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Eddie27's avatar
Eddie27
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015

55-amp power converter smoke

Hi anybody I am new Rv owner and my generator was running and the power converter started smoking. If there is anybody that can help and give me advice on how much the materials would cost and labor and why did it start smoking? It would be much appreciated.

8 Replies

  • All good bordercollie,

    If I change the battery converter, any advice on which brand would be best?
    Is it better than WFCO 55amp power converter?

    Thanks for all the advice.
  • Releasing magic smoke is often a sign of sudden death, and WAFCO have a tendency to have a capacitor fail.
  • You can charge the house battery without unhooking it from the RV. I would verify that the battery is at least marginally good first--basically, make sure that it has some current charge and a voltage that is somewhat reasonable. If it's very deeply discharged or possibly broken, it would in my estimation be better to disconnect it from the RV (only one terminal need be disconnected, preferably the negative one).
  • What did you mean by this, please clarify so we can help:


    "If you don't mind one more question, can I charge the battery located under the rv stairs without it being unhooked to the wires. Thanks."

    Sorry, I mis-read as "change" the battery....
  • Hi DrewE, this is a brand WFCO 55amp power converter, what happened is that my generator was running and I saw White smoke coming out through the back of the power converter, the only appliances running was the air conditioner plus the coffee maker and I ran to the panel to turn off the generator.
    If you don't mind one more question, can I charge the battery located under the rv stairs without it being unhooked to the wires. Thanks.
  • What brand and model of converter is this? And was it the converter proper that was smoking, or was it perchance something in the electrical distribution panel etc. that is often (but not always) in the same chassis as the converter?

    I tend to agree with Scott G in general if it is the actual converter—repair is likely not sensible unless its under warranty. Depending on what died it may well be possible to repair, but unless you can troubleshoot it yourself the cost to do so would likely be not far off from a replacement. Many RVs come with converters from the factory that are not particularly good designs, so a replacement often can be a significant upgrade (faster battery charging, cleaner power, less proclivity to boil batteries dry when on for a long time, etc.)

    If it's something in the electrical panel, that's more a wiring problem that needs fixing, and usually repair is quite economically feasible. Replacement breakers or bus bars are readily available if needed (at home centers, electrical supply houses, etc.) and not all that expensive.
  • I would check the output voltage of the gen but it's possible the converter just failed. Either way, it's easier and cheaper just to replace it.