2Way fridge and zig unit = 3Way?

Post by **AlexInAVan** » 13 May 2006, 23:38

Am i right in thinking I can run my 2 way fridge from a zig unit when plugged into mains?

Let me explain more clearly...
Zig unit charges LB from hook-up. 2way fridge runs off 12v LB. Therefore would the zig unit keep the LB topped up while i run the fridge on 12v?

I dont like the idea of running my fridge on gas for an extended period of time.

Post by **DiscoDave** » 14 May 2006, 07:31

as long as the zig is putting out enough charge to run the fridge and charge the leisure batt! other wise you'll end up with a flat lb! what is the problem with gas?

Website · Post by **dbroada** » 14 May 2006, 07:35

Some zigs have a fridge output don't they? Anyway......

It is normal for these fridges to have thermostat control on AC & gas only, while the 12v burner is on full all the time. In other words it is possible that you would overcool on permanent 12v. Also what is the continous rating of your zig unit (I don't have one)? Can it stand a permanent 8A+ load and still be able to top up the LB?

And on another point, a charging battery releases explosive gases - which is why you disconnect the leads to prevent sparks - and poisonous gases - which is why you recharge in well vented areas. This is not really a problem in a moving van as the gases get dispersed quickly but may not be a good idea when parked up.

Obviously some zigs do recharge and I think they do that by charging at a low voltage to reduce the risk of gassing but that may mean it can't keep up with the fridge.

Post by **AlexInAVan** » 14 May 2006, 10:52

I get ya, Thanks for clearing it up. It was just a thought that came to me late last night while I was ploughing through a report!

Dave, Im new to all this and thought it would be safey for my health to have the fridge running on batteries while I sleep. Ill just get my gas connections tested when i stick the fridge in my van.

Website · Post by **dbroada** » 14 May 2006, 11:28

we're both Daves and I agree with him.

Once you are sure your pipes and connections are fine there should be no problems with gas. There is a thermocouple in the burner jet that will only allow gas through while its hot. This means that if the flame goes out, the gas is turned off. That is why you have to hold the gas button in for a while after lighting as everything gets up to temperature.

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 14 May 2006, 19:25

fridge is normaly connected to main van battery and set up to work only when engine is running via a relay like split charge system as it draws about 10 A and will kill a battery very quickly. If your zig is a CF8 its max continous output is about 4amps with a peak of 7A. you can get auxillary zig power supplies that will give you a 12A output which is basically a big transformer
and requires good ventilation as it chucks out quite a bit of heat and they
are quite expensive cheaper to get a co detector and run on gas.