Folks, so....here we are, our Electrolux 4400 has all been fixed and has been running great to be honest. The techo put in an extra vent, fixed the flu, flushed everything out and put an outlet on the roof also for heat escape. I know it's not the best fridge (1999 vintage and not designed for the tropics and/or heat) but it has perfomred really well. It has been running a dream on gas.....until we arrived in Hay NSW!

The temp today hit 41 degrees and that is enough for any fridge I imagine let alone one built into the side wall of a motorhome! Anyway, about 2pm a little fan kicked in at the back (presumably to try and cool the fins??) and is a little noisy. The question I have is this; will the fan switch itself off when it cools down? (It's now 6:45pm and it's still running but it's still probably 30 degrees anyway). I get it that it has a sensor to try and cool the fins (no chance today in 41 degrees!) but 'does it know when to stop'?

If not, can I stop it manually? It a small fan at the back near the bottom left hand side?

Any help would be welcomed.

Paul & Val (Far too young to be grey nomads!)

Cheers Bob, will do. Regards to everyone!

Paul & Val

Hi Paul
It obviously has been wired with a thermostat control on the FAN.

So it will be a question of just what the operating difererential [Hysterisis]of the themostat is

ie how much the thermostat has to cool below it's cut in point before it turns off.

The time will also depend on the air flow capacity of the fan 

But It should switch off sometime during the night

PeterQ

Folks, once again, thanks for your help! It switched itself off at 11:30pm so it was on for about 8 hours (poor little thing!). The noise comes ffrom the fact that the fan itself is on a little spindle and the 'wobble' of the fan is what makes the noise. There doesn't look anything to tighten up so I guess I'll have to live with the noise if and when it happens!

Paul & Val (Far too young to be grey nomads!)

Hi there,

Im not sure about your situation but this is what I have done.

I have a vent installed on the outside of the bus, low down in the fridge cavity...then

up above the top of the fridge (also on the outside) is another vent with a 12 volt fan

that is a bigger version of a computer fan that has a thermostat switch wired to it

so when the cavity gets to say 28 deg, this fan starts up and circulates air from outside

up over the back of the fridge ...cooling the back panel. The fan continues until the temp

gets below 28 deg. This may continue for quite some time.

These items are available from Jacar.

as an add to my fridge....I have also installed a small fan inside the fridge that circulates the cooled air

within the frige so all itms get use of the cooled air. I find this helps when you want a coldie cooled quicker.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Not sure at what temperature the fridge is running at with or without a fan as I don't have a thermometer (and the fridge, apart from numbers, doesn't tell me either). All I know is that generally, even in temps around 30 degrees, the fan hasn't started but yesterday in 41 degrees it did (probably around the 37 degree mark ambient temperature). What I can report is this; the fridge still performed well and the beers were kept reasonably cold!

mr glassies wrote:

---

hahaha sorry didnt mean to lough but its sort of a private joke about fans and fridges
i have a compressor fridge and fitted 3 small fans to the bottom vent . the reason i put it here is the fins on the vent turn the air up at about 45% thus not realy getting air to the bottom of the fridge some agree some dont . but ya get that

dibs

---

 Yes

The Fridge set up determines the BEST way to set up the fans

BUT the KEYPOINT is get as much cooling air as possible through the condenser

AND YES ANY fridge can benifut from better CONDENSOR cooling![Even Engels & Waecos]

PeterQ

mr glassies wrote:

---

well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge . i just wanted to move the air from the bottom to the top and run it over the compressor up the side of the fridge and out the top vents .
i was just explaining how if its pulled from the top the air will/could have a dead spot at the bottom of the fridge because of the way the vent is built .

dibs

---

 A fridge that does not have an External condensor ??I' d like to see that

Perhaps you could tell us the brand & model  ?

Perhaps you simply mean it does have a condensor ,BUT it does not protrude outside the case ?? 

The Condensor cooling is what affects the fridge cooling ability!!

The compressor temp is not a problem as far as cooling abilty is concerned.

Simple facts!!

oldtrack123 wrote:

---

 A fridge that does not have an External condensor ??I' d like to see that

Perhaps you could tell us the brand & model  ?

Perhaps you simply mean it does have a condensor ,BUT it does not protrude outside the case ?? 

