Switching between dc and ac power for refrigerator

[rnelson1044]

I have a 2022 Aliner Ranger 12 with a portable, slide-out refrigerator that will operate on 12v dc or 110v ac. However, the power cord has to be changed to go from one power source to the other. This is a bit of a pain. I would like to install a switch that will allow me to run a connection from the ac outlet and the dc outlet to the input side of the switch and the outout side continuing to the fridge, which would allow me to choose the power source for the fridge. Both power sources plug into the same power connector on the fridge. This setup will remove the need to change out the power cords when going from dc to ac. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[John From Detroit]

The cord connects to different pins on the plug (THe part on the fridge is technically a plug not a socket) when you plug it on. So nto easy

Suggestion Run it on ``12 volt and let the converter make 12 volts.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

Show a picture of the plug and socket.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[whiteva]

Change over switch: here

 

[workinonit]

Yep, that'll do ya. I have one of those on my camera system on my tractor.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

It's 2 cords with plugs and one socket. A switch is a given, the trick is to come up with how to combine the pin positions or keying of the two different plugs.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[workinonit]

Cut the plugs and socket from the existing cords and wire them into the above switch.

 

[Lou Schneider]

Cut the plugs and socket from the existing cords and wire them into the above switch.

Won't work. If there are 4 sockets on the cord ends only two on each will be active.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

More likely one of the cords has a transformer in it and converts the 120vac to 12vdc. The fridge end of the two cords would be identical 12v sockets. The primary difference between the two cords is one has the transformer and one does not, and the plug that goes to the power source differs as well.

If that's the case,

 

[Henry J Fate]

I have a 2022 Aliner Ranger 12 with a portable, slide-out refrigerator that will operate on 12v dc or 110v ac. However, the power cord has to be changed to go from one power source to the other. This is a bit of a pain. I would like to install a switch that will allow me to run a connection from the ac outlet and the dc outlet to the input side of the switch and the outout side continuing to the fridge, which would allow me to choose the power source for the fridge. Both power sources plug into the same power connector on the fridge. This setup will remove the need to change out the power cords when going from dc to ac. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

What is the make and model of the fridge ?

 

[John From Detroit]

Change over switch: here

View attachment 176454

That switch will not work
The frige's "plug"(the part on the cord is a socket, Onto which the cord plugs has at least 3 pins.. Now you are used to "Hot, Neutral, Safety ground but that's not what they are.
120.. Common 12 volt are their ID's.

 

[whiteva]

THAT switch worked for me, use a little DIY. Remove the plugs wire directly. Both are isolated in the off position so no cross over. OR maybe my fridge is different.

 

[workinonit]

If a switch like that won't work then I must be missing something on the plug configuration. You can get them with as many sets of contacts as you need and "make before break" or "break before make". I'm using several of them for similar applications. 2 sources to 1 device, 1 source to 2 devices and 2 sources to 2 devices. I also am using one for 5 sources to a single device.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

Without pictures, I'm GUESSING, that the OP has one receptacle on the frig with multiple pins. Depending on which cord he uses determines which pins are used.

The OP hasn't been back since he posted the original post.

 

[rnelson1044]

What is the make and model of the fridge ?

Sorry for the delay; we've been trying to get ready for a little Thanksgiving trip with the Ranger, which, as of today, didn't work out.
The refrigerator is an Explorer Bear EX40B which was provided by the Aliner dealer where I purchased the trailer. There are two power cords - one for AC and one for DC. Both plug into the same connector on the refer. The DC cord then plugs directly into the DC outlet. The AC cord runs from the refer, then plugs into an AC adapter which then plugs into the AC outlet. This outlet is located at

the rear of the slide-in compartment that holds the refer. I practically have to crawl in the cavity in order to make the connection.

 

[rnelson1044]

Without pictures, I'm GUESSING, that the OP has one receptacle on the frig with multiple pins. Depending on which cord he uses determines which pins are used.

The OP hasn't been back since he posted the original post.

Both power cords plug into the same connector at the front bottom of the refer.

 

[rnelson1044]

Another caveat: the refer sits on a slide out which entails pulling on the slide out to gain access to the refer. The top lid (door) of the refer is hinged on the right side. It is not the best arrangement by far.

 

[John From Detroit]

Sorry for the delay; we've been trying to get ready for a little Thanksgiving trip with the Ranger, which, as of today, didn't work out.
The refrigerator is an Explorer Bear EX40B which was provided by the Aliner dealer where I purchased the trailer. There are two power cords - one for AC and one for DC. Both plug into the same connector on the refer. The DC cord then plugs directly into the DC outlet. The AC cord runs from the refer, then plugs into an AC adapter which then plugs into the AC outlet. This outlet is located at View attachment 176692the rear of the slide-in compartment that holds the refer. I practically have to crawl in the cavity in order to make the connection.

OK..With that one the "Fridge" has only a 2 pin plug.. So what is it you want to do? Put in a switch.. yes you can do that.


The "Brick" in the 120 volt cord is a converter.. If your on-board primary converter has the "Oomph" just run on 12 volt full time only use 120 volt if you pull it out and use it in house.


That's one of the nice thigns about "Brick" type cords.. the

The ones I've seen uses straight cords (no brick) so 120 was delivered to the selected pins.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

How about using an AC/DC converter that has a 12v utility plug. Something like this one.
That way you only use the DC cord for the fridge. Leave the fridge end plugged to the fridge and plug the outer end into the converter/adapter when you want 120vac and into your onboard 12v outlet when you want battery power. No need to install a switch or modify a cord.

 

[rnelson1044]

Without pictures, I'm GUESSING, that the OP has one receptacle on the frig with multiple pins. Depending on which cord he uses determines which pins are used.

The OP hasn't been back since he posted the original post.