Propane Gas Pressure And Connection; Electrical Connections - Norcold 3163 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

Propane Gas Pressure and Connection

WARNING
Hazardous vapors! Propane gas can cause an explo-
sion and result in property damage, personal injury or
death. Use extreme care when working with or near a
propane system. Do not smoke. Do not create sparks
or use an open flame to check supply piping and fittings
for leaks.
This refrigerator is designed to operate on propane
gas with a supply pressure to the refrigerator of 11
inches water column. A pressure regulator is required
between the refrigerator and the main gas tank to
maintain the supply pressure of 11 inches water col-
umn. Do not connect the refrigerator directly to the main
tank without a pressure regulator in line.
Use supply piping and fittings that comply with NFPA
501C, as well as local, state, and national codes gov-
erning type and size. Also, refer to NFPA 501C for
routing and testing. The gas should be supplied by a
3/8" diameter copper piping or other approved piping
of sufficient diameter to prevent gas pressure loss to
the refrigerator. The gas connection located at the top
of the refrigerator is a 3/8 inch SAE (UNF 5/8"-18) male
flare connection.
The gas piping should be routed in a manner to limit
the possibility of vibration and abrasion. The gas supply
piping should enter at the vicinity of the gas connection
located at the top of the refrigerator. The hole through
which the gas piping enters should be of sufficient size
(approximately 1/2" diameter) to provide adequate
clearance. Once the gas piping is installed, apply a
sealant around the piping at its point of entry to mini-
mize abrasion, vibration, and to serve as a barrier from
external moisture.
To prevent gas leaks and damage to the gas supply
piping, use two wrenches, one to hold the fitting of the
manual gas valve the other to tighten the supply piping
to the refrigerator.

Electrical Connections

120 Volts AC
WARNING
This refrigerator is designed to operate on a 120 volt
AC, 60 Hertz grounded circuit. The refrigerator AC
power cord is equipped with a three-prong grounding
plug which must mate with a three-prong grounding re-
ceptacle to protect against possible shock hazards. Op-
erating the refrigerator without proper ground can cause
property damage, severe personal injury or loss of life.
It is the owners/installers personal responsibility and
obligation to provide a properly grounded circuit to the
refrigerator in accordance with local codes or, in the
absence of local codes, the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70. Do not cut or remove the grounding
prong from the refrigerator's AC power cord. Do not use
a two-prong adapter or extension cord.
The free length of the AC power cord is 36 inches. It
is recommended that the three-prong grounded recep-
tacle be located within reach of the cord. The cord must
be routed so as not to come in contact with the burner,
flue pipe, or any other component that could cause
damage to the cord insulation.
12 Volt DC Connection
12 volts DC is required for flame ignition and the
mechanical fan in the gas mode and to power the DC
heater in the DC mode. The refrigerator receives its DC
power source from the vehicle's 12 volt system; either
an auxiliary (house) battery or the engine battery. The
battery system not only supplies the refrigerator, but also
supplies power to other DC components of the vehicle.
The DC supply connects to the refrigerator at the
terminal block located at the top of the refrigerator. One
lead is marked positive (+) and the other is marked
negative (-). Correct polarity must be observed when
connecting the DC supply. Do not use the chassis or
vehicle frame as one of the conductors. Connect supply
wires at the battery and route to the refrigerator.
The distance the current travels from the battery to the
refrigerator dictates the AWG wire size to be used.
Undersized wire for the distance can result in a voltage
drop. A voltage drop will affect the wattage output of
the DC heater and resultant refrigerator performance.
WARNING
Use of undersized wire and/or inadequate fuses can
result in an electrical fire in the event of a circuit
overload. To prevent a possible electrical fire, follow
Norcold's wire and fuse size requirements, or any
applicable state and local codes.
It is recommended to install a fuse between the battery
and the refrigerator to protect the supply wiring. For
optimum protection, install the fuse as close to the
battery as possible.
Recommended wire and fuse size:
minimum wire
0 - 20'
over 20'
5
maximum fuse
size size
12 AWG 20 Amp
10 AWG 30 Amp