Fridge Behaviour

[RichMoore]

My Bongo has a PMS 3 that controls the power sources (car and also a leisure battery) to the internal lights, power points and a fridge.
Being fairly new to owning a Bongo I have been looking at how the fridge operates. With the ignition off the fridge will run no matter where the PMS 3 battery selector is set (Car, Off or Van) and will only stop if I turn it off using the fridge temperature control.

With the leisure battery disconnected it will run from the car battery but only when the ignition is on and the PMS 3 selecting the car battery. That makes sense as it protects against running down the car battery.

However I would like to have the option to turn off the fridge from the leisure battery if I need to without having to use the temperature control at the back of the fridge. On long journeys it is good that the fridge will run to keep the contents cold but there are times when it will be empty and I don’t want it to just run the leisure battery down.

So my questions are:
a) Is this the expected behaviour?
b) When ignition is on and the PMS 3 is in the recommended “Off” battery position, the fridge runs but is it using the car or leisure battery?
c) Should there be a switch/relay to isolate the fridge from the leisure battery in certain circumstances?

Many Thanks,

Richard

[g8dhe]

The PMS3 User Manual is here http://www.g8dhe.net/bongo_images/zig/P ... Manual.pdf

The systems can be installed in different ways, there isn't necessarily a "right" way, the Van/Off/Car switch is normally expected to select which power source is used to provide ALL 12 volt supplies which have been added or moved across to the PMS3 unit, however its also normal for most "swapped" circuits to be connected directly to the LB itself and not via the PMS3 unit.

Having a switch to control the Fridge alone direct is useful, however normally for me its a case of switch it on and leave it on 24/7 letting it warm up means your going to need several hours to cool the fridge - let alone the contents - down again!

[Gasy]

If the fridge is fused separately you could pull the fuse when you don't want it
Or as said fit a switch ( I'd get a illuminated one so you notice if it's been accidently switched off

[cushers]

Not trying to hijack but have an indel fridge off a very similar setup. Not sure my fridge is working. Just wondering how long it should take to cool down from warm?

Graeme

[g8dhe]

Most from my experience cool down over a few hours, but its a lot quicker if its loaded with cooled/frozen foods.

[cushers]

Cheers Geoff.
Will try without ice blocks to see if it is actually working

G