Grumpy
Senior Member
That's acceptable though not perfect.That's pretty much what I'm observing.
That's acceptable though not perfect.That's pretty much what I'm observing.
I think I answered my own question. I just looked up the manual for my PD4500 Power Control Center.Kevin, maybe you could clarify something for me. I understand an RV 50 amp service has 2- 120volt sources. I don't understand "one to each side".
My house's electric service is 200 amp. There is a left and right side of the panel. Each side is fed by a separate 120 volt source.
My RV electric service looks like it doesn't have two sides, like my home panel, only one. The panel is fed through a 50 amp breaker. The 50 amp breaker is two halves or separate breakers tied together by a single handle. Each half is fed but a 120 volt wire, one black and the other red.
How does the power in my RV feed two sides if there is only one row?
Grumpy, I’ve been wondering about that. When I start the generator the fans come on in the AC’s. Then after 90 seconds the timers activate the power to the AC’s and the compressors start. So, I was thinking it might be on different circuit. But in a 50 amp they would not have that right?No since the fan is on the same breaker as the compressor. There is only 1 120v Romex feeding each unit. If anything on one of the two fans would work since they are on separate legs in the breaker panel.
In your house, you have two bus bars that have fingers pointing toward the middle alternating. So, L1 is the top two breakers one on each side. Then L2 is next and then they alternate all the way down.Kevin, maybe you could clarify something for me.
How does the power in my RV feed two sides if there is only one row?
Now this is very concerning!My pedestal is at least 100' from the sub panel, and the subpanel is ~ 200 yards from the main supply panel.
The orange wire is direct bury, and was there in 2010. The actual age is unknown. I wonder if the insulation is degraded after all these years.
If you have the Power Management System that would be the difference.Grumpy, I’ve been wondering about that. When I start the generator the fans come on in the AC’s. Then after 90 seconds the timers activate the power to the AC’s and the compressors start. So, I was thinking it might be on different circuit. But in a 50 amp they would not have that right?
After working on my RV this past weekend, I do remember that one AC breaker is above the main 50 amp input, and one AC breaker below.Grumpy, I’ve been wondering about that. When I start the generator the fans come on in the AC’s. Then after 90 seconds the timers activate the power to the AC’s and the compressors start. So, I was thinking it might be on different circuit. But in a 50 amp they would not have that right?
I'll get some pictures, but it may be a while. I dropped my RV off at the dealership yesterday. It looks very similar to a Progressive Dynamics PD4500, and is located in the foot of the bed.For the OP, if you can grab a few pictures of your control panels and the area they are located then I may be able to confirm if you have a Power Management System. It may be labeled for you as Power Control, or Power Management, or similar or it could be a part of a larger system. ~CA
Maybe you do have a EMS in that rig. Why not contact Jayco and ask.After working on my RV this past weekend, I do remember that one AC breaker is above the main 50 amp input, and one AC breaker below.
When I'm on a good 50 amp shore power, or generator power, either AC fans will start immediately, but there's a short delay before the compressor(s) kick in. My Firefly panel has either a fan icon or a snowflake icon.
The first time I had a problem with my AC, at this particular campsite, was a few weeks ago. I thought the AC was running, but it was only the fans.
Is there a popular brand of power management system? What would one look like?The only possible answer that meets all of the information provided is that there is a Power Management System in place and it realizes that there is not enough voltage\current to run the compressor(s). Likely there is a setting for the Power Management's configuration although I would be cautious with changing any settings without more information.
I base this on the understanding that some Power Management systems only control the compressor and not the fan, and that if there wasn't a power management system, when trying to start the AC(s) that there would be an obvious starting attempt (likely very obvious) for the compressor that isn't occurring. Without some controlling component the compressor would at least attempt to start and from what I have read from the OP, there is no mention that the compressor even tries to start.
There are other things that could be checked and tested, but none of them meet all of the conditions reported so far (more voltage measurements could be of value) other than that there is likely a Power Management System in place and configured to not allow power to the AC compressor(s) under the connection conditions the RV has when the AC compressors will not even "attempt" to start. It is possible to change the settings although more information is needed regarding a Power Management System or confirmation that there isn't one (which I highly suspect there is one). ~CA
Will do and report my findings.Maybe you do have a EMS in that rig. Why not contact Jayco and ask.
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That is the best bet overall. Let the dealership check it all out and before you leave with your RV, be sure to ask about the location and settings for the Power Management System, then if they show it to you, you will know for sure. ~CAI'll get some pictures, but it may be a while. I dropped my RV off at the dealership yesterday. It looks very similar to a Progressive Dynamics PD4500, and is located in the foot of the bed.
Apparently the Firefly system does have an EMS according to a web search.When I get my RV back from the dealer, I can look for one.
Is this correct? 200 yards from panel to sub panel and 100’ from sub panel to 30A receptacle, and 50’ of cord to the Rv panel?Just to recap as I remember things or they become clearer in my mind, both AC's work on generator power or "good" 50 amp shore power.
At my seasonal campsite, I can't get either AC to work. I believe low voltage is the problem. I also have trouble with one slide fully retracting.
What I don't understand is why neither AC will work at my home's 30 amp outlet. That outlet is run with 4 gauge copper. Maybe there's some sort of time delay on an EMS that I need to wait a little longer.