pitgirl Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Hi everyone, We are new to this caravan game just got a swift challenger 1988 it's in good repair but we are having probs with the fridge!The light is on, we have no gas connected yet and are trying to run off the mains does anyone know how long it takes to get cold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexuscol Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 From my experience a good 8-10 hours on 240v before anything starts to cool. Other members may have differing times. Regards Col Quote 1998 Swift Europa 460 (Updated a bit) Too good to change 2003 Mercedes C Class 220 CDI Too good to change BNSF DCC model railroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleng Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Certainly an overnight job. Quote Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that they're not out to get you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitgirl Posted April 11, 2009 Author Share Posted April 11, 2009 From my experience a good 8-10 hours on 240v before anything starts to cool. Other members may have differing times. Regards Col Thanks for that we were just a bit worried ! Would it take the same time from 12 volts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brecon Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 (edited) If it is working properly you should notice a considerable drop in temperature in about 4 hours on mains electric. On gas it will be quicker, about 2 to 3 hours . On 12v it will only be working when connected to the car and the engine is running, it WILL NOT work any other way and 12v will only keep the fridge at the temperature it is at when connected, do not expect it to cool the fridge to the level gas or mains will get it to. Just because the light is on does not mean that the element is working, just that mains is available. Edited April 11, 2009 by Brecon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexuscol Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 The 12volt system is purely for running from the grey plug off your car, it will not work from the 12v caravan supply due to what is called a habitation relay. You first cool your fridge for a while 8-10 hours or if using gas may a bit faster prior to your journey. When you are ready for off switch off all sources of power to the fridge and plug your van to the car then select car on your control panel and turn on the battery switch on the fridge. The 12v will then attempt to keep your fridge cool providing you don't open the door too often enroute. Hope you can understand that it's easy when you get the hang of it. Col Quote 1998 Swift Europa 460 (Updated a bit) Too good to change 2003 Mercedes C Class 220 CDI Too good to change BNSF DCC model railroad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianI Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Just because the light is on does not mean that the element is working, just that mains is available. The fridge light is 12v off the battery, not the mains. It is fed from the caravan 12v supplies so you get use of the light even on gas. Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brecon Posted April 11, 2009 Share Posted April 11, 2009 Brian, you are right, I probably mistakenly thought the poster meant the mains switch on the fridge was lit (the green one) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianI Posted April 12, 2009 Share Posted April 12, 2009 Brian, you are right, I probably mistakenly thought the poster meant the mains switch on the fridge was lit (the green one) Sorry maybe you are right. Thought we were talking about the internal light (if fitted) Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank.A Posted April 12, 2009 Share Posted April 12, 2009 (edited) The refridgerator power consumption is constant at around 110watts (depending on model) whether on 240v or 12 v. The refridgerator should therefore run at the same efficiency independant of power source. Best, Frank Edited April 12, 2009 by Frank.A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arc Systems Posted April 12, 2009 Share Posted April 12, 2009 I agree with Frank, however a 10amp supply at 12v or above is often not delivered to the fridge element, this then leads to poor cooling and indeed it's poor reputation. However, given a 12volt+ supply and having no thermostatic control 12v should out perform the 240v side? As for how long, given an empty fridge on 240v, your fingers should begin to stick to the metal in the freezer box in no more than 90 minutes. Best though to put a little water in small tart tray and place inside the freeze, again this should be ice in under two hours Quote Arc Systems are specialist Carver caravan product repairers, committed to providing a comprehensive service as well as spare parts for these popular heaters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pitgirl Posted April 12, 2009 Author Share Posted April 12, 2009 I agree with Frank, however a 10amp supply at 12v or above is often not delivered to the fridge element, this then leads to poor cooling and indeed it's poor reputation. However, given a 12volt+ supply and having no thermostatic control 12v should out perform the 240v side? As for how long, given an empty fridge on 240v, your fingers should begin to stick to the metal in the freezer box in no more than 90 minutes. Best though to put a little water in small tart tray and place inside the freeze, again this should be ice in under two hours Thnkyou to everyone who has replied to my question we will try to get it running tomoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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