Fridge test on mains

[Cherry]

Hi, have a Thetford N3097 fridge to put in caravan, how can I test if it is working on mains first.
Thanks

 

[birdman101]

You will have to have a mains supply to the large connector and 12 volt supply to the other connector as it will not work on mains only. 12 volt is required to operate the control panel.

 

[Cherry]

You will have to have a mains supply to the large connector and 12 volt supply to the other connector as it will not work on mains only. 12 volt is required to operate the control panel.

How can I link up to a 12 v supply?

 

[ProfJohnL]

How can I link up to a 12 v supply?

Do I understand that you want to test the fridge on mains before it is installed in the caravan?

If so you should follow the models (N3000 series) installation instructions (Here)

I'm sorry to have to be blunt, but If you need to ask about how to supply 12Vdc to the fridge I have to conclude you may not have the necessary competence to wire the fridge up safely, and I suggest you arrange to have it tested by a competent fitter.

As this is also a LPG fridge, when it is installed in the caravan it should be done by a qualified LPG fitter in accordance with the Gas safety (installation and Use) regulations.

 

[Cherry]

Do I understand that you want to test the fridge on mains before it is installed in the caravan?

If so you should follow the models (N3000 series) installation instructions (Here)

I'm sorry to have to be blunt, but If you need to ask about how to supply 12Vdc to the fridge I have to conclude you may not have the necessary competence to wire the fridge up safely, and I suggest you arrange to have it tested by a competent fitter.

As this is also a LPG fridge, when it is installed in the caravan it should be done by a qualified LPG fitter in accordance with the Gas safety (installation and Use) regulations.

Not using the gas or 12v, not towing anmore and van is now static

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Not using the gas or 12v, not towing anmore and van is now static

Yet you still need the 12v to run the control panel.

 

[birdman101]

You need a charged 12 volt Battery connected to the small connector which is usually with Thetford a White plastic connector. And mains connected to the usually Black connector.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Not using the gas or 12v, not towing anmore and van is now static

That doesn't change the need for a 12V dc supply, and I would add the law says that a gas appliance must be fitted by a competent fitter. The fact you don't intend to use gas does not change the nature of the beast it's still a gas capable appliance and is subject to the regulations.

However I would add that if the caravan is now static and you only want to use Mains230Vac power, there is a reason why you might wish to change the fridge.

The model you have at the moment uses a cooling process called "absorption," whilst it works, it's no where near as efficient as a normal domestic fridge which uses a compressor. Provided you can fine a domestic fridge that will fit the available space - in particular the back bottom of the fridge, you'll have a fridge that is far more capable of chilling and keeping its content properly cooled.

 

[IanB1485]

I agree with the prof , why fit an absorption refrigerator when a compressor one will
a, be more efficient.
b. less hassle to set up and run.
c. not require a 12V control supply
d. not required to be 'room sealed'
and finally it would cost a lot less to buy one.
I do disagree with him on the point of being it being a gas appliance If
a. the gas supply has been correctly capped off
b. the appliances input gas pipe has been capped off.
c. A notice of disconnection has been served and affixed to the appliance.
It's the duty of the 'responsible person ( the owner) to ensure the regulations are complied with.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I agree with the prof , why fit an absorption refrigerator when a compressor one will
a, be more efficient.
b. less hassle to set up and run.
c. not require a 12V control supply
d. not required to be 'room sealed'
and finally it would cost a lot less to buy one.
I do disagree with him on the point of being it being a gas appliance If
a. the gas supply has been correctly capped off
b. the appliances input gas pipe has been capped off.
c. A notice of disconnection has been served and affixed to the appliance.
It's the duty of the 'responsible person ( the owner) to ensure the regulations are complied with.

The GS(IU) regulations identify a gas appliance as one that is designed and constructed to burn gas. The fact the gas supplies and pipes may have been capped does not change the name or model of the heater. As far as the regulations would be concerned it is still a gas appliance. and would be subject to their effect.

Despite the special clauses for touring and motor caravans allowing the owner to undertake work on the gas system, the extent and quality of work must still be compliant with the codes of practice and schemes of work for reasons of health and safety.

In reality that excludes most owners unless they have the relevant knowledge, equipment and experience to be able to comply with the CoP's and SOW's for LPG installations.

Whilst failure to comply may not be immediately detected, as you will know if the installation is involved with a incident in the future, the fall out will land on the last person who worked on the system. From and H&S perspective this is a criminal offence not a civil offence with fines and possible incarceration if convicted.

 

[Cherry]

That doesn't change the need for a 12V dc supply, and I would add the law says that a gas appliance must be fitted by a competent fitter. The fact you don't intend to use gas does not change the nature of the beast it's still a gas capable appliance and is subject to the regulations.

However I would add that if the caravan is now static and you only want to use Mains230Vac power, there is a reason why you might wish to change the fridge.

The model you have at the moment uses a cooling process called "absorption," whilst it works, it's no where near as efficient as a normal domestic fridge which uses a compressor. Provided you can fine a domestic fridge that will fit the available space - in particular the back bottom of the fridge, you'll have a fridge that is far more capable of chilling and keeping its content properly cooled.

Can't afford another fridge

 

[trevormonty]

The GS(IU) regulations identify a gas appliance as one that is designed and constructed to burn gas. The fact the gas supplies and pipes may have been capped does not change the name or model of the heater. As far as the regulations would be concerned it is still a gas appliance. and would be subject to their effect.

Despite the special clauses for touring and motor caravans allowing the owner to undertake work on the gas system, the extent and quality of work must still be compliant with the codes of practice and schemes of work for reasons of health and safety.

In reality that excludes most owners unless they have the relevant knowledge, equipment and experience to be able to comply with the CoP's and SOW's for LPG installations.

Whilst failure to comply may not be immediately detected, as you will know if the installation is involved with a incident in the future, the fall out will land on the last person who worked on the system. From and H&S perspective this is a criminal offence not a civil offence with fines and possible incarceration if convicted.

How can there be gas related incident caused by new fridge that doesnt have gas connection.
Should definitely have wrtten proof that gas connections supplying previous fridge were terminated/capped professionally.

 

[Dustydog]

How can there be gas related incident caused by new fridge that doesnt have gas connection.
Should definitely have wrtten proof that gas connections supplying previous fridge were terminated/capped professionally.

I have to say the Prof is absolutely technically correct. May sound slightly
bonkers but it isn’t.
Looking at the regs previously mentioned , even when not directly connected to a gas supply, a LPG fridge (and any other gas appliance) is still subject to Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GSIUR). GSIUR covers the safe installation, maintenance, and use of gas systems, including appliances and fittings, regardless of whether they are currently connected to a gas supply. This includes things like ensuring the appliance is in safe working order, even when stored or moved.

I don’t make up the regs but they are obviously there for a very good reason.

 

[Martin_E]

Perhaps another way of looking at it the appliance was capped off, say due to being dangerous, then a safety notice applied stating not to be used in gas. The safety notice being a legal document so can’t be reconnected until made safe. The other sources could still be used as they are safe 🤔

 

[ProfJohnL]

Perhaps another way of looking at it the appliance was capped off, say due to being dangerous, then a safety notice applied stating not to be used in gas. The safety notice being a legal document so can’t be reconnected until made safe. The other sources could still be used as they are safe 🤔

I wouldn't like to try that explanation to a court! A gas appliance will always be a gas appliance, and as such it is always subject to the regulations. It is also illegal to use an unapproved modification on a gas appliance. Disabling the gas function on a multifuel appliance without a "do not use" report is an unapproved modification.

 

[Martin_E]

But I said with a do not use not without 🤔