Inverter for fridge ?

[Quint4]

I just got a new to me '92 290da. Previous owner replaced the 12v fridge with a 110v model. it is small 1.8 cu ft. Can I just install an inverter to run it of of house batteries ? We liked our Norcold 12v fridge on our previous boat...used it all the time.

 

[NoWakey]

The short answer is, yes you can.
But, there is much to know about installing an inverter on a boat. There have been some very good discussions on the subject on this board. I would suggest doing a search for the subject and you will find plenty of information to go through.
Before you even get started on the process I would call, or email the manufacturer of the refrigerator and find out if the compressor motor will be happy operating on a modified sine wave power supply, or does it need to have true sine wave power to operate properly. This will give you direction on what type of inverter you will be shopping for.
I'm sure you will have plenty of information to go on from this tread.

P.S., By the time you get an inverter properly installed on a boat you may be quickly arriving at the cost of just replacing the refrigerator with a dual voltage model.

Jim

 

[Quint4]

thanks Jim...I have read through the inverter threads and have a good idea....My small Norcold fridge on my last boat would run all night off of house battery with no problem. I am wondering if I will get similar performance/battery life from this small fridge with an inverter...I got some homework to do. I am going out to the boat now to snoop around...it is going to be 42 degrees here today !

 

[JV II]

thanks Jim...I have read through the inverter threads and have a good idea....My small Norcold fridge on my last boat would run all night off of house battery with no problem. I am wondering if I will get similar performance/battery life from this small fridge with an inverter...I got some homework to do. I am going out to the boat now to snoop around...it is going to be 42 degrees here today !

Something else to consider: You will lose efficiency using the inverter to run the fridge vs. a 12V direct hook-up. There will be loss from resistance in the extra lines to the inverter, loss through heat generated by the inverter, and loss from the fan motor cooling the inverter. A battery running a 12V fridge will will last longer than a battery running the same sized 110V AC fridge.

 

[Quint4]

Yeah from what I'm reading it appears it will be more of a battery draw than a 12v fridge....darn !