240v to 12v 'inverter'

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:10
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Today's silly post!! Is there such a thing as a 240 to 12 volt inverter? I have a 12 to 240 inverter but I want to run a 12v fridge via an inverter connected to a 240v powerpoint. Anyone know of one?
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Reply By: Moggs - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:19

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:19
Yep, the Fridge Shop sell one for use with the Waeco fridges

Check out: http://www.fridgeshop.com/Default.asp?id=91&category=6

I think you can also get step-down transformers (is that the right word) from Dick Smiths - probably cheaper than the Waeco one
AnswerID: 106548

Follow Up By: ginga - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:28

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:28
Thanks

I was thinking that if there was, it may be a cheaper way to run a Autofridge off 240v than buying their / a transformer for $170+.

Just thinking aloud I guess.
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FollowupID: 363554

Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:24

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:24
Moggs is right....what you're after is a "transformer". There are different rated ones, so make sure you get one that will meet your amperage requirements. Even if you look at the 12v plug you might have for charging your mobile phone, that is a transformer......it converts 12v to (say) 1.75v, or whatever your mobile phone requires. Same thing with those 240v black boxes you get with a lot of electrical gear these days. I have one that recharges the 12v battery for my Black & Decker drill......Input is 240v, output is 12v.....but it'd be no good at all for running your fridge as it's amperage rating would be something like 0.5amps.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Roachie
AnswerID: 106550

Follow Up By: ginga - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:31

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:31
Thanks Roachie

And that's the rub I guess ... you not only need the stepdown in volts but you need the correct amperage as you say.

Oh well ... back to the drawing board

Ciao, Graeme
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FollowupID: 363555

Reply By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:48

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:48
Ginga

the more stuff you put in a system that disipates heat such as step up or down "transformer" uses energy....the heat you can feel from these items are the energy losses....
so apples for apples ..no it aint cheaper to run....

but if we take into account battery life, cost to recharge battery etc etc etc then it may well be ....this scenario may only apply while you have mains 240v available......it will not be the same if your camping or on the road....
AnswerID: 106556

Reply By: Mad Dog (Australia) - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:49

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 17:49
What you need is a power supply which a transformer can be a part of along with other components unless it's a switch mode power supply which doesn't have one. 12 volt power supplies are often actually 13.8 volts
AnswerID: 106557

Reply By: GOB & denny vic member - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 20:30

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 20:30
transformer only changes power 240>12vac but you need a power supply that changes power 240>12dc
steve
AnswerID: 106576

Reply By: Diamond (Vic) - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 20:31

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 20:31
depending on the size of your fridge will make a diference in the size converter you need.
eg the bigger 80+ltr weacos need 24 volt to run them properly.
i bought a proper weaco 24 volt one with our fridge and its mounted next to the fridge wired up permanantly.if im near 240 volt it will bye pass the 12 volt battery and just run 240 its a shame its not also a batery charger.
cheers
AnswerID: 106578

Reply By: locallaw - Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 20:33

Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005 at 20:33
Gidday,In the caravans they are called a converter which converts 240v to approx 14.4v to charge the caravan batteries.
Hope this helps ,
Locallaw
AnswerID: 106579

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