converter problem

[ranhead]

I have a 2006 aerolite tt. The converter makes hissing or static noise when plugged into 120. When we put on more than one light in the trailer a red light appears on the panel above the converter. There does seem to be any power loss no matter how many lights are on. But the noise and the light are very disturbing to me.
I checked the current at the battery when plugged in and reads 13.5 volts. 12 volts with no power.
Does anyone know what causes this.
Thank you for your help

[Workshop]

Do you have an American Enterprise converter? If so, the Red light could indicate a problem in your 12v electrical system acording to the owners manual if your TT has this converter.

The voltages of 13.5 and 12v seems right. Some converters used in TT could be a little noisy by some standards....but not to the level to be noticed. Is the noise something new or has it and the light something recent.

[ranhead]

The noise just started this summer. I'll have to check the brand

[JRNOLL]

Check and see if all the connections are tight on your converter, on the tt side.

[ranhead]

it is an american enterprise converter. I tightened all the connections. Then I started to isolate the dfferent circiuts. The probem seems to be with the bathroom gfi. When i shut the breaker off the noise and the overload problems goes away. Could it be the outlet itself?

[Workshop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranhead it is an american enterprise converter. I tightened all the connections. Then I started to isolate the dfferent circiuts. The probem seems to be with the bathroom gfi. When i shut the breaker off the noise and the overload problems goes away. Could it be the outlet itself?

When you shut off the breaker, was that the breaker for the GFI or for the converter? Or are they the same? If they are on different circuits, I don't know why the GFI would cause the problems with the converter and if it had current issues it would trip. If they are on the same circuit...try providing power from a different circuit and see if the problems are still there.

If I read your owners manual correctly...the red light is caused by something in the 12vdc circuits. As the converter changes from 120vac to 12vdc ..... I would pull all the 12v fuses from the fuse panel and see if the problem still exist without the circuits as a load. If the problem still exist, the converter might be the problem. If the light and noise isn't there...plug in each fuse unitl the problem appears, then troubleshoot that circuit.

As the converter is there to provide 12vdc to the unit and to charge the battery, don't forget to check the battery and its connections.

[ranhead]

The breaker is just for the gfi. I will try your suggestions. and let you know.
On another note just wanted to thank everybody for their input. It has been a great help

[94-Newmar]

In some cases the bathroom GFI powers an outside outlet as well, near or around the same area as the bathroom location. Anything plugged into that outside?

[Paul R. Haller]

GFCI outlets are notorious for odd faults and the only remedy is to replace them. They cost about 10-12 $ power off the GFCI by pressing the test button or flipping the breaker. make sure nothing is plugged into the GFCI outlet or on a downstream outlet from the GFCI. if the noise in the converter goes away after the GFCI is off it may be the GFCI itself. make certain the that circuit does not power your converter. Often, as was mentioned above, the outside outlet is powered off the GFCI those RV outlets are chinese made crap. It would be wise to repace it if you have an outside duplex outlet.
-Paul R. Haller-

[ranhead]

Nothing plugged in outside. I did check and you aare right it does supply power to the outside outlet. The gfi is on its own circuit. I agree. I think I will change the gfi. I can run everything at once, all lights ac fridge microwave and nothing. Switch the gfi breaker on and the noise starts.

["007"]

If your GFI feeds outlet outside that outside outlet may have water or moisture in it not enough to trip GFI, but will give the GFI fits.

[ranhead]

Checked the outside outlet and was fine. Changed the gfi and everything seems fine. Keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks for all your help
Randy