Community Forums

Mahlon · 09-12-2013, 10:51 AM

If you have, or know of any, successful residential refrigerator installations using MSW inverter power, please post the refrigerator make/model here along with any relevant experiences. I believe it's already well understood that the Samsung RF197 is compatible with MSW power (I think that model is adequately covered elsewhere), but it's hard for me to find other examples.

My specific interest is in replacing my Norcold 1200 with something other than a French door/bottom freezer/counter depth residential refrigerator. Hopefully there are some 15-18 cf top-freezer units out there that can run on MSW power.

docj · 09-12-2013, 11:32 AM

Even though you probably have already assumed it, I believe the Samsung MSW approval extends to all (or most) of their refrigerators and not just the RF197. It would be unusual for the company to use a unique design for just one fridge.

Sky_Boss · 09-12-2013, 01:45 PM

One thing to think about is that with the location of your refer that a single wider door might block up access in the "Hallway". My MH's configuration has a similar pinch point. Our Samsung 197R sticks out a tad further than the Norcold did. You might find that you have to be in just the right place to open a single door refer.

I wasn't sure about the French door configuration but I don't have a problem with it now that I have gotten use to it. I certainly don't miss the Norcold. My only main complaint about the 197R is the minimum amount of refer shelf height adjustments that can be made.

I did a LOT of research on alternatives and given the measurements and location, the 197 seemed the most appropriate replacement. Also, it weighs nearly the same as the Norcold 1201.

Good Luck! Let us know what you decide.

Algoma · 09-12-2013, 01:48 PM

I contacted GE to ask if one of their refrigerators would be OK on a MSW inverter. They told me I should ask the inverter manufacturer.

Harry B · 09-12-2013, 02:08 PM

Talk about an evasive answer. Did GE proved the specs that a MSW inverter should comply with?

Algoma · 09-12-2013, 02:52 PM

No useful info whatever. No run amps, start amps, or even averages. So I guess if I do it I will probably get a separate 1000w PSW inverter just for the fridge. They are cheap if you don't need the charging function.
I currently have a Dometic NDR 1062 and need a replacement that is only 26" deep and 24" wide. The GE GTR10GBEWW fits even though it does not have the capacity others are going for. Do you really need a large fridge in a motorhome? We have lived with an 8 cu. ft. fridge for months at a time!

Harry B · 09-12-2013, 03:13 PM

How large of a unit you need depends on each induviduals unique requirements. Seems like you have already determjned that 8 cu ft is adaquate.
My DW would fill up what ever space is provided as she hates to go food shopping. Definitely a case of more is better.

Algoma · 09-12-2013, 04:43 PM

OK I have to admit we cheat a little. We have a separate U-line ice maker so half our freezer isn't taken up with that. I have noticed though that with the small number of friends we have there is a correlation between having a large fridge and eating out more. Just sour grapes because if I had room for a big fridge I would probably get one.

ernieh · 09-12-2013, 05:35 PM

FWIW, Tiffin installed KitchenAid refers with MSW Magnum inverters. My 2012 Phaeton came this way and I had no issues with the refer. I changed to a PSW inverter for other issues. Apparently, the MSW inverters do not work well with models that have water and ice dispensers in the door, since TMH installed PSW inverters with those refers. Probably an issue with the electronic displays on those units.

bruceisla · 09-12-2013, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

No useful info whatever. No run amps, start amps, or even averages. So I guess if I do it I will probably get a separate 1000w PSW inverter just for the fridge. They are cheap if you don't need the charging function.
I currently have a Dometic NDR 1062 and need a replacement that is only 26" deep and 24" wide. The GE GTR10GBEWW fits even though it does not have the capacity others are going for. Do you really need a large fridge in a motorhome? We have lived with an 8 cu. ft. fridge for months at a time!

Here's my install. Can't help on the MSW question because I always run on Shore/Genset. If I needed to boondock without a Genset I'd probably get a small dedicated PSW. 10cf is ample for our needs (and an Emerson icemaker in a basement compartment).

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/repla...ss-149497.html

Papa_Jim · 09-12-2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

No useful info whatever. No run amps, start amps, or even averages. So I guess if I do it I will probably get a separate 1000w PSW inverter just for the fridge. They are cheap if you don't need the charging function.
I currently have a Dometic NDR 1062 and need a replacement that is only 26" deep and 24" wide. The GE GTR10GBEWW fits even though it does not have the capacity others are going for. Do you really need a large fridge in a motorhome? We have lived with an 8 cu. ft. fridge for months at a time!

I bought a 1000W PSW inverter just for our small Danby res. fridge. It wouldn't run the fridge. I learned that you have to make sure the inverter you buy will start fridge and freezer electrical start up loads. Although our fridge draws little power, it must draw quite a bit of power for a milli second or so during start up. The inverter has to have a soft start feature.

Eventually I bought a Sun Force 2500W inverter, only because it was available and inexpensive.

Algoma · 09-12-2013, 09:44 PM

I had a feeling that wasn't going to be that easy. Just wish these companies would provide just some basic electrical information. Well a 2000 or 2500 doesn't cost much more than a 1000w inverter.

Mr_D · 09-12-2013, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

OK I have to admit we cheat a little. We have a separate U-line ice maker so half our freezer isn't taken up with that. I have noticed though that with the small number of friends we have there is a correlation between having a large fridge and eating out more. Just sour grapes because if I had room for a big fridge I would probably get one.

We have the U-Line ice maker, the Dometic refer/freezer combo PLUS an 100# refer/freezer in a storage bay. ALL are FULL and we just weekend. My wife always overbuys! Even at home we have two freezers and one is a 31 cf unit and they are FULL as well as the side by side in the kitchen!
Not sure what we'd do if we ever get to go full timing!

BTW, the U-Line ice maker works fine on our 2000 watt MSW inverter

Mahlon · 09-13-2013, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernieh

FWIW, Tiffin installed KitchenAid refers with MSW Magnum inverters. My 2012 Phaeton came this way and I had no issues with the refer. I changed to a PSW inverter for other issues.

What is the model number for your refrigerator?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernieh

Apparently, the MSW inverters do not work well with models that have water and ice dispensers in the door, since TMH installed PSW inverters with those refers. Probably an issue with the electronic displays on those units.

No surprise there, since the typical ice maker is powered by a fractional hp shaded-pole induction motor, and such devices won't run well on MSW power. I can solve that problem by simply removing the ice maker. May be worth noting that the Norcold uses the same ice maker.