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Old 01-01-2013, 07:39 AM   #1
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1999 30' Excella 1000
Springfield , Oregon
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Electric problems - 1999 Excella

99 31' Excella:
Connected to 30 amp, pedestal tests okay. Inside the trailer, only 16-17 volts with no electric on, only phantom loads.
Something seems to be using electric. If I use microwave, it brings it down to 110-112, with no other electric on, even fridge off.
What could be drawing a heavy electric load? Could there be a short in the plug to the outside pedestal? Could the inverter be defective and drawing a load?
How do I disconnect inverter to see if it makes a difference in load?
No problems before this. I've tried another pedestal, with no change.
It seems that some heavy load is suddenly using up electric. I've unplugged everything...
Have used this set-up for years, and know what I can run on 30 amp and what normal is!
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Old 01-01-2013, 08:00 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coastal me View Post
99 31' Excella:
Connected to 30 amp, pedestal tests okay. Inside the trailer, only 16-17 volts with no electric on, only phantom loads.
Something seems to be using electric. If I use microwave, it brings it down to 110-112, with no other electric on, even fridge off.
What could be drawing a heavy electric load? Could there be a short in the plug to the outside pedestal? Could the inverter be defective and drawing a load?
How do I disconnect inverter to see if it makes a difference in load?
No problems before this. I've tried another pedestal, with no change.
It seems that some heavy load is suddenly using up electric. I've unplugged everything...
Have used this set-up for years, and know what I can run on 30 amp and what normal is!
Not sure I'm understanding your problem, as 110-112 Volts AC is good with the microwave on. But the 16-17 volts, is that the 12 volt DC measurement? If so, that is too high, and shouldn't ever go much over 14 VDC.
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Old 01-01-2013, 08:20 AM   #3
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1999 30' Excella 1000
Springfield , Oregon
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Disregard the numbers. I'm apparently not describing them properly!
Something is creating a heavy draw on the electric, with all electric appliances off, only things like propane detector on.
Thank you for the reply.
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Old 01-01-2013, 08:23 AM   #4
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How do you know there is a heavy draw on the electric?

If it were truely too heavy a draw, circuit breakers should trip.
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Old 01-01-2013, 09:07 AM   #5
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Not sure why you think you have an electrical problem.
As I read your post, your microwave works, but causes a voltage drop when in use. This is normal. 110-112 VAC is to be expected with microwave running.
The 16-17 volt measurement really has me confused.
Where are you taking your readings and with what device?
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Old 01-01-2013, 09:27 AM   #6
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Was that suppose to be 116-117?
If so 5-6V drop isn't that bad.
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Old 01-01-2013, 10:30 AM   #7
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How big is your supply cord? You need adequate wiring from the source to your trailer's breaker panel. If the power cord is on the small side you will notice a voltage drop when using large amounts of power, in fact some voltage drop is normal even with good wiring.

Air conditioning, and electric water heaters draw a lot of power. Microwave ovens draw a lot, for an appliance. You only have 30 amps available to start with, if you draw over 15 you will see a drop in voltage. This is normal and does no harm.
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Old 01-04-2013, 05:51 PM   #8
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We need more information to help you...

Why do you think there is a problem?
Is something not working correctly?
What makes you think there is heavy electrical load on the system?
What device were you using to measure voltage, and where were you connecting in the trailer to measuring voltage?

Happy to help out, just need to know more...
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Old 01-04-2013, 06:05 PM   #9
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I'm assuming that (a) you mean 116 or 117 volts and (b) you do not have an inverter that produces 120 VAC from your battery. If you do have an inverter, disconnect and remove all batteries before you do this.

The important point here is that a voltage drop like you describe is caused by resistance in the circuit. Resistance along with a high current (like your microwave or air-conditioner) causes heat. Heat as in "fire!"

1. Unplug the trailer from the source.
2. Unplug the trailer from the source - seriously! I mean it!
3. Check and tighten all the wire connections in your breaker box and the screws that hold the wires on to the outlets. Don't be afraid to get them tight Tight is a good connection, and a good connection is a cool connection.
4. Did I mention to unplug the trailer before you do this?
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Old 01-04-2013, 06:07 PM   #10
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The battery charger may be drawing a heavy load if your battery has died or is in the process of dying.
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Old 01-04-2013, 08:16 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drboyd View Post
I'm assuming that (a) you mean 116 or 117 volts and (b) you do not have an inverter that produces 120 VAC from your battery. If you do have an inverter, disconnect and remove all batteries before you do this.

The important point here is that a voltage drop like you describe is caused by resistance in the circuit. Resistance along with a high current (like your microwave or air-conditioner) causes heat. Heat as in "fire!"

1. Unplug the trailer from the source.
2. Unplug the trailer from the source - seriously! I mean it!
3. Check and tighten all the wire connections in your breaker box and the screws that hold the wires on to the outlets. Don't be afraid to get them tight Tight is a good connection, and a good connection is a cool connection.
4. Did I mention to unplug the trailer before you do this?
You forgot to mention
CLEAN THE PRONGS ON YOUR CORD!

Really in a campground I was staying at a breaker for several sights was tripping 2 of the pedestals were quite warm (the top of them not just the outlet) cleaning the plugs fixed the 200amp circuit popping.
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Old 01-04-2013, 09:23 PM   #12
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One might also check to see if the water heater is switched (on) to electric. On my 34 it isn't a problem to use the Microwave and the water heater at the same time, but I have heard from others that combination kicks the breaker. Running the Microwave and the Heat Pump or AC at the same time are also breaker trippers.
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Old 01-09-2013, 12:04 PM   #13
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1999 30' Excella 1000
Springfield , Oregon
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The problem is the park's power supply.
I am in a park host site, used all year. The previous host was a retired electrician...
I am continually surprised at sites like this with power problems. It seems most hosts don't notice if their voltage gets low. I have a Kill-A-Watt meter always plugged into the kitchen outlet, and one in the living room.
Sorry for the mistakes in my first post.
I can use the park's microwave, so that will help.
I don't usually check the host site electric before plugging in, but I have had several sites like this one, with 50 and 30 amp service, but not wired for them. In 2012, all my hosts sites had proper electric, which is so nice, because I've been full-timing for 8 years, and I know how much electric I can use!
Batteries are new, breaker box checked, contacts cleaned.
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Old 01-09-2013, 02:03 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by coastal me View Post
...

but I have had several sites like this one, with 50 and 30 amp service, but not wired for them.

...
I give up, what does this mean?

If the site has 50 and 30 amp service, how can it not be wired? If you don't have wire to plugs, you don't have service.

Do you mean that you don't have either a 50 or 30 amp plug on your trailer?

Neither makes any sense.
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