? Buzzing sound from control panel?

[Dr__Feelgood]

I have 10 y/o Pastime TC. Recently there has been intermittent constant buzzing sound coming from "? Control Panel". This is the mounted panel covering 12 v fuses and 110 circuit breaker.I can't identify triggers and it lasts 5-30 minutes or so before stopping. Inside connections and fuses seem fine. Any ideas?

[bighatnohorse]

The dimmable LED lights cause a buzzing noise sometimes that seems to come from the electrical buss / fuse area. What's that?

[pezvela]

Probably, the Xantrex is simply a device that provides inverted AC power when OFF the grid and a high amp battery charger when ON the grid. The original converter, with its 12v fusing, is still needed to convert 120vac to 12vdc. The Xantrex may not do that.

The buzzing is probably coming from a 10 year old Parallax/Magnetek converter. That is easily replaced by something like a Progressive Dynamics converter. Much better converter and (smart) charger, though if the Xantrex is what I think it is, he probably has charging already covered.

I am no whiz at wiring but, as with so many things these days, there was a youtube video and clear instructions from Progressive Dynamics that showed how to replace it. VERY simple and safe, as long as you disconnect all power sources.

But there might still be confusion between the PD and the Xantrex, in terms of charging the battery. I am not sure if that function can be disabled in a PD. The PD does use a good charging algorithm but I believe it is only a 5-10 amp charger. Many of the dedicated inverter/chargers are 20+ amps. If the Xantrex is a smart charger, I would prefer that it charge my house battery.

[covered_wagon]

I installed a Xantrax marine charger years ago and still works beautifully.

The original convertor should be at least completely disconnected. In my case I removed it completely to eliminate any confusion and have a clean final installation. Those old convertors are really poorly built and aren't worth anything.

If the old convertor is still hooked up it will confuse the smart charge computer in the Xantrax and could even cause damage.

Being the old convertor is still in there it is not a professional job by any means and should be gone over by an experienced 12 volt systems installer before plugging into the shore power.

The inverter side to your new unit could become damaged if not done proper.

Years ago while not paying attention, in a hurry, I hooked up one battery backward and damaged the Xantrax. I told Xantrax what I had done and they sold me a new unit for cost.

They told me their units have protection fuses in case of incorrect wiring mishaps but the problem is most time the circuit board gets damage before the fuse can blow.

[Dr__Feelgood]

Thanks AnEv942. The buzzsound is definitely coming from the original factory installed panel.I'm sure that's the source. Next time I load up the camper I'll see about getting it replaced though I'm not sure what it's role is at this point other than housing 12v fuses and 110 circuit breaker

[AnEv942]

Oh-likely the transformer described isn't issue with replacement Xantrex unit, my assumption was 10 year old factory installed unit.
Though any electronics can develop hum..I'm curious where exactly buzz is originating

I cant imagine the original converter/charger is active? Not really familiar with the Xantrex but my understanding is it does bypass/replace factory unit. The only reference to 'buzzing' looking thru Xantrex site was downstream GFCI not compatible with sine wave.

As its 2 years old, contacting Xantrex might be worth while IF still under 2year warranty
http://www.xantrex.com/power-products-support/warranty-repair-help.aspx
After the 2 years doesn't appear repair an option.
No opinion/experience with CW, would 'think' they might be able to trouble shoot your install, certainly could replace. Not sure about your RV 'mechanic' second time around?

[Dr__Feelgood]

Thanks to all for that feedback. I'm sure that's the problem,ie the factory installed converter.the buzz can come on shore power or off line. Since purchase of the TC 2 years ago I had a Xantrex HFS inverter charger and TM 2030 battery monitor installed by a local RV mechanic. ( But I'm not sure he knew what he was doing. "Too many wires " was all he had to say,and was obvious he had never such an upgrade before.(I lost all confidence when I had to rewire the battery disconnect I had him put in)At any rate I'm a retired ER Doc and don't trust electricity,so My question is I guess I should have it repaired/replaced.? Is it a risk? Is my Local RV mechanic or CampWorld RV service center likely to be able to replace/repair? I was kinda hoping the after market Xantrex inverter charger would have somehow bypassed the factory installed converter/charger.

[AnEv942]

https://youtu.be/lUt8rE9tYo0?t=21
Here's a really loud transformer. Simple matter of the laminated plates loosening and vibrating when powered. "Generally" the hum or buzzing not an issue other than annoying. Which on yours, once on, heats up and expands enough to quite down.
Sometimes easily fixed. Often not & can be made worse. Sometimes plates are bolted which slight tightening may fix. Often welded but if it has corner holes, bolts can be added (as per video). If its riveted not worth the effort. If your converter has large transformer it my be better time spent replacing and installing a newer converter. Again don't even look at it without turning off ALL power,
If its something your unfamiliar with, especially older units, exposed internal parts can retain quite large residual power, enough in some case to kill-just sayin.

[joerg68]

You said in one line what I meant 😉

[Old-Biscuit]

It is coming from your converter.

[joerg68]

Is the camper connected to shore power during these episodes? In that case the sound would probably be the 60Hz AC frequency, and could come from the transformer or any other part that has 120V. That knowledge still won't help you much ... could be a loose connection or an ageing part.
If you look into it - do not poke around behind the control panel under shore power or with the battery connected unless you understand what you are doing.