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1982 SS · 03-26-2014, 06:47 AM

I am looking at replacing the Norcold in my Alfa with a residential fridge in the not too distant future. From what I've read, it seems some need a PSW inverter and thers like the Samsung 197 can get away with the MSW. Is there a way to tell which inverter i can use to run one?

I'm still narrowing down the field of fridges and my wife isn't so fond of the Samsung based on a lot of user reviews on Amazon, though i know its used a lot and well liked on here, and is leaning towards a whirlpool of similar footprint, its a bit smaller internally than a samsung but still larger than the NoCold.

Bottom line, how can i tell if i need a PSW for a fridge?

**TonyDi** · 03-26-2014, 07:34 AM

Once you decide on the make that you like. Call their tech support dept. I'm sure they will be able to tell you what the needs of the unit will be.

1ciderdog · 03-26-2014, 05:53 PM

I bought a Kenmore to install in my RV. The Samsung 197 is to tall for my RV but I live off grid and recently bought a 197 to replace our household propane refrigerator and it is GREAT! I'd put the 197 in the RV if I could. Calling sears (Kenmore) tech support was almost a joke. The first tech seemed as though english was a second language and the second tech didn't know anything about sine wave or modified sine wave. Said just to make sure it had 115 volts - not 110 or 120. Later searching the net trying to find answers I found (probably can't find it again) a site that identified types of appliances that could safely run on modified sine wave and refrigerators was on the list. I haven't yet installed the refrigerator but my plan is to use the inverter with the modified sine wave (that brand of inverter calls it quasi sine wave). If that doesn't seem to work well I'll add a small pure sine wave inverter to run only the refrigerator.

2 Stroker · 03-26-2014, 09:34 PM

We ditched the Not-So-Cold and had the Samsung 197 installed plus we had the Magnum 2812 inverter with new control board installed, for me do it right the first time.
We had the Xantrex 458 Freedom Inverter and the Samsung would have ran on it but I don't like having to take time out to fix an RV so I did it all at one time. Microwave, pc, vacuum cleaner and the wife sewing machine will run better on PSW plus my inverter is on all the time.
2 stroker

elbeau54 · 03-31-2014, 02:49 PM

I put a Xantrex freedom 2000 psw in for mine and a new ge 18. cu ft . The pure sine is the bet safe bet i think. I posted my remod on here too.

paz · 04-01-2014, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1982 SS

I am looking at replacing the Norcold in my Alfa with a residential fridge in the not too distant future. From what I've read, it seems some need a PSW inverter and thers like the Samsung 197 can get away with the MSW. Is there a way to tell which inverter i can use to run one?

I'm still narrowing down the field of fridges and my wife isn't so fond of the Samsung based on a lot of user reviews on Amazon, though i know its used a lot and well liked on here, and is leaning towards a whirlpool of similar footprint, its a bit smaller internally than a samsung but still larger than the NoCold.

Bottom line, how can i tell if i need a PSW for a fridge?

One thing I have read that almost always needs a PSW inverter is a fridge with through the door ice and water. Other than that, there is no way to be sure unless you can get someone in the manufacturer's tech support who knows what they're talking about, which apparently isn't easy.

If you don't already have an inverter, I would get PSW regardless of which residential fridge you go with.

If you already have a MSW inverter, consider adding a second PSW inverter dedicated just to the fridge. The first inverter can do the charging and handle the other loads, and the new inverter can be relatively small and won't need the charging feature. Just make sure the second inverter has enough surge capacity to handle the start up of the compressor.