Low Voltage Alarm

[jabiru18]

Just packed up the Ute and Fridge (Companion Xero 60L) for a weekend getaway and the fridge is beeping with low voltage alarm and so wont run, arrgghhh.

With Ute not running I checked the Battery and the end of fridge lead with a multi-meter and it shows 13.8V, everywhere i check it is the same. Battery and end point show same voltage.

I also plugged fridge in while the Ute was running, same thing.

Is that the best way to test? I couldn't work out how to check Amps on the multimeter.

Is it the fridge? Any ideas?

[HK1837]

Sounds like the fridge. Does it run on 240V OK? Does it have an integral fuse in the fridge?

[jabiru18]

HK1837.... good call, I just popped it into 240v and it works....

I originally had it connected to Aux battery and just tried the cig lighter in cab which is to the start battery, same result, low voltage alarm and then shuts off.

I’ll see if there is a fuse in the fridge as you suggest.

[martynvella]

If it was a fuse it wouldnt start at all.

[jabiru18]

I am back in action. Beers are cold!

I must have accidentally turned it to Turbo mode, which appears to draw about 8 amps at startup. The fridge had warmed up with them putting everything and the lid left up so the fridge was wanting to work extra hard at start up.

Popped it into AC, let it cool right down, turned turbo mode off, plugged into canopy, and off it went.

Also cut the end off the original lead and replaced with 6mm.

I had zero voltage drop from AUX batt to end of Fridge lead so I was a bit stumped for a bit.

Seems all ok for now.

[martynvella]

Unless the fridge is running you will never have voltage drop. There has to be current flowing to get a drop. Just a hint for next time.

[jabiru18]

Ahh thanks Marty. Nice tip, I’m on 13.8v now, what’s an acceptable drop when running?


I’ll measure when fridge is running just so I can be sure. The fan always runs I’ll wait for compressor to kick in.

[martynvella]

As long as it stays above shut off but the less the better. Quater to half a volt maybe depending on distance and cable size.