How Do RV Appliances Receive Operating Power

Updated 05/09/2019 | Published 05/08/2019

Question:

I was told that my refrigerator only ran off my 12 volts battery by the camper manufacture. So i unhook the battery when storing. I noticed if the camper is plugged into 50 amp power the light stays on in the refrigerator even with the battery unhooked. When I unplug the 50 amp power the light goes off. Why would the light stay on? Is the refrigerator getting power somewhere else

asked by: Randall B

Expert Reply:

RV power systems are usually set up so that when shore power is connected it will be the priority power source used to power devices like your fridge and also to charge your battery bank. Once disconnected from shore power the on-board battery bank becomes the power source. It sounds like your RV is set up this way and so what you are seeing is normal. With the battery disconnected and no shore power available the fridge should go dark.

expert reply by: Adam R