johnvb
Virginia Beach /Virginia/USA
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These units appear to have many safeguards included, there's one question I am concerned about. If I have this connected to one or two batteries that are also tied to everything else in the RV, and the inverter starts to deplete the battery charge to the point where the voltage drops, will it turn off before the low voltage can damage other things, such as the refrigerator's controls (if that's possible)? And stay off long enough not to "short cycle"?
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Generally they turn off between 10.5 and 11.0 volts, check the specs. Fridge controls work fine down to at least 10.5 volts. Not sure what voltage it will turn back on, again check the specs or ask the manufacturer. Often it is 12.5 to 13.5 volts. Possibly you would have to cycle the power switch.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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johnvb
Virginia Beach /Virginia/USA
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Thanks. Having to cycle the power switch would be a good thing, act as a lock out to allow the batteries to recharge.
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johnvb
Virginia Beach /Virginia/USA
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FYI, I ordered one of these from Amazon, for under $40:
Power Bright
Figured if it doesn't work, I'll spring for the PSW model, no big loss. One thing I did notice is this brand is visually similar to other brands, some factory in China making them all I guess.
I did check the amp draw of the frig today. Starting out with a hot box, switching over from gas to electric, it pulled no more than 2.5 amps at 120 volts, with no surge in the beginning. Didn't change as the temp went down. So that's 300 watts, just as the nameplate states.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi johnvb,
Be sure to check the voltage before you connect anything to the Power Bright. I had a Chinese unit (not power bright)--it read 169 volts. It was supposedly a PSW unit.
Likely yours will be fine.
Low voltage only affects 120 volt AC electric motors, so there are no worries there.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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johnvb
Virginia Beach /Virginia/USA
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Ouch! good idea, thanks.
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Joined: 08/19/2009
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If its a short run 2-4 hours, just turn it off and leave the door closed and the fridge should be fine as long as it's already cold.
If it's longer, I think you may run into problems with the 12volt wiring not being able to send the 25 or so amps needed. You could just let the batteries run down and keep the fridge running until the inverter says the voltage is too low but expect to replace batteries frequently as this is hard on them (or upgrade the battery bank substantially).
If you have to pull over anyway, you can get out while being inspected and take 30 seconds to shut down the tank and then it shouldn't take more than a couple minutes to pull over and turn the tank back on.
Seems like a lot of complication for a non-issue.
Tammy Mike & the Bilge Rat (AKA: Diego)
Ford F250 7.3L
1997 Sunnybrook 27' 5er
1995 Gemini Sail Catamaran 34'
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johnvb
Virginia Beach /Virginia/USA
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As an update, I ordered and received one of these to switch the reefer between inverter and shore power:
transfer switch
Will be picking up the inverter today, to test out.
I'm also going to Costco, figured I'd check out if my local branch carries the 6 volt golf cart batteries.
Question; My rig has an extra cut-out for a second battery, on the opposite side of the existing battery in the front basement. What's the maximum allowed "jumper" distance between two golf cart batteries? Looks like for me it would be a minimum distance of at least 6' cables, probably a little more. Too Much?
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bartlettj
Forest Grove, OR
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The jumpers between the batteries should be rated for the maximum load you will ever draw off the battery and the positives should also be fused to prevent a fire if one end shorts out or rubs a hole in the insulation and shorts to the frame. The ones on my TT are #2, I think.
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FiverDragger
MI
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Joined: 06/10/2003
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Gee Wiz there are plenty of cars, trucks and buses running around that are Propane powered. I guess those aren't safe either. My point is the fridge is designed to operate while on the road. If a line should break (they are steel and copper your gasoline line on your truck is plastic) the tank valves will go into slow flow mode. Chance of a fire is minimal. I have never heard of a Propane breaking on a rig that wasn't in an accident. If the flame goes out the gas valve shuts down and the unit either shuts off or tries a restart.
Ron
2002 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 4.10 axle ext cab longbox
36' Carriage Lite Dbl Slide Fifth Wheel
Ron, Barb and Scooter the watchmop
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