Engel current draw - a way to identify how old your fridge is!

[isuzurover]

I was talking to the knowledgeable bloke here: Engeland - Engel Fridge Freezer Hire & Sales, Perth Australia (http://www.engeland.com.au/) and he gave me some interesting stats I thought I would pass on in case they are of interest:

Decade of Manufacture / Current draw when ON
70's / 6 A
80's / 4.5 A
90's / 3.7 A
2000-on / 2.5 A

So with that I could identify that my 29L engel was made in the 80's.

Your fridge should have a red tag on the side with the current draw on 12V - if not, you can measure it!

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I was talking to the knowledgeable bloke here:
<snip>
Decade of Manufacture / Current draw when ON
70's / 6 A
80's / 4.5 A
90's / 3.7 A
2000-on / 2.5 A
<snip>By that reasoning in the coming decade the Engel fridge should draw 1.33' A

But i don't think that I want to wait untill the 2030's when I can have an Engel fridge that both cools my drinks and re-charges my batteries! :D :D

Back to seriousness - has anyone studied the noise characteristics of Waeco V's Engel compressor fridges? My mate Daniel suggests that an Engel is more likely tokeep me awake at night.

Any opinions?

[isuzurover]

By that reasoning in the coming decade the Engel fridge should draw 1.33' A

But i don't think that I want to wait untill the 2030's when I can have an Engel fridge that both cools my drinks and re-charges my batteries! :D :D

Back to seriousness - has anyone studied the noise characteristics of Waeco V's Engel compressor fridges? My mate Daniel suggests that an Engel is more likely tokeep me awake at night.

Any opinions?

Perpetual refrigeration aside for the moment, I found this article recently:


Which Compressor Is Better?

The below summary of findings are made after viewing many test results, ignoring results coming from test done in ‘less accurate’ environments.

Power: The Danfoss is more powerful - around 20% more. This is reconfirmed in many tests showing Sawafuji compressors are much slower to lower the fridge temperature than Danfoss powered fridges.

Efficiency: Pretty much the same. Comparing two similarly sized portable fridges, the average current was almost identical (if anything, the Waeco was slightly less). The Engel’s max current was lower at 4A compared to the 6.5A from the Danfoss powered Waeco unit. With the Waeco you have the option to lower the max current to match the Engel (at the expense of rapid cooling), but why would you want to do this? It is the average power usage that matters. This again clearly indicates the Danfoss BD35F is a more powerful compressor.

Temperature limits: Danfoss is slightly better. Many test have found that in the higher temperatures (around 45-50 deg) the Sawafuji performance is not as good as the Danfoss. The Danfoss was able to bring the fridge temperature down to a lower temperature.

Noise & Vibration: The Danfoss is quieter and almost free of vibration in contrast to the Engel, this is a significant factor if you are trying to sleep nearby. Vibrations can often be felt in motorhomes, caravans or boats fitted with built-in Engel fridges.

Durability: The Engel, has been running well for over 30 years. Thirty years from now, maybe we can look back and say the same for the newer 2005 Danfoss powered compressor.

Warranty: 5 years on the Waeco’s Danfoss. 3 years with the Engel’s Sawafuji.
http://www.rvworldstore.co.nz/blog/waecoengel/

In my 110 I cannot hear my fridge with the engine on. I can hear it with the engine off but it isn't annoying. I am sure I could happily sleep in the car if I needed to. As per the article, I think vibration rather than noise is more the issue.

I think you should instead worry if your mate Daniel will keep you awake at night ;)

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Perpetual refrigeration aside for the moment, I found this article recently:


Blog - Fridges - Waeco Vs Engel - RV World New Zealand (http://www.rvworldstore.co.nz/blog/waecoengel/)

In my 110 I cannot hear my fridge with the engine on. I can hear it with the engine off but it isn't annoying. I am sure I could happily sleep in the car if I needed to. As per the article, I think vibration rather than noise is more the issue.

I think you should instead worry if your mate Daniel will keep you awake at night ;)No Daniel is too busy building Defender camper conversions.

An acquaintence mate not the other sort of mate! :D

[Utemad]

When I used to borrow my Dad's 80L Engel (stainless model) I would turn it off if it was a quiet night as it would keep us awake. That is with it locked in the car and us in a tent!
My CF-80 Waeco is kept right near our heads when we sleep and we can't hear it. I don't like much else about the Waeco but it is quiet and well laid out inside.

[blitz]

The most interesting thing about this for me is that this shows the leaps in technological advancement.

Each drop in current draw shows a leap forward in technology

[isuzurover]

The most interesting thing about this for me is that this shows the leaps in technological advancement.

Each drop in current draw shows a leap forward in technology

The scary thing as Diana noted is that it is an almost linear decrease!!! You certainly wouldn't expect that.

[LandyAndy]

hey Ben.
How did you find the Engel Land couple???
I couldnt get out of their shop when I bought my Engel.Nice people.Cheap hire rates too.
Andrew

[scarry]

Have a look at the current ratings of domestic refrigerators as well,the have dropped down drastically in the last 10 yrs or so as well.

[isuzurover]

hey Ben.
How did you find the Engel Land couple???
I couldnt get out of their shop when I bought my Engel.Nice people.Cheap hire rates too.
Andrew

Haven't been in there - just called them. The guy didn't seem to want to look at my fridge - told me everything to check over the phone. Nice bloke.