12VDC to Cockpit Refrigerator

potis

potis

Active Member
Oct 15, 2006
143
San Ramon, CA
Boat Info
1998 400 DA Sundancer
"Soggy Dollar"
Engines
8.1L V-Drives
We have a 1998 400 DA. Came equipped with standard 120VAC icemaker in the cockpit. I want to change it out to a two-way (120VAC/12VDC) refrigerator (which was an upgrade option for this boat when new). I have checked behind the existing ice maker and I do not see any 12VDC source pre-wired. My question is: Rather than installing a new breaker and running a new 12VDC circuit to this location can I piggyback off of 12VDC source that feeds our main refer. in the galley. The existing 12V breaker is 15A and wire size appears to be either 10 or 12G. Both refers would / could be running at the same time on that one breaker. Current main cabin refer. nameplate states that it draws 5.4A at 12V., so I would think the 2nd one in the cockpit would be no more than that, and hopefully less because it is about 1/2 the size. But even if it does draw 5A, that is a total max. load from both refs. of about 10-11 Amps at 12V on a 15A breaker so assuming / hoping it would be OK.
 
I had a '97 400DA. I kind of went the other way when the Norcool failed and put a regular house frig in the main salon. Anyway; the smaller frig should be fine with the power draw on that line. Just make sure you account for the extra power draw when hanging on the hook. Batteries are gonna go a lot faster.
 
potis said:
We have a 1998 400 DA. Came equipped with standard 120VAC icemaker in the cockpit. I want to change it out to a two-way (120VAC/12VDC) refrigerator (which was an upgrade option for this boat when new). I have checked behind the existing ice maker and I do not see any 12VDC source pre-wired. My question is: Rather than installing a new breaker and running a new 12VDC circuit to this location can I piggyback off of 12VDC source that feeds our main refer. in the galley. The existing 12V breaker is 15A and wire size appears to be either 10 or 12G. Both refers would / could be running at the same time on that one breaker. Current main cabin refer. nameplate states that it draws 5.4A at 12V., so I would think the 2nd one in the cockpit would be no more than that, and hopefully less because it is about 1/2 the size. But even if it does draw 5A, that is a total max. load from both refs. of about 10-11 Amps at 12V on a 15A breaker so assuming / hoping it would be OK.
Click to expand...

My bet is that the compressors draw more than that on start up as opposed to steady running draw so a separate breaker is probably the best route. I would want it on a separate breaker regardless.
 
potis said:
We have a 1998 400 DA. Came equipped with standard 120VAC icemaker in the cockpit. I want to change it out to a two-way (120VAC/12VDC) refrigerator (which was an upgrade option for this boat when new). I have checked behind the existing ice maker and I do not see any 12VDC source pre-wired. My question is: Rather than installing a new breaker and running a new 12VDC circuit to this location can I piggyback off of 12VDC source that feeds our main refer. in the galley. The existing 12V breaker is 15A and wire size appears to be either 10 or 12G. Both refers would / could be running at the same time on that one breaker. Current main cabin refer. nameplate states that it draws 5.4A at 12V., so I would think the 2nd one in the cockpit would be no more than that, and hopefully less because it is about 1/2 the size. But even if it does draw 5A, that is a total max. load from both refs. of about 10-11 Amps at 12V on a 15A breaker so assuming / hoping it would be OK.
Click to expand...

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-400ec-thread.13250/page-43
 
When I did mine, I went with a separate breaker fed from the engine room 12v panel.

My slip neighbors is tied to the 12 v from their salon fridge and has no issues. Off the top of my head, the salon fridges draw about 75 watts and the cockpit is about 35 watts. The only issue is voltage drop imo. If it's 10 gauge, your probably ok, would prefer 8awg....
 
potis said:
We have a 1998 400 DA. Came equipped with standard 120VAC icemaker in the cockpit. I want to change it out to a two-way (120VAC/12VDC) refrigerator (which was an upgrade option for this boat when new). I have checked behind the existing ice maker and I do not see any 12VDC source pre-wired. My question is: Rather than installing a new breaker and running a new 12VDC circuit to this location can I piggyback off of 12VDC source that feeds our main refer. in the galley. The existing 12V breaker is 15A and wire size appears to be either 10 or 12G. Both refers would / could be running at the same time on that one breaker. Current main cabin refer. nameplate states that it draws 5.4A at 12V., so I would think the 2nd one in the cockpit would be no more than that, and hopefully less because it is about 1/2 the size. But even if it does draw 5A, that is a total max. load from both refs. of about 10-11 Amps at 12V on a 15A breaker so assuming / hoping it would be OK.
Click to expand...

One breaker on my 12 volt panel covers the salon and cockpit fridges. My boat was equipped with the optional cockpit fridge when new. Pretty sure it’s a 20 amp breaker.
Update: Just checked the parts manual for my boat.
Salon fridge/cockpit icemaker shows 15 amp breaker.
Salon fridge/cockpit fridge shows 20 amp breaker
 
stephens013 said:
I had a '97 400DA. I kind of went the other way when the Norcool failed and put a regular house frig in the main salon. Anyway; the smaller frig should be fine with the power draw on that line. Just make sure you account for the extra power draw when hanging on the hook. Batteries are gonna go a lot faster.
Click to expand...

4 L16 batteries last me very well. . Run genset once or twice a day for an hour to charge and we can stay out as long as we want.
 
JVM225 said:
One breaker on my 12 volt panel covers the salon and cockpit fridges. My boat was equipped with the optional cockpit fridge when new. Pretty sure it’s a 20 amp breaker.
Update: Just checked the parts manual for my boat.
Salon fridge/cockpit icemaker shows 15 amp breaker.
Salon fridge/cockpit fridge shows 20 amp breaker
Click to expand...

So, are you saying you do have two separate breakers, one for salon and one for cockpit?
 
potis said:
So, are you saying you do have two separate breakers, one for salon and one for cockpit?
Click to expand...

I ran everything off the existing wiring. If you do note an issue with them being on the same circuit you can always add an additional breaker. I think you'll be fine.
 
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