Ventilation
As with any design, the Norcold Model DE-541 refrig-
erator requires adequate ventilation air to remove the
heat rejected by the components on the back of the
refrigerator.
If the refrigerator operates in a large open room (such
as a home refrigerator), the air heated by the refrigera-
tor is absorbed into the room space without a noticeable
temperature change within the room. In this case, the
refrigerator has adequate ventilation air. The Norcold
model is designed for built-in installation and requires
attention to the construction to provide adequate ven-
tilation air.
Adequate ventilation could be supplied by a mechani-
cal fan, but it is normally impractical for the typical
installation because of battery drain and fan noise.
Without assistance from fans, the area enclosing the
heat rejecting components (back of refrigerator) must
allow cooling air to be drawn in, the rejected heat to be
absorbed, and the heated air to escape away from the
refrigerator.
Ventilation Requirements
Figure 1 illustrates a typical marine installation where
the refrigerator is built into the "under counter" space.
If the area behind the refrigerator is completely blocked
off, the air surrounding the refrigerator will be trapped
and very poor cooling will result.
Most installations provide airspace behind the refrig-
erator due to the curvature of the hull. It is important
that this area be open enough to allow air flow in and
out. An opening of at least 50 square inches must be
provided at floor level (at rear of refrigerator). A second
opening of at least 50 square inches must be provided
directly above the condenser or at either upper side of
the refrigerator. These openings insure adequate re-
frigerator performance by allowing an unobstructed air
flow over the refrigerator condenser. Failure to provide
the necessary openings will result in poor refrigeration,
continuous refrigerator compressor operation, and ac-
celerated battery discharge. The air openings cannot
always be single openings but may be a combination of
spaces between fixtures, partitions, etc..
Figure 2 Illustrates a cross sectional view which indi-
cates both sides are open to an adequate supply of air
and passage above the
Condenser
for air to escape.
The open space between the back of the refrigerator
and the hull should average at least 3 inches from the
top to bottom.
Installations in Travel Trailers
The same principles of ventilation applies to installa-
tion into travel trailers. The easiest and most direct
method of supplying air is by providing a louvered
opening to the outside if an opening is not available
within the coach area. In any case, a minimum of 50
square inches of opening must be provided at floor level
and above the Condenser.
In months of freezing outdoor temperatures, it is rec-
ommended to cover any ventilation openings to the
outside.
TABLE 1
Refrigerator Enclosure Cut-Out Dimensions
Height
Width
Depth
30 7/8"
23 1/4"
23 1/2"
Clear Space Behind
Built-In Refrigerator
Figure 1 Typical Refrigeration Installation
50 sq. in. min.
average air
space at
least 3" wide
(both sides)
No more than 5
feet from open air
space (either side)
Figure 2 Ventilation is Acceptable
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