The Condensor cooling is what affects the fridge cooling ability!!

The compressor temp is not a problem as far as cooling abilty is concerned.

Simple facts!!

 

---

 PeterQ,

Next time you're out and about go an see how many fridges with exposed condensers you can find at your local whitegoods store...

you will note dibs said "well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge ."

oldbobsbus wrote:,

Next time you're out and about go an see how many fridges with exposed condensers you can find at your local whitegoods store...

you will note dibs said "well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge ."

 

 

---

 HI

Well, there ya go AGAIN

Mouthing of with an irrelavant post

I doubt you will find many  Waeco or  Engels fridges in a WHITE GOODS STORE

They do have Exposed condensors, even IF they are INSIDE a ventilated CASE.!!!

The OP"s 3way WILL HAVE AN EXPOSED CONDENSOR ,even though it[the fridge] may /will be in an enclosure

P

Encreasing  the Cooling of  the CONDENSOR will give better cooling  perfornance of most fridges once the ambient temp gets much above 30C

Rarely is anything required to give additional cooling to the motor or controls IF adequately temp rated components have been used

Although some makers may fit a fan for THAT purpose, if they are pushing the limits of Temp ratings for the components used.

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 12:37:36 PM

oldtrack123 wrote:

---

oldbobsbus wrote:,

Next time you're out and about go an see how many fridges with exposed condensers you can find at your local whitegoods store...

you will note dibs said "well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge ."

 

 

---

 HI

Well, there ya go AGAIN

Mouthing of with an irrelavant post

I doubt you will find many  Waeco or  Engels fridges in a WHITE GOODS STORE

They do have Exposed condensors, even IF they are INSIDE a ventilated CASE.!!!

 

The OP"s 3way WILL HAVE AN EXPOSED CONDENSOR ,even though it[the fridge] may /will be in an enclosure

 

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 12:37:36 PM

---

 Best ya grab a tissue old fella coz ya dribbling as usual..

It wasn't the OP that said his fridge did have any external condenser or fins it was this post YOU commented on...

mr glassies wrote:

---

well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge . i just wanted to move the air from the bottom to the top and run it over the compressor up the side of the fridge and out the top vents .
i was just explaining how if its pulled from the top the air will/could have a dead spot at the bottom of the fridge because of the way the vent is built .

dibs

---

 A fridge that does not have an External condensor ??I' d like to see that

Perhaps you could tell us the brand & model  ?

Perhaps you simply mean it does have a condensor ,BUT it does not protrude outside the case ?? 

The Condensor cooling is what affects the fridge cooling ability!!

The compressor temp is not a problem as far as cooling abilty is concerned.

Simple facts!!

 Now I know you are the sort of person that is never wrong and would never admit it if you were so best ya just go off and sit in a corner and wipe ya chin..

patrolst wrote:

---

The OP was asking about heat absorption 3 way fridges as noted (Electrolux 4400) not compressor fridges.
The link I posted was as assistance to these which do work quiet effectively.
Absorption fridges require more ventilation that compressor fridges.
So there you go.

---

 Hi

Yes, that link does give a good guide to what is required to get better performance from an  absorption fridge.

However:

Ii prefer to force ALL the cooling air through the condensor  by means of baffles

I prefer to seperate the hot boiler  from the rest by a heat proof vertical baffle, We do not want to cool the boiler

I prefer a 50C thermostat mounted about half way along on the top of the condensor

The end aim should be to have the refigerent at ambient temp just as it enters the fridge evaporator

Have done that over many years[something like40 years] with different 3ways & have worked very sucessfully in temps where the ambient temp surrounding the fridge has been up to 40C 

I do have a high air flow over the CONDENSOR 

Actually use small car fans !!

PeterQ

 Hi BOB 

You post some of the most confusing posts I have EVER seen

Perhaps due to your rush to simply point score, rather than address the subject

Perhaps you could just one time ,post something correct & worthwhile

Instead of wasting your's & others time Trying  but, IMHO,  failing to point score

A sad case If that is ALL you can offer this forum

From now on I will save my energy for better use than answering YOUR personal attacks

BUT, you had better be sure you have your facts correct on ANYTHING YOU post

As I will continue to point out incorrect info from YOU  or anyone else!

