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Air Baron · 11-21-2012, 06:40 AM

Has anyone else had problems with the rocker switch that powers the overhead decorative lighting in the living area? I noticed the switch plate getting hot on my '01 MADP after having the strip lighting turned on for any length of time. When the switch failed to operate, I pulled it and found it to be burned and the wiring also hardened from overheating. I cleaned the terminals and replaced the $5 switch. The new switch is undergoing the same heat. Any idea on how much current this type of lighting draws...and if this is a common problem?

wonderer1 · 11-21-2012, 02:51 PM

most lamps have the wattage and voltage on them. pull one. or easer way with the switch out put an amp meter on the wire runing to the lamps. what are the lamp # mr16 12 volt xx watts. or what.

"007" · 11-21-2012, 03:38 PM

The strip lighting with the small wheat lights, if some are burnt out will increase the amperage through the light switch.
What ever the switch is rated you maybe able to increase to a higher value and still be able to use strip lighting.
When the small bulbs start to go others will follow.

wonderer1 · 11-21-2012, 05:00 PM

imo- i'd stop and find out how many amps you're pulling. burning up a switch ?? but harding a wire is way over heating it. next thing insulation falls off. then a fire!!!!!! i'd take take the light down and bench test it. if the switch is remote how hard is it going to be to replace ???

Air Baron · 11-22-2012, 08:57 AM

There must be 50-60 ft of this ornamental stuff, tucked in between the ceiling panels in the living area. The bedroom area contains significantly fewer "wheat" lights in the string. I just thought somebody else with a Newmar may have had this problem. Guess I better take a current reading, then proceed from there. These funky little rocker switches leave a lot to be desired when the push-on connector corrodes or loosens.

wa8yxm · 11-22-2012, 06:37 PM

IF the switch is overheating I'd replace it,

Air Baron · 11-26-2012, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

IF the switch is overheating I'd replace it,

I changed the switch again, but this time I cut off the ends of the wires and crimped on new pressure connectors. Seems to be working fine now without any overheating. I also changed the 20A fuse feeding this circuit as well as 2 other light circuits in the kitchen area.