one. I had it figured that you need at least 2000 watt inverter to run a ref pulling 6amp and 12amp on start up. I try to figure on the high side so you might use a 1500watt and get buy and save some money. No matter what you get, use #12 wire, #14 would probably get you by depending on distance from inverter to ref. Can't be to far on a boat. My experence,ref. don't like inverters. The ref. are cheap, might even save some by finding one in a garage sale. RV ref. are charged with ammonia and have to use steel tubing for the condenser and steel don't like water, they will rust out and leak. Hope this helps.
EJL

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