If you have a DC refrigerator in your camper van, knowing how to wire it to a fuse block is essential. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process, step by step, so you can confidently complete the task. This guide is part of our Branch Circuits Playlist at the EXPLORIST.life Mobile, Marine, and Off-Grid Electrical Academy.
How to Wire a 12V Fridge – VIDEO
Prerequisites: Basic Wiring Skills
Before we jump into the tutorial, there are a couple of things you should already know. If you’re not familiar with basic wiring techniques—like cutting wire, stripping wire, and crimping terminals—I recommend checking out the Wire Terminals playlist in our Academy that covers these skills.
Tools & Equipment
For this demo, we’ll be using a Blue Sea Blade Fuse Block. There are several types of fuse blocks available, including models from Progressive Dynamics, Blue Sea Safety Hub, and Tiger Expedition UFO 200. While the specifics may vary, the connection method is essentially the same. You’ll also need a distribution hub—such as the Victron Lynx Distributor—to bring power from the battery, but we’re going to focus on the connections to the outlets for now.
Safety First
Before starting, always make sure your power is off. In this demo, we’ve already pulled the fuse from the fuse block to ensure there’s no power running through the wires while we work.
Step 1: Identify the Positive and Negative Wires
Most DC refrigerators, like those from ICECO or ARB, come with their own power wires. Your first task is to determine which wire is positive and which is negative.
On many refrigerators, you’ll find a small positive (+) and negative (-) icon near the terminals. These markings make it easy to identify the wires. If your refrigerator has duplex wiring (two wires side by side), you might notice one wire is smoother (positive) while the other has ridges (negative). Follow the wires to their ends to confirm their polarity.
Step 2: Connect the Wires to the Fuse Block
Once you’ve identified the positive and negative wires, connect them to the fuse block:
- Attach the positive wire to the positive terminal of the fuse block.
- Attach the negative wire to the negative terminal of the fuse block.
After securing the connections, insert the appropriate fuse into the fuse block. When everything is properly wired, your refrigerator should power on.
Step 3: Add a Switch (Optional)
Most refrigerators come with an on-off switch. If yours doesn’t, you can easily add one. Simply cut the positive wire, attach spade connectors to each end, and connect them to a DC-rated toggle switch. Mount the switch in a convenient location, and you’ll have easy control over your fridge’s power.
Step 4: Extend the Wires (If Needed)
If the refrigerator’s wires aren’t long enough to reach the fuse block, you can extend them. Use 10-gauge wire for most DC refrigerators. Crimp a ring terminal onto one end of the extension wire and connect it to the fuse block. Use a lever nut to securely join the extension wire to the refrigerator’s power wire.
Wrapping It Up
Wiring a DC refrigerator to a fuse block is a straightforward process that ensures your appliance gets the power it needs. With a little attention to detail and the right tools, you’ll have your fridge up and running in no time.
