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| Author: | Lakebum [ Wed May 04, 2016 8:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | 378 cabin fridge on battery |
So, I've read numerous posts regarding undersize wiring on different models and suspect this is my issue. I have 2 cabin fridges, they both work great on shore power. But when on the hook for more than 6 hours the forward fridge warms up. I can hear the compressor running, but can't really determine which compressor is running. I'm assuming there are 2 compressors (2 fridges, 2 compressors correct?) It does seem to short cycle when off shore power. I will be pulling the fridge or both out to see what I can find. FW does skimp on wiring, the fresh water pump was tripping the breaker when the admiral showers. I could actually feel the wire getting warm. Rewired with larger wire and no longer an issue. |
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| Author: | weather [ Wed May 04, 2016 10:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 378 cabin fridge on battery |
Yep, same old wiring issue. I replaced ours in the middle of a two week trip when one night at anchor was enough to wake up with everything warm. I think I used 10AWG, but check the length of your run (return) and the current draw of the frig, go online to a 12V voltage drop calculator to get the correct gauge wire for your application. We went from frequent cycling of the compressor (it shuts down at low voltage, so it would turn on, experience voltage drop and shut off- over and over again) to one that ran great on batteries. Night and day difference. |
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| Author: | JAK [ Sat May 07, 2016 6:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 378 cabin fridge on battery |
The issue is undersized wiring confirmed by the fridge manufacturer. Replaced mine also with 10 gauge. Like Mike says, night and day difference. I ran my wiring into the engine compartment but couldn't get back to the panel on the starboard side (also have the 378) so went directly to the battery and added an in-line fuse. BTW, only one compressor running both fridges. Well worth your time. |
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| Author: | Lakebum [ Mon May 09, 2016 8:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 378 cabin fridge on battery |
So, I tend to over do things so I replaced the 14g with 8g. I started to run it back to the starboard side and get back to the control panel, but instead I just ran the wire straight down the port side wall back to the battery switches and ships system breaker. Bam, works great! No more short cycling and fridges stayed cold. I was surprised when I pulled the fridges out and saw the 1 compressor set up. I changed out some wiring and lighting for the steps while I had access. Well worth the work. |
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| Author: | Funtastik [ Mon May 09, 2016 2:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 378 cabin fridge on battery |
I seem to have a similar/ same problem in my 298 The compressor cycles when on the hook, and the fridge gets warmer by the minute. Do you recommend I change my wire to 10g as well? or is that reserved for the 378 only? and, at the risk of sounding silly (I am not an electrician) where on the panel is this wire located? is it the one at the fridges switch on the panel? Thanks Collin |
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| Author: | weather [ Mon May 09, 2016 9:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 378 cabin fridge on battery |
10 gauge wire will be fine for your 298. The wire runs directly from the breaker in the control panel to the compressor. Remember you want to change out the positive and negative wires. I was able to run the wire reasonably easily, behind the panel over the starboard fuel tank (remove the aft cabin cupboard to gain access) and from there drop into the bilge and across to the port side under the floor (near the front of the aft cabin under the seat/bed). Then from under the step you can fish it up to where the frig is. Pretty sure the 298 will be very similar. |
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| Author: | noexcuses [ Tue May 10, 2016 10:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: 378 cabin fridge on battery |
Funtastik wrote: I seem to have a similar/ same problem in my 298 The compressor cycles when on the hook, and the fridge gets warmer by the minute. Do you recommend I change my wire to 10g as well? or is that reserved for the 378 only? and, at the risk of sounding silly (I am not an electrician) where on the panel is this wire located? is it the one at the fridges switch on the panel? Thanks Collin I had to change the wire on my 298 as well, fridge works great now. Wiring size is in the fridge manual, I've linked it below. http://www.novakool.com/support/nov98-j ... anuels.htm |
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