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Topic: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral? (Read 955 times) previous topic - next topic

How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

I need to install this part ASAP.  As part of the installation, I need to use butt splices to connect to existing wires and can not use the small round connectors.  There is no way to tell which wire should be connected to the hot wire.

One connector is substantially larger in diameter than the other.  Does that mean anything?

As an aside, am I the only one who wakes up in the middle of the night worrying about making repairs?
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #1 –
George,

You don't want our guessing on which is positive and which negative.

You need to ask the maker of the part, or perhaps James Triana if this part is OE (Original Equipment).

And, YES, I sometimes stay awake noodling over a mechanical problem.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #2 –
I don't think it matters as this appears to be a solenoid. Makes magnetic field either way and armature will center within the magnetic field
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: George Stoltz –
I need to install this part ASAP.  As part of the installation, I need to use butt splices to connect to existing wires and can not use the small round connectors.  There is no way to tell which wire should be connected to the hot wire.

One connector is substantially larger in diameter than the other.  Does that mean anything?

As an aside, am I the only one who wakes up in the middle of the night worrying about making repairs?
Is this marked as a 12 volt DC device? If so there is no neutral, it is simply PLUS or MINUS. Generally a wire with a large ring terminal as shown in the pic would be the ground wire and the smaller one would be the +. If it is an AC device then it would be best to contact the manufacturer. I agree with Bill if it is a DC device.
Rick

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #4 –
Rick --
Yes. It is most definitely a 12V device. Just before your response came in I sent a photo and my question to the manufacturer. This part is made in America (yeah!) NUVI. MI.with a web site and an e-mail address.  Hopefully they will respond quickly.

Thanks for your input. I will let you know what I find ot.

George
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #5 –
May we ask what it is George?

Mike

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #6 –
Mike,
It is (I borrowed this from John's answer above):

To make the draining process automatic, a solenoid valve is added to the bottom (the thing that got hot per a previous post of yours). The valve is "normally open" (the condition with no power applied to the solenoid).

Where are you guys at?
G
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #7 –
O.K.  The part has been installed.  I ended up using a local mobile RV guy to swap out the parts.  Igt was just more than I wanted to do.  About 90 minutes of work, including a trip to the local hardware store for a 75 cent part and he had it  done.  Cost for the tech was $100.  No time spent on making a diagnosis.  I showed him what needed to be done and he took to it like a duck to water. 

He managed to get the old part out without having to dis-assemble the spring loaded platform that holds the compressor. This took most of the time.  The 75 cent part was a brass junction (or union in plumbing terms)  that lowered the brass valve below the platform and the valve could be rotated 360 degrees for an easy installation.

The slide out now works perfectly.  The solenoid valve is barely warm and the sound of the slide going in or out is a beautiful thing.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #8 –
I would have done it for $75.00, Plus travel expence of course
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Bill Chaplin –
I would have done it for $75.00, Plus travel expence of course

And some of Sandy's blueberry scones  ;)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How do I know which lead is hot and which is neutral?

Reply #10 –
I will keep those offers in mind for the future:)
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.