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dad4papa2's avatar
dad4papa2
Explorer
Mar 08, 2021

Circuit breaker Question?

Being a DIY I am terrible with electric 12v systems. Should this circuit breaker have continuity if it is closed? Does it open and reset if there is a short issue?? can they weld themselves open from a short???

Thanks in advance from Dad

  • You have a good place in your area for parts,Colaw . They have steps and parts. The upgraded for controller requires changing door magnetic switch.
    The circuit breaker should be a 20 ampere.
    I screwed on my step on a narrow bridge and got a used like new from Colaw for less then what you were quoted for upgrade parts.
  • enblethen wrote:
    Make and model of step?
    If Kwikee, What color controller box?


    Yes it is a Kwikee step series 32. Serial number is 120794. Control Unit is 909506000.
    I am pretty sure it is original from the 1996 manufacturing date of MH.

    the controller is Black.

    I talked to the Lippert company yesterday and was informed that that controller was no longer available and it I wanted my step to work as normql that I would need to purchase a kit for $400.00 plus dollars and install it all together. Seems a bit high for a 1996 Mh but I will see.

    He told me to do a test on the controller and if I didn't pass that test that the controller was bad.

    Well it didn't pass so I need to look at other options.

    I'm going to call a used RV place today to see about a used one that might give me a solution.

    What do you all think is my direction to travel??

    I will replace the circuit breaker prior to buying anyting expensive though.

    Dad
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Without reading the label on that yes there might be continuity when opened (Tripped) but several ohms. Closed(not tripped) near zero likely below your meter's ability to measure.

    How those work
    A bi-metal "bar" (or spring)gets hot as current passes and as it does it bends. Bends enough... circuit is "broken" at this point the "Optional" kicks in.

    Optional there may be a high resistance resistor wire wrapped around the bi-metal strip and it is attached in such a way that when the points open it carries current. not a whole lot of current but current... this keeps the breaker "open" till all loads are removed.... Took me a while to figure it out when one went bad and after replacement I did a dissection.
  • If the picture is of your actual breaker then I would replace it. You can buy another at almost any auto parts store.

    Also yes it should normally be closed and allow continuity. When it encounters an over current it will trip open. Some breakers will auto reset after a bit, others will have a small reset button somewhere on them.
  • Look close on the breaker. It may not be high enough amperage. Step opens or closes and then trips breaker. then resets burning contacts.
    Circuit breaker is tripping rather then the controller.
  • Thanks much that's what I thought. I may have just found my issue with my Electric steps!!!!!

    thanks so much!!

    Dad
  • Should have continuity.
    Could be reset on bottom of some.
    They fail by burning off contact points