What Is a Marine Fridge?
A 12V compressor fridge on board - often the biggest item in the energy budget, and one whose consumption can be halved with a few simple habits.
A marine fridge is a box or cabinet-style cooler running on a 12 or 24 volt compressor. In the energy account of an anchored boat, it is usually the single biggest load; on many boats, nearly half the daily consumption comes from the fridge.
The secret to efficiency is not the compressor itself but what surrounds it. The table below shows the free efficiency measures.
Free efficiency measures
Measure | Effect |
|---|---|
Air path to the condenser space (vent/fan) | Noticeably cuts consumption on a hot Göcek afternoon |
Door seal check | Any leak means damp air, ice build-up and extra running |
Thick supply cable | A thin cable can push the compressor into fault mode |
When the compressor never seems to stop on a hot Göcek afternoon, it is often not a fault at all, but the condenser crying out for air. Another common cause of the 'fridge keeps switching off and on' complaint is not the compressor, but a thin cable causing voltage drop.
User habits also improve efficiency: load the fridge in the cool of the morning rather than just before going swimming, and bring drinks in already chilled. During lay-up, the door should always be left ajar; a fridge shut up all winter is greeted by spring with the smell of mould.