What's this wire behind refrigerator?

[JimC]

67 tradewind wiring

In the wall behind the refrigerator next to the door there is a pair of black wires coming out of the same hole as an old TV antenna. They don't carry 110vac or 12vdc. Anyone know what they might be? My guess is a switch for something. The heater thermostat is on a bathroom wall and appears to be original.

I've just replaced the refer. with a new Dometic 2510, and this exposed the wires in question. I have to find 12vdc for the new 2510, and thought it would be easy when I saw the wires. My current plan is to wait untill late Fall and rebuild all the cabinetry on the wall including the twin bed. I think I will replace the bed with a desk and storage -- wish the wheel well wasn't there to contend with.

[DPeakMD]

JimC-

Is there anyway you can post a picture of the wires?

You've probably already ruled this out, but the TV antenna wire of the day would have been twinlead. Typically a flat black cable of two insulated wires separated by plastic spacer.

My '72 also uses the refridgerator space for the outdoor thermometer sensor, but that's only one wire...

I hope your DC install to the new fridge works out. I'm not up on the 60's units much. Overlander64 (Kevin) may be able to help you. He's done a lot to his coach.

[overlander64]

Greetings JimC!

If the Dometic that you are installing has the 12-volt element for general operation, you safest bet is to run a fused, heavy lead from your 12-volt distribution panel to the refrigerator. According to the technician who installed the 3-way Dometic in my '64 Overlander this is one of the keys to successful 12-volt operation. The 3-way Refrigerator in my Overlander works as well on 12-volt as it does AC electric or gas - - the one requirement for 12-volt operation is pre-cooling with either AC electric or gas; once that has happened, the unit operates perfectly on 12-volt. If all you need is 12-volt for the AES panel, then it probably isn't necessary (but would be advisable IMHO) to run an additional heavy lead from the service panel if you find a nearby circuit that you can splice into.

Good luck with your new refrigerator!

Kevin

P.S.: The wire that you have located could be for any number of things, including something added by a previous owner. Among the possibilities that jump into my mind - - a lead for the 12-volt booster for the factory installed (optional) antenna (mine was routed through the refrigerator vent), radio antenna or power lead (this placement varied greatly by year and model), or previous owner added feature such as lead for telephone jack or TV cable.

[JimC]

My Dometic is not a three-way. The 12vdc is for the pilot re-igniter, I think, and is low current.

One of the two wires I mentioned is 300 ohm twinlead that originates at the front where the antenna was (I removed it). The other pair is two black wires. I don't know if they are incased. They are not the typical aluminum wiring used for 12vdc.

It is hard to believe that a PO added these because there is no sign of interior skin being removed.

Thanks for the replies.