Norcold 3-way fridge mods

JanandDave

Hi All,

It's been brought up many times about how the thermostat on the older 3-way does not function when on DC.

It doesn't have to be that way.

To be honest, this is not my original idea, but I installed this mod today and it seems to work just fine. You can find the original post and instructions here...

http://webs.lanset.com/rcochran/norcoldthermo.html

I did do a mod to the mod by adding a separate on/off switch to the relay so it does not run when using the thermostat on LP mode.

Several years ago I also added an adjustable snap disc thermostat to the circuit for the additional cooling fan located right behind the exterior vent (which was installed by the original owner back in 2016). Keeps the counter from getting hot in an automatic kind of way.

So, when hooked to shore power, it no longer matters if you have it set to AC or DC. When you're on the road and are connected to the TV with it set to DC, it should be easier on your alternator as it won't be running continuously. Since I have no solar installed, I do not know if you could get away with running the fridge on DC with adequate battery and solar charging capabilities, but it may provide an alternative to LP when boondocking with the appropriate equipment.

In the pic below you can see the relay I used, https://a.co/d/0i8lzOZ, and also the snap disc thermostat, https://a.co/d/5e1rAhJ.

If anyone is interested, I will certainly answer any questions, but though while reasonably easy, this mod is probably NOT for the electrically challenged.

Our fridge, as with the rest of the T@B, has always worked well with few issues, but the fridge should now work better when on the road with this mod. 

Happy wiring. 

BrianR

Best fridge mod yet for me.