Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-20-2009, 07:13 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
Inverter - On or Off?

Taking my generator and multi meter up to do some investigating today, but I'm not an electrician. My brother is and he gave me some instruction. In the meantime, I'm really not sure if my batteries are being charged. Here is a pic of the inverter on/off switch. Not real intuitive...is it ON if you can see ON, or is it ON with the rocker arm covering ON (and leaving OFF visible)?

big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 07:17 AM   #2
Site Team
 
azflycaster's Avatar

 
2002 25' Safari
Dewey , Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
Images: 62
Blog Entries: 1
It is hard to say, it depends on how the cover was installed. This looks like something that a PO installed. Testing it with a meter would be the only way to know for sure.

BTW, I think you meant to say converter.
__________________

Richard

Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
azflycaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 07:36 AM   #3
Rivet Master

 
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
Images: 59
Normally those come with the switch installed so the handle points at the condition. As shown, it would be off.

You can however take the screws out and turn the cover over so that it shows the opposite. Like Richard says it's possible the PO switched the switch so it could be "on". Need to test it with a meter.

I would suggest if it is "on" with the handle as shown, that you change it back to the correct "off" condition.
markdoane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 10:19 AM   #4
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 29' Ambassador
Harrah , Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 110
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane View Post
I would suggest if it is "on" with the handle as shown, that you change it back to the correct "off" condition.

Agreed, else somebody will be in for a shock.
__________________
My Brain Project and Tech Notes
airbassador is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 10:50 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
Wingeezer's Avatar
 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
Interesting the different viewpoints! I would have said that in teh pic, it is definitely in the "Off" position!

We could take bets, and then Big_John can settle it when he gets his multimeter out!

Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell

2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
Wingeezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 12:03 PM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
So I took my multi meter up just a while ago and lugged the generator up as well. My converter is a relatively new IntelliPower 9200 series. Here is what I determined:

1. With the switch in its current state and no AC power applied the meter read 12.5 VDC on both batteries.

2. With the trailer hooked up to the 120 VAC generator the voltage across both batteries read 0.0 VDC.

....so, I think the answer is now clear...the position shown in the picture above is OFF.

3. I flipped the switch so the rocker arm was pointing to ON and the voltage across both batteries, while plugged into 120 VAC generator, was +14.5 VDC.

My battery indicator (Poor, Fair, Good) on the info panel soon went from Poor to Good. Mystery solved
big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 12:07 PM   #7
Site Team
 
azflycaster's Avatar

 
2002 25' Safari
Dewey , Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
Images: 62
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by big_john View Post
2. With the trailer hooked up to the 120 VAC generator the voltage across both batteries read 0.0 VDC.
I don't understand why the batteries would ever read 0.
__________________

Richard

Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
azflycaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 01:16 PM   #8
Rivet Master

 
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
Images: 59
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingeezer View Post
. . . We could take bets, and then Big_John can settle it when he gets his multimeter out!

Brian.
Pay up, sucka!
markdoane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 05:00 PM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
I can only think that it would read 0 because:

a. the converter was "off" hence any potential potential (ha) was "short circuited" by the converter as it was not ON.

b. coupled with a) above, the AS is designed so that when AC power is provided, all DC power is stopped.

c. the reason there is a switch on the converter is to allow charging while connected to AC power, hence when the switch was thrown we got 14+ volts for charging.

Again, I'm not an electrician so I am merely making an educated guess (I am an engieer, but a chemical flavored one).

What do you all think?
big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 05:07 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Wingeezer's Avatar
 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane View Post
Pay up, sucka!
That's why when we go to casinos I just look over my wife's shoulder!

Brian
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell

2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
Wingeezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 05:15 PM   #11
3 Rivet Member
 
Birdwell57's Avatar
 
1978 31' Sovereign
Madison , Mississippi
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 120
Blog Entries: 5
Unless the batteries were completely dead you should always be able to read some voltage at the battery posts regardless of AC or converter state.
Birdwell57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2009, 07:39 PM   #12
Site Team
 
azflycaster's Avatar

 
2002 25' Safari
Dewey , Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
Images: 62
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by big_john View Post
So I took my multi meter up just a while ago and lugged the generator up as well. My converter is a relatively new IntelliPower 9200 series. Here is what I determined:

1. With the switch in its current state and no AC power applied the meter read 12.5 VDC on both batteries.

2. With the trailer hooked up to the 120 VAC generator the voltage across both batteries read 0.0 VDC.

....so, I think the answer is now clear...the position shown in the picture above is OFF.

3. I flipped the switch so the rocker arm was pointing to ON and the voltage across both batteries, while plugged into 120 VAC generator, was +14.5 VDC.

