Dometic/Elektrolux RM 182 AC input voltage

[Splicetree]

Hi guys,

I have a T25 Syncro '91 which I have imported from Canada to Netherlands. I'm in the process of going through all the electrics to get it converted. It has a 110v inverter and sockets which I have removed and I have installed a 230v charger.

Now I am wondering if the original Dometic / Electrolux fridge, RM-182, that has the option to run off of shore power, in Canada 110v @ 60hz will run also run off of 230v @ 50hz? Anyone here know what the original input voltage/frequency range is? I tried to find the original specifications on samba or elsewhere online but haven't had any luck. Were there 2 editions? And if so, does anyone know the part that was specific? Alternatively I could install a step down transformer..

Thanks in advance!

[fxr]

The 120V part of the fridge is simply a resistive heater. If you fed it with 240V, then you'd double the current, so four times the power. Neither the heater nor the ammonia refrigerant would appreciate this.

Your best bet would be to replace it with a 240V version - I'm sure there must be some available as people replace them with 12V compressor fridges, which might your best option anyway.
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[Splicetree]

Thanks fxr. That was fast. Why do you think a step down transformer would then not work? If it wouldn't care about the frequency, there's simple travel adapters up to 2000w that can do this. Or am I missing something?

[djkeev]

If you have a convertor that steps your 230 down to North Americas 110 ....... it should work just fine.

I bet when you guys get shocked by your wall sockets you KNOW it!
I've been bit by our 220 and I remember it happening! I can give you date and location!

110? Eh....... no biggie.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[fxr]

[Splicetree]

Exactly. Well I was thinking about something more compact that doesn't do frequency conversion. What do you think about using this for the time being?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097M44BXX/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_DNER1HE251AK6EMABHGV

Obviously not the best solutions but it's cheap and since I understand there's only a resistive load (need to be sure) it would work. 2000w should be more than planty.

Thanks again guys!

[fxr]

That should keep you going for the time being, if you often stay in places that have full hook-ups.

Let us know how you get on with it!
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[Abscate]

Dometic has excellent customer support. Send them an email and see if there are conversion options direct from the manufacturer. Most stuff made is 50/60 Hz compatible but motors are one of things that like to be kept native.
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[RawUmber]

Dometic RM182B service manual:
https://www.loam.org/vw/Vanagon/DometicRM182B/DometicRM182B.pdf

Another way to rig it up for shore power would be to forget the 120V input and instead connect your domestic shore power to a suitable ~12V camper battery charger, then run the refrigerator from 'battery' 12V. The 12V heater might not run as effectively as the 120V heater, but it might simplify your setup.

[VicVan]

The thermostat does not work on 12V, only on shore power and propane.

Also, If I recall correctly, draw on 12V is 7A, which means 84W. Doesn't sound like much. I bet the shore power mode offers more power (and more cold).
_________________
'90 Little Blue Truck, 2WD auto, FAS GenV 2.0 NA (AVH)

[Ziegel]

Brickwerks have the 230v element. I’d be surprised if it was any more complex than swapping it out and ensuring the wiring feeding it is fit for purpose.

[url] https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3-parts/t3-westfalia...v-85w.html [/url]

[VicVan]

[Ziegel]

Some more info here:

[url] http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/can-a-110v-fridge-be-converted-to-240v_topic40926.html[/url]

[fxr]

[VicVan]