Can the car refrigerator still operate when the car is turned off?
4 Answers
Generally, the car refrigerator cannot operate when the car is turned off. Below is an introduction to car refrigerators: Introduction: A car refrigerator refers to a portable cooling cabinet that can be carried in a car. Car refrigerators are a new generation of cooling and refrigeration appliances that have become popular in the international market in recent years. Development prospects: Many high-end cars around the world have already adopted OEM methods to embed matching car refrigerators, which are truly car refrigerators. In Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, many professional enthusiasts and the needs of national defense forces have started to use car refrigerators with fully enclosed compressors. These refrigerators can reach a cooling temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius and can control the temperature in segments.
As a frequent weekend road trip enthusiast, I must say that car refrigerators can indeed operate for a while after the engine is turned off, relying solely on the car battery. Once when I went for a picnic in the suburbs, the fridge kept working normally after turning off the engine, keeping drinks cold. But another time, I forgot to turn it off, and after about an hour, the car wouldn't start, leaving me waiting for rescue. Car refrigerators are usually designed with low power consumption, such as 3-5 amps per hour, but the battery capacity is limited. A standard car battery is about 50 amp-hours, so running it for two hours could drain it completely. I recommend using it only for short periods after turning off the engine, or choosing a fridge with an energy-saving mode that intermittently activates to conserve power. Some brands also support connection to portable power banks or solar panels for added peace of mind. In short, it's convenient but don't be careless—check your car manual for fridge specifications to avoid surprises.
From a technical perspective, I've experimented with various car accessories. The car refrigerator is connected to the cigarette lighter or 12V socket. When the engine is turned off and the alternator stops generating electricity, the fridge runs on the car battery. The power consumption of these fridges typically ranges between 30-60 watts, which is quite significant. For example, it might draw about 5 amps per hour, and a standard car battery might only last 1-2 hours under this load. Based on my tests, small refrigerators can continue running after the engine is off, but prolonged operation can drain the battery voltage, making it difficult to start the car later. For safety, it's advisable to switch the fridge to energy-saving mode before turning off the engine to reduce power consumption, or install a voltage monitor to alert you when the battery is low. Considering an upgrade to a fridge model with a DC-DC converter could be more energy-efficient and help avoid potential risks.
I often use a car fridge for storage during trips. It can continue cooling after the engine is turned off, but with limited effectiveness. Once, after parking by the beach for an hour with the fridge still running, the food started warming up because my car's old battery had poor endurance. It's advisable to turn off the engine during short stops and take out essentials to reduce the load. Opting for a low-power fridge with insulation can extend operation, or carrying an external power plug offers more flexibility.
