Fridge vents

I have fitted a new three way fridge. I have vents below the fridge and above the fridge for circulation. I also have the exhaust to the outside.
I have been told I have to also cut a vent into the outside panel of the van that is the same width as the fridge.
I really didn't want that so was curious if this is right? If so has anyone got pics of there vents please?
Many thanks

 

Mine has worked quite satisfactorily since the 80s without the need for an extra vent in the external panel. I can see the the argument for the external vent if the unit is really built in with no chance of air circulation around the back otherwise can't quite see the point.

 

My thoughts exactly. I have the exhaust vented out side

I also have 2 fridge width vents on the interior unit one above one below to all in circulation and there is a good gap behind the fridge

 

When i fitted a fridge to my westy i ran the flue out the B pillar and just added a small vent into each side of the cabinet (one low and one high).

Its ran fine just like that.
They are only to allow some air circulation past the cooling fins. If need be you could add a computer fan to the fins with a thermostatic switch.

 

Thanks.

I was told I needed the vent to comply with current regulations

 

The advice is correct, but this is to ensure that your fridge works as efficiently as possible.
For absorption fridges like Dometic RM etc. you need:

• a 'drop out vent' below the burner (lowest point possible) for any gas leakage to escape
• unrestricted airflow below the fridge (either from the front or the rear - not both, as this may blow the gas flame out)
• a vent at the same level, or preferably just above the condening fins on the rear of the fridge

As the condensing fins heat up, the hot air around/above it needs to escape, hence the need for an upper vent. As this air exits, it's replaced by cooler air from below (the lower vent)...this passes thru the fins to regulate the temperature....

Ideally, the back of the fridge should be sealed off from the rest of the van, so that all this heat exchanging malarkey takes place in isolation. Few bus owners go to this trouble, as the fridge works reasonably well without all the additional enclosure...

At a very bare minimum install a drop out vent and an upper vent

 

That's great info.

I have the lower and the upper vents on the front of the unit and the fridge unit is sealed from the rest of the van ( bar the vents mentioned)

I am pleased I don't have to cut the van but he is not willing to sign off the installation with out the vent in the outer panel

 

I wouldn`t worry about being signed off to be honest - just use it .
99% of all van friges are set up as yours , and indeed mine . They work fine and are safe although i switch the fridge off overnight purely as a precaution

 

a proper installer won't sign it off without an exterior vent....If it's your van, and you don't intend to rent it out it's a case of caveat emptor....you'll notice when the fridge is up and running at full tilt, that you'll have warm air emerging from the upper vent into the van, and a slight draft at floor level towards the fridge...no biggie in the grand scheme of things.....

provided you have an adequate drop out vent, and the flue is properly installed (as direct a journey from the boiler tube chimney to the outside world) you'll be fine...if a little warm in Summer.....the fridge won't operate as well as it should, but this is the price you pay for not cutting a letterbox (or two) in the side of your beloved

 

Great info thank you all very much