Forum Discussion

Explorer

Dec 01, 2018

Converter issue

Have fifth wheel on 50 amp service. Am now on 3rd converter. Yesterday we had fake fireplace on and the breaker on box tripped. Turned fireplace off, turned breaker back on and smelled smoke, went outside and the converter was emitting heavy smoke. Unplugged, went got another converter, make sure fireplace was unplugged, installed converter, turned breaker back on and it smoked that converter immediately. Not sure what to do next as it is weekend, cant reach mfg. for advise. Need to figure out as we live in trailer. Would appreciate any guidance or suggestions. Thanks

24 Replies

ppine
Explorer II
Dec 01, 2018
Take out your fake fireplace and replace it with a beer cooler.
enblethen
Nomad
Dec 01, 2018
Get one of these. It should show for issues. I agree sounds like open neutral. Likely in your shore power cord connector.
Tester
Meter inserted into receptacle blades, may show excessive voltage or even 240 volts.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 01, 2018
If you don't have a 2nd voltmeter, go ahead and tighten all the connections in the breaker box. It can't hurt and it may help.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 01, 2018
From the sounds of it you have an open neutral. When you turn on the fake fireplace the voltage changes on teh two legs. Now SOME converters will deal with that. others do not.

Use not one but TWO volt meters. one plugged into an outlet that is one Leg #1 and the other on Leg 2 and observe voltages.. Should be right close to 110-120 but if one climbs to say 150 you have an open neutral. (the other will drop).