[C320-list] Project Details on Installation of low Voltage Disconnect on Refrigerator

[Warren Updike]

I'm interested in doing this project to protect my batteries. I looked as several such devices; and, while I do trust BlueSea products, I thought the unit a bit overkill at 65A for just the refer. Something closer to 20A would do the trick. Anyone have suggestions?

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62

-----Original Message-----
From: danny jensen [mailto:danny at jensenshouse.com] 
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2015 4:03 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Project Details on Installation of low Voltage Disconnect on Refrigerator

Here is a project I just completed.

The links to project and pictures can be found at

http://mammothcondos.com/low-voltage-disconnect-refrigerator

and

http://www.catalina320.com/mediagallery/download.php?mid=20150926085721665

PROJECT NOTES:

Installation of Low Voltage Disconnect on Refrigerator Circuit using Blue
Sea part number M-LVD.
Danny Jensen, A Boa Vida, Catalina 320, #972; Redondo Beach, Ca
Overview
I like cold beer on the boat so I leave my refrigerator on when I’m
connected to shore power. More than once I have run down my house bank
because I lost dock power. I just bought a new set of 4Ds. Most of the
loads on the boat are very minor except for the refrigerator.  I decided to
install a low voltage disconnect between the refrigerator circuit breaker
and the refrigerator.  With this in place, the refrigerator will shut off
after the voltage level hits 12.1V and will not switch on again until the
voltage recovers to approx. 13v (not sure).
The lvd comes with an override switch but I did not rig it.  The default
disconnect voltage is 12.1 which is perfect.  Considering that you get
voltage drop on power on of large appliances.
Here is the wiring schematic
http://assets.bluesea.com/files/resources/instructions/980016770.pdf
Notice I did not run the fuse between the ground wire.

Also read this article on wire termination.
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/wire_termination
Get your wiring stuff here:
http://www.genuinedealz.com/
Steps:
1. Purchase the m-LVD  Blue Sea Systems pn 7635. Purchased on Amazon cost
$73.82.
2. Open electrical panel and locate wire attached to the breaker running
the refrigerator unscrew wire and crimp on an extra length of wire so input
to can run through split loom to corner of electrical panel cabinet where
lvd module will be placed. Next crimp on a ring terminal  to lvd input.
Use adhesive shrink tubing and connectors. Notice I bumped un the wire awg.
It can’t hurt to do this. Connect to the A terminal of the LVD
3. Now extend the wire to the refrigerator the same way you extended the
wire to the breaker. Connect to the B terminal of the LVD
4. Connect a black #10 wire to the ground buss inside the electrical panel
with a fork terminal on one in and a lug terminal on the other.
5. Power up the refrigerator breaker and watch the light blind on the lvd
and then go out followed by a small click sound.
6. Label your refrigerator breaker with a 12.1 lvd label so you remember.