Electrical problem-Help!

[mimiandrews]

The last two times I have plugged our '66 Safari into shore power (15 amp extension cord with adapter to run only light loads) there has been no power to the AC outlets inside the trailer and the light to the left side of the rear hatch comes on. Never had this problem before, even using the same outlet and the same extension cord.

I have been doing some sheet metal work to reinforce the opening for the air conditioner. Could I have nicked an electrical cable with the drill? Thought I would have noticed that, since the drill was plugged into an outlet in the trailer and in my hands at the time.

Does anyone know just where the cables run in the ceiling of a '66 model 22' Safari? Is there any way to access the area to inspect the wiring for damage?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mimiandrews

The last two times I have plugged our '66 Safari into shore power (15 amp extension cord with adapter to run only light loads) there has been no power to the AC outlets inside the trailer and the light to the left side of the rear hatch comes on. Never had this problem before, even using the same outlet and the same extension cord.

I have been doing some sheet metal work to reinforce the opening for the air conditioner. Could I have nicked an electrical cable with the drill? Thought I would have noticed that, since the drill was plugged into an outlet in the trailer and in my hands at the time.

Does anyone know just where the cables run in the ceiling of a '66 model 22' Safari? Is there any way to access the area to inspect the wiring for damage?

Thanks in advance for your help.

From your description, the reverse polarity light is coming on, telling you somethings wrong, which can cause circuit breakers to pop.

Many times, those seemingly harmless extension cords, cause that problem.

Try another extension cord.

Andy

[bassfiddler]

Just in case you haven't checked yet, turn off each of the individual AC circuit breakers and re-set them. Sometimes they can be tripped without being apparent to naked eye.

[mimiandrews]

Thanks Andy, I'll try another cord, but let me give you some history.

Plugged the trailer in and spent a couple of hours working on the air conditioner opening in the ceiling. No apparent electrical problems. Was using an electric drill motor plugged into an outlet in the trailer, and the work went without incident.

Next time I tried to plug the trailer in, using the same cord and outlet, the reverse polarity light was on, and none of the ac powered lights or the fan I had plugged in inside the trailer worked. When I unplugged the cord, there was minor sparking as it disconnected

Third time I used a different extension cord and a different outlet in the building. Plugged the trailer in with nothing connected to the outlets inside. Reverse polarity light came on again. I used a voltmeter to test the outlets inside the trailer, and it showed no voltage. Used same voltmeter to test the extension cord after I disconnected it from the trailer and the voltage there was normal. I reset two of the four circuit breakers in the bathroom closet and that had no effect.

Could I have damaged wiring in the ceiling when I worked on reinforcing the hole for the air conditioner?

[APB]

Caused a problem? I'm betting yes. I suggest that you be very careful working around the trailer until you figure out just what has happened.

I might suggest that you measure from the trailer skin or frame to a good earth ground with the trailer connected to shore power and if you find voltage there you must figure out where it is comming from and correct the problem.

One side of a typical 110v AC line is at ground potential (the white wire) and the other side (black or colored wire) is at 110v. If you happen to reverse the input connection to the trailer and the white wire is connected to the trailer frame touching the frame or skin becomes like sticking your finger in the socket. Not good.

Not to be alarmist but folks have been electrocuted by touching the body of an incorrectly connected trailer.

[mimiandrews]

I'm well aware of the hazard. Careful is the name of the game with dealing with electricity.

I also don't think I have reversed the polarity of the input. It was the same cord and it was the same outlet in the building that worked just fine previously. I'll get a tester and check it out to be sure.

That leaves the work I was doing up around the air conditioner opening. Doe anyone know just where the AC wiring runs are in the ceiling of a '66 Safari?

[mimiandrews]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

From your description, the reverse polarity light is coming on, telling you somethings wrong, which can cause circuit breakers to pop.

Many times, those seemingly harmless extension cords, cause that problem.

Try another extension cord.

Andy

Way to go, Andy!!!

Both the extension cords I was using check out bad with a polarity tester. The trailer is OK when plugged in to a newer cord.

Thanks a million.