D_MAX
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Re: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
Ya I'm going to replace the breaker as they're cheap. The previous one only had shrink wrap on the posts but the nuts and connectors were exposed (mine was mounted on the tongue under the battery box, full bathtub in effect). I'll try and rig up something to protect the new one better.653Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
Update and problem solved: I couldn't replicate the problem until recently. Previous to that I had verified all connections were clean and good. But on our last trip out it finally happened again. Starting at the batteries and working back I didn't have to go far (Thank you DrewE). It was the self resetting circuit breaker. With lights on and pump running the voltage going into the breaker was normal, but the output side would drop significantly and bingo everything blacked out. The difference now was the power was out longer whereas previously it rebounded instantly. With every repeated failure the power seemingly stayed out longer. So while the breaker was already failing, it's definitely on it's last legs now. I don't totally understand why the problem couldn't be replicated until now as I thought once mechanical breakers start to go they are basically toast. I had a spare 30A in-line fuse that I put in place and life is good. I haven't decided if I'll replace the breaker, put a manual resetting one in, or just leave the fuse. Thank you to everyone for your help and advice!653Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
Gjac wrote: Another thing to check is the set screws that hold your 12v wires in place on either side of the 12 v fuses a loose screw could cause an intermittent problem. Thank you, I’ll definitely check them. Because this is intermittent and currently not a problem, it’s going to be more frustrating as I may not be able to actually ID the fix unless it’s super obvious. My weekend ahead will be the joy of going over all connections and insuring I have good grounds.653Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
Jetstreamer wrote: I don’t necessarily think they are implying your batteries are bad it’s just that your voltage readings are of no help in trying to diagnose the problem with a solar charger in the loop. That makes sense. I figured the charge controller wouldn't provide enough power to mask a bad battery, but as you and others said, it totally skews the useless numbers I was posting on voltage. I removed it from the equation, and after a 4hr rest to equalize my voltage read 12.65. The only load would have been the LP detector. I proceeded to run the same test (all lights on and pump running). After 5-7 cycles the voltage remained fairly constant at 12.38 idle, and down to 12.3 when the pump kicked on. It dipped to 12.29 at one point, and was up to 12.46 after running all cycles. Lights remained bright, with a slight pulse in sync with the pump at the end of the cycle. I could not replicate the original problem. So unless I misunderstand the battery voltage situation, it leads me to believe I have a wiring issue/sloppy connection somewhere.653Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
KD4UPL wrote: Are you sure your batteries are good. Your voltage measurments are useless because your solar charger is holding the voltage up. Batteries do not have a resting voltage of 14.2, that is under charge of some kind. In fact, 12.8 is a little high for resting voltage. A fully charged 12 volt battery at "rest" will only read 12.7 volts. With a little load it will always be below 12.7 volts if there is no charging source present. Unhook you solar charger, unplug from shore power, then measure your voltage with and without a load. I haven’t had a lot of time to dig into it, but thanks as that’s a good idea to disconnect the panel. I’ve questioned the batteries from the get go as they are at least 5 hrs old, but if it was batteries why would it be intermittent? Unless there is a flakey cell I’d assume?653Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
Well it looks like the problem is everyone’s favourite, an intermittent one. I could not replicate the problem today. It has to be a bad connection somewhere as the ride home bounced something back in place. I do not have a cutoff switch. The 13V readings were when I was having the problem after several cycles. Today, Initial resting voltage at batteries was 14.2 Today, Initial charge controller reading was 14 and showing fully charged I ran several cycles of lights on and water pump (7-10) and by the end the voltage was down to 12.8. It quickly recovers back to low13’s and 5 mins later is 13.6. I have an accumulator tank so each cycle of the pump is about 20 secs. So I’m going to check every connection and ground (battery terminals are good). I may also just find new ground points for sanity. Thank you to everyone for the advice, I’ll report back if I find anything.339Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
MEXICOWANDERER wrote: Find the exact spot where the converter enters the power to the fuse panel. At that exact spot, start testing backward to the batteries. I've got an ESPN feeling you are dealing with a flaky negative junction. My crystal ball is 74 years old so don't throw tomatoes if it turns out to be on the positive cables. The more ideas the better so thank you. 74 year old crystal balls know, and have seen... things. I figured this was going to be one of those electrical gremlins that no one loves, until they are solved.290Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
2oldman wrote: D MAX wrote: On DC (2 x 6V) lights are good, power shows full (also metered at batteries 13ish). When the water pump kicks on it dramatically slows down,....Checked the voltage at the batteries while this happens and it shows a slight drop. On shore power no problems at all. I need clarification on this. "On DC". Does that mean on batteries alone without the converter running? 13ish is not the resting voltage of any battery, so it sounds as if the converter is on, but then later you say.. "On shore power..." (which runs the converter). thanks Ya sorry that may have been confusing. On DC was just running off of the batteries. I metered them after all this started, and had been running lights, fans and the pump several times to troubleshoot. I can’t recall if it was 13.2 or 13.4. Should also note I have a solar panel. When on shore power there are no issues.292Views0likes0CommentsRe: Power cuts out when pump runs (on DC)
DrewE wrote: I think you probably have a poor connection somewhere between the battery and the DC distribution panel, quite possibly at the main self-resetting circuit breaker for the battery (or possibly inside that circuit breaker). A poor connection there would not only cause a voltage drop, but would also make the circuit breaker warm up a good bit and so trip at well below its rated current. That said, there may be a poor connection in many places, and it could be on either the positive or the ground side. Go through and check that all the joints are clean and tight, and the wires have not corroded away (particularly those attaching to the battery). Thank you, that makes sense. The battery terminals are clean and tight, so I’ll work my way back to the converter.293Views0likes0Comments
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