Refrigerator humidity

[AbdRahim]

I have a Dometic 2652 RBX Gas/electric refrigerator. The humidity inside the refrigerator compartment stays above 85% all of the time. Currently it is 88%. The temperature is fine (32.7-36 degrees). Is this normal? I am measuring with an indoor outdoor thermometer sensor. The freezer is a 49% (which is ok).

There is also ice buildup on the rear wall of the freezer. How often should this be defrosted?

The drain tube is clear and there is no water in the pan. I did remove the plug in the pan drain, because it was not letting the water drain out.

[Flybob]

If by plug in the pan drain, you are talking about the one outside the RV on the black hose, it should not be a plug, but rather a screen cap to keep insects out. I would not run with it off for long. Unlike a residential fridge that circulates cold air to keep the contents cold, an RV fridge does not circulate the air. if you are having a humidity problem, simply add a small circulating fan. There are small battery operated ones or more efficient ones that run off 12V Battery power.

[Bama Rambler]

IF, there was a plug in the drain, that's why the humidity was so high. The fins condense water from the air in the chest and drain it to the outside. thereby lowering the humidity in the chest over time. If you plug the drain the water has no where to go and re-vaporizes into the air.

[5picker]

As mentioned that plug was not really a plug but a way for water to get out and not let bugs/insects in. It is kind of a one way valve that once enough water gets in the drain hose, it releases and then closes.

With it removed, humidity now has an entrance to the interior of the fridge via the hose. While you might not think it much of a big deal, it is.

I've seen this before when someone removed the so called 'plug' on the end of the drain hose.

Also check your door seals. Use a dollar bill around the edges and see how tightly the seals make contact.

[Brother Les]

Check your door seals as stated for leaks, 'hot' air is getting into the fridge from somewhere and this will 'frost' up the inside (or you could be keeping the door(s) open too long). Put the 'plug' back in, it should allow water to drain. If not, clean it of debris and reinstall.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by Flybob

If by plug in the pan drain, you are talking about the one outside the RV on the black hose, it should not be a plug, but rather a screen cap to keep insects out. I would not run with it off for long. Unlike a residential fridge that circulates cold air to keep the contents cold, an RV fridge does not circulate the air. if you are having a humidity problem, simply add a small circulating fan. There are small battery operated ones or more efficient ones that run off 12V Battery power.

No. I am talking about a plug in the drain pan inside the refrigerator. I have a large double circulating fan going at all times in the refrigerator.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

IF, there was a plug in the drain, that's why the humidity was so high. The fins condense water from the air in the chest and drain it to the outside. thereby lowering the humidity in the chest over time. If you plug the drain the water has no where to go and re-vaporizes into the air.

Yes, plug has been out all season.

[AbdRahim]

What is normal humidity in the refrigerator. Even damprid could not get mine down.

By the way, the door is recessed, so I cannot really get to the door seal.

[cfo111]

my other units had a switch on door for humidity for summer maybe check you your book for one.

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by cfo111

my other units had a switch on door for humidity for summer maybe check you your book for one.

Good idea.


http://sundancecustomrv.com/dometic_ref_switch.pdf

[cfo111]

1 other place to look look all the way back on coil on right side a fin looks like a plastic piece it slides up or down try it one way then after awhile the other.

[AbdRahim]

Thanks for the responses. I check and there is no climate or ambient temp switch.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by cfo111

1 other place to look look all the way back on coil on right side a fin looks like a plastic piece it slides up or down try it one way then after awhile the other.

That is to control the temperature. Mine is all the way up.

[cfo111]

why not slide it mid way and see if it helps anyway ?

[TJA1]

I would expect the relative humidity to be high in the fridge. The only way moisture can be removed is if it condenses out of the air and forms the frost you’re seeing. Every time you open the door you recharge the fridge air with a nice dose of outside moist air. Then as it cools the relative humidity will increase. I didn’t see where you are but my guess is not anywhere in the desert SW.

Read the section on Relative Humidity in the link below for a full explanation.

https://climate.ncsu.edu/edu/Humidity


Money Quote: “...However, relative humidity is dependent on air temperature, too. If the water vapor content stays the same and the temperature drops, the relative humidity increases. If the water vapor content stays the same and the temperature rises, the relative humidity decreases. This is because colder air doesn’t require as much moisture to become saturated as warmer air. ...”

[AbdRahim]

Ok. Thanks folks. The food stays cold so I guess that is what is really important. I will try to compare with the home refrigerator this winter.

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by cfo111

why not slide it mid way and see if it helps anyway ?

I know sliding it down raises the temperature. That is why I raised it to the top.

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by AbdRahim

I know sliding it down raises the temperature. That is why I raised it to the top.

What is the 'temp' in the freezer? Getting the freezer too colder from 31 degrees will cause your effect. You do not want it to be too cold.

[cfo111]

went out to look at mine it is 1/2 from bottom never been a problem

[AbdRahim]

Freezer 1-6 degrees. I guess this is normal then.