Wiktor Wise
Dometic fridges are popular among campers and off-roaders due to their portability and convenience. However, they consume a significant amount of power, which can be a challenge when trying to keep them running for extended periods. This article will explore various methods to power a Dometic fridge electrically, including using power stations, dual battery setups, solar panels, and direct current (DC) sources. We will also discuss important considerations such as power requirements, battery sizes, and energy-efficient practices to ensure your Dometic fridge stays cool throughout your adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power Sources | 120v (House power), 12v (from a battery or car cigarette lighter), LP gas, kerosene, natural gas |
| Power Consumption | 120 volts at 0.7 Amps, or 12 volts at 7.5 amps |
| Power Requirements | Requires 12 volts to run the control board |
| Power Setup | Dual batteries, solar panels, power stations |
| Power Efficiency | Pre-cooling the fridge and keeping it at 34 degrees can help improve efficiency |
| Specific Models | Dometic PLB40, CFX55, CFX3 45, CFX3 55IM, CFX3 35 |
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What You'll Learn
Using a 1000w Jackery power station
Jackery power stations can be used to power a Dometic fridge. The Dometic fridge can either run on 120v (house power) or 12v (from a battery or car cigarette lighter). Per hour of running, it consumes 120 volts at 0.7 Amps or 12 volts at 7.5 amps.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station has an output wattage of 1000W. The working hours for a 400W refrigerator will be:
Working Hours = Jackery Portable Power Station’s Capacity in Wh × 0.85 / Operating Wattage of Refrigerator = 1264Wh × 0.85 / 400W = 2.7H.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is another option that can be used to power a car fridge (65W) for 16.5 hours.
The number of solar panels required to power a refrigerator depends on the wattage of the solar panels and the type or size of the refrigerator. For example, a 100-200W solar panel can be used to charge a 12V portable fridge for a few hours.
It is recommended to purchase a power generator that provides more wattage than your refrigerator requires. The wattage requirements of your fridge can be found in the user manual or on the sidewalls of the appliance.
Additionally, pre-cooling the fridge and its contents and maintaining a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit can help improve energy efficiency.
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Pre-cooling the fridge and contents
Pre-cooling your Dometic fridge and its contents is a good way to ensure that your food stays cold and fresh. This is especially important if you're using your fridge while travelling or camping, as it may draw a lot of power and warm up quickly.
To pre-cool your Dometic fridge, start by turning the power on at least a day before you plan to leave on your trip. This will give the fridge time to cool down to a food-safe temperature. You can also use your home fridge to pre-cool or freeze any refrigerated foods, reducing the amount of work your Dometic fridge needs to do to keep everything cold.
When packing your fridge, make sure to leave enough space for air to circulate. If the fridge is too full, the cold air won't be able to reach all of the contents, leading to uneven cooling and potential food spoilage. Keep colder items towards the back of the fridge, where it's typically colder, and try to limit how often you open the fridge door, as this will let out cold air.
You can also help keep your Dometic fridge cool by ensuring that the area behind it is cool. Using a fan to move air through this area can improve the efficiency of the fridge. Additionally, if you're travelling in hot weather, consider using a small air mover to blow cool air onto the fridge.
By pre-cooling your Dometic fridge and its contents, and taking steps to maintain a cool temperature, you can help ensure that your food stays fresh and safe to eat during your travels.
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Utilising solar panels
Solar panels can be an effective way to run a Dometic fridge, especially if you're looking for an electric power source that's portable and suitable for off-grid use. Here are some key considerations for utilising solar panels to run your Dometic fridge:
Solar Panel Requirements:
The number and wattage of solar panels you'll need depend on the power consumption of your specific Dometic fridge model and how long you intend to run it each day. Dometic fridges can run on either 120V (house power) or 12V (from a battery or car cigarette lighter). Older models tend to draw more power, while larger refrigerators require more power than smaller mini-fridges.
As a general rule of thumb, a standard refrigerator requires a minimum of 1-1.5 kW solar system setup, which typically translates to four 375-watt panels. However, some sources suggest that a single 500W solar panel can be sufficient for a small portable fridge. For context, a home refrigerator typically consumes 300-800 watts, while mini-coolers or fridges require approximately 50-100 running watts.
To estimate the solar panel requirements for your specific Dometic fridge, you can use the formula:
> Hourly consumption of power x 24 hours = Total power needed in Watts
For example, if your Dometic fridge consumes 120 volts at 0.7 amps per hour, it would require 84 watts per hour (120V x 0.7 amps = 84W). This calculation can help you determine the total power needed in watts over a 24-hour period.
It's worth noting that solar panels rated at 100W, 200W, or higher can effectively run 12V fridges, drawing 40-80 watts of electricity. However, pairing these panels with a portable power station is recommended to supply steady power during periods without sunlight.
Additional Components:
When utilising solar panels to run your Dometic fridge, you'll also need several additional components:
- Power Inverter: This device converts low-voltage direct current (DC) power from the solar panels into higher-voltage alternating current (AC) power that the fridge can use. The power inverter should be able to handle roughly twice as much power as the maximum load you require.
