He installed another electric box because our current box was maxed out and he ran the cable out to a box near our motorhome.
Today was the day to flip the breaker and test everything. Unfortunately things did not work out well. The breakers tripped in the motorhome and smoke started to billow out of the electric box in the motorhome. Below is a picture of the converter.
Below is a picture of what I think is a capacitor that exploded when the power was connected.
I posted this on rv.net for some input on what I need to do next. I feel stupid that I allowed my neighbor to use our motorhome as a testing device and I have learned a valuable, but hopefully not too expensive lesson.
I hope that your day has been better than mine and that your weekend is great!
He probably hooked it up the way you would a 30 amp dryer (two pole, 220 volts!) You may be able to replace that capacitor if you're handy with a soldering iron and have a place not too far away where you can pick up a replacement. It's easy to see that cap is bad.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Oh know I have heard that this could happen, too bad it had to happen to you. Hopefully its just the convertor.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your neighbor ran 240 volts out to the box like a dryer lead, read across the 30 amp plug and you should read 120volts. you will be lucky if the capacitor is the only thing blown,have you checked the converter output and the tv's, micro and other electronics, you just need a 15 amp extension to test the stuff and then have an electrician rewire your post.Sorry to hear about your troubles, be safe out there. Sam & Donna..
ReplyDeleteSorry to just be reading about your problem. As suggested your neighbour did wire it for 240 volts. Don't feel bad because even electricians will glance at the plug and think it is 240 volt because they are not RVers. Similar plugs in a home are 240 volt (same plug as my welding machine). Chock it up to experience.
ReplyDeleteDid you know they sell voltage control modules that would have saved you from that problem. They sell them because some campgrounds have high voltage feed, some low voltage feed, others are wire reverse polarity, and others are not properly grounded. If any of these problems exist the system will shut off and display the problem. They sell the type that is hardwired into the system (More Expensive)and others you plug you cord to and then plug into the post (Cheaper).
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Just found your blog. Glad to hear you figured out the problem and hopefully nothing was destroyed. When we had a 50 amp breaker put in at our house, I grilled the electrician before he started because I had read that it was an easy mistake to make and even professionals can install the wrong thing...not so much on 50 amp, but for sure on 30 amp.
ReplyDeleteA good power management (surge protector) from Progressive industries would probably have saved you from this problem. You might want to check them out. They are expensive, but can save your coach if you get a bad campground pedestal.