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Weird Inverter problem.

Yahoo Message Number: 99826
HI all,

I have an RC7GS controller.  I put new batteries in,  and it would count down real fast like something was draining the batteries.  I cleaned the chassis ground and then it worked perfect.  Could get the batteries to come off 100%.
I took it to Florida, (had a blast), I noticed I could not get the shore line to 50 Amps,  on the selection, it would go 20,25,30 amps.  No 50 amps...  Hmmm I thought I had 50 amps selected before.
Book says it should have 50 amps as an option, as we know that is the best for running 2 AC and Fridge.
Now when I got home,  I notice the batteries will run right back down to 65% and hold.  I tried doing the chassis ground again, but must be another loose ground.

Any thoughts? 
Bob

03 Allure  3 Slide tag / #30814

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99828
My manual for the RC7GS shows the ability to pick either 10,15,20,25, or 30 amps for settings of shore power. This is a limit on how many amps the inverter can draw to run the charging circuit and it should be set below the actual shore power so that the rest of the coach will have power. My manual says that it should be set to match the available shore power or the generator's circuit breaker setting. The default setting is 30 amps. The setting has no bearing on amperage to run anything in the coach. In fact, you could set the shore power to 5 amps and you can still run everything in the coach. See page 12 in the manual
 I assume that when you installed new batteries, you set the correct amp hour rating on the controller.
 Correct battery type should also be set, either gel, liquid, or AGM. The RC7GS float for AGM is 13.4 volts but you should be aware that if you are using Lifeline AGMs, the float should be 13.1

Don

'02 Intrigue 11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99829
I  also use mine to limit the amount of bulk charge my lead acid batteries are  getting. Interstate Batteries told me they should be charged at a 10 amp  each rate to prevent damage and splattering to the batteries. If It set to  50 amps, even though it usually is connected to a 50 amp service, it would be  charging at approximately a four  times faster rate than what is recommended. I haven't had to add water to  my batteries in over three years with them limited to 10 amps each.

Kevin  Burns

2000  affinity #5865

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99830
The setting is for how much is AVAILABLE for the  converter/charger NOT the amperage it actually applies to the battery  bank.
 Some, like my Xantrex have you set it to total available amps  and then uses internal algorithms to determine how much the charger/converter  can use. Others it is how much is available to charge with hence it is driven by  max capability of the converter/charger, I.e. 50 amp charger can only use 30 amp  of 120 input so no selection above that.
 Remember the amps listed for the charger is ac amps and the  output is dc amps.

Ray

They say wine improves  with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine!  The Born  Loser

12 V Lighting

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99831
The lights in the bathroom and dinette have been operating  intermittingly. This morning they quit all together. I checked the  12v fuse box and found the proper fuse. This is not a typical fuse but is  20 amp, longer than a normal fuse and has a metal face. Went to my local  RV dealer and they have never seen one, recommended to go to NAPA. NAPA  looked up the part and it is a circuit breaker for those lights. I have  several on order as they usually don't stock them.
 Now the REAL problem: when I attempted to pull this circuit breaker  it was VERY hot to the touch and I had to use a cloth to pull it. When I  returned from NAPA I put the fuse back in and it works. My concern is to  why the breaker got so hot. I'm hesitant to put it back in. There is  one other 20 amp breaker that operate the living room ceiling lights and  electric step and it is warm to the touch. I think there are two more like  this that are 30 amp.
 Any suggestions as to what is going on??? Is it safe to put the  breaker back in???

Judy

2006 Inspire Genoa 51706

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99832
Wrong. If you set it for a lower amperage then it's not AVAILABLE for  the charger and the charger will lower it's output. If you don't believe me, Set  your remote to it's lowest setting when your batteries are charging and look at  the charger's DC amperage charge rate and it will be noticeably lower during the  bulk charge cycle in order to keep the charger from overloading the  circuit. The charger is limited from it's maximum output to keep from  overloading the size of the circuit you are telling it that it has, there by  limiting it's output. I set my remote to where the max charge is at a 40  amp bulk rate since I have 4 house batteries.
Kevin Burns

2000 Affinity #5865

Re: 12 V Lighting

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99833
Judy

That is a fuse breaker type of fuse. When it get hot it will trip then when it cools it will work, I had the same problem. If you have not switched the LED lights there are 2 many lights on that line and it will trip. The 10w halogen bulbs just get to hot. The line on mine 30A metal fuse works bathroom, bedroom and lights at the sink We have the Genoa Series Floyd 2006 Inspire 51744

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99834
Correct it limits with either system the amount the charger  can use for charging, it does not set the amperage the charger charges at that  is controlled by the regulator just like normal up to the max input amps you  set.

Ray

They say wine improves  with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine!  The Born  Loser

Re: 12 V Lighting

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99841
Sounds like the connector in the fuse panel. I just had to replace the connector for the water pump. Had same exact problem. The contact area and fuse had bad tarnish.

Ray Down

2006 Inspire 51602

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99844
I did not know to set amp hour rating..  I did set the lead wet correct.  What should the amp hour rate be?

Bob

03 allure 3 slide tag / #30814

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99848
It all depends what other items that are running simultaneously while charging the batteries.  If you are working in or about the coach and have lights on or other 12 vdc accessories it requires more current.  It also depends on the state of charge of the batteries.  5 and 10 amp settings don't work for me with batteries down.  But if they are up and just need to float , no problem.  I leave mine set at 30 amps.  When I have been plugged into a single 20 amp breaker on occasion power management can be a real issue while living in the coach.  30 amps is not much better, but at least allows you to maintain the batteries while running one air-conditioner.  20 amps does not.  You have to watch your batteries slowly discharge while running the one air.  One of my favorite memories while visiting southern British Columbia, Canada.  TWI 2004  42' Intrigue 11731

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99860
Well,  I have done 30 amp ok..  Must run Fridge on propane,  One ac will come on at a time.  They can't start at the same time.  But I can even dry camp good.  Just run the generator a little bit in the morning.. and if I need AC.

Bob

03 Allure 3 Slide Tag 30814
 

Re: Weird Inverter problem.

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 99865
Oh I agree, but you have to remember to shut off the air to run microwave,  I had an  either or switch on my Airstream TT.  Little things like ice makers running, the second TV,  or my better half quilting with her sewing machine can throw a wrench in the works at just the wrong time.  Fortunately, the Hifi only draws a few watts.  TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731.