- Battery Bank: The power generated by the solar panels during the day will be stored in a battery bank to supply power to the fridge after the sun sets or during periods of low sunlight. Ensure the battery can store enough electricity to power the fridge for 24 hours, accounting for cloudy days or reduced solar efficiency.
- Charge Controller: As you'll be connecting the solar panels to a battery bank, you'll need a charge controller to manage the charging process.
- Backup Battery: Consider a backup car battery to ensure you have sufficient power reserves, especially if you intend to use the setup for extended periods.
Installation and Placement:
When installing solar panels for your Dometic fridge, maximise sunlight exposure by placing the panels in a location that preferably faces south and is tilted at an optimal angle for solar absorption. If you're mounting the panels on a vehicle, such as an RV or truck, ensure they are securely attached and won't be obstructed by shadows from nearby objects or structures.
Energy Efficiency Considerations:
To optimise the performance of your solar-powered Dometic fridge, consider the following energy efficiency tips:
- Keep the refrigerator well-stocked, as an empty fridge requires more energy to chill itself.
- Regularly defrost your freezer to enhance overall efficiency.
- Cover all liquids and stews placed in the refrigerator, as they emit moisture, increasing the load on the compressor.
- Pre-cool the fridge and its contents when possible, and maintain a temperature setting that keeps things cool without freezing.
- Limit how often you open the fridge, and arrange the items inside to minimise the time spent with the door open.
- Ensure your Dometic fridge is in good working condition, with no faulty parts that may cause it to run continuously, such as a failing thermistor cable.
By following these guidelines and considerations, you can effectively utilise solar panels to run your Dometic fridge, enjoying the benefits of portable, off-grid refrigeration with a reduced environmental footprint.
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Using a dual battery setup
When considering a dual battery setup, it's important to choose batteries that are compatible with your Dometic fridge and have sufficient capacity to power it for the duration of your trip. Lithium or AGM batteries are commonly used in these setups and can provide several days of power, depending on usage and external temperatures. It's a good idea to calculate your power usage and estimate how much power you'll need to generate to keep the fridge running.
In addition to the batteries, you'll need a battery management system, such as a solar controller or a DC-DC charger, to monitor and maintain the voltage levels in your batteries. This will help prevent over-discharging and ensure both batteries are adequately charged. A fuse box can also be added for extra safety.
Some users have reported success with this setup, with their Dometic fridges running for extended periods of up to 2 months without any issues. This setup typically includes a secondary battery and a solar panel to supplement charging while driving and during daylight hours. The solar panel can provide an additional 100-400W of power, depending on its size and setup.
It's worth noting that while a dual battery setup provides benefits, it can also be complex and expensive. Alternative options, such as a standalone power pack or a power station with a solar panel, may be more suitable for shorter trips or those seeking a more portable solution. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, budget, and how long you plan to run the Dometic fridge.
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Running on LP gas
Dometic refrigerators are a common refrigerator found in many mobile applications, including RVs and boats. They are popular due to their overall functionality, as well as their range of sizes and styles.
Depending on the model, a Dometic refrigerator might run on AC electricity, LP gas, DC power, or all three. Some Dometic RV refrigerators work by using an absorption process, while others are compressor-driven.
If your Dometic refrigerator is an absorption refrigerator, propane or electrical heat boils a mixture of ammonia and water, causing the ammonia vapour to rise throughout the coil system. As it condenses into a liquid, it works its way to the evaporator as a hydrogen bypass reduces the pressure, resulting in a cooling effect.
To run your Dometic refrigerator on LP gas, you will need to ensure that your propane tank is turned on. The refrigerator will then automatically switch to LP gas if the power goes out. This is a useful backup feature that ensures your food stays cold and does not go bad.
If your refrigerator is not cooling on propane, it could be due to a clogged gas filter. To resolve this issue, turn off the propane at the tank and bleed off the gas pressure using a lit stove burner. Once the flame goes out, turn off the stove and remove the gas line fitting on the fridge gas valve. Use two wrenches to detach the gas line and access the refrigerator gas filter. Spray a cleaner into the gas valve to flush out any contamination.
It is important to note that some Dometic refrigerators have an 'electric ignition' that runs off the battery and will automatically light the propane. This may give the impression that the refrigerator is running on electric when it is, in fact, running on propane.
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Frequently asked questions
You can run a Dometic fridge on electric while camping by plugging it into a power station, such as a Jackery or Bluetti power station, which can be charged by solar panels.
Dometic fridges can run on 120v (house power) or 12v (from a battery or car cigarette lighter). Per hour of running, it takes 120 volts at 0.7 Amps, or 12 volts at 7.5 amps.
Pre-cool the fridge and its contents before your trip, and keep the temperature at 34 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain efficiency. Limit how often you open the fridge and arrange the contents so you don't have to dig around for things.
The duration will depend on the power source and usage. Some users report being able to run their Dometic fridge for 2-3 days with a power station and solar panels, while others have run theirs for up to 2 months with a dual-battery setup and solar panels.
