Community Forums

JAW · 12-22-2014, 01:17 PM

I would like to replace my 4-door Norcold 1200 with a residential unit. I have searched this forum and learned a lot by reading the threads on this topic. Several had stated that a pure sine wave (PSW) inverter is necessary. My 2003 Monaco has a Xantrex 3000 watt modified sine wave (MSW) unit. The manual states that one can operate induction motors such as refrigerators, drill press, etc with this inverter. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, in using a MSW inverter to power a residential refrigerator?

Thanks,

Jack Wilson
2003 Monaco Executive
towing a 2007 Saturn Vue

Old Scout · 12-22-2014, 01:27 PM

Normally, its the modern electronics/mother boards in the fridge door that dont like the MSW.....some newer fridges may have over come this but for the most part, MSW and electronics dont mix well....An option would be a small, properly sized separate PSW inverter for just your fridge vs swapping out the xantrax you have.....

vsheetz · 12-22-2014, 01:27 PM

The popular Samsung 197 specifically states it is happy on a MSW inverter. Others may state compatibility, or not state at all. Need to check specifically to the refrigerator you are looking to use. If not stated one way or the other, I would go with a PSW inverter to be safe. A dedicated inverter of just capacity for the refrigerator could be installed for some dollar savings.

Pigman1 · 12-22-2014, 02:07 PM

I have installed a Tripp Lite MSW dedicated inverter on 2 Tiffin Buses we have had household refrigerators installed in. On my previous 2008 Allegro Bus I removed the Norcold and installed a Kitchen Aid 2 door side-by-side and put the Tripp Lite MSW inverter in as a dedicated power source. When we special ordered the 2013 Bus it came with a Kitchen Aid French 3 door and we've had dedicated Tripp Lite MSW installed since we took delivery. Not a bit of a problem with either setup and we used the 2008 for about 50,000 miles on the new refrig and the new Bus for 33,000 miles so far. The Tripp Lite in the new Bus also runs a 17 cu ft household chest freezer we use for bringing fish down from Alaska and a 3 cu ft freezer we have in the basement

wa8yxm · 12-22-2014, 05:50 PM

I have never run big induction motors (over a quarter horse) with an MSW inverter, but that is because I have never had a reason to.. I have run several smaller motors, both AC/DC types and AC only types, no problem at all.

ELECTRONICS may work strange with MSW, (Radios, Televisions (Which are also radios) Audio gear and digital timers and clocks being the worst.

But Resistive loads (Incandescent lamp, Space heater) really do not care what the waverform is.. and most motors .. Well, they actually "Smooth it out" a bit.

woodfoot · 12-22-2014, 07:36 PM

My Whirlpool has been fine for going on 2 yrs on the magnum msw 2000w inverter It's the 10.7 cu ft with the separate freezer/ ice maker. Two door. Replaced my 841 Nocold just because I wanted solid ice cream and nonspoiled food. All my appliances, lcdTV , Microwave/convection, puters, etc., don't care if they're msw'd or shore powered. Old wives' tales seem to prevail.

jones47172 · 12-22-2014, 07:48 PM

The Palazzo RVs come with Whirlpool refrigerators and modified sine wave inverters. I am sure that Thor would not manufacture the RV if this were a problem.

docj · 12-22-2014, 09:21 PM

The Samsung RF197 doesn't care about the inverter because the company says that all incoming power is rectified as soon as it enters the fridge. Ours worked fine for two years until our MSW died and we replaced it with a PSW Magnum. We did have one appliance, our induction burner, that would not work with the MSW inverter and we didn't try to run the microwave. I feel more comfortable knowing that we have a PSW inverter and that it is compatible with all our onboard power requirements.

JAW · 12-23-2014, 08:34 AM

Thanks to all for the replies. The Samsung RF197 has been a popular choice but it is no longer available. It had been suggested that the Samsung RF18H is a replacement and I have sent a query to Samsung to see if it's compatible with the MSW inverter. Otherwise, I'll take my chances and switch to a PSW inverter if necessary.

Scottybdivin · 12-23-2014, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAW

Thanks to all for the replies. The Samsung RF197 has been a popular choice but it is no longer available. It had been suggested that the Samsung RF18H is a replacement and I have sent a query to Samsung to see if it's compatible with the MSW inverter. Otherwise, I'll take my chances and switch to a PSW inverter if necessary.

I am installing the RF 18 in my rig, that I am supposed to pick up Fri. To be honest, I'm not sure what kind of inverter the 07 MADP has. It has the all electric option, which the brochure says includes a 3100W inverter. It doesn't specify MSW or PSW.

Grwalker · 12-23-2014, 09:37 AM

We just replaced our dometic 1292 dual power fridge with the Samsung RF18H. I contacted Samsung and they said it would be fine with the MSW inverter. Problem is I'm not 100% sure they understood the question. We have the Magnum 2012 model inverter/charger. Based on what samsung said and the reputation of the Samsung 197 we went ahead and bought our new fridge.

One word of caution. We were very short of vertical space as the furnace is located below the fridge opening. Careful measuring and partial removal of the top part of the cosmetic wood frame surrounding the hole told me it would "just" fit,. To minimize space used I built a metal frame to support the fridge above the furnace. When the fridge showed up it had a 2" high metal box attached to the rear top of the fridge. That box was not included in any diagrams or fridge dimensions. The box contained 3 circuit boards. I removed the covering box and plastic mounting plate and flipped the boards over to the back of the fridge to get the 2" vertical space back. Fridge is securely mounted and working fine.

Timing of the purchase was also critical. We saved $501 over the original purchase price of $1499 by buying it from Home Depot on their Black Friday sale for $998.

We love the fridge. Finally, frozen ice cream and tons of ice when we need it. Good luck.

Grwalker · 12-23-2014, 09:51 AM

One more note. I just saw that JAW is located in Casa Grande, AZ. So are we! We're located at Palm Creek RV Park. If you want to talk more or see our fridge let me know. If you happen to also be in PC our park phone is 6976.

Scottybdivin · 12-24-2014, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grwalker

We just replaced our dometic 1292 dual power fridge with the Samsung RF18H. I contacted Samsung and they said it would be fine with the MSW inverter. Problem is I'm not 100% sure they understood the question. We have the Magnum 2012 model inverter/charger. Based on what samsung said and the reputation of the Samsung 197 we went ahead and bought our new fridge.

This was the same conclusion that i came to. I'm glad to hear that you are pleased with yours. I have yet to see mine since i had it shipped straight to the dealer to install while they were replacing the windshield. Also, i never found any other french door, counter depth, 33" refrigerator.

JAW · 12-24-2014, 07:22 AM

I received a reply from Samsung on my query about operating the RF18H on a MSW inverter and he stated that Samsung does not recommend this and then went on to quote the power requirements from the spec sheet (115VAC/60 HZ, etc). This is not consistent with what GRWalker was told but it depends on who is fielding your question.

I noticed the spec sheet for this reefer says that it has a "digital inverter compressor". Can anyone explain this?