Forum Discussion

splashback's avatar
splashback
Explorer
Jul 08, 2014

Question on Converters

I think my converter may be bad- but I'm not sure.
The main and converter breaker keep tripping- they cannot both be on at the same time. With the main breaker on and converter breaker off, I am able to get the AC and microwave to work.
I have no batteries to charges as my trailer is at a permanent site.
Do you think the converter is bad? Any other suggestions?
Thanks so much in advance.
  • Good point, I rewired mine so the charging portion is on its own breaker. I had 4 spare positions. Plus its handy to shut off the charger if my generator is on the edge of powering something, like my A/C
  • Are any other items like the 'fridge or other outlets connected to the same circuit as the converter? Can you disconnect the converter from the breaker and see if the breaker still trips?
  • Check to see if the battery terminals might be shorted to the metal chassis of the RV.

    Yes your converter/charger is bad.

    You might be able to use a small battery charger to run your lights instead of a more expensive converter, but probably will need to have a battery anyway to prevent the converter or charger from going bad again. You can get away with a small battery, because you will not be camping without electricity.

    Fred.
  • Could be the 12 volt output is shorted. I would recommend disconnecting the output wires from the converter and try turning it on again. If it still trips the breaker, I would guess it is probably the converter.