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Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Yahoo Message Number: 85999
I am in the process of installing a Samsung RF197ACWS refrigerator. I moved the AC feed to a new breaker in the Inverter panel and all tests show there to be good voltage at the refrigerator. However, the refrigerator does not turn on (the lights in the unit will not even light) when on inverter power. It operates fine when on external AC or the generator. I am still using the MSW inverter but I remember reading that others are using MSW power. Am I remebering incorrectly? Is anyone running a Samsung RF197ACWS refrigerator on a MSW inverter?

John

'06 Inspire DaVinci #51905

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86003
"Is anyone running a Samsung RF197ACWS refrigerator on a MSW inverter?"

Yes, OMC did the install and wireing.

Jim 07 Allure #31570

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86004
Hi John,

When you moved the refrigerator AC feed to the inverter section of the panel did you also move the neutral and ground to the inverter ground buss? If not you will have this problem. The normal and inverter ground busses are only tied together when the transfer switch is closed. When the transfer switch is open, as when not on shore power or generator power, the two ground busses are separated.

I think this will fix your problem.

Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86005
Yes, MSW Inverter and it works very well. I think Barney may have a good point to check.

John

05 Inspire Genoa 51399

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86008
Outstanding catch, Barney! I just moved the hot wire from the normal breaker to the new inverter breaker. Never even thought about the ground and neutral busses not being connected. I will try that tomorrow.
Funny thing is that a plug-in wiring tester will not catch this - shows that all wiring connections are present and correct - evidently it is 'detecting' correct wiring through a sneak circuit path.

John

'06 Inspire DaVinci #51905

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86020
Barney,

You did indeed hit the nail on the head. Actually you only have to move the hot and return wires (black to new breaker, white to inverter ground bus). The neutrals (uninsulated conductors) all go to a common ground bus. Moving the white wire to the inverter return bus cured all my ills and the unit runs like a top under all conditions.
Thank you so very much (and thank you to all others who answered) for your outstanding efforts in documenting your changeout with excellent photos and answers to questions. I definitely feel safer now as well as have a MUCH better/larger refrigerator.

John

'06 Inspire DaVinci #51905

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86021
John,

Great, glad it worked out for you. We won't ask how I knew what the problem was, OK? :D I think you will be very happy with your choice as we are.
Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86026
Barney
/ John

So you guy's are running the Samsung on Inverter all the time or do you have a seperate transfer switch to go back to Gen or incominf 120. Thanks for setting me straight.
Thanks

Ned Herrmann
06 Inspire 51677

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86027
Ned,

When connected to shore power that will power the fridge. When the generator is running it powers the fridge. When on the road the engine alternator charges the house batteries and the fridge is powered from the inverter. When none of the above are available the fridge runs off the inverter powered by the house batteries. It is seamless and automatic. All of this without making any changes to the electrical system the way it is wired now. All that is necessary to make this work is to move the fridge AC feed from the Main AC panel to the Inverter panel (They are inside the same enclosure) and you are ready to go.
http://www.moenracing.com/images/AC-Breaker-Panel.jpg Hope this helps,
Barney

07 inspire 52059

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86028
Barney

Got it! Thanks for your help. Did you set your Samsung on the current frig platform or remove the dawers and make a new platform at 5.5 inches instead of 13.5 from the floor? Ned Herrmann
06 Inspire 51677

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86032
Ned,

I installed mine virtually identical to Barney's installation (using his photos and documentation to guide me). The only things I did differently was that I did not remove the propane pipe that came through the floor (just capped it off after removing the old unit) and I removed the electrical outlet from its old location - removed the electrical feed wire from the outlet and replaced the outlet with a heavy duty extension cord type receptical. This allows me to unplug the refrigerator by removing the exterior cavity cover. Not removing the pipe means that the refrigerator extends approximately 1/2 inch farther out from the wall than Barney's does (removing the pipe allows the front edge of the refrigerator main cavity [the surface the doors close against] to be flush with outside of the wall).
One other thing - the screws that hold the upper cabinet panel to wall panels are kind of a pain in the patoot to remove - there are three on each side (the top ones are hidden under a stiffener piece that is RTVed to the panel and screwed to the ceiling. Remove the screws that go into the ceiling then use a putty knife/pry bar to remove the stiffener piece. Then you will be able to get access to the top screws for the panel. After removing all six screws from the panel, you can use a hammer to tap the front of the panel to break it loose from the wall panels (I put a piece of folded cloth against the panel where I tapped with the hammer so as not to mar the panel in case I decided to remove the drawers and lower the refrigerator in the future).
If any of this isn't clear, let me know and we can talk by phone so I can explain it better.

John

'06 Inspire DaVinci #51905

Re: Samsung Refrigerator Conversion Question

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86043
Thanks John. I'll be headed towards the 197 soon. Not an easy project but rewards at the end.
Ned Herrmann
06 Inspire 51677