Mobitronic Rectifier

[Toryboy1]

I have just bought a Waeco refrigerator which comes with a seperate mains rectifier. This has a cigar lighter socket on the front, and four terminals marked B+,B-,C+,C-, and the instructions say that the battery should be connected to the B terminals and the refrigerator to either the B terminals or the cigar socket. I don't intend to install the rectifier on the boat as I have an efficient battery charger and I will run the fridge on the ships 12v supply. My question is- is there any advantage in installing the rectifier on the boat and does the rectifier need to be connected to a 12v supply to work, or can I run it at home as a power supply from the mains for the fridge. Thanks.

 

[Piddy]

I think there is a significant advantage in running from mains when ever you are connected as it leaves the charger to do just that - charge.
If, like my fridge, it uses 5-6 Amps when running, it is a big part of the available 40A charge. My plan this winter is to add a seperate automatic changeover system so the fridge effectively runs on mains when plugged in rather than through the 12v system. I think I will get a significantly shorter recharge time when in Marinas as I have 550AHr of batteries.
Hope that makes sense.

Cheers

Andy

 

[alb40]

The idea with the terminals on the waeco rectifier is to allow it to automatically switch between shore power and battery power. It does not need to be connected in order to work.

I would recommend connecting it as well, and leaving the charger to do its job without the additional drain.

Also worthy of noting - if you have a compressor type fridge, the rectifier (EPS-100???) gives out 24 volts on mains power, not 12, so dont plug in other devices intended for 12 volts!
(the compressor fridges will run on either 12 or 24 volts. You can still connect 12 volts to the terminals though)