Fridge seems to struggle on 240v

hi all
i have a standard eletrolux fridge in my symphony van
when on EHU it seems to struggle to cool even set to number 7
my caravan with same type of fridge freezes salad at no 7
is there any parts i need to replace ?
steve

I would have thought that if the 220/240v element was in need of replacement, the fridge wouldn't work at all on mains. There are loads of replacements on Ebay, just search 'Electrolux fridge element' in the motorhome/caravan section. If it's working on gas OK but not efficiently on mains then I can't think of a reason. Maybe someone else has an idea?

Hi

It's always worth a check to see if there are any visible problems or bad connections before doing anything else.

Paulmold wrote:I would have thought that if the 220/240v element was in need of replacement, the fridge wouldn't work at all on mains.

I agree, elements usually either work or fail completely. Its just possible that the element could go open circuit as it heats up but not very likely.

Assuming it's OK on 12V and gas, I think the most likely culprit is the thermostat. The way to check (but only if you're confident working with electrics) is to connect a multimeter across the element and see if the voltage disappears before the fridge gets cold. If the supply to the element is OK and the fridge isn't getting cold, the element is almost certainly faulty.

If you're not confident working on electrics it's probably best to take it to a repairer or to replace the thermostat (and possibly the element) and hope for the best.

Brod

Peter Brown wrote:There is no mention that it is working properly on gas.

The heading says 'seems to struggle on 240v' , doesn't say struggles on any power source, so I assumed rightly or wrongly.

Everybody that replied is online except the originator that wants an answer.!


Micky

All seems ok on gas 
I spend most of my time onEHU so was wondering if the element was failing didn't realise it had a thermostat does that work for gas and 240v?

Hi  

magicknight75 wrote:All seems ok on gas
I spend most of my time onEHU so was wondering if the element was failing didn't realise it had a thermostat does that work for gas and 240v?

The gas and 240V controls are separate.

As you said it's the standard fridge I assume it's similar to the Dometic RM4123 (don't worry about the Electrolux name it's the same thing). You should have the gas temperature control on the right hand side and the thermostat knob on the left next to the 240V switch (i.e. the knob you use to turn it up to 7).

There is a Dometic manual in the fact sheets section of this forum.

Brod

Rm4213 red green buttons then a 240v dial then handle then a gas knob then temp dial then ignition switch in Orange

thanks all I'll try the thermostat first then 
Best place to buy? eBay?

Hi

Peter Brown wrote: If its working at all on 240v then the 240v heating element must be ok so looking at the 240v thermostat.

I agree that it's very unlikely but it's still possible for the element to be faulty.  Funnily enough I had an oven element quite recently that went open circuit as it warmed up. The result was that it started to warm up then cut out, cooled down and cut back in again. The result was a much reduced and unstable oven temperature but not complete failure.

Ten years ago or so I had a PCB etching tank element do something similar, admittedly the only reason I remember it was because it was so rare.

Brod

Hi

magicknight75 wrote:thanks all I'll try the thermostat first then
Best place to buy? eBay?

You'll find lots of places sell them (even Currys Partmaster but they take the Michael with the prices). Many Dometic /Electrolux parts are similar across models but if you go somewhere like this you can enter the actual number for your particular model from the rating plate to make sure you get the right one.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Brod