ARB 78L fridge electrical question

[polvoson]

Hey guys
I am buying a 78L ARB fridge later this week. I have the option in my truck of running it on 12 or 24 V. Would either voltage be preferable in any way and why?

Thanks

Paul
87 Unimog 1300L

 

[Andy@AAV]

Not sure about the effect on the compressor life and cycle time but running on 24 volts instead of 12 will almost double the efficiency of the system (halve the amp draw for the same wattage consumed).

 

[4x4junkie]

I don't think it would affect efficiency much... Watts consumed is watts consumed. 12V @ 4 amps is the same watts as 24V @ 2 amps.

Where you might gain a little is through a lower percentage of voltage drop in the wiring (power lost as heat), however thicker wiring would counteract that.

I would say to run it on whatever voltage your vehicle provides.
I'm not familiar with a 'Mog's electrical, but if it is a 24V system, then that's what you want to run it on. Efforts to convert the voltage from one to the other would result in additional losses (or a severe battery imbalance in the case of trying to run it off one battery of a 24V two-batt system)