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thecadman · 03-17-2023, 01:14 AM

Had my floor vacuum tested and was told this
2021
Entegra Reatta XL the engine block heater not working for the vacuum to work? My question is why do I have to have the engine block heater to work the vacuum floor system? I temporarily hooked up an extension cord to another wall outlet in the basement and it works fine. I think the technician is screwy. Any thoughts on this I am at a loss.

Argosy · 03-17-2023, 04:48 AM

Is it still under warranty? Go with the flow. If the block heater really doesn't work you might as well get it fixed. Then they can tackle the vacuum.

Have you checked the AC breakers? Maybe the block heater and vacuum are on the same one?

hilgert · 03-17-2023, 07:33 AM

Instead of finding a place inside for the bulky hose and attachments that came with our Discovery, we use a cordless Dyson. Better suction/brush and totally portable with no hoses to worry about...plus no-fuss emptying of the container. We store it next to the 1/2 bath toilet, where it is continuously on a charger.

We also use it to vacuum our cars (not possible with the in-motorhome setup).

DRM901 · 03-17-2023, 08:20 AM

That makes no sense. Those 2 should not be on the same circuit.

However, it wouldn't be the first odd thing an RV manufacturer did. I would check circuit breakers and GFCIs.

153stars · 03-17-2023, 10:02 AM

Here's my take on explanation. There's a contactor that energizes duplex outlet for the block heater and vacuum is plugged into it. Or a second outlet is wired to contactor . My switch for block heater is on the dash. Block heater is probably about 1500 watts and vacuum is 1000watts. Both would trip breaker. Unplug block heater and try it.
Not saying it should have been done that way that it may have been done like that. If second outlet is wired to the contactor , it might not be to far or hard to re-wire it to feed side of contactor or its breaker. Third option add switch for the outlet block heater is plugged into . You can switch one outlet or a single on a duplex by breaking the link that ties them together. Could also be both outlets in a daisy chain from contactor. Most owners don't use their block heater all that much . Less likely to really need block heater while vacuuming.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-17-2023, 04:15 PM

It doesn't surprise me that the 120v outlet for the floor vacuum system shares the circuit with block heater, which is also typically plugged into a wall outlet. Both are used only intermittently and rarely at the same time, so sharing a branch circuit makes sense. So my reading of this is that neither floor vac or block heater is getting 120v power and that has to be fixed. Likely both systems will work once that happen, cause neither one has much that can go wrong otherwise.

Dutch Star Don · 03-17-2023, 08:27 PM

Some things to check......since the vacuum is generally in a bay and is considered outdoors and the block heater is also considered outdoors, could they have run both of them through a GFCI. Everything in my bays are on GFCI circuits.

Some coaches shut off the circuit breaker for the block heater and some have a switch that controls a relay to power the block heater. If that's the case and your vacuum is on that circuit, simply unplug the block heater from the outlet until needed.

Argosy · 03-18-2023, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM901

That makes no sense. Those 2 should not be on the same circuit.

Why not? Both outlets are outside the house. With everything that's in an RV there will be unconventional pairings because of a limit of the number of circuits and the location of devices.

DRM901 · 03-18-2023, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argosy

Why not? Both outlets are outside the house. With everything that's in an RV there will be unconventional pairings because of a limit of the number of circuits and the location of devices.

As stated earlier, each item by itself requires the full amps for the circuit. I would NEVER assume you won't use both at the same time. In fact, I could easily see me running both. Turn on the preheat, then start to get ready to go by cleaning up and vacuuming while you wait.

Ray,IN · 03-18-2023, 01:39 PM

Your description sounds like both engine heater and vacuum are plugged into the same switched outlet. Simple solution is to unplug engine heater. With todays diesel engines the only time you really need the engine heater is below 0°F.
My 1999 ISC will crank and start fine at 10°F, I've done it many times.

153stars · 03-18-2023, 02:55 PM

Where is the switch for block heater . If it's a home style switch its likely direct 120v wiring. If its on the dash with a toggle switch likely has a relay /contactor to do 120v switching.
If it's strictly wired 120v with common household switch, and way its wired. Once you figure out the issue , it might be easy to.spliy and only switch one of the outlets on duplex plug.

Argosy · 03-18-2023, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM901

As stated earlier, each item by itself requires the full amps for the circuit. I would NEVER assume you won't use both at the same time. In fact, I could easily see me running both. Turn on the preheat, then start to get ready to go by cleaning up and vacuuming while you wait.

You'd only do it once.

thecadman · 03-18-2023, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argosy

Is it still under warranty? Go with the flow. If the block heater really doesn't work you might as well get it fixed. Then they can tackle the vacuum.

Have you checked the AC breakers? Maybe the block heater and vacuum are on the same one?

Took it to a qualified RV Repair center and the Block Heater is faulty and has a short in it. Still, under warranty and Spartian will replace it at no charge. As a per caution the circuit will be replaced also at no charge.

thecadman · 03-18-2023, 10:18 PM

Took it to a qualified RV Repair center and the Block Heater is faulty and has a short in it. Still, under warranty and Spartian will replace it at no charge. As a per caution the circuit will be replaced also at no charge.