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Domestic fridge freezer which inverter is needed

Boron

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Joined
Oct 26, 2023
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172
Location
UK SE Kent
This is a "hot" topic amongst RV followers but sadly so much avuncular junk from Bubbas is spouted that pursuing that arena is a humungus waste of time - dont understand the issues involved. eg failing to understand that a microwave modulates its heating power by on/off ratio switching - meaning the inverter gets hit with an inrush every % seconds
So here we have serious knowledgeable contributors who understand inrush problems and also that many fridges have a special start/run relay constructed to take the high inrush current (operated from the flimsy temp control thermostat)

There are some current limited modules on Ebay for use with power tools but these are limited to brushed motors only afaik - I can get a definitive explanation of how these work (look like a thyristor with built in timer? - anyone know). They warn not to use these on other gear !!!!!!

Are there any sensible devices that offer current limiting (soft start) for Fridges and microwaves? I guess care is needed or you may damage the appliance if it does not start properly.

It also seems a bit ill advised just to assume a 2:1 power rating is sufficient for domestic needs (eg 1500W continuous plus 3000W surge as often advertised)
As a rule of thumb - a motor starting in rush is ca 6x the FL running current (and may be much larger - eg large fan)

Any views on this
 
This is a "hot" topic amongst RV followers but sadly so much avuncular junk from Bubbas is spouted that pursuing that arena is a humungus waste of time - dont understand the issues involved. eg failing to understand that a microwave modulates its heating power by on/off ratio switching - meaning the inverter gets hit with an inrush every % seconds
So here we have serious knowledgeable contributors who understand inrush problems and also that many fridges have a special start/run relay constructed to take the high inrush current (operated from the flimsy temp control thermostat)

There are some current limited modules on Ebay for use with power tools but these are limited to brushed motors only afaik - I can get a definitive explanation of how these work (look like a thyristor with built in timer? - anyone know). They warn not to use these on other gear !!!!!!

Are there any sensible devices that offer current limiting (soft start) for Fridges and microwaves? I guess care is needed or you may damage the appliance if it does not start properly.

It also seems a bit ill advised just to assume a 2:1 power rating is sufficient for domestic needs (eg 1500W continuous plus 3000W surge as often advertised)
As a rule of thumb - a motor starting in rush is ca 6x the FL running current (and may be much larger - eg large fan)

Any views on this
I use a Victron 48/1200 inverter and it can handle a full size french door fridge freezer, a 7 cuft chest freezer and a 21 cuft upright freezer, amongst other loads. It will surge momentarily when compressor kicks on but then settles right back down.
 
I use a victron 12/1200ve model
It can handel 1000 watt continu on 25celcius .
On 40 celcius 900watt
I set my microwave on it and a freezer.
It will not shutdown.
And i use about 1400watts on that moment.
Just to see what it can handel.

Victron make good stuff
 

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