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Loss of 120V to Select 120V Receptacles

  • 04/27/2021 4:54 PM
    Quote
    Message # 10375355
    Anonymous

    I have a 2001 Bounder 36S diesel pusher with 30 amp service and I’m intermittently losing power to select 120V receptacles, e.g. receptacles (including microwave) powered by the inverter when not connected to shore power or generator.  It is my understanding that when connected to shore power or the generator, all 120V receptacles and appliances are powered directly by the shore power or generator (not the inverter).  Then, when not connected to shore power or operating the generator, 120V is supplied to the select outlets by the inverter thru a switcher.  Whether I’m connected to shore power or the inverter, I will intermittently lose power to those select receptacles at random times.  After a random amount of time the power will be restored to the select receptacles. 

    I do not have and cannot locate an electrical schematic for the coach and can not get a schematic from revgroup because of the coaches’ age (prior to bankruptcy).  Therefore, I’m not even sure how the 120V switches between sources and circuits and I don’t have a clue what other components (switchers, relays, etc.) may be causing the loss of 120V to the select receptacles.  My Xantrex Freedom 458 Series 2000W Inverter/Charger has one 120V power source in and two out and I haven’t found voltage on either of the ‘out circuits’ unless I’m operating the inverter so I’m not convinced the issue is in the inverter when connected to shore power.  However, I do not know and have no idea what other components are in the 120V system.  Does anyone have any experience with this or similar models? Have an electrical schematic?  How about a similar problem that was resolved?  I would greatly appreciate any assistance you can offer!  D. Howard


    Last modified: 04/27/2021 4:56 PM | Anonymous
  • 04/28/2021 4:39 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 10391017 on 10375355
    Pete Baker (Administrator)

    While I do not own an older model RV, I do know that what you are reporting as an issue may actually be a feature called LOAD BALANCING.   This is where the system looks at the load (amperage) being used and selectively turns off less important circuits to provide power to what has been programmed as the most important.  

    When you are on Shore power, your Power Converter runs 110 volts to the entire coach and also charges any house or chassis batteries.  

    When you are on a built-in Generator, It should also be able to provide enough power to run all outlets and charge batteries.

    When you are using your Inverter (not connected to shore or running generator) It looks at the charge available on your batteries and determines how much of the system can operate without depleting the charge.  In our coach, there are electrical outlet that are not operational at all in boondocking (No Shore, No Gen) mode.  Then as my batteries get used, other plug sockets get turned off to maintain the fridge and i believe the main TV.   

    When you are on 30 amp shore power, if the load between your AC and Microwave and other active draw circuits approaches the 30amp max, your system can and will disable some to save others.   

    If I have misinterpreted your situation, please advise.  Sometimes my responses don't match the question.

    Pete

    Last modified: 04/28/2021 4:44 PM | Pete Baker (Administrator)
  • 05/01/2021 11:57 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 10420982 on 10375355
    Anonymous

    Thanks, Pete!  This is great information, and this does happen to the outlets that receive power from the inverter when not connected to shore or generator power.  Unfortunately, this will happen when there are virtually no demands on the 120V electrical system, like at night with no A/C. etc.  Thanks again!
  • 05/20/2021 3:23 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 10527315 on 10420982
    Anonymous
    Dwellion Howard wrote:

    Thanks, Pete!  This is great information, and this does happen to the outlets that receive power from the inverter when not connected to shore or generator power.  Unfortunately, this will happen when there are virtually no demands on the 120V electrical system, like at night with no A/C. etc.  Thanks again!

    Just closing the loop on this thread; replacing the inverter corrected the problem!  I was hesitant to replace it because of the significant expense but all of my tests pointed to the bad inverter.  The motorhome has two transfer switches of it's own, but the inverter also has one that passes 120V from the power source (shore power or generator) to the select outlets (and appliances) 100% of the time when available.  Only when not available does the inverter transfer switch allow inverted power to those outlets.  
  • 05/21/2021 7:16 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 10531516 on 10375355
    Pete Baker (Administrator)

    Ugh, how much did that set ya back (future reference)
  • 05/24/2021 10:19 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 10547419 on 10531516
    Anonymous
    Pete Baker wrote:

    Ugh, how much did that set ya back (future reference)

    The unit I have, an Xantrex Freedom 458 Series Inverter/Charger with two 120V circuits out, typically sells for around $1,150 but I found one at a marine dealer in FL for about $965.  Even though I was sure this was the problem there was a certain amount of 'educated guessing' in play here.....I'm glad it resolved the problem.

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