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Vitrifrigo C51i CHR 12/24V wiring diagram

Review how the Vitrifrigo C51i CHR 12/24V connects, how it operates and which installation requirements apply to this model.

Open this example as a new project. Use your own parts and cable lengths to make the plan yours.

Connection and installation overview

The exact C51i CHR sheet does not publish electrical consumption. Use the installed unit's electrical label and compressor instructions to establish the load before sizing its supply; the family manual's fuse rating is not operating current.

The exact C51i CHR sheet does not publish electrical consumption. Use the installed unit's electrical label and compressor instructions to establish the load before sizing its supply; the family manual's fuse rating is not operating current.

Show sizes in AWG

Wiring diagram

How the C51i CHR is wired.

Open this example in Crimp to use your own parts and cable lengths. Review the assumptions and installation notes as you adapt the circuit.

See the field notes for this part’s connections and installation requirements.
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Installation notes

Connections and installation requirements.

Guidance for this model, with sources linked beside the relevant advice.

Verified against the manufacturer's documentation (rev. C-series CC-CA instruction manual; C51i CHR exact-model data sheet), checked 2026-10-01. Manufacturer documentation →

Which refrigerator is represented?

This is the Vitrifrigo C51i CHR 12/24 V DC refrigerator, with a 51 L cabinet and 3.6 L freezer compartment. The exact-model manufacturer data sheet, retained from a distributor mirror, identifies C51i CHR but lists electrical absorption as N.A. Consequently the catalog leaves running watts, running amps and startup amps unset. Cabinet capacity and a branch fuse cannot fill that gap.

The downloaded C-series manual explicitly includes C51I. Its installation guidance is family-level; compare the compressor/controller and appliance label with the fitted CHR unit before applying controller-specific details. The catalog represents the DC input, not an optional AC/DC power module.

How should the DC circuit be protected?

The electrical instructions, pages 25–26, recommend a direct battery supply following the controller instructions. Annex 4, page 75, specifies 15 A at 12 V or 7.5 A at 24 V and a main switch rated at least 20 A. The catalog's 15 A terminal boundary is a protected-circuit planning allowance, not a claim that the fridge draws 15 A or that its connector is rated for that continuous current.

Page 26 gives cable sizes of 2.5/4/6/10 mm² against maximum 12 V line lengths of 2.5/4/6/10 m; the corresponding 24 V lengths double. Apply the actual controller's length convention and account for the complete route and connections. Without verified running and starting demand, a complete calculated circuit or daily-energy prediction remains incomplete.

How should the cabinet be installed?

The recess instructions, pages 23–25, distinguish static, fan-cooled and remote condensers. Match the actual condenser layout to its ventilation drawing instead of borrowing a clearance from another variant. Keep lower air entry and heated-air escape clear, secure the cabinet using its intended frame or mounting points, and ensure no cable sits under the cabinet. Wait at least one hour after positioning before switching on.

What should be checked if cooling is poor?

Check door closure, ventilation and voltage at the compressor while it tries to start. The family manual's standard 12 V cutout/restart thresholds are 10.4/11.7 V, but optional controller settings can differ. Low voltage at the refrigerator may result from its wiring even when the battery looks healthy. Isolate before cleaning or defrosting, avoid puncturing the refrigerant circuit, and leave the cleaned door ajar during storage as described on pages 27–29.

Build it out

Connect it to the rest of your system.

Add C51i CHR to your diagram, then connect your batteries, chargers and loads. Crimp calculates cable sizes and checks the connections as you draw.

Every cable you draw there is sized against ABYC E-11, from the same tables as the reference on this page.

Technical reference

Specifications, terminals and supporting parts.

Check the model, ratings and connection points against your own unit before choosing installation hardware.

Catalog specification

Nominal voltage
12 V
Compatible systems
12 V / 24 V

Supporting parts

  1. A lug or terminal to match each post on the part
  2. Strain relief and boots so nothing chafes or shorts
  3. Cable and fuses sized once the whole system is drawn

Check stud sizes, fuse type, run length and how warm the space gets against the gear you actually have before you order.

Terminal map

Catalog connection points, current direction and planning limits. Check the manufacturer's pinout and connector ratings before installation.

+

pos

positive · input

15 A

−

neg

negative · input

15 A

Method & provenance

Where the specifications and sizing come from.

Manufacturer specifications describe the equipment. Crimp calculates cable results from the circuit and assumptions you enter.

From the maker

What the catalog says

Manufacturer, model, ratings and which terminal does what come from the catalog. A newer revision, or the nameplate on the unit in your hand, can say something different — when it does, the nameplate wins.

ABYC E-11

What Crimp worked out

Sized against ABYC E-11. Boats built to UK or EU rules answer to ISO 13297 — check these figures against it before you build. The run length and the current above are what drive the result. Crimp doesn't know how warm your space gets; draw the cable inside an engine-bay zone on the canvas and it sizes for the heat.

Read how the sizing works

Next step

Plan your installation with C51i CHR.

Open this example as a new project. Add your equipment and cable lengths, then review the sizing and checks for your setup.