Inverter Problems

[BeerLover80]

We have a Magnum Inverter. The 30A breaker keeps popping on it at random times under random loads. There are times I know we overloaded it with 3x Space Heaters and other times it popped with just the Microwave and every which way in between. Tiffin can't help us because they don't have the electrical specs on 2016 models. While at Red Bay last week, we couldn't replicate the problem for the techs. Anyone have a clue as to why it's acting up or would you bypass the inverter to keep from losing power until we get this figured out? We're in single digit temps up here in DC. A theory brought forth is due to the cold, energy usage is high and we aren't getting our full 50A service and thus causing our 30A breaker to pop at random times and loads.

[twinboat]

There has to be some other outlets that don't pass thru the inverter for the heaters.

Next time it pops check which outlets still work. Use them.

A 50 amp service has 100 amps of power avalable.

The random breaker poping may be due to the charger portion drawing too much, while running the heaters.

You can set that lower thru the remote panel.

You don't need it high, while plugged in. Try 5 or 10 amps for now.

I forget what they call it, but is is for plugging into 20 or 30 amp outlets.

[Scottybdivin]

I never understood why most of these coach manufacturers don't take advantage of Magnum's 2 in / 2 out configuration. It would take a minimal amount of cost to have two 30A circuits pass through the Magnum inverters. All of the ME and MS series inverters have that capability.

[BeerLover80]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

I never understood why most of these coach manufacturers don't take advantage of Magnum's 2 in / 2 out configuration. It would take a minimal amount of cost to have two 30A circuits pass through the Magnum inverters. All of the ME and MS series inverters have that capability.

Would that be an easy upgrade for my set-up?

[BeerLover80]

Originally Posted by twinboat

There has to be some other outlets that don't pass thru the inverter for the heaters.

Next time it pops check which outlets still work. Use them.

A 50 amp service has 100 amps of power avalable.

The random breaker poping may be due to the charger portion drawing too much, while running the heaters.

You can set that lower thru the remote panel.

You don't need it high, while plugged in. Try 5 or 10 amps for now.

I forget what they call it, but is is for plugging into 20 or 30 amp outlets.

I can't seem to find that setting to change it

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by BeerLover80

I can't seem to find that setting to change it

It's called the " Shore " setting.

Hit the soft key and turn the knob to shore. Set it at 5 amps for now.

Just remember to set it back to normal.

Another cause of random poping breaker could be the fridge going to defrost if you have a residential unit. That would only happen if you have a heavy draw already on the circuit.

[BeerLover80]

Originally Posted by twinboat

It's called the " Shore " setting.

Hit the soft key and turn the knob to shore. Set it at 5 amps for now.

Just remember to set it back to normal.

Another cause of random poping breaker could be the fridge going to defrost if you have a residential unit. That would only happen if you have a heavy draw already on the circuit.

Didn't work. Turned on just one Space Heater (12.5A) and it popped the breaker. Nothing else was on either

[twinboat]

Breakers do go bad after poping many times.

[BeerLover80]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Breakers do go bad after poping many times.

So I need to replace the breaker?

[twinboat]

If your sure that it is poping with less then 30 amps draw, that would be the logical conclusion.

You will also have to lessen the load that started the problem.

[Kiawah]

I suspect that outlets on one side of the coach, do not pass thru the inverter. On my coach it's the DS outlets behind the sofa, and the outlets on the headboard DS side of the bedroom. The outlets on the PS side run thru the inverter.

There's a couple high current draws you may not see and think about.
- The converter draws current when charging batteries, this was discussed earlier in the thread. There's a Magnum configuration setting you can limit that draw.
- Your hotwater heater will draw about 10 amps of current, IIRC
- The engine heater, which is plugged into a socket in the electrical bay, will draw about 8 amps of current. Unless you are starting your engine, that shouldn't be plugged in.
- Other draws of course are the heat pump heaters if you are trying to do that, dryer, fireplace.

I've run mine with 2 space heaters (one plugged into the dryer outlet plug, one plugged behind the sofa) and the fireplace, with no problems with refrig/uwave/tvs.

[Selah]

What kind of voltage are you getting at the pedestal? Low voltage means high amp draw. High amp draw will trip a breaker.

[RJEV]

I've been told to set the inverter for 30 amps when plugged into shore power even if plugged into a 50 amp source. Is this correct. If so, why is there even a 50 amp choice?

Thanks
RJ