New 12V converter problem

[huberto]

I recently replaced the old 1979 Univolt (45amp) converter with a Progressive Dynamics 9260 (60amp) 3 stage converter. When plugged into the original Circuit 1 plug, protected with the GFIC 15 amp breaker, it instantly trips the breaker when in boost mode. I assume it is drawing a lot more than 15 amps in boost mode.
Can I change the 15 amp GFIC breaker to a higher amp breaker to fix this problem, or did I buy the wrong converter?
Thanks, Chris
1979 Excella 24'

[jm2]

Originally Posted by huberto

Can I change the 15 amp GFIC breaker to a higher amp breaker to fix this problem, or did I buy the wrong converter?

Chris,

where and how are you connected to commercial power? are you plugged into a 30 or 50 amp outlet, or are you using an outlet or adapter or cords rated smaller than 30 amps?

test that the charger outlet is supplying at least 110VAC with the charger plugged in & charging (not in boost mode). depending on how & where your trailer is powered, your line voltage could be low.

according to Progressive Dynamics, the "Input Current at Rated Power" is about 11.4 amps. are there any other devices or appliances on that same GFCI circuit drawing power?

I'd next try plugging the charger into another (not GFCI) 15 amp circuit to see if that breaker trips under boost mode, too?

you can upgrade the GFCI breaker from 15 to 20 amp if and only if the supply wiring from the GFCI breaker to the outlet is at least 12 gauge wire. if not at least 12 gauge, you will create a possible electrical hazard.

iiwm, I'd think about downsizing the converter to the 45 amp model, just because of how much more current that the 60 amp model draws.

best,

[TG Twinkie]

The amount of current the converter requires is dependent on the load demand.
A 60 amp converter provides 870 watts of power max.
14.5 volts times 60 amps is 870 watts. Divide 870 watts by 120 volt and you get 7.25 amps. Add to that the loss of efficiency thru the converter, say 15% and you have a max current draw of another amp or so and you have a total of 8.25 amps at 120 volts which is roughly 1000 watts.
As mentioned above. Are there any other devices such as an electric space heater or perhaps the refer is on and in the electric mode? These things could cause the GFI to trip.
If the circuit breaker is old, it may be time to replace it. If you have access to a 120 volt outlet other than in the trailer and have a plug on the converter. Try plugging the converter into that outlet via an extension cord. Just to test the converter.
A 15 amp breaker will handle the converter alone with plenty of margin.

[huberto]

This circuit also goes to the bath outlet and exterior outlet. Nothing plugged in on those. Also, I can plug a 1200 watt hair dryer into the circuit and it does not blow trip the breaker. Seems it only dislikes the 1000 watt converter/charger in boost mode.
Also checked the breaker and the test button fails to trip it, so maybe I have a bad breaker?

[huberto]

* Hooked up to the house 120V (20 amps).
Also, The the converter is fine when plugged into any of the other 120V outlet circuits in the rig, which are 20 amp non-CFCI breakers.

[jm2]

Originally Posted by huberto

Also checked the breaker and the test button fails to trip it, so maybe I have a bad breaker?

likely, or, it may also be miswired?

[huberto]

Found the identical breaker (GE) at Home Depot. Installed it and it seems to work. It is in boost mode (solid green) right now and breaker is holding.
Thanks for the replies everyone.

[vswingfield]

Glad you got it working. Breakers do get old.

I have no trouble with the PD 9280 I installed.