If I am wrong in any post & truely knowledgeable people point that out I do accept it

BUT you have not been around long enough to see that![only a little over 5 months]

ps

If Glassie has a Waeco or an Engel ,the Condensor will be exposed even though it may be inside the VENTILATED CASE

IS THAT too hard for you to understand???

Fans will assist in cooling the CONDENSOR  improving HOT weather COOLING performance!

It will not be /is not similar to those WHITE goods stores DOMESTIC fridges where the condenser is actually a part of the metal skin [casing
]

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 01:21:28 PM

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 01:27:57 PM

oldbobsbus wrote:

---

Peter, who said it was a Waeco or an Engle?????????

No brand names were mentioned!!!!!!!!
I infact the only fridge I have in my MH is a Samsung 320ltr fridge and it also hasn't got any exposed fins or condenser...
I think you are the one that needs to get your facts right before opening your mouth to change feet..

And just becoz I have only been here on this forum for 5mths doesn't make me 5mths old. Like you I have many many years experience and hold several trade certificates and licences..

I respect your posts when you give good advice but when you set out to be picky picky picky I will correct you whenever you are wrong..

You are obviously bored with nothing to do and are looking for someone to force your opinion on and treat everyone as though they are stupid..

---

HI Bob  You are correct

He did not say what brand or model EVEN THOUGH HE has had the chance to give the brand model

So his post is really irrelevent to the OP's question,

 There are many makes of 12V compressor fridges on the market but most are based on either the Danfoss /waeco type, With the engel being on it's own 

THAT is Why it makes sense for ALL posters to give the brand model number of the fridge they are referring too

JUST as YOU have finally done

BUT

I have never said it WAS a WAECO [again perhaps you cannot read,]

I did say if a waeco or Engel  _______

I could have also mentioned EVA COOL & half a dozen clones of the Waeco types ,using Danfoss units Or Chinese versions

ONE thing that I am pretty certain of ,is that Absorption type fridges [ the TYPE the OP was referring to] will never have the condenser built into the skin.

PeterQ

Peter, You are 100% correct.

As I have said on a couple occasions for 20Yrs I was the Electrolux Absorption fridge service agent for this area so you need to accept that you aren't the only one with knowledge..

I also have extensive experience in the LP Gas industry where I hold both an Auto LP Gas Installers licence and a Domestic LP Gas Fitters Licence I am also still the Station Manager  for the Gas Cylinder Test Station I sold when I retired.

Before getting into the gas industry I was a Motor Mechanic and hold all the required licences (all of which are now in a drawer as I'm now a Silly OB enjoying retirement and following the white line whenever I can)

As always happens with most threads on ANY forum after a while they digress and I think that is good becoz it keeps the likes of you and me occupied and out from under our wives feet..lol..

While ever you post helpful info you will get my full support but if ya start picking on someone I will be on ya case...

Ohhhh and conversely if someone picks on you and you are right I will be there for you too..

oldtrack123 wrote:

---

mr glassies wrote:

---

well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge . i just wanted to move the air from the bottom to the top and run it over the compressor up the side of the fridge and out the top vents .
i was just explaining how if its pulled from the top the air will/could have a dead spot at the bottom of the fridge because of the way the vent is built .

dibs

---

 A fridge that does not have an External condensor ??I' d like to see that

Perhaps you could tell us the brand & model  ?

Perhaps you simply mean it does have a condensor ,BUT it does not protrude outside the case ?? 

The Condensor cooling is what affects the fridge cooling ability!!

The compressor temp is not a problem as far as cooling abilty is concerned.

Simple facts!!

 

---

 if you had put your glasses on before you read my post you would have seen what i wrote and i quote my self .

(well there ya go there isnt any condenser or fins out in the open on my fridge)

im not very well educated and i dont talk about things idont know about unless im asking questions  so i can learn . but when someone puts s&^t on me i will bite back. look very carefully at the 2 pics below 1 is of the compressor and the other is the back of the fridge looking from the bottom up .hhmmm i mite even add a website of the fridge

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LARGE-142-LITRE-DC-FREEZER-FRIDGE12V-24V-240V-SOLAR2013-MODEL-/111233218255?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item19e60436cf&_uhb=1

 if you can point out a condenser or fins in those pics i will buy a slab at the next happy hour

you also mention and i copy and past (The compressor temp is not a problem as far as cooling abilty is concerned.)

if this is true why do the factory put a fan blowing onto it sorry i didnt get it in the pic but its on the rite trust me. now remember this is a question about what you wrote 

also note the wire hanging down is the temperature or thermo switch

dibs

HI Glassie

Again I asked the question what model!

