Smoked at the Pedestal Need Help (long post)

[spat61]

I plugged into 50 Amp at a reputable CG. After dinner we took the dog for a walk. When we returned the lights were out and I had a sick feeling that my entire unit was smoked. After a fast check I quickly noted the converter, refer, 37" TV, and the fireplace were all smoked. I asked the CG manager to check his pedastal. Needless to say no problem with it. My dilema is a question regarding the converter. A fellow camper said because the converter is not working, it's probably causing the display to loose 12V to run the circuit to turn the display on. I checked the two fuses in the refer circuit card. Both fuses are good. I have a 55amp chinese converter and a Dometic refer in a two yesr old Forest River fiver. Can anyone out there tell me what direction to take to get the converter and refer working? I'm not close to any dealers, mobile service or a Camping World. Thank you.
Steve

[gcloss]

I just came back from our first weekend of the season. I always bring a digital VOM meter and check the pedestal before plugging in. As soon as I turned on the 30 amp breaker, sparks were coming out everywhere. Camper was NOT plugged in and I do have a Progressive Industries 30 amp hardwired surge protector.

I went back to the office to get a different site. Checked new site before plugging in and all was good. A simple 30 second check when you first arrive can save many problems and lots of money later on.

[phays]

I assume you checked the fuses on the converter. There are probably two 30 amp fuses on it.

Next, buy a Progressive Industries EMS of the proper size for your rig. I never attach my rig to the pedestal without it.

The EMS won't solve this problem but it just may prevent the next one.

[time2roll]

You said you plugged into 50a but is it a 50a or 30a RV?

I would be looking for a loose neutral connection that will cause unbalanced voltages. 30a RV it is in the pedestal or camp system. 50a RV I would try to trust he tested the pedestal correctly and you have an issue in the RV. I would start by taking the cover off the transfer switch and electric panel. Look for issues of heat on the neutral bus or neutral connection.

[ScottnSherrie]

You have a lot going on here. A sound understanding of 12V DC and 120V AC along with good troubleshooting techniques is needed. From what you describe, a power surge could have fried some of the 120V devices. This might have caused a surge in the DC system as well.

[spat61]

Thanks for all the input to my problem. I did buy a battery charger andn an VOM. I get all lights, miocrowave, and GFI receptacles. The converter is not working and the refer is not working on gas or electric. Also, the TV light comes on but no picture. I am on my last day to destination Colorado Springs and will be doing some maintenance. Does anyone have an idea how I should approach the refer problem? Thanks again.
Steve

[wa8yxm]

Strange as it may shound it might still be a campground issue. But now to the details.

First: your converter may well have died of old age or it may have died of injury. how to tell,,, Well that takes a converter-topsy and frankly it's not worth it in most cases. As others have said, pop on a smart charger till you can get a new converter (I kind of like Progressive Dynamics 9200 line, but there are others in the same "good" level).

Check TV, Radio, Microwave and all the other 120 volt stuff in the house (RV) if all else works.. Then it's just the converter. not a "problem" other than the converter.

IF other things are also acting weird (After battery recharge) park could have an open neutral. OR you could.. I have stories about loose screws in the power system on RV's. my own included.

[RoyB]

Usually when the title reads SMOKED AT THE PEDESTAL there is actually smoke. After reading your description I don't know if you have had a failure at the PEDESTAL or not.

Sometimes the PEDSTAL has worn-out 120VAC contacts which causes your SHORE POWER PLUG to look something like this.



I suspect you have a converter/charger failure not a SHORE POWER CABLE failure caused by worn-out contacts in the camp ground pedestal.. However you need to determine if the 120VAC SHore Power from the PEDESTAL is good.

Here is simplified 120VAC 30AMP Wiring block diagram that might help


It sounds like your failed converter/charger unit has resulted in your on-board battery to become discharged. You will need to get that charged back up before internal battery damage is done to your battery. This internal battery destruction starts when a deep cycle battery is discharged below 12.0VDC which is close to being below the 50% STATE OF CHARGE.

Then you need to get a multimeter from LOWES-WALMART-Any number of auto parts stores ($10-#20) and start looking for reason for no charging capability with your on-board converter/charger when on shore power. The on-board converter should put out 13.6VDC all the time when connected to shore power power. Your first good clue is you will have bright ceiling lights inside your trailer. These lights will be dimmer if only running from the on-board battery.

let us know what is happening and provide model number of converter/charger unit. The more info the better...

Roy Ken

[joebedford]

My WFCO converter died 1 week before the end of the two-year warranty. They replaced it under warranty. I installed it - no biggy.

Your reefer needs 12V to run so it's probably not toast.

Your converter probably failed a while ago and so your battery is dead. Or the battery is no good and you didn't know it.

I ran my rig on a 15A battery charger for two weeks until I was able to install the new converter. Just had to be careful about how many lights I turned on.

No sure why your 37" TV isn't working - it probably doesn't use 12V. Make sure you check all breakers and fuses.

[rhochnadel]

After you get the battery charger going on your battery, disconnect the wires going to your converter from your circuit breaker panel. Start by checking out your power cord, use an ohmmeter to check continuity on all four wires going in to your panel. Start with all circuit breakers off, recheck the power pedestal, then plug in your power cord and check the power in your breaker panel. One by one you can turn on your circuits in the panel, checking out each one as you turn it on. You should be able to get all your 110 volt circuits going and feel relatively safe doing so. I don't know what all is "smoked" in your rv but you should now have some safe power to use and some lights. The converter will then have to be pulled out to assess the damages. Good luck.

[punomatic]

smkettner wrote:
Get a 10+ amp portable battery charger and slap it direct on the battery. Get an extension cord and plug it into the 20a pedestal outlet direct.

X2 I boated for 20 years and never heard of a converter. Just had a battery charger to plug into shore power, and a generator on the engine to charge when at sea.

[time2roll]

Get a 10+ amp portable battery charger and slap it direct on the battery. Get an extension cord and plug it into the 20a pedestal outlet direct.