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Topic: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics (Read 1132 times) previous topic - next topic

Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

So my plugs don't work.
I know very little about electrical.
So, can someone give me a step by step from quickest most likely to be wrong to more difficult
Giving us a simplified version of the electrical system.
They work on rv's but of coarse each one is different so it would be helpful if I can go in and give them the basics not our system pointing out where each component is.
It would sure help out in the final bill as it will be $135 per hr.
I will let the use the owners manual. I wonder if there is anything in there about trouble shooting.
You views would really be appreciated.
Thanks.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #1 –
Assuming you mean the 120 VAC outlets.

If so, find and reset the GFI'S.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #2 –
Rick,

The outlet beside your bathroom sink is the GFCI outlet.  It has two buttons in the center of it.  One says "test" the other says "reset".  Press the reset button and all should be well. 

Richard





Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #3 –
When my GFI in the bathroom pops, I loose the power to the main cabin plug in's. Drove me crazy till I figured out the DW's blow dryer was the culprit.

Larry

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #4 –
Quote from: 18360 –
I will let the(m) use the owners manual. I wonder if there is anything in there about trouble shooting.
No offense intended - you asked for my view...here it is:

If you would try actually reading your Owners Manual, you wouldn't need to "wonder" about what is in there.

You may have even discovered one possible answer to your question: "Try resetting the GFI".

Paying somebody else $135/hr to do the reading for you is not, IMO, the best use of your money.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #5 –
Is there  more than one gfi switch. The one in the bathroom is fine.
It was recommended that if you don't know about electrical ...stop.
I'm taking that advise.
I value my life.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #6 –
Rick,

You should have two 110V breaker boxes at the foot of your bed.  Will look similar to the one in your house, with resettable breakers.  Try checking there to see if any of the breakers are tripped.  If one is tripped, reset and see what happens.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #7 –
18360 wrote:
"It would sure help out in the final bill as it will be $135 per hr.
I will let the use the owners manual. I wonder if there is anything in there about trouble shooting.
You views would really be appreciated. "

And I take you at your word.

If you stop thinking about your motorhome as an extension of your house, and think of it more as a machine for living, maybe you'll have more of an appreciation for the owner's manual.

There is a certain minimum knowledge base for the successful operation of a motorhome.

    A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
    — Robert Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #8 –
Thanks I will ponder that.
Anyway.
All of my plugs don't work.
I mentioned on a previous post that when I push the inverter button on my link 2000 the ats doesn't thump.
So I will ask him to check that out first.
So other than the gfi and breakers and ats is there anything else.
I think we are making progress.
My fault for not explaining myself.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #9 –
Quote from: 18360 –
Is there  more than one gfi switch. The one in the bathroom is fine.
It was recommended that if you don't know about electrical ...stop.
I'm taking that advise.
I value my life.

Is your salesman switch on at the front door?

You say the gfi is ok in the bathroom, so does that mean when you push test button it pops?

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #10 –
1st I would have to ask, Are you on shore power or the inverter and batteries. If on shore are you getting 120 volts on the display?
Next are any breakers tripped? All are located at the foot of the bed. Next check the gfi in the bathroom.  Finally I would suspect the transfer switch. 

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #11 –
Quote from: 18360 –
I mentioned on a previous post that when I push the inverter button on my link 2000 the ats doesn't thump.
Your inverter only comes into play when there is no 110V power source available to the coach.

If you are plugged in to shore power (or generator is running), the inverter sub-panel is powered directly off the main AC panel.

In that case, the ATS (switching relay #2 on the diagram below) is not active - it simply passes power straight through to sub-panel.

Circuits 1 & 5 on the inverter sub-panel power the duplex outlets in the coach (see diagrams below).

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #12 –
Hi Rick,
I'd recommend buying a simple amp/voltmeter (I like digital vs analog) and learn how to read it. (google/youtube)
You probably already know more than you think.
Using the voltmeter along with your schematics will help you learn/understand your coach.

The readings from the voltmeter will also help focus questions to the forum, fault isolation being key.

The readings from the voltmeter can also save a ton of money.

The readings from the voltmeter can also be addictive.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #13 –
I had a transfer switch go bad. Seems like it was about $60 for the part and about 20 minutes of my time. Not difficult to do, just have to be careful. Don't be plugged into shore power and seems like I disconnected the batteries to be sure.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #14 –
As others have mentioned, are you plugged into shore power? 

If so, do you have a surge protector in the coach (like a Progressive EMS)?  If so, are there any errors on its readout?

If so, and you unplug from shore and start the generator (and give it a minute or so), do you then have power at the plugs?

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #15 –
What I know about electrical is almost nothing, but one thing I do know is that if there is no power (120V) at the pedestal, or you are NOT plugged into a 120V source then none of your 120V outlets in the coach will work...unless you have an automatic switch that converts battery power (12V) to 120V.
You need to start at the beginning where the power comes from--the place you plug your coach cable into. Does it have power? No? Then have it checked.
Then, is there power in to where the coach cable is connected to the coach? No? Something broke/corroded in your 50A cable? Easy to check. Just use your battery charger and try contacting a clamp on one end and then touching the opposite end with the other clamp. Keep testing until all your connections are sparking good.
Breakers under the foot of the bed tripped? No? Back to your power supply up to the breaker point. Breaker could be bad. It has happened although not a whole lot.

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #16 –
My salesman switch is on.
I was plugged into 120 v at my house
Thanks the info is really helpful.
I will let you know what happens

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #17 –
If you are plugged in and your outlets are dead, start the generator and see if they work. I f so, then you can do some real basic troubleshooting before you spend that $135 per hour.
jor

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #18 –
The shop had it plugged into 50 amp, turned the main breaker off then on and the plugs worked.
I did the same thing at home, but I was plugged into just a 120 outlet.
Does that make a difference?

Re: Plugs don't have power, make diagnosing easier for the shop mechanics

Reply #19 –
Plugs should still work but it will be easy to cartloads  house breaker
Don't run AC and convection oven at same time
Chris