Checking the current

Retired and Happy · 08-08-2006, 05:38 AM

What device (with make and model?) and technique do you use to check the current draw for individual ac appliances? With all the extra equipment we have to use, I am concerned about what might be drawing too much current. We often trip the 30 amp breaker on the generator, but don't know if it's weak or we have too great a load. Last week we were tripping the campground breaker with only our front air and microwave, but not our inside breaker. The manager replaced his breaker, but we did not load it before we left to see if that helped. I don't seem to trip my shore power breaker at home, but may not be loading it the same as when we are on the road.

Hoiw easy or hard is it to change the breaker in an Onan 6.5 kw generator, if that's the problem?

Retired and Happy · 08-08-2006, 05:38 AM

What device (with make and model?) and technique do you use to check the current draw for individual ac appliances? With all the extra equipment we have to use, I am concerned about what might be drawing too much current. We often trip the 30 amp breaker on the generator, but don't know if it's weak or we have too great a load. Last week we were tripping the campground breaker with only our front air and microwave, but not our inside breaker. The manager replaced his breaker, but we did not load it before we left to see if that helped. I don't seem to trip my shore power breaker at home, but may not be loading it the same as when we are on the road.

Hoiw easy or hard is it to change the breaker in an Onan 6.5 kw generator, if that's the problem?

RustyJC · 08-08-2006, 05:54 AM

Something like the Amprobe ACDC-400 would do the job and could be used on the 12VDC side as well.

Rusty

Roland · 08-08-2006, 06:06 AM

Hello Ken,

Usually, you can only use either the microwave or the A/C on a 30 Amp circuit at the same time, not both.

I use a Progressive Industries EMS/surge protector. It tells me the number of amps I am drawing (total for the coach - not just the A/C - realtime), protects against high (+132VAC) or low (-102VAC)voltage, checks the shore power for proper wireing on the receptacle and is a surge suppressor. Does all this 24/7 and shuts off the incoming power when a problem occurs and restarts the power when the problem is gone. The bad news is these run over $300.00.

You can also use a clamp meter to check the amp draw; but you need to isolate the hot lead on the A/C to get a reading and clamp meters arn't cheap. Also RV's have a lot of hidden loads that you may not be thinking of. The converter that charges your batteries for one.

Green lights and soft breezes,

The Clock Meister · 08-08-2006, 06:36 AM

Hi Ken,

I'm surprised that you are having this type of problem. Your load center should be shedding the load as you begin to add more usage.

My rig is similar to yours and I only have 30A service and I have never had the trouble you are experiencing. I can run the AC and Microwave at the same time if there are no other high draw users at the same time, usually will shed the water heater, and often the high speed ac fan and second compressor. Rarely, the refrigerator will shed.

It sounds like you may have something in your coach drawing an excessive load - perhaps a converter - to be popping the breakers on the post and your generator. If it were only the post power you were having trouble with, I would suspect the voltage or supply, but if you are having trouble with the generator power it sounds like in coach problems.

If you are still under warranty, I would beat it down to your dealer!

Let us know how it turns out.

Chris

Bob Hatch · 08-08-2006, 06:59 AM

Chris, while both rigs are Winnebago's, there are significant differences in a 1996, and a 2005. The biggest one being the draw from the AC's, and the fact that in 1996 Winnebago did not use the EMS.

The Clock Meister · 08-08-2006, 07:39 AM

Bob, as usual, you are right!

I was having a senior moment, and only saw the last number in Ken's signature line. That is what I get for not paying full attention.

Maybe I should just go back to sleep!

Chris