Installing 12V Interior Fans in a Norcold 1210 Refrigerator

[BBintheMountains]

I’m attempting to mount a small set of 12 volt fans inside the fridge for better air circulation. My problem is finding a hot voltage source that stays on when the fridge is on. The test light shows none of the wires at the light/thermistor connection are hot when the doors are closed. Has anyone tried to install this type of fan inside a 1210?

Link to fan

 

[8Muddypaws]

On my 1201LRIM the 12v to the dome light was alway hot and the pin switches on the doors opened the path to ground when the doors were closed. (Yours may be different of course) I would try a known ground and both sides of the bulb. If you can get to the wires that go from the back of the refer to the inside you might be able to fish a couple of #20 wires through.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

I use a small fan that plugs into a USB charger. The charger is plugged into 110 volt outlet next to the 1210 refrigerator. I ran the small cord out the side of the door and the rubber seals pretty much block any air from getting in or out.

 

[Rene T]

Years ago I installed fans in mine. I was able to run a wire out the hole that the drain line goes out. Then I found a power source on the back of the fridge that had power when the fridge called for it.

 

[John From Detroit]

I used the light as someone said hot and ground are both present in the fixture (NOTE one of the ends is not what you think it us so use your motor to check.. and had no problem.

I might add the fans I had worked great I had very little frost build up on the fins with the fans on Instructions say to do it the hard way.. But there's 12 volts to that light socket, the switch is in the socket.. Just make sure you don't short things and pop the fuse in the outside control box .like I did

 

[riorichard]

Years ago I installed fans in mine. I was able to run a wire out the hole that the drain line goes out. Then I found a power source on the back of the fridge that had power when the fridge called for it.

This is the way.

 

[mnmnutswer]

I’m attempting to mount a small set of 12 volt fans inside the fridge for better air circulation. My problem is finding a hot voltage source that stays on when the fridge is on. The test light shows none of the wires at the light/thermistor connection are hot when the doors are closed. Has anyone tried to install this type of fan inside a 1210?

Link to fan

Where are your refrigerator plugged into the 120 I went to Walmart and bought a cheap clip style fan. Turned it on high clipped to something behind the refrigerator and aimed it at the compressor. The small fan runs 24 seven push pushing the heat away from the compressor, the refrigerator runs and operates much more efficiently.

 

[mnmnutswer]

Where are your refrigerator plugged into the 120 I went to Walmart and bought a cheap clip style fan. Turned it on high clipped to something behind the refrigerator and aimed it at the compressor. The small fan runs 24 seven push pushing the heat away from the compressor, the refrigerator runs and operates much more efficiently.

If you only have one outlet, you may have to buy a three-way splitter to plug-in two different items in your refrigerator and the fan

 

[gwinger]

If you only have one outlet, you may have to buy a three-way splitter to plug-in two different items in your refrigerator and the fan

He's talking about fans 'inside' the fridge, not behind it.

 

[bigbAZ]

I’m attempting to mount a small set of 12 volt fans inside the fridge for better air circulation. My problem is finding a hot voltage source that stays on when the fridge is on. The test light shows none of the wires at the light/thermistor connection are hot when the doors are closed. Has anyone tried to install this type of fan inside a 1210?

Link to fan

There has to be power if there's a light. Did you check at the switch? The switch will either switch the 12+ or 12v-. Whichever one it switches, you will find the other at the light. If it switches + get your - at the light, and vice versa.

 

[mnmnutswer]

He's talking about fans 'inside' the fridge, not behind it.

But fan behind it will help it cool better

 

[CharlesinGA]

Years ago I installed fans in mine. I was able to run a wire out the hole that the drain line goes out. Then I found a power source on the back of the fridge that had power when the fridge called for it.

After looking over the wiring diagram in the manual, I am convinced this is the only safe way to go, and not risk damaging the electronics.

Charles