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A/C problems - Printable Version +- Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum (http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com) +-- Forum: Yahoo Groups Archive (/forumdisplay.php?fid=61) +--- Forum: WanderlodgeForum (/forumdisplay.php?fid=63) +--- Thread: A/C problems (/showthread.php?tid=6957) Pages: 1 2 |
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A/C problems - coreyg67 - 08-03-2008 10:43 I am having some problems with my electrical system that started showing up on a road trip last week. As of today, I have no power while connected to shore power. I went to the bus today to check on things, and the battery light on my inverter panels was flashing indicating a low charge. I first checked the basics, all breakers, house breaker to 50amp receptacle, and I know that I am getting 50amps of 220 to the coach. Now, one of the panels will show A/C input when the generator is running, but the second panel will never indicate that is it receiving A/C input. Secondly, on the voltage/amperage gauges over the door, it is indicating that leg 1 is running very low amps, and normal 130volts, while leg 2 is showing very high amperage, in the 40 range, while only showing around 105volts. I am not sure if there is anything I can do in the mean time to at least get the coach charging without running the generator. Is there an external transfer switch, or is all the transfer handled by the inverters? Does this mean I have a bad inverter? Also, I have heard several folks mention Paul Davis, and Mr. Oliver. Do they have service facilities, and would they be recommended to service these busses? They are only about 15mins from me. Thanks Corey and Jenni Graham 1996 PT42 Prosper TX A/C problems - Ralph L. Fullenwider - 08-03-2008 10:59 Hi Corey: First things first. One the inverter panels, turn both inverters to off and set the charging system to on. Then go back to your main breaker panel, locate the breaker for leg one and leg 2, switch them off then back on and switch the GFI breaker off then back on. Now check your gauges and see what you have. Your chargers are on leg 2 and I am betting that is the leg that is showing 105 vac. You can verify this by switching both chargers off for a minute. The voltage should come back to 120vac steady. If not then the auto transfer switch is suspect. You may have 1 or more cells in a single battery pulling your system down too. They need to be load tested individually if the above has not reset the problem. Oh switch off your Aqua hot breaker as it may pulling the system down as well. Bottom line is it sounds very much like an automatic transfer switch has the brain board bad. Safe travels, Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" Duncan, Oklahoma At 10:43 PM 8/3/2008 +0000, you wrote: >I am having some problems with my electrical system that started showing >up on a road >trip last week. > >As of today, I have no power while connected to shore power. I went to >the bus today to >check on things, and the battery light on my inverter panels was flashing >indicating a low >charge. I first checked the basics, all breakers, house breaker to 50amp >receptacle, and I >know that I am getting 50amps of 220 to the coach. Now, one of the panels >will show >A/C input when the generator is running, but the second panel will never >indicate that is >it receiving A/C input. > >Secondly, on the voltage/amperage gauges over the door, it is indicating >that leg 1 is >running very low amps, and normal 130volts, while leg 2 is showing very >high amperage, >in the 40 range, while only showing around 105volts. > >I am not sure if there is anything I can do in the mean time to at least >get the coach >charging without running the generator. Is there an external transfer >switch, or is all the >transfer handled by the inverters? Does this mean I have a bad inverter? > >Also, I have heard several folks mention Paul Davis, and Mr. Oliver. Do >they have service >facilities, and would they be recommended to service these busses? They >are only about >15mins from me. > >Thanks >Corey and Jenni Graham >1996 PT42 >Prosper TX A/C problems - coreyg67 - 08-03-2008 15:38 Ok, so far I have tried the things you have recommended, with the exception of the GFI, but I don't know where it is. There is one in the bathroom, but I cant get it to do anything for me, I'll have to look into it. I have one inverter panel that is reading AC input from the generator, and the HVAC units are running. BUT, when I try to run all 3 is when an overload condition happens on leg 2, while leg 1 shows very minimal draw. I have pulled the inverter for leg 2 out, and have the cover off to see if I can locate the transfer switch. Looks as though it isn't functioning, but I'm not sure how the entire setup works exactly. I can manually change the switch and get the inverter to show DC amps on the panel, but still no AC input. My problem is, the only way I can charge the coach batteries is to run the generator. I don't understand why I'm not able to draw any power for the shore cord. I plan to find a repair facility near me that can help me with some of these problems, so that may be my next task. Although I certainly prefer to do the work myself. Corey & Jenni 1996 PT42' Prosper, TX --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote: > > Hi Corey: > > First things first. One the inverter panels, turn both inverters to off and > set the charging system to on. Then go back to your main breaker panel, > locate the breaker for leg one and leg 2, switch them off then back on and > switch the GFI breaker off then back on. > > Now check your gauges and see what you have. Your chargers are on leg 2 and > I am betting that is the leg that is showing 105 vac. You can verify this > by switching both chargers off for a minute. The voltage should come back > to 120vac steady. If not then the auto transfer switch is suspect. > > You may have 1 or more cells in a single battery pulling your system down > too. They need to be load tested individually if the above has not reset > the problem. > > Oh switch off your Aqua hot breaker as it may pulling the system down as well. > > Bottom line is it sounds very much like an automatic transfer switch has > the brain board bad. > > Safe travels, > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > Duncan, Oklahoma > > At 10:43 PM 8/3/2008 +0000, you wrote: > >I am having some problems with my electrical system that started showing > >up on a road > >trip last week. > > > >As of today, I have no power while connected to shore power. I went to > >the bus today to > >check on things, and the battery light on my inverter panels was flashing > >indicating a low > >charge. I first checked the basics, all breakers, house breaker to 50amp > >receptacle, and I > >know that I am getting 50amps of 220 to the coach. Now, one of the panels > >will show > >A/C input when the generator is running, but the second panel will never > >indicate that is > >it receiving A/C input. > > > >Secondly, on the voltage/amperage gauges over the door, it is indicating > >that leg 1 is > >running very low amps, and normal 130volts, while leg 2 is showing very > >high amperage, > >in the 40 range, while only showing around 105volts. > > > >I am not sure if there is anything I can do in the mean time to at least > >get the coach > >charging without running the generator. Is there an external transfer > >switch, or is all the > >transfer handled by the inverters? Does this mean I have a bad inverter? > > > >Also, I have heard several folks mention Paul Davis, and Mr. Oliver. Do > >they have service > >facilities, and would they be recommended to service these busses? They > >are only about > >15mins from me. > > > >Thanks > >Corey and Jenni Graham > >1996 PT42 > >Prosper TX > A/C problems - Wallace Craig - 08-03-2008 15:56
A/C problems - Ralph L. Fullenwider - 08-03-2008 16:39 Corey, the transfer switch I am talking about is not internal in the inverter. It should be located in the 4th bay door back from the front on the drivers side. It is the main power switch from shore power/gen set/inverter in that order. Inside the grey box will be 2 contactors and a circuit board. Power is sensed by the circuit board in this order, shore power, if none the gen set, if none then inverter and with some testing in that box will determine your problem or at least which way you need to go. It is notorious for going south and needs to be replaced when it does because the board is obsolete (sound familiar?) I suggested switching the inverter side of the inverter/charger off to try to start isolating the problem. This is one that can have you chasing rainbows all over the place. And what you described below tells me that your problem is the TOD auto power switch. Safe travels, Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" Duncan, Oklahoma At 03:38 AM 8/4/2008 +0000, you wrote: >Ok, so far I have tried the things you have recommended, with the >exception of the GFI, >but I don't know where it is. There is one in the bathroom, but I cant >get it to do >anything for me, I'll have to look into it. > >I have one inverter panel that is reading AC input from the generator, and >the HVAC >units are running. BUT, when I try to run all 3 is when an overload >condition happens on >leg 2, while leg 1 shows very minimal draw. > >I have pulled the inverter for leg 2 out, and have the cover off to see if >I can locate the >transfer switch. Looks as though it isn't functioning, but I'm not sure >how the entire >setup works exactly. I can manually change the switch and get the >inverter to show DC >amps on the panel, but still no AC input. My problem is, the only way I >can charge the >coach batteries is to run the generator. I don't understand why I'm not >able to draw any >power for the shore cord. > >I plan to find a repair facility near me that can help me with some of >these problems, so >that may be my next task. Although I certainly prefer to do the work myself. > >Corey & Jenni >1996 PT42' >Prosper, TX > > > > > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider" > > > > > Hi Corey: > > > > First things first. One the inverter panels, turn both inverters to off > and > > set the charging system to on. Then go back to your main breaker panel, > > locate the breaker for leg one and leg 2, switch them off then back on and > > switch the GFI breaker off then back on. > > > > Now check your gauges and see what you have. Your chargers are on leg 2 > and > > I am betting that is the leg that is showing 105 vac. You can verify this > > by switching both chargers off for a minute. The voltage should come back > > to 120vac steady. If not then the auto transfer switch is suspect. > > > > You may have 1 or more cells in a single battery pulling your system down > > too. They need to be load tested individually if the above has not reset > > the problem. > > > > Oh switch off your Aqua hot breaker as it may pulling the system down > as well. > > > > Bottom line is it sounds very much like an automatic transfer switch has > > the brain board bad. > > > > Safe travels, > > > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > > Duncan, Oklahoma > > > > At 10:43 PM 8/3/2008 +0000, you wrote: > > >I am having some problems with my electrical system that started showing > > >up on a road > > >trip last week. > > > > > >As of today, I have no power while connected to shore power. I went to > > >the bus today to > > >check on things, and the battery light on my inverter panels was flashing > > >indicating a low > > >charge. I first checked the basics, all breakers, house breaker to 50amp > > >receptacle, and I > > >know that I am getting 50amps of 220 to the coach. Now, one of the > panels > > >will show > > >A/C input when the generator is running, but the second panel will never > > >indicate that is > > >it receiving A/C input. > > > > > >Secondly, on the voltage/amperage gauges over the door, it is indicating > > >that leg 1 is > > >running very low amps, and normal 130volts, while leg 2 is showing very > > >high amperage, > > >in the 40 range, while only showing around 105volts. > > > > > >I am not sure if there is anything I can do in the mean time to at least > > >get the coach > > >charging without running the generator. Is there an external transfer > > >switch, or is all the > > >transfer handled by the inverters? Does this mean I have a bad inverter? > > > > > >Also, I have heard several folks mention Paul Davis, and Mr. Oliver. Do > > >they have service > > >facilities, and would they be recommended to service these busses? They > > >are only about > > >15mins from me. > > > > > >Thanks > > >Corey and Jenni Graham > > >1996 PT42 > > >Prosper TX > > > > A/C problems - Gregory OConnor - 08-03-2008 17:02 DO you have a cord on an auto reel or do you drape cord manualy? Do you have one of those addon Genset auto starts or electrical protection devices? I would plug into shore; shut down all circuit breakers and inverters in the bus; then turn circuit breakers one one at a time.Consumed electricity shows up as heat so with the bus unplugged and inverters off, you may find issues by feeling around for extra hot things like inverters, batteries transfer switch, appliances and for the heck of it check out the temp at the engine driven alt. Is there away for you to unplug an inverter and plug it into a 110volt extension cord to charge the batteries and circumvent the problem bus electrical system??? This may help keep the batteries up until you correct the issue If you have a multimeter you could check the individual hotlegs at the shore pedistal then check the two legs at the bus circuitbreaker box with all the breakers off. this may show issue with transfer switch or bus shore cord???? DO you have a cord on an auto reel or do you drape cord manualy? Do you have one of those addon Genset auto starts or electrical prtection devices? Some of the clues you get from the gauges like reading no Voltage can stand in the way of truth unless you were shure that the gauge read proper voltage/amperage etc when all things were working. Most of us never look at the gauges unless there is a problem. therefore we have little proof thet the reading is correct. I never trust a voltage gauge that reads 0 I would find a shop or tech that has insurance over knowledge and 'luck with these sort of things' GregoryO'Connor 94ptRomolandCa --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" wrote: > > I am having some problems with my electrical system that started showing up on a road > trip last week. > > As of today, I have no power while connected to shore power. I went to the bus today to > check on things, and the battery light on my inverter panels was flashing indicating a low > charge. I first checked the basics, all breakers, house breaker to 50amp receptacle, and I > know that I am getting 50amps of 220 to the coach. Now, one of the panels will show > A/C input when the generator is running, but the second panel will never indicate that is > it receiving A/C input. > > Secondly, on the voltage/amperage gauges over the door, it is indicating that leg 1 is > running very low amps, and normal 130volts, while leg 2 is showing very high amperage, > in the 40 range, while only showing around 105volts. > > I am not sure if there is anything I can do in the mean time to at least get the coach > charging without running the generator. Is there an external transfer switch, or is all the > transfer handled by the inverters? Does this mean I have a bad inverter? > > Also, I have heard several folks mention Paul Davis, and Mr. Oliver. Do they have service > facilities, and would they be recommended to service these busses? They are only about > 15mins from me. > > Thanks > Corey and Jenni Graham > 1996 PT42 > Prosper TX > A/C problems - coreyg67 - 08-04-2008 11:22 Ok, I have found two different electrical boxes in the bay that I am exploring. There is a gray box with a series of two relays of some sort (again I'm not an electrician and have no clue what i'm looking at) and then a second box that has a label of automatic transfer switch on it. I pulled the cover off of both switches and checked the power coming in. The first relay or whatever it is has 240 coming in, but nothing leaving the relay. I don't know if this is transfer switch as well, or what it is, but it is not passing power through. I then checked the power going into the next auto transfer switch and there is no power entering the panel. So, I'm assuming the first relay/switch is the problem, but I don't know what exactly it is. Thanks again for all the help everyone! Corey and Jenni 1996 PT42' Prosper, TX 75078 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" > > Ok, so far I have tried the things you have recommended, with