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otrfun's avatar
otrfun
Explorer II
Aug 24, 2013

Converter 110 volt Input Current

Noticed the 110 volt input current to my converter fluctuates significantly with load. When the battery is fully charged, sometimes the 110 volt input current jumps from 1-2 amps to 6-7 amps by just turning on 4 or 5, 12 vdc lights. Is the converter simply reacting to the voltage drop (from the increased 12 vdc load) and increasing charge current/voltage to compensate? I assume this is normal? Thanks!
  • Sounds normal but I wonder if you are reading the DC amps rather than the AC amps.
    My system measures the DC amps in and out of the batteries.
  • otrfun wrote:
    Noticed the 110 volt input current to my converter fluctuates significantly with load. When the battery is fully charged, sometimes the 110 volt input current jumps from 1-2 amps to 6-7 amps by just turning on 4 or 5, 12 vdc lights. Is the converter simply reacting to the voltage drop (from the increased 12 vdc load) and increasing charge current/voltage to compensate? I assume this is normal? Thanks!


    YES. The lights are taking several amps each at 12 volts which equates to increased power consumption by the converter to keep up. Your system sounds completely normal.... :)
  • Could be normal.
    You could have a failing battery.
    What voltages are you actually seeing on the input?
    Normal should be right at 120 volts. As input voltages drop, the amperage will increase. There could be a poor connection in the shore power system which could be in connection point all the way to the converter or where you are taking the readings.
  • It is amazing how much power it takes to run incandescent vs LED.
    This applies to your home and RV.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    My converter setup very seldom drops input 120VAC up and down but have heard some do. It might be a good idea to check the fluids in your battery setup. This is one thing that might lead to a shorted cell in your battery and start drawing alot of current from the battery side which will draw more current from the 120VAC side trying to keep up...

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