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Absorption Fridges - Introduction

Mike
Updated

Absorption Fridges: The Basics

3-way fridges for campervans, caravans and motorhomes

Diagram of a 3-way absorption fridge powered by 12V DC from the vehicle battery while driving, 12V DC from the leisure battery, LPG from the onboard gas supply, and 240V AC from mains hook-up
 

Operates on three power sources:

 

12V DC: powers the fridge electronics and helps maintain temperature while driving

240V AC: cools the fridge when connected to mains power

LPG (gas): cools the fridge when off-grid or on site
 

Key benefits:

 
✔ 240V and LPG are the most effective and quickest ways to cool the fridge
✔ Excellent off-grid performance on LPG
✔ It is best to pre-cool the fridge before leaving for a trip or when set up on site
✔ 12V is mainly used to help maintain the internal temperature while driving
✔ Most modern 3-way fridges will not operate without a permanent 12V connection, as this powers the display and control board
✔ Runs silently with no compressor noise
 

Things to be aware of:

 
✖ Generates a lot of heat
✖ Needs external ventilation
✖ Must be on level ground, they cannot be tilted
✖ Takes a couple of hours to get down to temperature
✖ Does not cope well in temperatures above 32°C
 

Absorption Fridges Installation: Wheel Arch vs Non-Wheel Arch

Stepped and square fridge layouts with required ventilation

Three installation layouts: a stepped fridge in a wheel arch space, a stepped fridge in a flat space, and a square fridge in a flat space. Each shows cool air entering through a lower vent, airflow behind the fridge, and warm air leaving through an upper vent.
 

Key points

 
1. Stepped fridges can be installed in spaces with or without a wheel arch
2. Square fridges are best suited to spaces without a wheel arch
3. Ventilation remains the same: lower vent for cool air in, upper vent for warm air out
 

Absorption Fridges: Quick Sales Points & Troubleshooting

 

Quick buy points

Good choice when:
✔ Replacing an existing absorption fridge with a similar size or nearest equivalent
✔ LPG is already installed
✔ Regularly uses campsites or 240V hook-up
✔ Silent operation is important
✔ Want to minimise leisure battery use while parked

Check before:
✔ Fewer size and shape options than compressor fridges
✔ Usually fine for like-for-like replacement, but can be limiting in a new build
✔ Confirm wheel arch or flat floor
✔ Confirm LPG, 240V hook-up, permanent 12V and driving 12V availability
✔ Check there is enough rear clearance plus upper and lower ventilation

Consider a compressor fridge if:
✔ No LPG installation
✔ Investing in a 12V electrical system: battery / solar / DC-DC
✔ A specific size or layout is needed
✔ Regular use in very hot climates
 

Quick troubleshooting
Step 1

Start here:
➜ Does the display light up?
➜ Fridge not cooling? Does it cool on another power source?
➜ If yes: investigate the failed energy source
➜ If no: check ventilation, ambient temperature, installation, levelling, then the cooling unit
Step 2

Check each energy source:

12V while driving:
 
✔ engine running?
✔ supply present?
✔ fuse/relay?
✔ voltage drop?

240V:
 
✔ hook-up connected?
✔ socket live?
✔ fuse, breaker or RCD?

LPG:
 
✔ gas available?
✔ bottle open?
✔ ignition?
✔ burner or flue?
Step 3

Important 12V note:
✔ Modern fridges may have two 12V supplies
✔ Permanent 12V powers the display, PCB and controls
✔ Higher-current driving 12V helps heating / maintaining temperature while driving
✔ A working display does not always mean the 12V cooling circuit is working
 
JACKSONS LEISURE SUPPLIES LTD / WWW.JACKSONSLEISURE.COM / TEL: 0151 334 0222 / ENQUIRIES@JACKSONSLEISURE.COM

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