RV FEATURE
Several high-end inverter manufacturers do make inverter / chargers ; however , these are generally used in high-power applications such as large caravans and motorhomes . For the average traveller , a simple separate inverter with its own separate power outlets will be more than sufficient .
CAN I RUN A HOUSEHOLD FRIDGE FROM AN INVERTER ?
This is a question you see come up on caravan forums quite often . You might wonder why anyone would want to do this since there are perfectly good compressor fridges that are made for caravans and motorhomes that run from 12V .
The problem with these fridges is that they are quite small in comparison to domestic fridges , they are rather power hungry typically drawing up to 5Ah , and they are expensive . If you could substitute a domestic refrigerator and run it from an inverter , you should have a better system . Well , let ’ s have a close look at that .
Many travellers want to run a Thermomix in their caravans . For that you will need a minimum 1500- watt inverter and a lot of battery capacity
When you consider the largest 12V compressor fridge is around 270L , you would be looking for a comparable fridge of at least the same capacity . Any bigger and you may not be able to fit it through the door or windows of the RV .
While every fridge is different , you can expect a domestic fridge of this size to use about 90W during normal operation and about 160W while defrosting . Average it out at around 120W .
Using our formula , we know that the fridge will draw around 12A from the battery when powered through an inverter . That doesn ’ t appear to be a great alternative but it is not as simple as that . You
This Xantrex inverter will show you how many amps it ’ s drawing while powering your 240V appliances
Our DeLonghi coffee maker shows a power wattage range . You need to use the higher rating to size an inverter for it
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