I've owned the EdgeStar FP 430 freezer since ~2009. Fantastic unit! More so after I replaced the plastic door hinges with the metal replacements. But I'm still having the same problems in 2018.
The recently downloaded PDF file, the 2017 owner's manual, explains how to lower the low voltage cut-off from the control panel. My older unit doesn't have that capability. And I'm not an electrician and have no experience with soldering circuit boards.
I bought a 12v capacitor. It's made for stereo systems to supply power for subwoofers. It's 1 farad (generally good for 1000 watts per farad). I wired it to the RV's fuse/breaker panel. I was hoping it would keep the voltage up. If it did, it wasn't high enough. It lights up displaying the voltage when the freezer's compressor turns on. But the freezer/s compressor still shuts off from the low voltage cutoff. Probably unnecessary but I pays my money and I takes my chances. Doesn't hurt to keep it.
I measured the voltage at the 12v socket:
- When hooked to shore power, the RV's circuit box/transformer supplies 12v (13.3+). The freezer turns on, the voltage drops to 12.70 volts, and the compressor/freezer continues to run as it should.
- When on battery (a new Centennial DC4D), the freezer turns on and the voltage drops to 12.30v, and the freezer shuts down. Even with the 12v capacitor.
I've sent a note to EdgeStar explaining this, I'm waiting for an answer. But until then, here's my answer:
I bought a 12v transformer. It's made for supplying the proper voltage (typically 19.5v DC) from a car's 12v to a laptop computer. It's voltage output has seven settings ranging from 15v to 24v, all at 120 watts. The FP 430 freezer needs 65 watts, so it's enough power. I rigged the output to a 12v socket. It's output is set at 15v.
Lots of adapters here, and in theory, each one adds resistance. But in testing overnight, battery only, the freezer ran fine.
When on the road with this freezer full, this is the only way to keep it running.
When "dry camping" (no shore power), this is the only way to keep it running.
It's dependent on a good battery. My solar charge system works during the day, and the freezer runs all night.
Carl Sagerquist
Coarsegold, CA
Zeus@Sagerquist.net