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dutchev's avatar
dutchev
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013

**** Breakers tripping out *******

We have been fulltiming for three years now and sometimes in really hot temps. the breaker kicks out in the rig. I have a volt meter in the kitchen. I monitor it occasionally and it has dropped depending where we are down to 110. My question is this. We are in Reno right now, and as everyone knows it is hot. My air breaker keeps kicking out even though i am still registering about 112. My tech says that it is probobly the area that isn't used to the hot weather and to turn everything to gas. I did and it was fine. I also notice that the breakers are pretty hot to the touch Any Ideas?

8 Replies

  • With higher temperatures and/or humidity the breakers can trip at 80% of the normal capacity. Better to cut back on un-necessary usage during the hottest part of the day.

    Also; a good time to check connections on any breakers getting hotter than normal, as suggested by Mex. The RV expands in heat making any wiring installed or altered with little slack suspect to pulling loose.
  • B B is CORRECT.
    I was INcorrect.
    Have to learn to proof read my entries.
    Thanks !
  • NORM WADDELL wrote:
    Someone stated that the lower the Voltage the higher the Amperage.
    This is true ONLY for MOTOR loads. Other loads, lights, toasters,
    etc will draw LESS current at higher Voltages.

    I think you meant LESS current at LOWER voltages. Which is true.
    I had a breaker for my living area AC start tripping occasionally. Replaced it and no more problems. They do go bad.
    And as mentioned, check all your electrical connections behind your distribution panel (with all power off of course.)
  • Someone stated that the lower the Voltage the higher the Amperage.
    This is true ONLY for MOTOR loads. Other loads, lights, toasters,
    etc will draw LESS current at higher Voltages.
  • The lower the voltage, the higher the amperage draw. 110 volts is marginal for adequate performance. If your in an area where the 110 volts is prevalent or the norm, I'd suggest getting an Autoformer. It plugs in line with your shorepower or can be permanently mounted and will boost the voltage in those low voltage conditions. It only performs when needed.
    As mentioned above...you might replace the breaker that is continually tripping, it could be just weak from tripping and abuse of low voltage.
    With power OFF, take a screwdriver and check the tightness of each lug where a wire is connected. You might even see a wire that is blackening, indicating a very loose connection.
    When using the AC's, turn the frig and water heater to gas only. If you can reduce the charge rate on your converter, do so, lower it to 20 amp service.
  • Also check the temps of the plug and receptacle. A loose or worn connection will cause high current.
  • They operate by HEAT. The hotter the temp the sooner they trip

    Breakers do not last forever, especially the cheaper styles.

    Triple-check the TIGHTNESS of the screws holding the WIRE to the breaker

    Old Orchard supply in Reno is pretty savvy. They can steer you right.

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