Norcold DE-0061, does not work on 120V

[LMBoat]

Hi All,

The fridge/freezer works on 12v, just stopped working on 120 v. I have a part # 169000600 for this power supply (it does not output anything, checked all the connections, fuses, etc.,), but can't find one. Does anyone have a good source for it? And I'm assuming this power supply inputs 120 vac and outputs 12v DC? If so, can I just use a transformer to do the same job?

Thanks for any comments and help.

Larry

 

[LMBoat]

Anyone??.....

 

[Windjammer]

Hi All,

The fridge/freezer works on 12v, just stopped working on 120 v. I have a part # 169000600 for this power supply (it does not output anything, checked all the connections, fuses, etc.,), but can't find one. Does anyone have a good source for it? And I'm assuming this power supply inputs 120 vac and outputs 12v DC? If so, can I just use a transformer to do the same job?

Thanks for any comments and help.

Larry

You might try thenorcoldguy.com to see if they have anything that will work as it looks like 169000600 has been discontinued.

 

[Stee6043]

I'm far from an electrical expert but I don't think you can simply use any ole transformer. You still need the "switching" (12V/110V) capability of the existing power supply.

I'd personally avoid spending too much money on the old girl if she's the 1999 original Norcold. A couple hundred dollars spent fixing your current rig would probably be far better invested in a new fridge. We're all on borrowed time with our 90's Norcolds...knock on wood.

 

[LMBoat]

Thanks for the comments guys. On my fridge, there are 2 boxes on the top. One is the 120 v to 12 v (I assume) power supply (smaller box), that feeds into another larger box, which I assume is the box that switches from 120 v to 12 v. I've called/EM'd many places, including the NorcoldGuy (I have bought stuff there before), but no luck.

I went to the boat yesterday to look at things again. I would agree that the inside of the box that failed does look like more than just a transformer.


And I have checked all the fuses. All are good.

I have considered just buying a whole new unit, but other than this, it does work/look good. No other issues. It is not original to the boat. I replaced it 11 years ago. As it is expensive and a pain to replace, I think I'm going to keep it as is and just run on 12V. And maybe I might lucky on finding the part.

Thanks again for the comments

Larry

 

[km1125]

I'd have to go through my documents to check that specific power supply, but most of the Norcolds do NOT just "convert to 12V". The compressor operates at AC, so the DC side goes through an inverter to convert the 12VDC to about 30VAC. On the very old Norcolds, the AC side would just go though a transformer to convert the 120VAC to 30VAC. Later units (like I suspect you have) actually convert the 120VAC down to something like 40VDC, then go through an inverter to create the 30VAC for the compressor. That is switched with the DC inverter output via a relay to toggle from AC power to DC power.

I have several older (good) Norcold power supplies. I'll see if that part number matches up to anything I have. What is the actual model # of the fridge?

 

[LMBoat]

Thanks for the info. The model # is DE0061. The serial # is 12712584.

Fingers crossed!

Thanks

 

[km1125]

Did some poking around. Looks like that uses the same kind of Danfoss compressor and power supply that the Isotherm's use. I don't have any of those parts. I have read (and think there was a thread on here somewhere) about the Isotherm power supplys having a common problem where the AC input fails but DC still works, and it's a component failure on the board. If you poke around online, those boards are available and are $200-$250.

Oh, and I apologize for asking for the model #... I hadn't realized it was actually already in the title!!

 

[LMBoat]

Thanks for the info. I will do some searching and see what I can find.

 

[J Michael Price II]

Thanks for the info. I will do some searching and see what I can find.

Any luck finding a replacement power supply or board??? I have the same problem with my Norcold and would love to avoid a complete replacement!!
Thanks!
Mike

 

[JMS]

Any luck finding a replacement power supply or board??? I have the same problem with my Norcold and would love to avoid a complete replacement!!
Thanks!
Mike

I actually found a company to rebuild the AC power supply. I sent them my none working power supply, it took about 3 weeks, and the charge was about $225. Link to their website.

Circuit board and equipment repair solutions for a wide variety of industries.

At LyraTronix, our mission is to offer economical repair solutions while preserving the customer relationship with honest, dependable service. Providing

lyratronix.com

 

[J Michael Price II]

I actually found a company to rebuild the AC power supply. I sent them my none working power supply, it took about 3 weeks, and the charge was about $225. Link to their website.

Circuit board and equipment repair solutions for a wide variety of industries.

At LyraTronix, our mission is to offer economical repair solutions while preserving the customer relationship with honest, dependable service. Providing

lyratronix.com

Wow. You just gave me the best Christmas present ever!!!! Do you know if they rebuild the DC supply too?? Would think since it’s out it might be better to rebuild them both.
Thanks again for the reply and info.
Mike

 

[White Shadow]

I had a similar issue last year with the DC power supply. I just took it to a local electronics repair shop. The guy said he’d give it a shot and would charge $100 if he could fix it or nothing if he couldn’t. That was an offer I couldn’t refuse. A few days later he had it fixed - I think that was $100 well spent.

Maybe just take your power supply to a local shop and see if they can help?

 

[LMBoat]

Sorry I'm late to the party, i missed the question. I got a "Norcold 169000500 Power Supply" from Amazon and it have been working great. It was a gamble as this part # does not apply for the DE0061, but it has been working for over a year & a half with no issues.

 

[J Michael Price II]

Sorry I'm late to the party, i missed the question. I got a "Norcold 169000500 Power Supply" from Amazon and it have been working great. It was a gamble as this part # does not apply for the DE0061, but it has been working for over a year & a half with no issues.

Wow. Even better news. I was thinking that a newer power supply even if it wasn’t ‘correct’ should work. Compressor doesn’t know where the juice is coming from as long as it’s outputting correctly and switching from Ac/Dc correctly.
Just so I’m correct, can you send a link? I’ve searched and can’t find that on Amazon. Google brings up a few of them but showing out of stock or not available.
Thanks!

 

[dwna1a]

First I’d be sure you have power running to the unit, you may have already done that but didn’t see it. If there is power running to it but not out then yes it’s the power block. I may have one out in the shop and will go look after my coffee.

my old one went out due to a glass fuse hidden inside the power pack. I replaced it but kept the one I found at salvage

 

[White Shadow]

Which reminds me - have you checked all your GFCI’s? I know on my 320 that the GFCI in the head affects the fridge in the galley, and the GFCI in the compartment under the cockpit sink affects the cockpit fridge. Check if one of them has tripped. You may have others on your boat.

 

[J Michael Price II]

Thanks. I’m in middle of replacing cockpit ice maker with a fridge. Plan on writing up a full post as I haven’t really seen one and so far it’s been a pretty easy and straight forward project. Will check that plug this week as well.
I get a green light on the Nevercold fridge when the AC switch is switched on, but it never cools or kicks on compressor. In DC it cools fine.
First step will be removing fridge and checking fuses and seeing if I can make it work. Then I’ll remove the power supply and try and find a replacement or have it rebuilt. Not an ER since we have a fridge and ice maker on our dock, but I want to get it working as it should!

 

[J Michael Price II]

First I’d be sure you have power running to the unit, you may have already done that but didn’t see it. If there is power running to it but not out then yes it’s the power block. I may have one out in the shop and will go look after my coffee.

my old one went out due to a glass fuse hidden inside the power pack. I replaced it but kept the one I found at salvage

Would buy that old power supply if you find it!!!!

 

[dwna1a]

I know it’s in the shop, I’ve just got to find it. I will look again tomorrow