My battery indicator (Poor, Fair, Good) on the info panel soon went from Poor to Good. Mystery solved
We know that the batteries have a charge from the measurement in step #1

We know that the switch is on in step #3 because of the higher voltage reading at the batteries.

In step #2 AC power is applied to the trailer, but the converter is not powered up. The readings should be the same as in step #1.

I can not think of anything that would cause the batteries to read zero volts. If something is pulling them down to nothing, it would be a dead short. You would smell something smoking at that point.

Could you verify that the voltage in step #2 again. Check each battery individually and then check them in parallel. If the line between the two batteries is some how controlled by the switch, you might read zero if you only tested the batteries in parallel. If that line is switched, it would keep the batteries from charging but would allow the converter to keep powering the 12 volt items in the trailer. This is the only solution I can think of. Since it only seems to work with power on the trailer, I would think that the switch would be controlling a relay to open and close the connection. This is a stretch, but who knows...
__________________

Richard

Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
azflycaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2009, 06:49 AM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
ok. we're going back up today and I will recheck and even take some pictures because this is kinda fun.

from what I recall from yesterday I know I read BOTH batteries at 0 vdc after shore power was attached....?

I'll post some pics later this afternoon.
big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2009, 02:14 PM   #14
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
Didn't make it to the trailer today...going tomorrow after church. Stay tuned.
big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2009, 05:48 PM   #15
3 Rivet Member
 
Birdwell57's Avatar
 
1978 31' Sovereign
Madison , Mississippi
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 120
Blog Entries: 5
Where are you reading the voltage of the batteries?
Birdwell57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-21-2009, 08:17 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
garry's Avatar
 
1969 31' Sovereign
Broken Arrow , Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,455
Images: 7
Scratched my head over this one and came to the same conclusion as azflycaster.

Reading the voltage at the battery terminals and getting 0 VDC can "only" occur if the battery is dead, there is an absolute dead short for a load, the meter was set wrong, or the meter is defective.

However; IF reading the voltage from the switch to ground then everything depends on what side of the switch contacts the meter reading was taken.

It will be interesting to see the new readings.
__________________
Garry
garry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2009, 04:42 PM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
ok. today was an experience. went up after church and hooked up the generator. plan was to begin the clean up and move in process. Pics of the inside here fyi:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...tml#post774380

regarding the electrics...plug in to the gen and turn stuff on...its cold out so we crank up the furnace...experience will teach me that when you are hooked up to AC Power and your lights flicker, you probably aren't charging the batteries...

I went and pulled both batteries after relaxing for a few and one read 8.6 and the other read 12.5 VDC. Scratching head...

No matter what I did I could NOT get a 14.3+ reading indicating that the batteries were charging. I ran the tv and the vac and we def were getting 120 VAC but nothing happening with the converter...just sucking down my batteries.

I then realized that the GFCI breaker in the beadroom was tripped...how did that happen? I had to reset this last time I was up working on stuff...hmmm.

I reset the breaker and voila, everything starting working again and I was able to get a positive charge on the batteries. Interesting that the converter is in that circuit? Is that normal?

Mystery concluded I guess....it was raining and I was so happy to have "solved" my problem that I didn't bother taking a bunch of readings on/off power...I was just happy to see 14.3 and charging.

Any thoughts on the GFCI circuit tripping?
big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2009, 04:51 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
Wingeezer's Avatar
 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
So to get back to to your original post, was the switch position shown in the photo on or off!


Brian
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell

2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
Wingeezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2009, 04:54 PM   #19
Site Team
 
azflycaster's Avatar

 
2002 25' Safari
Dewey , Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
Images: 62
Blog Entries: 1
Some converters and GFI don't get along very well.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...gfi-43187.html
I have a 9245 in my 75 TW, but don't have any GFI devices. My converter is on a circuit with the outside (patio) outlets.
__________________

Richard

Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
azflycaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2009, 04:57 PM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
big_john's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
Gainesville , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 89
The pic in the OP is definitely OFFFFFFFF!!!!!

I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on the GFCI...my kid brother is an electrician...maybe I can get him to rewire?
big_john is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Inverter magwa Land Yacht/Legacy Motorhomes 35 10-17-2009 11:55 AM
Do I have an inverter? cmreumund Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 4 02-01-2009 07:10 AM
anyone have an inverter? safari25-05 Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 10 01-19-2007 11:23 PM
Inverter???? Kestrell General Motorhome Topics 12 06-18-2006 09:25 PM
inverter mlmarch Mechanics Corner - Engines, Transmission & More... 2 11-15-2004 10:36 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:52 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.