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Thread: Caravan Fridge Battery Wiring

  1. 14th January 2026, 07:48 PM #1
    d2dave's Avatar
    d2dave
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    Caravan Fridge Battery Wiring

    I am swapping my gas fridge for a compressor fridge. The fridge battery is about 1200mm from currant shunt, which is on the opposite side of fridge.

    Further along are the charging sources. My question is this.

    Can I run the positive charging lead to the fridge switch or do I need to run it direct to the battery?

    I can't see how it would make any difference but I want to be sure.

    Diagram below will explain things better.

    Fridge wiring.jpg
    Dave.

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  2. 14th January 2026, 08:06 PM #2
    Graeme
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    I would connect as you suggest and your fridge would be happier.
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  3. 14th January 2026, 11:32 PM #3
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    Are you saying that I should go the green wire direct to battery?
    Dave.

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  4. 15th January 2026, 05:21 AM #4
    Graeme
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    No. If the cable size between the battery and the fridge switch is adequate to charge the battery then connect the charging devices to the fridge switch, being the shortest route.
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  5. 15th January 2026, 01:31 PM #5
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    I have come up with a reason why I now think the best idea is a separate charge feed (green wire in pic)

    My circuit diagram did not show the fuse near the battery. If this fuse blows, it would mean that the fridge would then run off the charging source,
    which I have always believed to be not desirable.

    What I think would be the best option would be a separate charge feed connected to the battery pre fuse, with its own fuse.

    See revised diagram below.

    Fridge wiring - Copy.jpg
    Dave.

    I was asked " Is it ignorance or apathy?" I replied "I don't know and I don't care."


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  6. 15th January 2026, 03:03 PM #6
    Graeme
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    The fuse for the 3-way is probably much heavier than required for the compressor fridge and therefore a lower-rated fuse would be more appropriate, blowing earlier if a wiring short-circuit occurs.
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  7. 15th January 2026, 08:27 PM #7
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    When I installed the 3 way fridge many years ago I never wired it for 12 volts, so this new compressor fridge wiring is all brand new.
    Dave.

    I was asked " Is it ignorance or apathy?" I replied "I don't know and I don't care."


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  8. 16th January 2026, 01:02 PM #8
    Hoges
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    Quote Originally Posted by d2dave View Post
    I am swapping my gas fridge for a compressor fridge. The fridge battery is about 1200mm from currant shunt, which is on the opposite side of fridge.

    Further along are the charging sources. My question is this.

    Can I run the positive charging lead to the fridge switch or do I need to run it direct to the battery?

    I can't see how it would make any difference but I want to be sure.

    Diagram below will explain things better.

    Fridge wiring.jpg
    You don't necessarily need the "green". The positive switch "terminal" to which charging devices are attached, is at the same potential as the positive on the battery. Irrespective of the amperage to the battery from the charging devices, it has no effect on the fridge which is in parallel not series.
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