Confused about residential fridge and msw inverter

[bpu699]

We have a 2000 Winnebago ultimate advantage. Replacing the norcold.

Lots of threads suggesting you need a pure sine wave $$$ inverter. Others don’t use it, no issues.

We plug in a college fridge and runs perfectly.

So why wouldn’t a slightly larger fridge work?

Specifically, looking at a Hisense 17.2 CF fridge $699 at Costco.

Wanted a Samsung RF 18, but those are $1600+.

We use the rv about 3-4 weeks a year.

Any input on the Hisense? I know, Samsung is better. Samsung has wifi, fancy electronics, etc. We don’t need any of that. And it’s $1000 or so less…

[DavidEM]

That Hisense model is very energy efficient. It is Energy Star rated and uses 454 kWhr annually which is about half an amp at 120V AC on average or about 5 amps DC into the inverter. If you don't need an ice maker, then it might be a good deal.

Do you have the battery capacity and recharging capability to run it?

David

[BillJinOR]

I think the issue isn’t will they run , it’s how long as the power isn’t clean and I think causes them to “burn up” faster. You takes your chances. I think your choice is fine , there’s a few counter depth 10-14 cu ft that also fit the no cold 1200 space with room to spare and are using only a kw a day. The biggest issue I found was no ice maker.

[Realmccoy270]

We just installed a small residential fridge (10.1) to replace Norcold. We went with a dedicated 1500 watt pure sine wave inverter complete with cables that cost $265. It’s a hassle to install and remove fridge. The cost of a decent psw inverter without other features like transfer switch and charger represents less than two hours labor at most rv repair shops. Consider it insurance and peace of mind. Every expert recommends psw for a residential fridge.

[Dutch Star Don]

It's all about the refer electronics. Some refers don't play well with MSW inverters. The Samsungs converted the 110 power to 12-volt power internally and is why they worked well with MSW.

Odds are that the new refer may work with the MSW, it's just nowadays, it's easier/cheaper for manufacturers to install PSW inverters and not deal with any issues.

[Kid Gloves]

I reckon you’d need to contact the manufacturer regarding using a MSW inverter to provide AC to their refrigerator. They are designed for residential installations where grid power is available. We’ve had to jettison some seemingly simple items like fans that had electronic speed controls, while attempting to operate them on a MSW inverter. That power source may not play well with some circuitry in a modern residential refrigerator.

[bpu699]

Well, we bought it. 2 year warranty included, extra 3 years on top of that was $99

So, if it lasts at least 5 years were fine with that.

We primarily only camp with full hookups. Inverter only comes into play while driving. 750watts solar should be more than enough to keep batteries topped off even with out generator or AC charging.

The size of this thing is almost exactly the same as the Samsung RF 18. It lacks the expensive electronics, which is a plus.

If I were full timing, I’d go Samsung. But that’s a huge price delta…

[Bigd9]

I have operated a Frigidaire 20? cf refrigerator on a MS Inverter for the past 3 years. I bought a no frills, non electronic model. MS Inverters are odd, in that some things work and some things burn out! We had one Crockpot worked beautifully on it, when we replaced it it simply went POOF! electric floor heaters are a no go in my experience. Electric blankets are also a no go unless you get one specially made for inverters.

[bpu699]

Ok, silly question…

The power put out by the generator is pure sine wave correct?

So, driving or parked, as long as the generator is on, power bypasses the inverter, correct?

Same when plugged it. So, the msw inverter only comes into play when unhooked and generator is off? Right?

[Kid Gloves]

Quite possibly, all correct. Another consideration is that you may or may not have an inverter powered outlet behind your refrigerator.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by bpu699

Ok, silly question…



The power put out by the generator is pure sine wave correct?



So, driving or parked, as long as the generator is on, power bypasses the inverter, correct?



Same when plugged it. So, the msw inverter only comes into play when unhooked and generator is off? Right?

Correct, correct, correct.

[AllegroD]

When we installed the Samsung RF 18 in a previous coach, that it did not require PSW.

[ptl]

I just put that fridge in my 2008 Winnebago Journey, nice fridge. I did have to remove a shelf above the fridge to get it to fit. It was taller than the Norcold 1200 that was in there. The hardest part was getting the old fridge of the motorhome and the new fridge in the motorhome, because neither would fir through the door. I was lucky though because I did not have to take any windows out. The big window in our bedroom was big enough where all I had to do was open the window all the way and slide the old fridge out into the bed of my truck I had backed up to the motorhome and then slide the new fridge in.

[Dutch Star Don]

Originally Posted by bpu699

Ok, silly question…

The power put out by the generator is pure sine wave correct?

So, driving or parked, as long as the generator is on, power bypasses the inverter, correct?

Same when plugged it. So, the msw inverter only comes into play when unhooked and generator is off? Right?

Just something to clarify.....some manufacturers, like Monaco, put a duplex outlet in the refrigerator compartment. Half of that outlet was connected strictly to shore power and the generator. The other half of that outlet was connected to the inverter. The Norcold 1200 had two 110 volt plugs, one was for the refer and one was for the ice maker. The refer plugged into the outlet that was shore power and generator. The ice maker plugged into the outlet that was inverted. The reason for this, was to power the ice maker in the Norcold when boondocking. So.....if there is a duplex outlet behind your refer, make sure which outlet you're plugged into.