[C320-list] Fridge Usage

[Colin Evans]

Okay Karl,
I will go and re-check this afternoon.  It looks like I would expect about
0.13 to 0.14 drop with the fridge running.  Does this sound correct

*************************
Regards
Colin Evans
Watermark #774
Lake Macquarie, Australia
 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Karl
Mielenhausen
Sent: Wednesday, 14 December 2011 11:16 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fridge Usage

OK. Lets assume Catalina used 8 gauge wire and the path is to the breaker
panel then out to the compressor near the stern or 20' one-way from the
battery.
Using this tool to solve for a load that would result in a 0.2 vDC drop
(http://genuinedealz.com/voltage-drop.html)
I get 7.7 amps!!!!

I assume you are measuring at the compressor and not at the breaker
(although I'd like to have the breaker reading also).

So, no, a 0.2 VDC drop does not seem correct when the fridge is not
cycling.

Once again, the EEs in the association are welcome to chime in!!

Karl


On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 5:46 PM, Colin Evans <twosailors at bigpond.com> wrote:

> Karl,
> I did a check yesterday and had a 0.2 volt drop between the battery  and
> the
> fridge when the fridge was not running but turned on.  I don`t know if
this
> is acceptable or not.  One of my projects for the Christmas break will be
> to
> put a battery monitor on.  I`m hoping that this will indicate any current
> leakage.  Assuming it will show usage when everything is turned off, or
> maybe indicate excessive usage compared to the guide on the 320 site.
> I`ll go to the boat later today , having re-charged the batteries with
> shore
> power after they got thumped with the load tests, and recheck the voltage
> drop.
>
>
> *************************
> Regards
> Colin Evans
> Watermark #774
> Lake Macquarie, Australia
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Karl
> Mielenhausen
> Sent: Wednesday, 14 December 2011 9:34 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fridge Usage
>
> Colin,
>
> Thanks for providing the extra data. I can understand how frustrating this
> is especially given what you have investigated already.
>
> My suggestions:
> 1/ Make sure there is no other phantom current draw.
>
> 2/ Check out this report of a bent wire terminal under the thermo cover
> causing the lowest temp condition without cycling,
> back on 01 Jan 2010, courtesy of Rick Sulewski.
> May not be related, however, as you have reported cycling at the usually
> observed levels (ie. approx 30% ON).
>
> Bruce,
>
> Consider taking off the thermo switch cover and check to see if one of the
> switch lead/power terminals (where the wires are attached to the unit) may
> be touching the base plate and keeping the unit in the lowest temperature
> condition (highest number).
>
> Not long after I took delivery of my boat I experienced the same condition
> with a rapid battery discharge & icing conditions noted during my first
> long weekend on the boat. I pulled the switch cover (think that I had to
> pull
> the dial first) and found that there was a terminal bent toward the base
> plate
> (probably occurred when the unit cover were first assembled). I simply had
> to take a flat screw driver and gently pry the wire/terminal free of the
> base plate and that solved the problem.
>
> 3/ Look into a replacement electronic control module.
>
> Good luck,
> Karl
>
> >
> >
>
>