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txdad · 05-08-2010, 08:06 PM

Hello everyone. This is my first post on here. I have been lurking for quite a while. However, I have come upon a problem that I have been unable to solve. I have an 07 Jag with a 55amp converter. The nameplate states that it draws 12 amps. However recently it will draw 21 amps and trip the breaker. Usually I just reset the breaker and it is fine. Lately, it has happened more often. I have replaced the converter and it still does it. I disconnected the battery, it tripped. I replaced the wire to the battery, it tripped. I removed the battery wire from the distribution panel, it tripped. My next try is to disconnect the distribution panel from the converter. Does this sound reasonable or am I losing it? If it trips again, I do not know where else to go. Any ideas from anyone?

Half Dimes · 05-08-2010, 09:25 PM

Replace the breaker?

txdad · 05-09-2010, 07:06 AM

I thought that but I have actualy measured the 21amps from the breaker.

Half Dimes · 05-09-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txdad

I thought that but I have actualy measured the 21amps from the breaker.

You're right. I thought about that after I posted.

Grasping at straws here, the converter should be on a dedicated circuit. Have you checked to be sure something else isn't on the circuit controlled by that breaker?

txdad · 05-09-2010, 03:44 PM

The 21 amps was from the converter. Yes there is another circuit on it but I did not measure the current in that circuit.

Paul R. Haller · 05-10-2010, 09:38 AM

Unplug the converter and check the breaker again. See if you have a draw on that circuit from something else. I have had 2 trailers and both of them had other stuff on the converter circuit. If yes, shut them off or better yet disconnect them from the circuit and then measure just the converter draw. If you have a shorted cell or miss wired the batteries you could possibly draw that much current. Doesn't the converter have a fuse on it's output also?? Check battery wiring and check the wiring and line cord of converter. If the converters drawing that with nothing else on the circuit and the output leads are disconnected from the coach... Buy yourself a new converter. I like Iota and Progressive Dynamics converters. with a 3 or 4 stage chargers.Good luck and keep us posted as to what you found.,
-Paul R. Haller-

GaryKD · 05-10-2010, 09:44 AM

Hi txdad,
If it still trips once the breaker has been replaced, there may be a short in the wiring.

wa8yxm · 05-10-2010, 03:53 PM

A 55 amp converter should draw no more than 6 or 7 amps. Not 12 and for sure not 20+

HOWEVER, it will draw more

1: on start up and
2: If feeding a dead short or
3: if it has a shorted diode. (A few other internal parts could do it too)

Alas, without further testing it's hard to say which is the issue.

I have had converters in other services (We call 'em power supplies there) pop the odd diode. thankfully I have been known to design (And build them) so fixing them is not that big a deal for me... Provided they are not switching supplies (And many modern converters are, they are, after all, the most efficient design)

txdad · 05-10-2010, 05:04 PM

I appreciate all your suggestions. Most of them I have already covered. I thought about one thing. I added backup lights to the trailer with a relay tied to the backup lights from the TV. The lights are fed from the trailer battery. I was looking at that relay and noticed it looked rather corroded. I have disconnected the relay to see if it is shorting across the corrosion.

WA8XYM, there is another circuit on that breaker. I measured the converter only. The nameplate says 12 amp and that is what it measures when it is normal. It only trips every 2 or 3 days and it is now parked at the house.