Lights flickering, ac having a hard time cutting on.

[melissajean0]

All of our lights are flickering when I try and turn them on. And most of the time they're barely even coming on. When I flick the living room AC on it comes on fine. However, when I cut a light on (whether it's in the living room, bathroom, outside light, etc.), the ac cuts off. In your opinion what is this most likely to be caused by? I need to know where to start. Additionally, we are plugged into a box outside and have been for months. Everything else, such as plugged in items and our bedroom ac seem to be working fine.

[Executive45]

Yeah, if you get 5 years out of a battery, you're doing good. Hopefully that's all it was...Dennis

[melissajean0]

A1RVTraveler wrote:

melissajean0 wrote:
My husband got home and figured out it was the battery. The battery was pretty old at 6 years I guess. Shrugs, idk.

If the problem comes back in two days, take a look at the converter.

Ok, will. Do thank you. 🙂

[A1RVTraveler]

melissajean0 wrote:
My husband got home and figured out it was the battery. The battery was pretty old at 6 years I guess. Shrugs, idk.

If the problem comes back in two days, take a look at the converter.

[melissajean0]

My husband got home and figured out it was the battery. The battery was pretty old at 6 years I guess. Shrugs, idk.

[D_E_Bishop]

More likely it is the hot but basic electricity aside, it acts just like the converter is shot.

[wra]

When you check your breaker connection, don't forget to check the common connection (at the outside plug and breaker box). When checking the 12 volt side, be sure to clean the negative connections (at the battery and converter). Since all lights are affected, the negative side is more likely the culprit.

[fj12ryder]

Most of the lights are likely 12V and if your converter isn't working properly you'll run down the battery and the lights won't be very bright, and if the battery gets low enough you'll have no lights. The thermostat is also most likely 12V which would explain why your AC quits when you use the lights.

As was recommended check the voltage at your battery. My guess is that your converter isn't putting out enough voltage to charge your battery well enough. Your battery could be toast by now, and if you don't act quickly it will definitely be toast. Depending on your setup you could get by with a new converter but you'll have to check to see what you have.

I discovered all this first hand just a couple days ago. Post back when you have checked your voltage at the battery.

[Mandalay_Parr]

I would check all connections on your power distribution panel. Get an experienced electrical
person to help you.

I will give you phone support if you call me.
I am an experienced troubleshooter.

[pianotuna]

check the battery voltage. When plugged in it should be at least 13.2 volts.

[ScottG]

Check your 12V systems voltage, especially when the lights act up.

[melissajean0]

Executive wrote:
Because your issue is with the lights my first guess was a bad/shorted switch. However, if it's ALL your lights, I'm assuming they are controlled by other switches. Please verify that. The next guess is going to be a bad/loose wire in the breaker panel. I would NOT turn on the AC until you find the problem. AC units don't like low voltage when they first come on. No sense in adding to your problem. Start by checking your light switch for a bad wire/switch. Is it warm after you've had the lights on for a bit? Ditto for the breaker. Are all your lights on the same breaker in the box? Finally, even though you've been hooked up to the pedestal for months, are you sure you're getting 120V from the pedestal. Verify that also....let us know how savvy you are electricly. We don't want anyone getting fried trying to 'fix' a short....Dennis

Yes, the lights are all controlled by their own switches. Living room switch for living room, bathroom for bathroom, etc. The AC is kicking on by itself. I can't get the lights on to see if anything is warm regarding them. But I've had to reset the breaker before with the ac (ran ac & hair dryer at the same time w/out thinking) and nothing else was ever warm besides that 1 ac breaker. I don't know anything about electricity. My husbands knows a little, but not much.

[Executive45]

Because your issue is with the lights my first guess was a bad/shorted switch. However, if it's ALL your lights, I'm assuming they are controlled by other switches. Please verify that. The next guess is going to be a bad/loose wire in the breaker panel. I would NOT turn on the AC until you find the problem. AC units don't like low voltage when they first come on. No sense in adding to your problem. Start by checking your light switch for a bad wire/switch. Is it warm after you've had the lights on for a bit? Ditto for the breaker. Are all your lights on the same breaker in the box? Finally, even though you've been hooked up to the pedestal for months, are you sure you're getting 120V from the pedestal. Verify that also....let us know how savvy you are electricly. We don't want anyone getting fried trying to 'fix' a short....Dennis