Virtrifigo Fridge swap out

[tonyiiiafl]

I have received my new Virtrifigo fridge to swap out with the original Norcold on my 1994 390CPMY. I pulled the Norcold out and saw the 120V AC line goes down under the floor. Is there a plug under there or does anyone kno9w if it goes to the breaker directly? I was thinking of disconnecting from the old Norcold nd reconnecting the new unit, leaving original working in place and utilizing it. 12V is no issue to swap out. VERY poor installation instructions! I did see what I believe was a drain for condensate, I would guess I funnel that into the bilge?

Thanks!

Tony

[km1125]

I am sure that the fridge plugs into a nearby dedicated outlet, especially if you have a dedicated breaker on the panel for "fridge" (most boats of that vintage would). I'd be surprised if there wasn't fairly easy access to that outlet, but you might have to remove a drawer or something to get to it. My fridge outlet was under the countertop, but if you removed the cover for the waste bin (that was recessed into the countertop) and removed the bin the outlet was easily accessible.

But, if you really can't get to it, then there would be no problem with just reusing the old cord and wiring it to the new unit.

Yes, you could run the condensate just into the bilge, but you might want to see if you can get it to a shower sump or even the drain pan of a near HVAC unit (which should run into the shower sump) so you don't have unnecessary water in the bilge that could just complicate trying to find a real leak into the bilge.

[tonyiiiafl]

Yes, I meant into the bilge to the shower sump in the bilge My NORCOLD doesn’t have that drain.

[Midnightsun]

Just curious, are larger boat fridges different? Never seen a fridge that requires drainage, even the biggest units for home use. Normally they simply use a drip tray which allows the water to naturally just evaporate on its own. They are typically located over the compressor where the heat helps the evaporation process.

[km1125]

Source of the post Just curious, are larger boat fridges different? Never seen a fridge that requires drainage, even the biggest units for home use. Normally they simply use a drip tray which allows the water to naturally just evaporate on its own. They are typically located over the compressor where the heat helps the evaporation process.

I've not had one personally, but I've seen several models when I was looking for one that did have a drain. That would be great especially when you spill something in there or have to defrost it.

[tonyiiiafl]

I will get a photo from what I saw.

[g36]

I have the same fridge although its been around 3 years since i installed it , i don't recall any condensate drain that I know of. I'd be interested in your pic also. Could it be left over tubing that might have been used to inject insulation foam into the cabinet?

[tonyiiiafl]

I was incorrect as to a drain. I looked quickly and thought that was a drain. It looks like a charge/evacuation port.

[Tireless]

I have taken out and installed a number of these. I replaced the fridge in my 1999 356, similar to your situation. The fridge plugged into a receptical that was behind the fridge. The D/C, 12 Volt side, is a hard wire situation and you just use but connectors. The new Vitrifrigo should fit right into your space.

There should be no drain on these refrigerators.

For what its worth.

Greg

[tonyiiiafl]

Greg, How did you get it in and out? Does it have to go through the salon, to the aft deck and down the ladder? Or will it fit in through the sliding door from cockpit to aft cabin and up the 2 stairs to the salon? Thank you!