Stock AC Oulet - Can it power a home refrigerator?

[westwind77]

As the titles states, can the stock AC power plugs (100w/400w) power a home refrigerator (5 years old)? I ask because 1) we were without power for 30 hours with Irene 2) One of my friends posted that he was running his washer via his outlet on his car (non-hybrid)!

 

[wvanstone]

No way. A refrigerator draws way too many amps. at best the inverter in your truck can put out 400 Watts which is 3.33 Amps (ohm's law)

Power / Volts = Amps
400W / 120 volts = 3.33 Amps

The average fridge draws at least 10 amps or more.

 

[Johnny Utah]

drawing 10 amps+ is why most large home appliance have their own dedicated circuits.

 

[westwind77]

Thanks for the responses! The 'washer man' joked and said it was a good thing it was 'energy star' rated.....but has since followed up his post with 'it stopped on the rise cycle' lol. I guess it draws too much at that point. Curious what a 'watt' meter would show it as, obviously when it is actively cooling. Time for a generator!

 

[ATL4R]

They do make inverters that would work to power a fridge or washer from your car. You would need to wire them directly to the battery and I'd recommend leaving the vehicle running unless you wanted a dead battery pretty quickly.

For around $150 you can get a 2500W (nominal) / 5000W (max - for startup of compressor) inverter online. These would easily run a fridge, washers, and window unit AC... although most likely not at the same time (perhaps 2 at a time...measure the load and see).

Thanks for the responses! The 'washer man' joked and said it was a good thing it was 'energy star' rated.....but has since followed up his post with 'it stopped on the rise cycle' lol. I guess it draws too much at that point. Curious what a 'watt' meter would show it as, obviously when it is actively cooling. Time for a generator!

 

[kmiller8821]

As the titles states, can the stock AC power plugs (100w/400w) power a home refrigerator (5 years old)? I ask because 1) we were without power for 30 hours with Irene 2) One of my friends posted that he was running his washer via his outlet on his car (non-hybrid)!

Although you've already had your question answered, I'm glad to "hear" from you. I was concerned about some of our members in the northeast. Glad you're doing ok (well, as well as no power can be.) At least your not in texas 100+ heat.

 

[gwcpa]

I'm still out...since Saturday at 1:30. Have a 3250 Generac that powers either the frig/light/TV, a window a/c, or our washing machine. Fist time I've had to use it.

Was glad it pulled the washing machine so clothes would stop piling up. Wife has them hanging on the deck railing out back to dry. Oh, well. Do what you have to do.

On a side note, our refrigerator is only staying about 50 degrees in the frig side, but is making ice.

Probably going to be a week without power. The linemen from all over have their work cut out for them.

Getting pretty tired of hearing people ***** about not having power or trees down. Just look at Vermont and see how bad it could be.

Oh, agree with kmiller, we are not missing the AC at all. Weather is cooperating very well.

 

[nyc4runnin]

I had no power for 24 hours after the storm, i used a 410 watt inverter clamped to the car to power my mini fridge, cell phone, small tv, lights, and laptop all on my 8 year old panasonic battery haha, car was not on at any time.

 

[NYRunner]

Well, I learned it will power a small tv/vcr combo, the cablebox and and 60 watt bulb.....all at the same time!