Overloaded circuit

Topic: Overloaded circuit (Read 910 times) previous topic - next topic

Overloaded circuit

January 14, 2020, 09:47:29 am

Yesterday morning the heaters I had on blew the breaker. I moved one of the heaters and started them up. Beaker blew again, so
I checked and found 8 receptacles on one circuit, that's nuts. Now I have to find a way to fish new wires so I can make more
circuits. It's the bathroom front area and the basement all on one circuit. Has anyone fixed this.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #1 – January 14, 2020, 10:00:12 am

Try using on of the outlets on the drivers side. They are in a different circuit.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #2 – January 14, 2020, 10:15:38 am

How many heaters are you running? How many amps total draw if they are all "on" at the same time? What else is running at the same time time as the heaters?

I run 6 of the small 1500W (12.5 amp) LASKO ceramic space heaters (PLUS our residential fridge) in our coach without popping any breakers. Every winter I keep 4 heaters in the passenger area, and two in the wet bay. There must be times when all of them are running simultaneously.

Note: I DO leave the heaters set on "LOW" heat setting. Not sure what the amp draw is on that setting. 8 amps?

Possibly a weak circuit breaker?

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #3 – January 14, 2020, 10:19:41 am

Don't forget some (many) of the outlets are run through the inverter, so take into account inverter limitations.

If you do modify wiring from OEM, be sure to document it well for when you sell the coach.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #4 – January 14, 2020, 10:34:16 am

I found a receptacle under the couch that is on a different circuit. Both sides of my coach are on the same circuit. 8 receptacles on
one circuit is too many. I know why it blew, I just didn't think all the receptacles would be on the same circuit.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #5 – January 14, 2020, 10:34:35 am

Quote from: Michelle – January 14, 2020, 10:19:41 am

Don't forget some (many) of the outlets are run through the inverter, so take into account inverter limitations.

If you do modify wiring from OEM, be sure to document it well for when you sell the coach.

Does the factory double ATS system by-pass the inverter while on generator or hooked to the pole?

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #6 – January 14, 2020, 10:46:48 am

I don't run heaters off the inverter in fact I usually only run the tv and charging for laptop and tablet.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #7 – January 14, 2020, 10:57:16 am

Quote from: craneman – January 14, 2020, 10:34:35 am

Does the factory double ATS system by-pass the inverter while on generator or hooked to the pole?

YES, the second ATS serves as a high-amp substitute for the internal ATS found in the inverter.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #8 – January 14, 2020, 10:59:21 am

Quote from: oldguy – January 14, 2020, 10:46:48 am

I don't run heaters off the inverter in fact I usually only run the tv and charging for laptop and tablet.

If the heater is on an outlet that can be supplied by the inverter (look at your sub-panel if you have one) your inverter is on and no shore power or generator, it WILL run on the inverter.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #9 – January 14, 2020, 11:12:43 am

Are my 110 outlets supposed to be hot while unplugged or genset not running?
I only have a new small circuit that runs my fridge through a new invertor .

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #10 – January 14, 2020, 11:17:53 am

From one old guy to another old guy, it is not the number of outlets on a circuit that count, it is what is plugged into them that matters.
The primary function of a circuit breaker is to protect the wiring, in other words to keep the wiring from getting hot and starting a fire. According to the electrical code, size 12 awg copper wire can only carry 20 amps and it is connected ( or should be) to a 20 amp breaker: 14 awg - 15amps; 10awg - 30 amps etc. I agree with you that FT should have put in another breaker and circuit for some of the outlets up front on the coach. On my coach and probably yours too, the bath and all the front outlets, basement outlets, and outlet on the side of the coach are on the same breaker. The outlets in the bedroom are on another circuit and breaker.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #11 – January 14, 2020, 12:30:12 pm

What does ATS mean. I know I had too many heaters and a dehumidifier plugged into one circuit and I know how to deal with it
now. If I was wiring it, it would have been at least three circuits. When I'm using heaters I turn off the inverter just in case there is
a power interruption. A heater will kill the batteries fast. The big problem is how to get a wire up the right hand side of the coach.
I can get a wire up left hand side of the coach.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #12 – January 14, 2020, 12:39:52 pm

ATS= Automatic Transfer Switch

You WILL have one for shore power OR generator to main 120 VAC breaker panel.

You will also have either a separate ATS for shore power or inverter to sub-panel for circuits that can be powered by the inverter OR it will use an ATS built into the inverter.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #13 – January 14, 2020, 01:09:13 pm

Thanks Wolfe I have two transfer switches. I have a new inverter that came with the coach when I bought it and last night I opened
the manual on it and I think it will give me 120/240 volts which could be interesting as I just bought a residential fridge and then
I will put in an induction hot plate which would be nice to run on 240 volts. I have time as I won't do that till spring.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #14 – January 14, 2020, 01:15:36 pm

You will need to verify that you do have two separate HOTS and measure 240 VAC between them.

You could also have two HOTS on the same side and would measure 0 VAC between them. Here you would have 120 VAC, not 240.

All three sources (shore power, generator and inverter) would all have to be wired for 240 VAC for you to be able to use 240 VAC appliances. As you know, for 240, you would use two hots. For 120 you would use only a single hot. And, of course on either a neutral and ground.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #15 – January 14, 2020, 01:48:51 pm

I was just out checking to see if the new inverter would fit without modifications and it will. The wires will have to be changed as
the ones that are there are two wire and I need 3 wire for 120/240 volt. At least changing the wires is possible. Hope fully the transfer switch is 120/240.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #16 – January 14, 2020, 01:53:25 pm

Likely the ATS will be labeled either 30 amp (single hot) or 50 amp (two hots). But even if 50, that does not mean you have 240 VAC. It means you COULD HAVE 240 VAC.

ASSUMING YOU ARE SAFE WORKING AROUND 240 VAC ELECTRICITY: If 50, remove the lid and check for voltage between BLACK and RED. You will either have 0 or 240 VAC there.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #17 – January 14, 2020, 02:13:20 pm

Thanks Wolfe and yes I'm comfortable around 240 volts. I used to work around 600 volts 3 phase with the electrician. I have lots of time to work this out as I won't do any of this until April

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #18 – January 14, 2020, 07:33:09 pm

I check out the generator and it runs 2 legs of 120 and no 240 and the generator name plate says 120 volts so I guess I will have to change my plans.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #19 – January 14, 2020, 09:19:05 pm

A small wiring change to the generator (our Powertech 10KW) will allow two 120 legs giving 240 volts. Changing ours so it can run our well pump when PG&E cuts power next summer. Old article on the forum on how to do it.

Pierce

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #20 – January 14, 2020, 10:55:12 pm

That's great as I wanted 240 as it is more efficient. How would I find that old article. I find it hard to find old articles.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #21 – January 15, 2020, 12:01:23 am

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – January 14, 2020, 09:19:05 pm

Old article on the forum on how to do it.

Is this what you're thinking of?

Generator Diagram to change 110vac to 240vac

Technical Help - Generator

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #22 – January 15, 2020, 12:12:50 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – January 15, 2020, 12:01:23 am

Is this what you're thinking of?
Generator Diagram to change 110vac to 240vac
Technical Help - Generator

You're the new Ken Jennings!

Pierce

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #23 – January 15, 2020, 12:49:44 am

Does this give 120/240. The 7500 Onan can be either way but not both.

Re: Overloaded circuit

Reply #24 – January 15, 2020, 12:32:13 pm

Thanks for all the help it looks like it will work

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