You did not seem to understand THAT is always important with fridges[like oils all fridges are far from being the same]

Not that an Ebay special name means much since dozen of different names get plastered on the same fridge model to suit the sellers

Your link does appear to work[ ERROR 404  cannot be found]

& I cannot realy see much from your pics

but IF your fridge has a false back, air path from bottom to top THAT is where the Condenser is

IT then is exposed Not sealed in the skin, as Bob's is with no provision for either natural flue effect or added forced cooling,

In very hot weather a fan would assist COOLING EFFICIENCY IF your's is as above

Even compressor fridges have a temp limit,  at which they struggle to work efficiently,due to the REFRIGERENT being TOO hot when it enters the evaporater 

I cannot see the actual fan or where it's air flow goes  

But I have already said ,some makers may cool the electronic controls & even the motor ,IF they are pushing them to their Temp limits

That is generally a max of 50C , but can be as high as 75C  depending on the design

I would be interested in knowing IF your fridge has a vertical AIR shaft at the back ,   which would then be there to give a cooling  air draft over the condensor .

But none of this is /was ever relevent to the OP's question. his IS an absorption fridge , no motor ,totally differnent operating principle

PeterQ

mr glassies wrote:

---

a m8 drew it not long after brocky died funny enough though i got a ride with brocky in his a30 way back when and i did the screw piers at the zoo they were both my heroes

the caption says
need a lift m8
i love it hangs above my bar and i love holdens

as for the above post i h8 people that dont read stuff properly and make false assumptions .

dibs

---

 lol...I was at Oran Park the first day he bought the A30 out..

We all just shook our heads and say another would be...lol..

It handled like a greasy pig but he did get it around the track a couple of times...lol

I guess on that day he showed us he had talent..

Ohhh and don't worry about Peter he means well but just needs to get new glasses..lol

oldtrack123 wrote:

---

 

 

HI Glassie

Again I asked the question what model!

You did not seem to understand THAT is always important with fridges[like oils all fridges are far from being the same]

Not that an Ebay special name means much since dozen of different names get plastered on the same fridge model to suit the sellers

 

Your link does appear to work[ ERROR 404  cannot be found]

& I cannot realy see much from your pics

but IF your fridge has a false back, air path from bottom to top THAT is where the Condenser is

IT then is exposed Not sealed in the skin, as Bob's is with no provision for either natural flue effect or added forced cooling,

In very hot weather a fan would assist COOLING EFFICIENCY IF your's is as above

Even compressor fridges have a temp limit,  at which they struggle to work efficiently,due to the REFRIGERENT being TOO hot when it enters the evaporater 

I cannot see the actual fan or where it's air flow goes  

But I have already said ,some makers may cool the electronic controls & even the motor ,IF they are pushing them to their Temp limits

 

That is generally a max of 50C , but can be as high as 75C  depending on the design

I would be interested in knowing IF your fridge has a vertical AIR shaft at the back ,   which would then be there to give a cooling  air draft over the condensor .

 

 

But none of this is /was ever relevent to the OP's question. his IS an absorption fridge , no motor ,totally differnent operating principle

 

PeterQ

 

 

 

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Tuesday 10th of December 2013 08:42:26 PM

---

Funny that i cant recall any comment about cooling of electrical s  .and like i said if you had read my post you wouldnt have had to make any comment on what i said 

i have a compressor fridge and fitted 3 small fans to the bottom vent . the reason i put it here is the fins on the vent turn the air up at about 45% thus not realy getting air to the bottom of the fridge some agree some dont 

THAT IS THE POINT I WAS TRYING TO GET ACROSS TO ANY BODY PUTING A FAN OR FANS BEHIND THERE FRIDGE 

you were the one that jumped on me 

igive up waisting my time