the exception of the GFI, > but I don't know where it is. There is one in the bathroom, but I cant get it to do > anything for me, I'll have to look into it. > > I have one inverter panel that is reading AC input from the generator, and the HVAC > units are running. BUT, when I try to run all 3 is when an overload condition happens on > leg 2, while leg 1 shows very minimal draw. > > I have pulled the inverter for leg 2 out, and have the cover off to see if I can locate the > transfer switch. Looks as though it isn't functioning, but I'm not sure how the entire > setup works exactly. I can manually change the switch and get the inverter to show DC > amps on the panel, but still no AC input. My problem is, the only way I can charge the > coach batteries is to run the generator. I don't understand why I'm not able to draw any > power for the shore cord. > > I plan to find a repair facility near me that can help me with some of these problems, so > that may be my next task. Although I certainly prefer to do the work myself. > > Corey & Jenni > 1996 PT42' > Prosper, TX > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider" wrote: > > > > Hi Corey: > > > > First things first. One the inverter panels, turn both inverters to off and > > set the charging system to on. Then go back to your main breaker panel, > > locate the breaker for leg one and leg 2, switch them off then back on and > > switch the GFI breaker off then back on. > > > > Now check your gauges and see what you have. Your chargers are on leg 2 and > > I am betting that is the leg that is showing 105 vac. You can verify this > > by switching both chargers off for a minute. The voltage should come back > > to 120vac steady. If not then the auto transfer switch is suspect. > > > > You may have 1 or more cells in a single battery pulling your system down > > too. They need to be load tested individually if the above has not reset > > the problem. > > > > Oh switch off your Aqua hot breaker as it may pulling the system down as well. > > > > Bottom line is it sounds very much like an automatic transfer switch has > > the brain board bad. > > > > Safe travels, > > > > Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider > > 84FC35 "Ruff Diamond" > > Duncan, Oklahoma > > > > At 10:43 PM 8/3/2008 +0000, you wrote: > > >I am having some problems with my electrical system that started showing > > >up on a road > > >trip last week. > > > > > >As of today, I have no power while connected to shore power. I went to > > >the bus today to > > >check on things, and the battery light on my inverter panels was flashing > > >indicating a low > > >charge. I first checked the basics, all breakers, house breaker to 50amp > > >receptacle, and I > > >know that I am getting 50amps of 220 to the coach. Now, one of the panels > > >will show > > >A/C input when the generator is running, but the second panel will never > > >indicate that is > > >it receiving A/C input. > > > > > >Secondly, on the voltage/amperage gauges over the door, it is indicating > > >that leg 1 is > > >running very low amps, and normal 130volts, while leg 2 is showing very > > >high amperage, > > >in the 40 range, while only showing around 105volts. > > > > > >I am not sure if there is anything I can do in the mean time to at least > > >get the coach > > >charging without running the generator. Is there an external transfer > > >switch, or is all the > > >transfer handled by the inverters? Does this mean I have a bad inverter? > > > > > >Also, I have heard several folks mention Paul Davis, and Mr. Oliver. Do > > >they have service > > >facilities, and would they be recommended to service these busses? They > > >are only about > > >15mins from me. > > > > > >Thanks > > >Corey and Jenni Graham > > >1996 PT42 > > >Prosper TX > > > A/C problems - Gregory OConnor - 08-04-2008 19:04 Corey, below are hints to the repair found in your last post (in this order). ..................... --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "coreyg67" wrote: > some sort >(again I'm not an electrician and have no clue what i'm looking at) >I don't know , >or what > I'm assuming >but >I don't know what exactly it is. Thanks again for all the help everyone! > > Corey and Jenni > 1996 PT42' > Prosper, TX 75078 > ........................................... some times the better mechanic realize the repair is not in the abilities oh his many talents and defers the task to those with GregoryO'Connor 94ptRomolandCA A/C problems - Fred Hulse - 08-05-2008 02:26 Corey
I think Greg mentioned the wind up reel for your cord,the OE reel can burn the contacts very easy and the brushes in the reel will burn out and not make contact with the plate or armature.
Fred & Jeanne Hulse
Morristown Arizona 1997 Wanderlodge WLWB41 A/C problems - martingregg598 - 08-05-2008 03:10 Hi Corey, Don't through out the transfer switch yet. Is it a Lyght Power? If so here is how it works. There are two contactors, one for shore and one for the generator, and a small switch on the side that wrought power through the circuit board. When I thought that my unit was bad, and the contactors wouldn't hold, and bought a new one, and then started have problems with it holding, I talked to a factory service tech. One leg of the 240 goes through the circuit board to the small switch. The small switch gets a build-up (dust, corrosion) on it and then it won't let the circuit board wrought the power to the contactor. What I have to do is, disconnect the shore power and cycle the small switch several times to clean the contacts off, and presto magic it works. Marty Gregg 95 BMC 37 Kennewick WA |