How do I check fuses?

[captmatt]

This is the first time I've seen a 12v fuse panel like this. I was hoping to check fuses with multimeter by checking across the brass connectors but no reading. How do you check these fuses?

[Protagonist]

I do not believe that is a fuse panel. That looks like a bus bar.

[captmatt]

Interesting. Door is labeled fuse panel and door lists the amperage of corresponding fuses. But it does look like a bus bar (with small black plastic boxes behind it). Very confusing, lost porch lights and stereo, seems to be fuse related...

[A W Warn]

Those are automotive type breakers, not fuses, connected to the copper/brass bus bar. You can check for continuity between the two lugs with your multi-meter. Some of them might have a button that extends if they trip from overload. If they do not have a button, they are designed to re-set on their own as the circuit cools after tripping.
If there is no button and no continuity, you will need to replace the breaker.

add edit: If you have to replace a breaker, disconnect the battery ground cable and unplug shore power. I found out from experience, with a lose (+) wire it's easy to burn a hole in aluminum!

add edit 2: I bought replacement breakers at ODM, but you can get these at your local auto parts store.

[richinny]

they are 12v breakers and the little white buttons on the far right are pushed in to reset the breaker.

[nm1oqrz]

Hello fellow Streamers. I have the same fuse panel in my 88 Excella. People are correct, they are auto reseting circuit breakers. They can be tested with a meter be measuring from ground to each side of the breaker and it should read the same voltage, as there is negligable voltage drop across a short. If the breaker was bad and stuck open, measuring from ground to the buss side would read the 12 VDC or so and the other side of the breaker would read close to 0 VDC.
Good luck
Happy camping nm1oqrz

[captmatt]

Thanks! I was so frustrated by this panel I was ready to just do without tunes in the trailer. I appreciate all the responses !

[Scotman]

I have the same panel and was just as confused by it. This thread helped clear it up!

[captmatt]

Never found what the problem was, so I took AS to area dealer that now deals w/AS. I was ready for the ROASTING i got from the last RV Dealer but they said it was just a connection problem...( I read as a little corrosion.) Any way, problem solved. Picking it up tomorrow. No mention of charges, so I'm hoping it will be just the 145.00 I agreed to. If I'm happy I will post the name of the dealer. If I'm NOT happy I may post the name of the dealer a lot!?

[cwf]

Hey, finding problems can be challenging. Hopefully it was just cleaning up a bad connection.

I bet there are a few AStreamers in your area who might look at problems with you.

[captmatt]

Loose wire nut on new radio... I could have fixed it with my eyes closed, if I ever found it! To make it interesting the Tech left a light on in the trailer to confirm all was well and forgot to turn it off. drained battery DEAD! Jose, our serv. rep. found a portable jumping unit and helped us get everything together since the trailer jack was no help with no power. Even helped with small refrigerator issue I had, no charge. Overall, very happy! I will go back to NorthTrail RV in Fort Meyers (not to be confused with business on East coast of FL with similar name). For repairs or maybe a newer unit some day... I'll ask for Jose!

[m.hony]

I would think they would solder connections rather than use wire nuts-

[Skater]

Originally Posted by captmatt

Loose wire nut on new radio...

Wire nuts on a 12 volt wiring circuit? Not really the best solution. Of course, Airstream did the same in mine for the marker lights...

[captmatt]

Wire nuts are only as good as the wirenut that is assembling the sound system...


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