Wiring in a GE80 Fridge Kit

[Gixer]

My next plan is to turn my cool box into a fridge.
After rewiring my boat at great expense (thanks Paul ) I think it should be relatively easy to connect the fridge up.

The instructions say 'wire directly to the battery' but I really want it on its own switch and seeing so many boat with a fridge switch I can't see why not. I have 35mm cable coming from my domestic battery to the isolator and 10mm cable going to my panel. I have a spare switch/fuse on my panel (was my panic switch) which I could use and run the cable from there.
In the instructions it says 2.5mm cable upto 2.5m and 4mm cable upto 6m. Do you think this is distance away or round trip? I'm pretty sure the distance from the switch to the compressor will be under 2.5m . Question is, do you think the 2.5mm cable will be fine or shall I just spend the extra and go for 4mm?
Anything else wiring wise I've not thought about?

 

[pvb]

Go for 4sq mm cable.

 

[adwuk]

Do you think this is distance away or round trip?

Work out voltage drop and cable size based on round trip distance - at least that is my understanding.

 

[Pete7]

Work out voltage drop and cable size based on round trip distance - at least that is my understanding.

Yes, and for that you really want a calculator like the one half way down this page:

Cable sizing and selection | 12 volt planet

 

[wingcommander]

More likely round trip ,ie total length . For the price involved be false economy not to use 4mm . Any less size you may risk voltage drop .

 

[Gixer]

Thanks for the response.
using good old 12voltplanet calculator
2.5mm cable, 6amp draw, 2.5m one way = 1.90% drop. 4mm cable = 1.17% drop.

Do you think 6amp is the maximum draw or do you think it will be more on start up?
The fuse is 15amp.

 

[Oily Rag]

If it's a fridge with a compressor, it will draw a higher current until it's up and running. Worth checking the manual! ?

 

[adwuk]

Do you think 6amp is the maximum draw or do you think it will be more on start up?
The fuse is 15amp.

The installation destructions state 4mm wire for runs of up to 6m, so you should be fine. If the fuse is rated at 15A, my guess is that at some point the compressor will draw over 10A.

 

[Gixer]

If it's a fridge with a compressor, it will draw a higher current until it's up and running. Worth checking the manual! ?

I work in consumer electronics and honestly do read the manuals ?. I can 100% say it doesn’t mention a draw of more than 6amps. Only thing it mentions is if you have it on a charger that must be rated at 10amps or more.

Think I’m convinced to put in 4mm, only want to do it once..

 

[Oily Rag]

No offence meant. The manual recommends a 15A switch if that helps. Good luck.

 

[Gixer]

No offence meant. The manual recommends a 15A switch if that helps. Good luck.

None taken ?, thanks for taking the time to respond. The compressor must reach 10amp odd on start up so 4mm has to be the way to go. I wonder why peak amp draw is not mentioned in the manual?

Thanks again guys.