12v refrigerator

J

JJP

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I Have a new to me 2003 282 sailfish. The refrigerator comes on when I turn on the battery switch.I looked at the schematic and it seems to show it direct. Is this normal? Am I missing a switch?
 
I am recalling from my old 2004 boat that refrig could be turned off by turning thermostat to 0. Otherwise there usually is a separate switch on breaker panel for the refrig as it is a big power hog and seldom used.
It takes too long to get cool when going out for a day and unless you have a shore power connected you cannot leave it on for any period of time, hardly even over night.
H
 
The fridge could be DC only, AC only or a model that supports both modes.
If it is dual power, there should be a breaker on the AC panel for it.
You might be able to find the model number inside the box. Use that to look up the specs on the internet.
 
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I converted mine to 12VDC/120VAC. Pretty easy and inexpensive to do.

Converting refrigerator from dc to ac/dc

How difficult is it to convert refrigerator from 12vdc to 110vac/12vdc. I have a 2007 marlin I run the refrigerator all summer. While at the dock I am plugged in and would rather not have battery charger on 24/7
www.greatgrady.com www.greatgrady.com
 
There is a swtich for that model Isotherm. It is inside of the frig beside the freezer, ceiling / top right. The switch turns to increase temperature setting. At one end of the rotation it will click to turn the frig on and off.
 
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In my experience with boats, it's typical for the 12V refrigerator to be connected directly to the battery switch. This means the fridge gets power as soon as the battery switch is turned on. If your schematic doesn't show a separate switch for the refrigerator, it's probable that it's designed to operate this way without an additional switch.
 
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It's a 12V DC frige. Shore power charges the battery banks. There should be a breaker in the panel to shut it off when you don't want it. If on the hook or without AC, it is running off your battery bank so watch the batteries.
 
Beyond A Wake said:
I am recalling from my old 2004 boat that refrig could be turned off by turning thermostat to 0. Otherwise there usually is a separate switch on breaker panel for the refrig as it is a big power hog and seldom used.
It takes too long to get cool when going out for a day and unless you have a shore power connected you cannot leave it on for any period of time, hardly even over night.
H
Click to expand...
I am a bit surprised to hear; the fridge on my 330 cools almost immediately and from my experience doesn't add enough additional demand to draw batteries (four Grp 27, flooded) down too far overnight. I have breaker/switches on the AC/DC panel. I Think I recall working on an inverter under the fridge, but that just doesn't sound correct. Could be I'm confusing with TV cabinet and inverter located there.
 
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Yes, there is a on/off/temp rotary switch inside the fridge. I'm lazy and just used the breaker, plus it was always set to the right temp.
 
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No breaker on mine. I have to turn the thermostat all the way down to turn it off. In the meantime I did a 12vdc/120vac conversion. If AC power is present it runs off that.
 
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JJP said:
I Have a new to me 2003 282 sailfish. The refrigerator comes on when I turn on the battery switch.I looked at the schematic and it seems to show it direct. Is this normal? Am I missing a switch?
Click to expand...
Hello. Did you ever get this figured out. I have a new to me, 2003, 282 sailfish as well. Been out fishing quite a bit this summer, but haven't used the fridge as I have no clue how it works! Any help would be great.
 
It would be helpful if you got there refrigerator make and model from the tag inside it. Also look for controls inside in the upper left next to the ice tray (put a photo up). If it's like mine there is a knob that you turn clockwise to set the cooling temp with. All the way counter-clockwise to turn it off. Not exactly rocket science.

From the owners manual it appears the fridge does not have a switch on the DC panel. It is connected to a fuse block under the helm with a 10 awg orange wire. Same as my boat.

Screenshot 2025-08-23 at 7.40.40 AM.png
 
Legend said:
There is a swtich for that model Isotherm. It is inside of the frig beside the freezer, ceiling / top right. The switch turns to increase temperature setting. At one end of the rotation it will click to turn the frig on and off.
Click to expand...
This. I have an 03 282 as well, the temp knob turns it off as others have stated. Mine was dead so I got a 12v/120v Isotherm now.
 
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