Engel 40L current
Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 27, 2002 at 01:00
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Rob P
Anyone know what the Engel 40L peak current is ? I would like to see if I can run the Engel off my standard plug in the
rear of the car, the plug is rated at 120W/12V (10A) so I would think that this should be fine. I will eventually be fitting out
a dual battery setup, but until then intend to used the factory fitted plug. Would like to know if anyone is doing this ?
Cheers
Reply By: Porl - Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
If no-one replies to this look at one in a
shop and underneath or on the side it will have a metal plate or something with the voltage details and the peak amp draw as is required by law - from memory it is about 2.7amps. I run a waeco with a higher peak amp draw from the back of my Prado with a 120W and 15amp max (or maybe that was 10amps, whatever). The waeco has a peak amp draw of about 3.7 and I have never had a problem - but i always draw it down to operating temp. on 240v before I go out which may help, and I have never been on the road with it yet for more than about 4hours at a time. The 24v socket idea is excellent and I will get to doing that soon, more efficient, better for the fridge, more reliable, marginally less battery drain because of the efficiency etc. But the 120W socket does work and if you have what i think you have it is a marine grade socket that is far better than an ordinary cigarette style socket like found in my gemini.
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Follow Up By: Rob P - Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Thanks for the
feedback guys much appreciated
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Reply By: All Terrain 4WD Adventures - Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Thursday, Feb 28, 2002 at 01:00
Rob,
Just throwing my two bobs worth in the ring, I run a Engel 40l and the current draw is 0.7amps to 2.6amps so in theory the 120w/12volt socket would be fine. In practice thought these OEM sockets are installed at a cost and as such have been wired with a gauge of wired just enough to do the job and along with this style of plug socket can introduce losses or voltage drop in the system. On short trips this would be fine but extend your trip for a couple of days then I say install a new larger gauge cable with a better locking style of plug. Why you ask,
well for starters bumping along a trail the standard plugs are prone to falling out or atleast dislodging far enough to disconnect the fridge from the supply without you realising. ( I have seen it happen and before you know it those frozen steaks and cold beers aren't cold anymore.) The next reason is voltage drop and losses in any 12volt car system and by the time the volts reach the back area of the car after passing through various forms of connectors and cable it can result in less energy being able to be delivered to the fridge unit.
Stuart.
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