Electrolux 3 way fridge - voltage converter?

[richlaz]

Hello,

Might be a bit of a silly question coming from an electrician

I have an Electrolux 3 way fridge (I think it's from a Vanagon, because it's 120v and has an American plug, two vertical flat pins) I'm not sure of the model number, it's in the garage at the moment (it's not the usual Westy fridge, has lots more controls... and an air pump!? - Possibly an RM182?)

My question... would it need a voltage drop-down converter to plug it into the mains (similar to this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/POWER-VOLTAGE ... 010wt_1255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) or can it be plugged straight in to 240v using a travel adaptor?

Many electrical items with AC-DC power supplies (e.g. a laptop supply) operate from anything between 100-240v AC, so wouldn't need voltage converters, but I'm not sure about the fridge... I don't want to end up blowing it up!

[Oldiebut goodie]

They have voltage specific heating elements - the 110v will blow on 230v. Theoretically all you need do is change the element but check that all the switches etc are rated for 230v first. Don't know about air pump.
Someone will doubtlessly come along who has changed one over.

Personally I would just use a 110v to 230v converter then you will not have to mess around with it all. You would need a more powerful converter than that though - that one is only 45w. Elements vary between 120 and 200w AFAIK.

[California Dreamin]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Voltage-Conve ... 3a7fdaadfc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[richlaz]

Thanks for the replies guys

Yeah I'd rather wire up a converter behind the scenes, than mess about changing the element and possibly switchgear.

I'm sure that 300w would be sufficient, I'll double check the fridge specs before buying one, there should be a power consumption label on there somewhere

[printmonkey]

(it's not the usual Westy fridge, has lots more controls... and an air pump!? - Possibly an RM182?)

If the air pump is anything like mine, it won't light on gas easily. I have to put a bike pump on the drainage tube (on the bottom of the fridge) to get enough air into the firebox for it to light.

GoWesty have some NOS air pumps in stock at the moment or there are instructions in the Bentley to improve the existing pump.

I did try using a 230v heating element but could not find one that had the correct length wiring to fit correctly so I use a 110-230v box of tricks from Maplin and its fine on hook up.

Hope that helps.

David

[richlaz]

Cheers for that... I've never tried lighting it before... probably won't work!

Just browsing through a Maplin brochure... their 300w voltage converter is on offer for £25

[California Dreamin]

Result ...cheaper than a heater element..

I'm not sure what Richlaz is on about.....if the electrode is in good condition, the air gap to the burner set correctly (just under 5mm) and the jet and pipework all properly clean.....these things light almost instantly.

Martin

[richlaz]

I'm not sure what Richlaz is on about.....

Printmonkey mentioned about the airpump's not working? I was generally thinking negatively that it probably won't work after all the effort anyway lol



The chap I bought it from said it was working when removed (not that it means anything lol)

On the weekend I'll temporarily connect it to the gas using a rubber hose, and give it a try

[California Dreamin]

Airpumps not working? What the blithering heck......I have no idea what he's on about.

Martin

[printmonkey]

Airpumps not working? What the blithering heck......I have no idea what he's on about.

Martin

If its a Dometic fridge as fitted to US Westfalias they have an air pump. Air has to be introduced into the system to light the burner.

Trust me, it sounds crazy but if I don't put air in it does not light at all.