Community Forums

rangerbob · 07-03-2012, 08:18 PM

I purchased a used 5er and when you turned on the microwave it bogged down to what seems 1/2 speed. I purchased a comparable sized microwave and it did the same thing. I brought my man cave microwave out to the rv and used it with no problem, and its a 700 watt. Questions from this novice are:
Is is standard to be a 700 watt in RV's?
If no then I have a electrical problem being that it boggs down at 1000 watts. However if I use my house vacuum which are normally 1200 watts it runs fine.
I bought the new micro to fit he trim but may need to stick with a counter model and frame cabinet. The RV is a 2000 model so not to old but old enough to get some minor problems.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

garym114 · 07-03-2012, 10:35 PM

I would start checking the AC voltage in the rv and compare to the AC source with and without the microwave. Does it effect the roof air?
How many amps are you plugged into?

wa8yxm · 07-04-2012, 10:59 AM

You said "It bogged down to like half speed".

Do you mean the Microwave or the Generator?

IF you meant "The microwave runs slow" then...

Try this.. Get the Kill=a=watt meter and if needed two short HEAVY DUTY extension cords (these are like 3 or 4 feet and are sold for use on air conditioners and such when you need just a little extra).. (If possible avoid using these).

Plug cord into Microwave's 120vac outlet (the one the microwave is plugged into)

Plug Kill-a-watt into cord, plug microwave into kill-a-watt (using 2nd cord ONLY if needed.

Note voltage fire up microwave and note both voltage AND current, post results

If you meant the generator.. Have it serviced by a pro.

rangerbob · 07-04-2012, 02:43 PM

It is the microwave and in any plug within the RV. I will get this Kill a watt meter. Is is going to Identify my problem or is this a solution?

wa8yxm · 07-04-2012, 08:10 PM

The Kill-a-watt is about a kilo-buck worth of meters in a 20 dollar box. I'm not kidding, it is very useful and you should leave it plugged into a non-inverter outlet all the time, Set it on VOLTS so you can see what is coming in. (I do) I have paid more for JUST a volt meter.

What it will do is tell me where the problem is.. If, for example, you see 120 volts with the microwave off, droppign to 100 when you press "START" (or "COOK") this indiates either excessive wire length (IE a 100' 16ga extension cord,.. which shoudl be illegal to sell in my opinion) or a bad connection.

If you are plugged into a 15 or 20 amp outlet at home.. Keep moving the meter closer and closer to the house till the drop is less than 2 volts.