Plugging in refrigerator

[Turkeybaster]

Hi all, Airstream newbie here.

I tried to plug in the refrigerator directly to an outlet in my garage using the plug for the fridge that’s located inside the access panel on the outside and running an extension cord. All other power to the AS is off (battery disconnect switch is activated and no shore power). I guess the fridge doesn’t work that way or I’m doing something wrong? It must still require some power from batteries or shore power?

TB

[GCinSC2]

TB,

Yes the fridge requires that the 12V power system is ON. That is the power for the control system and you can select GAS or AC power to run the fridge. Make sure you plug the fridge back into its own outlet to use shore power. It may take over night or a bit more to cool down.

If you do not have an adaptor to connect the big cable to a 15 amp standard outlet then you can plug the fridge into an extension cord as you have done but 12V power must be on.

Gary

[Turkeybaster]

Thanks GC! That’s what I figured. Next project: install a 30A outlet next to the garage for full power whenever needed.

[WellSaid11]

Originally Posted by Turkeybaster

Thanks GC! That’s what I figured. Next project: install a 30A outlet next to the garage for full power whenever needed.

Go with a 50A just so you have it. You never know and you can always use to 50A to 30A adapter. I installed a 50A box and am very happy with it.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by Turkeybaster

Thanks GC! That’s what I figured. Next project: install a 30A outlet next to the garage for full power whenever needed.

TB,

CAUTION!!!!!

Many times a 120 VAC 30 amp RV outlet has been wired for 240VAC. When you plug into that 240VAC wired outlet the precious smoke comes out of several key components. This elusive and expensive smoke display is to be avoided at all costs. It happened recently here on the forum via a professional outlet installation.

If you have a 50AMP outlet installed you can use a dog bone convertor and plug the 30AMP cord in to it. A common situation and helpful to have one in case.

You can plug into a 15AMP 120VAC home outlet to run the trailer to charge it, cool the fridge etc but no AC, heat pump, electric water heater, micro wave etc. Power management.

Gary

[Hans627]

Is the fridge all you want to run? If so you could use a 30A to 110v adapter (something like this https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Plug-Ada...1530D90VP.html).

It will power the 12v system and run the fridge, but not much else.

Best wishes!

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Hans627

Is the fridge all you want to run? If so you could use a 30A to 110v adapter (something like this https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Plug-Ada...1530D90VP.html).

It will power the 12v system and run the fridge, but not much else.

Best wishes!

That is a 30A to 15A adapter. Both are the same 120 volt saying it wrong that only one is 110v makes the bad electricians that don't read instructions more confident that they are right that the 30A is 240v, which it's not.

It is also a good idea to get an adapter to go the other way 15A to 30A then have the electrician plug something of his in or at least something cheap. NOTE; Some things are rated 100-240v so no guaranty that not burning up means the trailer is safe.

https://www.etrailer.com/maindept-RVandCamper.aspx

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

That is a 30A to 15A adapter. Both are the same 120 volt saying it wrong that only one is 110v makes the bad electricians that don't read instructions more confident that they are right that the 30A is 240v, which it's not.

It is also a good idea to get an adapter to go the other way 15A to 30A then have the electrician plug something of his in or at least something cheap. NOTE; Some things are rated 100-240v so no guaranty that not burning up means the trailer is safe.

https://www.etrailer.com/maindept-RVandCamper.aspx

Thanks for clarifying. Yes it a 30A to 15A adapter at 110v. I didn't mean to mislead anyone!