Easiest/Best Way To Test Converter

[jcmechem]

Hello

I recently purchased a 1997 Jayco Eagle 12 FK. The converter was failing so I purchased and installed a Progressive Dynamics 4135 converter. Only the AC works (inside and outside outlets). I re-installed all of the breakers thinking that maybe one wasn't sitting correctly. I found and replaced the pressure cutoff switch. I even replaced the breakers thinking that I might have had a faulty one. What's the best/easiest way to test the converter to see if any DC is being produced?

 

[Jayhawk 29]

Hello

I recently purchased a 1997 Jayco Eagle 12 FK. The converter was failing so I purchased and installed a Progressive Dynamics 4135 converter. Only the AC works (inside and outside outlets). I re-installed all of the breakers thinking that maybe one wasn't sitting correctly. I found and replaced the pressure cutoff switch. I even replaced the breakers thinking that I might have had a faulty one. What's the best/easiest way to test the converter to see if any DC is being produced?

Well the 110 converter charges the battery when your power cord is plugged into land based power. So you can take a voltage meter and test your battery when you are not plugged in for a while. Then plug in your power cord to your camper and then go back to your battery and test it with the meter. If your 110 converter is operational to your battery, then your meter should show an increase in your voltage. Even turn on a 12 volt light and see if you continue to get an increase in your voltage, with the converter increasing its charging to replenish your battery juice.

 

[jcmechem]

Well the 110 converter charges the battery when your power cord is plugged into land based power. So you can take a voltage meter and test your battery when you are not plugged in for a while. Then plug in your power cord to your camper and then go back to your battery and test it with the meter. If your 110 converter is operational to your battery, then your meter should show an increase in your voltage. Even turn on a 12 volt light and see if you continue to get an increase in your voltage, with the converter increasing its charging to replenish your battery juice.

I didn't hook up a battery. Could that be the problem?

 

[Jayhawk 29]

I know that some people have attempted to use their converter as 12 volt when their battery was dead, operating lights and their water pump. But I have never attempted this or checked any unhooked battery wires to see what reading I would get, amperage or voltage of any sorts. Is there any reason that you have not hooked up your battery or batteries?

 

[OnTheGo]

The battery would work as described above. Can you test the converter's output with a meter?

 

[jcmechem]

I know that some people have attempted to use their converter as 12 volt when their battery was dead, operating lights and their water pump. But I have never attempted this or checked any unhooked battery wires to see what reading I would get, amperage or voltage of any sorts. Is there any reason that you have not hooked up your battery or batteries?

I won't be doing any boondocking so I decided not to install a battery. Saves on the togue weight.

 

[jcmechem]

The battery would work as described above. Can you test the converter's output with a meter?

I won't be doing any boondocking so I decided not to install a battery.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

I won't be doing any boondocking so I decided not to install a battery. Saves on the togue weight.

That is a separate issue. Converters installed in power panels are not meant to be used exclusively for your 12 volt system, even on a pop up. The converter wires, alone are not size rated to constantly operate your wired 12 volt system, in total. So if you want to check your 12 volt system, hopefully you did your wiring correctly. So hook up a good battery and do your checking as was suggested.

 

[Kevin Cooper]

Welcome to the forum!
Let’s see if I got this right. You thought the existing converter was failing, so you bought a new one and replaced the old one. So, you bought only a converter, correct? There should have been one breaker in the electrical panel that was for the converter. You disconnected the existing converter from the one breaker, and the LV side of the panel you took off the two conductors after pulling out the circuit board distribution. And put the conductors back exactly as you took them off. Correct? When you turned the breaker back on, did you hear a beep? If you have an electric meter for DC, what is the voltage on the fusible part of the panel? Or if not, if you pull a fuse, does the LED light up on the right side of the fuse?
Did you make any mistakes when hooking up the converter?
If you do not have voltage at the fuses, do you have a battery disconnect? Does it have voltage on both sides of the switch?
Normally, the easiest way to tell if your converter is working is to test voltage at the battery. But another way, without a meter, disconnect the negative lead on the battery. Plug in the RV, and turn on the lights. No lights, converter not working.