Generator voltage and 12V system fluctuations
Recently noticed the 12V lights flickering in our 2003 Dolphin. Used this as an excuse to upgrade the converter to a Boondocker 4 stage unit thinking our old Magnetek was going out. Also replaced ou...
Forum Discussion
Your lights run on 12V power, not 120V power. Minor variations in the 120V power do not cause the 12V system voltage to vary, at least if the converter and battery are working properly. Varying loads on the 12V system, especially coupled with relatively high resistance connections, will cause the voltage to vary and the lights to brighten/dim. If the generator output is varying enough to cause trouble in the DC system, it would be extremely evident on a (preferably incandescent) 120V lamp plugged in.
I would suggest you check the 12V connections for tightness and cleanness, particularly the ground connections. I'd also double check that the generator is properly wired and bonding the neutral to the chassis ground rather than the hot. (The choice of which output from the generator's alternator is "neutral" and which is "hot" is really determined by which one is bonded to the chassis ground; they're equivalent otherwise. However, if they get swapped between the generator and the electric panel, it conceivably could cause rather odd effects and likely be a safety hazard under some circumstances.)
I would suggest you check the 12V connections for tightness and cleanness, particularly the ground connections. I'd also double check that the generator is properly wired and bonding the neutral to the chassis ground rather than the hot. (The choice of which output from the generator's alternator is "neutral" and which is "hot" is really determined by which one is bonded to the chassis ground; they're equivalent otherwise. However, if they get swapped between the generator and the electric panel, it conceivably could cause rather odd effects and likely be a safety hazard under some circumstances.)
