I do not believe a 300W inverter is powerful enough. The guide is to install an inverter with at least double the capacity that is needed to run the refrigerator. My 9.7 cu ft residential fridge running current is about 3 amps AC at 120v. That alone is 360 watts. I know I need at least a 700w inverter. (BTW my coach has a 3000W PSW inverter/converter/charger). If you need 500w, install a 1000W inverter and wire it correctly for 12v DC. That is a wire capable of taking 100 amps at 12v DC!!
Depends on the size of the fridge, but 600 to 750 watts is probably required for most residential refrigerators. I see that dorm-room refrigerators require less than 2 amperes, while full size refrigerators can require up to 5 amperes of current. And that doesn’t count inrush current when the compressor starts. But I would need a few test refrigerators to know for sure.
I would add to the conversation, refrigeration compressors if using one, can require a lot more starting current than their running current. Often, they can require an inverter with much greater capacity. And too, inexpensive inverters may not sustain several seconds of overload to start a motor. Rather they shut down in milliseconds. The 12V outlet wiring used to connect the inverter, may too light to supply the 30-amperes (not 10-gauge) a 300-watt inverter will draw as most 12V outlets normally supply 15-amperes of current.
I thought I took a screenshot of a 500 watt inverter which should be barely enough for a small residential fridge. But I’ve never tested this myself to be sure.
I do not believe a 300W inverter is powerful enough. The guide is to install an inverter with at least double the capacity that is needed to run the refrigerator. My 9.7 cu ft residential fridge running current is about 3 amps AC at 120v. That alone is 360 watts. I know I need at least a 700w inverter. (BTW my coach has a 3000W PSW inverter/converter/charger). If you need 500w, install a 1000W inverter and wire it correctly for 12v DC. That is a wire capable of taking 100 amps at 12v DC!!
Depends on the size of the fridge, but 600 to 750 watts is probably required for most residential refrigerators. I see that dorm-room refrigerators require less than 2 amperes, while full size refrigerators can require up to 5 amperes of current. And that doesn’t count inrush current when the compressor starts. But I would need a few test refrigerators to know for sure.
I would add to the conversation, refrigeration compressors if using one, can require a lot more starting current than their running current. Often, they can require an inverter with much greater capacity. And too, inexpensive inverters may not sustain several seconds of overload to start a motor. Rather they shut down in milliseconds. The 12V outlet wiring used to connect the inverter, may too light to supply the 30-amperes (not 10-gauge) a 300-watt inverter will draw as most 12V outlets normally supply 15-amperes of current.
Is a 300w converter big enough for a refrigerator? seems the start up draw would be too much...
I thought I took a screenshot of a 500 watt inverter which should be barely enough for a small residential fridge. But I’ve never tested this myself to be sure.
In the original question, he said he had a 300-watt inverter.
Yes you are correct…. That’s why I was showing a 500-Watt inverter. Sorry I wasn’t clear enough.