“Um, no, they run on electricity. We had one in a camping trailer. There is no generator to run the compressor or combustion engine to create the mechanical energy to compress the gasses in the refrigerator. Just a different method of creating cold with different gasses.”
Generally the refrigerator in a camper/RV/off grid can run on 12V DC, 120V AC, or propane. The propane does indeed power the refrigerator when the 12V or 120V is not available.
You have 3 way and 2 way fridges. The two way ones are usually propane or 120V ac powered. The 3 way ones add the 12V DC capability.
Mfg Part #: RML8555R
Tech Notes:
Refrigerator capacity without freezer: 6.7 cu. ft.
Freezer capacity: 1.2 cu. ft.
12V DC/ 120V AC/ LP
Right door hinge
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/dometic-rml-8555r-euro-6-7-cu-ft-3-way-refrigerator/56313
London mayor Sadiq Khan on scene and holding a presser.
Yeah, I looked it up and you are talking about an absorption refrigerator. The one in our RV did not have a pilot,(though it had ammonia gas - I remember the leak). Ours didn’t have a switch like that either, I would bet residential units are different than RV units, but I could be wrong.
I’m old enough to remember natural gas air conditioners. Whole house air conditioners. Not too popular, but I’ve seen them once or twice. The only thing electric was the blower for the air circulation in the house or building.
I’m certain that older campers used propane for most everything since it was/is relatively portable and doesn’t require a hookup.