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deebailey1956's avatar
deebailey1956
Explorer
Nov 19, 2019

2002 Newmar Kountry Star reoccurring electrical problem

Newmar motor home keeps blowing out 110 appliances. Battery charger, microwave, refrigerator. If I plug in one of these devices, they will be unusable before the day is out. I must run a separate 110 supply to use them. Once I put a protection plugin on my refrigerator and the new evening happen to look up and it was catching on fire. Luckily, I saw it in time to unplug it. Does anyone know what can be done to fix this? Probably replace the charger 6 time on the last 3 years. Now I never plug it into the RV.
Seeking Advice
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2019
    Is this plugged in to a home 30 amp outlet? Sounds like a miswired outlet, wired for 240 vac instead of 30 amp 120 vac.
  • deebailey1956's avatar
    deebailey1956
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2019
    No its 50 amp. When its plugged in to 50amp both ACs work fine. Its like a random surge hits and knocks out the battery charger or what ever is plugged in. I finally learned to not plug anything in
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Nov 19, 2019
    Most likely it's a open/partial open neutral on 50A. I got 160V on a 30A pedestal one time.

    Beg/borrow/steal/buy a voltmeter and post the AC voltage. If 50A post both hot line voltages. Measure inside the rig as this could be a rig or pedestal problem.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 19, 2019
    Monitor voltage and check for lose connections especially on the neutral. Look for heat related damage such as discolored insulation in the main breaker panel and the transfer switch.

    I would test with a resistance load on each side of the panel such as space heater or hair dryer. Monitor voltage at the panel (both sides) as you adjust the heat levels on each side.

    Bit of a methodical process to divide, eliminate, and isolate this sort of issue. You may need an electrician.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Nov 19, 2019
    You should take this to a repair facility....about 3 years ago.
  • deebailey1956's avatar
    deebailey1956
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2019
    Not sure about getting a reliable repair person. At Camping World they just replaced the charger.


    At least I have a few suggestions to look into. Thanks for that
  • Flute_Man's avatar
    Flute_Man
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2019
    Yes a bad neutral anywhere from the power distribution panel on up to the source can cause high voltage on one of the lines.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 19, 2019
    Is the rig setup with an inverter?
    Is the appliances with issue connected to inverter?
    Is it an inverter/charger? Make and model?
  • deebailey1956's avatar
    deebailey1956
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2019
    It is just a charger. I've had all kinds of chargers but right now it is only a 65 amp, have put in 100 amp, 200 amps. One guy thought I needed to up the amps to keep from blowing it out so he said put in the 100amp. There is some kind of regulator in the electrical department that shows the amps on each line. Not sure what its called
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 19, 2019
    You must mean it is a "converter" only.
    You must have an energy management system. Look in cabinet above entrance for control. IFf you are connected to 50 amp shore power it should be set as such. Make and model of energy management system. It could be owner's manual.

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