Step down transformer

[Randygh]

:?:My bro needs to purchase a new refer for his 27' Bayliner. The old Nevercold is TU. He looked at an ad for a new Nevercold at Marinesurplus. The refer is dual power source: 12v dc and 220v ac. Several questions:

Do the 220v Nevercolds have a switch in the back that will change from 220 to 110? To me it seems there would have to be different transformers to change 110 and 220 down to 12v.

If the refer doesn't have a switch, would it be worthwhile to pickup a step-up transformer to convert the 110 to 220? I think that would be just another item to cause a problem in the future.

I told my bro the reason the price is so good ($300.00 new) is because it would require an additional transformer or he'd just have to run it on 12v and let the smart charger keep the batts charged. I advised him to not purchase the unit and to wait until the boatshow in January. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Go Aweigh2452]

:?:My bro needs to purchase a new refer for his 27' Bayliner. The old Nevercold is TU. He looked at an ad for a new Nevercold at Marinesurplus. The refer is dual power source: 12v dc and 220v ac. Several questions:

Do the 220v Nevercolds have a switch in the back that will change from 220 to 110? To me it seems there would have to be different transformers to change 110 and 220 down to 12v.

If the refer doesn't have a switch, would it be worthwhile to pickup a step-up transformer to convert the 110 to 220? I think that would be just another item to cause a problem in the future.

I told my bro the reason the price is so good ($300.00 new) is because it would require an additional transformer or he'd just have to run it on 12v and let the smart charger keep the batts charged. I advised him to not purchase the unit and to wait until the boatshow in January. Any thoughts or suggestions?

I believe ALL Nevercolds are 110v/12v/24v. Never heard of a 220v unit. Did he check the Norcold website to verify the model? Maybe the seller got the 24V confused with 220V?

Yes, you can find a step up transformer... I bought one years ago from JC Whitney... They are pretty much bullet proof so I would not worry too much about an extra component.

My recommendation would be to investigate a cold plate modification to his current frig. Isotherm makes them and so do others. Basically a plate that sits in or on the back wall of the frig and the refrigerant sits anywhere within a few ft of the frig... Whitewater in Maine had the best prices for Isotherm and danfoss compressors...

[Nehalennia]

Yes they (Norcold and others) do offer 220V units for the big boys toys. Walt is the owner in Monroe and I saw that fridge in the box a year or so ago. Goo price yes, but you'll have to make a lot of fuss, in my opinion to convert it for 220V

[bradvo]

:?:My bro needs to purchase a new refer for his 27' Bayliner. The old Nevercold is TU. He looked at an ad for a new Nevercold at Marinesurplus. The refer is dual power source: 12v dc and 220v ac. Several questions:

Do the 220v Nevercolds have a switch in the back that will change from 220 to 110? To me it seems there would have to be different transformers to change 110 and 220 down to 12v.

If the refer doesn't have a switch, would it be worthwhile to pickup a step-up transformer to convert the 110 to 220? I think that would be just another item to cause a problem in the future.

I told my bro the reason the price is so good ($300.00 new) is because it would require an additional transformer or he'd just have to run it on 12v and let the smart charger keep the batts charged. I advised him to not purchase the unit and to wait until the boatshow in January. Any thoughts or suggestions?


Have your bro verify with the seller what the true power source is to operate the refer. Many larger boats are 220v power but the power is split inside so most components that would be 110v would still operate off 110v. Refers also would operate fine off the 12v source . I have never heard of a 220v refer, not saying there is not one but the couple I have bought I have never been asked if I needed a 220v. At boat electric which sells Nova Kool they only come 12v, you have to buy the transformer extra if wanting to run off 110v. I just bought one this summer but removed the transformer from my old unit and placed in the new.

Someone on Craigslist was just selling a new in the box norcold for around 500 bucks a week or so ago.

[Nehalennia]

or have him take a look to just replace the power supply.
http://www.laurelhurstdistributors.com/parts/index.html

[Randygh]

Thanks for the info. Todd, I checked the Laurelhurst Distributors parts and it looks like the power supply and transformer would be easily switched out to convert the 220v to 110v. I'm going to call the Laurelhurst tomorrow and ask about switching out the power supply and transformer. Even with buying a new ps and transformer, it might be cheaper than a new 110v/12v model. Thanks for the great info.

[bradvo]

how did this work out?