![]() ![]() At the very least a damaged surge protector is not safe. Just give it a close look.Īn outlet or a switch that looks burned might be a sign of a serious fault or short, and the surge protector itself might be dead. Turning it off and back on again will reset the small internal breaker and should remedy the problem. Once this happens, anything that’s attached to the surge protector won’t work. Some people use them as a “Strip of Extra Outlets.” If the power capacity is exceeded, the surge protector will trip just like a breaker panel. A Problem With The Surge Protectorĭouble-check your RV’s surge protectors. If you disconnect the batteries and connect the RV to another power source and the power converter or inverter responds as it should, then it is most likely the shore power system and not your RV.Ī polite conversation with the RV park staff should be able to remedy the situation. They can burn out all on their own.Įspecially, if you are at an older RV park or a park that just opened up an overflow camping area to accommodate a busy time of year. Honestly, sometimes it’s just the power post from the shore power or the outlet. Checking The Power Converter Or InverterĪssuming the batteries don’t look bad, and they are holding a charge, you should turn your attention to other elements of the RV’s electric system. This is a sign that battery acid has escaped and could prove very harmful to your skin. This includes white crystals or foam building up on the battery seals. Watch out for any leaks or signs of overheating. Sometimes something as simple as a little corrosion on a terminal post can interrupt the batteries ability to take a charge or deliver that charge to the rest of the system. You should also make it a point to check your batteries before embarking on any journey. However, if the batteries are connected properly, and the electricity doesn’t run anywhere in the RV, then chances are it’s something else in the system. ![]() This might seem a little counter-intuitive at first if you are trying to tap into shore power. If you are on your first trip of the year, it’s entirely possible that you simply forgot to flip on the main breaker panel before you left home. If you’ve been traveling down a rough road, it might be possible for a switch to physically trip.Įvery once in a blue moon a little surge in power when you hook up can also potentially trip a breaker. When the capacity of the breaker is exceeded it “Trips” to the off position. In fact, some older, pre-owned RVs might still have traditional fuses. The RV’s main power pedestal or circuit panel does what an old fashioned fuse box used to do. Resetting Main Circuit Breakers At The Power Pedestal You are most likely to find a GFCI outlet in the bathroom or kitchen of the RV, where water is a real threat. If the capacity is ever exceeded or something goes wrong it trips to prevent a short or damage. GFCI stands for “Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.” This is essentially a fuse built into an outlet. These basic ten steps might not necessarily solve the problem, but they might help you dial in where the problem is. Closely inspect the wires connecting to the breaker, as well as from the breaker to the RV’s internal outlets. Check for power between the power transfer switch to the power cord and the RV’s power converter. Make sure to test if power is being received and used properly by the power converter. Turn the generator on and see if the power will transfer properly to the RV. ![]() Test for power at the generator’s transfer switch. Check the diagnostic lights to see if there is power going to the surge protector. Disconnect the RV’s power pedestal from the shore power source and then reset the main breaker panel. Have someone look at the power converter while you disconnect the batteries from the coach. Inspect the terminal posts for corrosion and clean if necessary. Make sure they are securely connected and not damaged. Double-check the onboard 12 Volt batteries. Carefully reset the main 110 Volt circuit breaker. Go to the power pedestal and reset the main circuit breaker.
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