electric issues

Still need to know if your 120v from the various receptacles is ok for voltage and three-light with generator supply, so you don't fry your microwave etc.

Which model Boondocker? The older model 100 amper has a shaky thermistor for the 120v input that can make lots of smoke (don't ask :) ) it also has a 125v glass fuse at the 120v input that could smoke. You have to do something special to get the thermistor to smoke. The newer ones have a beefier thermistor (lesson learned!)

If all the other 120v things were ok on generator, not just the breakers with nothing on, but with 120v appliances on too--- then we can zero in on the converter issue, but if the 120v is bad from gen but ok from inverter and shore power, then we can return to the generator or transfer switch, etc.

Do you know for sure you were on the new converter for that 12v stuff on shore power, and not just on batteries? (13.x v instead of 12.x v) So the batteries are ok and not the reason the converter fried?

Got to zero in on what to be looking at. ( I am still thinking about that earlier surge incident)

It's a 1987 emc eldarado

No one asked year make and model of my rv

I stated it the beginning it was a onan 4k genset 1. I replied on the make of the converter if you look back

robertjhunt wrote:
First time running the generator. Only the converter smoked.didn't trip any breakers or blow any fuses.

You just joined. BAD forum conduct to not post correct answers to questions. Year/Brand model RV and Model of Genset was requested and you have not responded. Think of it this way. Would you state you have a Ford problem on your car and expect help without Year Model and specifics on the Car? Always respond with answers to requests. Gets you better and more qualified help. Also, HIGH voltage or surge will NOT cause breakers or certain fuses to trip. REVERSE polarity of the 12 volt positive and negative either at the Converter or at the Battery will "smoke" a converter when 120 is applied. Doug

It's a powermax bondocker converter. I emailed them about warranty it but it's the weekend.

It plugs into existing outlet coming of the breaker for 110v power and pos-neg for 12v fuse panel in power box.

First time running the generator. Only the converter smoked.didn't trip any breakers or blow any fuses.

Has the gen been run since the earlier power surge? Did things work ok? Or is this the first time since then? Anything else get fried in that power surge? (would a transfer switch fry from that?)

Must have been batteries besides the fridge as part of the converter's load--any changes to batteries or wiring from them?

Maybe not turn on any 120v items in the rig when on gen just yet, but with the gen running check the 120v with a three-light tester and a voltmeter before turning anything on that might get fried too.

What is the model of the new converter? Warranty? Can you return to the workshop that installed it?

BTW you can charge your batteries with an ordinary battery charger until you get a converter, and run the rig's 12v from battery, while still being able to run the 120v stuff from inverter, shore power, or generator (if the gen runs them ok)

Convertor worked fine. Started blowing smoke from inside it. The old got a power surged due not bring on a surge protector.no load except with just fridge