Inverters

I would contact www.redarc.com.au I think they would be able to help.

Cheers

Scott

Inverters are not good at running fridges because of the startup current required when the compressor cycles. I'd get the Engel fixed.

The smallest inverter you can find. There is no startup current on an Engel.
There is a neat unit that is 85w which would suit you well. I cannot remember where I saw it last week in a shop. I just checked Jaycar and DSE online and it was not there.

The Engel compressor is running through an inverter when on 12V. Yes it would be cheaper to buy an inverter than get the Engel fixed. I am only guessing but would think a 500w inverter would do.

I believe the Engel needs about 5 amp when the compressor is running at 14 volts 75 watts, plus the extra 200 watts that you want, with a bit of extra safety margin and headroom for future additions (30-50%) would work out to be 360-420 watts, say a 400 watt inverter and you wouldn't be far wrong.

From my delvings with fixing Engels some years ago, the compressor, being a linear oscillating device does not have a high startup current like rotary compressors, and will start up easily with the minimum size inverter. (it uses a relatively small inverter inside anyway). Older 39L Engels used to draw 4-5A at 12v, meaning that the inverter was rated at about 60W. They are however critical on frequency, and if the inverter is not close to 50Hz, the compressor will not run. The inverter does not need to be a sine-wave variety - modified square wave is fine.
You're right about not fixing it. Unless you know a techie friend, they are prohibitively expensive to fix, mainly due to dealer reasons rather than any special technology.
Remember that when the fridge is not running, the inverter will still draw a residual current, perhaps about 0.5A.
rgds
Gerry

Thanks for the advice fellows I will act on it

Just a Silly Question.

Is your Engel running Ok on 240Volts?

Just wondering.

Damian

try checking your wiring to the cars cig lighter! Maybe too thin.