refrigeration problem

[jmoir]

Frifoboat fridge on my 2002 Oceanis 40cc cycles constantly, low voltage code flashes on the compressor module. voltage at battery is 12.5., at fridge is 11.8.
Tech guys at Annapolis boat show advised " all those beneteaus have ground problems with that common ground system, sort that out & the fridge will work fine "
Does anyone know where the buss bar is for the common ground ?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Since no one has replied, here's what I'd do:

Your batteries are connected with a ground wire from their negative terminals to the engine (ground). Start at your batteries and follow the big black wires to your engine. Often the engine ground is suspect, since it is a heavy wire connected to the moving engine. Check it carefully - it might "look" OK, but take it off, pull on the lug, clean it up and reattach it. Somewhere between the batteries and the engine might, just might be a ground buss. If not there, look between your electrical panel and the batteries, since a negative has to run between them. Good luck.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3044.msg57817.html#msg57817

 

[Chief RA]

Do as Stu suggested on the ground system. Then, make sure your positive leg is a devoted wire run from the battery switch to its own switch/fuse link that has NOTHING else hooked to it except the reefer. If you do what we have suggested there should be virtually no difference in your voltage reading at battery and at input to reefer. Good luck, Chief

 

[Joe2954]

On my 2006 343, the bus used for equipment grounds is behind the 12v breaker panel. Beneteau prewired the hull before sandwiching the top and bottom halves. Large - #8 wire runs from battery switch aft and along outside of hull to 12v panel. Individual wire pairs then run back around the hull to the refer and other equipment.
I intend to install fuse near battery and connect refer to fuse, shortening the total run from about 40 ft to about 10.

 

[Chief RA]

That sounds right Joe. Weather bad up there? Happy Holidays, Chief

 

[Beneteau 321]

In stalled a Nova Cool refrigeration system on our 1997 Beneteau 321,wired the comressor directly to house battery bank (#12 wire)with a dedicated circuit breaker /switch located close to compressor,

 

[jmoir]

I was considering a dedicated battery with a switch to be able to charge with either solar panels, alternator , or generator/on board charger , but wise counsel pointed out the drawbacks to this idea. I like the direct to house bank idea with a circuit breaker close to the compressor. anyone have any further thoughts ???