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FB_Grateful_Dad's avatar
FB_Grateful_Dad
Explorer
Mar 03, 2014

Part 1: GFCI, Heater and Refrigerator

It's been awhile since I have been on. I always enjoy the help and just reading threads!

My problems seem minor but numerous. I will address them in small groups.

1. the bedroom GFCI keeps popping. Actually, won't stay on at all. Should I assume it is a bad duplex and simply replace it or search for an underlying problem?

2. At first I thought this was related to the GFCI, but don't know now. Every so often the house thermostat would lock up. I take the fuse out, put it back in and everything is fine. Last week when I couldn't access zone 2, I thought it could be because of the GFCI: perhaps it ant the thermostat were on the same wiring. Then, the zone 2 fan stayed on all night without the furnace kicking on. Only way to shut it was to take the outer cover off and flip the on/off switch. Furnace 1 and furnace 2 are about 8 feet apart, so I can't flip the wiring from one to another to check. Is this a thermostat problem?

3. Norcold 1200 would not come on when prepping for trip. At all. Then when incamp and hooked up, it came on. Then off. When we got home and were unloading, saw it was on again and nicely cold. First advice I got was to check the recall relay box. Mine is revision C installed in 2/11. I believe Norcold is on revision E. Isuspect this is my problem, but welcome all advice.

Thanks, that's it for now!!!
Class A
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2014
    With the GFCI tripped, see what does not work. That might be a clue.
    Maybe an outside outlet got wet.

    I would think your thermostat and furnace controls are 12volt and not associated with the GFCI.

    I would check for a loose or poor connection on the refer control board.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Mar 03, 2014
    If a GFCI receptacle will not set, it is normally lacking 120 volts AC. Start by checking 120 volt breaker panel, reset all circuit breakers. Check for 120 volts to power panel. Next if power is good, remove GFCI receptacle from wall, disconnect load side conductors. See if it resets. If yes problem is on load side. Something like 120 volt element in refer. Try unplugging refer and recheck.
    Do you have fluorescent lights in your rig? A bad or going bad ballast can play havoc with some thermostat systems. Try turning off all flourescents. Then reset the thermostat by removing fuse, wait 5-10 minutes, re-install fuse, let system reboot itself. This could take 10-20 minutes. Check to see if the system operates. If it does, there is a problem with lighting. Turn on one light at a time and you may find one that effects the AC/heating system.
    Sounds to me like the refer is on with the GFCI issue. Try turning it on in LP mode. I am guessing that the display is lighting up. If the display is not lighting up, you are loosing 12 volt DC control.
  • FB_Grateful_Dad's avatar
    FB_Grateful_Dad
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2014
    Thanks. I am going to check o these. Bud, at first the refer panel did not light up, so I thought 12v dc as you point out. Then when on shore power, it lit up and I turned it on. Then all panel lighting was out the next morning while still on shore power. Couldn't get the panel to respond. When we broke camp and got home, I saw the power light on and found the refer good and cold.

    I will unplug everything I can find, meditate for 15 minutes and see what hapens. Kind of like what the computer IT guy says: "Did you try unplugging it yet?"
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Mar 03, 2014
    Could be a bad connection. Could be either positive or negative.
    Check to insure that the fuses in the DC power distribution panel are all tight. Try to locate the DC circuit for the refer in the panel. Double check it.
    I am guessing lights and other 12 volt items work. Furnace?

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