Porch light problems

Topic: Porch light problems (Read 1421 times) previous topic - next topic

Porch light problems

August 16, 2020, 02:22:36 pm

Sorry if this has been covered before but my bandwidth in Maine sucks.
My porch light never worked. Opened it up today to find no power to it. Looks like it's connected to the handle light. That works.
I could run a new wire but before I do, any ideas? No power at the switch but when I turn it on, handle lights up.
Switching from florescent to LED.
Thanks
Bob

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #1 – August 16, 2020, 03:05:28 pm

I'm not sure I understand. If there is no power at the switch, how does turning it on do anything?

Rich

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #2 – August 16, 2020, 03:07:14 pm

Isn't the control inside the side wall panel aft of the door. Possibly could check to make sure power is hooked up there Heading up to the porch light. Also could check to make sure your ground is actually grounded at the light either being open will cause your problem.
Scott

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #3 – August 16, 2020, 03:09:14 pm

Quote from: Rich Bowman – August 16, 2020, 03:05:28 pm

I'm not sure I understand. If there is no power at the switch, how does turning it on do anything?

Rich

I think it makes a ground. A ground is what turns the handle on.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #4 – August 16, 2020, 03:41:04 pm

There is a device in the top underside of my compartment next to my mid door mounted upside down that controls the lights temp on. My DW worked in the compartment and broke it. The light and temp on no longer work. Have not looked at it closely but it has a brand name on it. Brown plastic.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #5 – August 16, 2020, 04:41:05 pm

Bob, are you saying yours is tempature operated?

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #6 – August 16, 2020, 05:52:31 pm

Touch

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #7 – August 16, 2020, 06:37:50 pm

Touch light was designed and built in Boulder city were I live. He sold patent to Chinese 30 years ago, however search Google 12v touchlight and I'm sure something can be converted reasonable.
Scott

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #8 – August 16, 2020, 07:03:07 pm

This may be relevant;

Porch light repair

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #9 – August 16, 2020, 07:48:21 pm

Intellitec Touch Light Kit 00-00098-000
59$ For reference
I think yours is fine. Just find we're the wire is not making contact or a bad ground

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #10 – August 16, 2020, 08:05:32 pm

I'm really not liking going back into the area by the chair where the touch light control is. Had to glue it in after working on the door anndle light. I will look at it again and make sure all the wires are connected. I'm pretty sure the ground is good. Connectivity check showed the ground was good good and handle light works.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #11 – August 16, 2020, 08:28:55 pm

I'm trying to remember what was goofy about our light one time. I believe if you touched it, it would stay on for a long time. I think I removed the wire that is attached behind the screws that hold the handle on. This disabled the touch part of it and it only works off the switch. I don't like things coming on if I don't turn them on....it's an easy fix if it works for you. Hope this helps.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #12 – August 17, 2020, 07:56:16 pm

That's for the handle only, right?
I took off the housing around the touch light. Didn't see any wires that would inervate the overhead light. I have taken out the bottoms of the overhead bin to many times. Really don't want to do that again. I may just wire the light separate. Just don't want to put another switch in where there are some now. Wouldn't match.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #13 – August 17, 2020, 08:34:05 pm

The light at the handle still works with the porch light when that wire was unhooked. That is with the manual switch at the dash. That's how it worked on ours.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #14 – August 18, 2020, 11:47:23 am

So on my coach the touch light illuminates both the handle and the porch light if touched. 30 seconds. The dash switch will override and keep both on. There has to be a power wire running from the switch to both lights and because the touch sensor will turn on both I would think there should be a power wire running from the controller to both. I would double check that you have a good ground. Then good power verified with a remote ground. You may have a 12v outlet close to the touch controller. It should have a good ground. Something is open or unplugged from previous work I would guess.
Curious, Does your handle stay on when you turn the dash switch on? Or only momentary
Scott

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #15 – August 18, 2020, 09:03:50 pm

Scott. I checked the ground at the light fixture and it was good. I got a tone for connectivity with ground. The fluorescent light bulbs that were in it or burned out so it never worked for me since I bought it. When I turn the porch switch on which is next to the door on my coach the handle comes on. Also the touch handle works independently at night by just touching it. When I trace the wires that come through the wall from the light they go to the right or aft on the coach into the overhead compartment above the co-pilot seat. Not quite sure why they would do that. I have a printer and cellular modem and battery backup in there so don't want to pull it all out to see where the wires lead but I'm going to have to do that.
Ordered a new light fixture from m4 lighting today to replace the florescent one. I may wire the light separately with a new switch. If I can't figure it out.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #16 – August 19, 2020, 12:20:36 am

I used two rows of the Amazon 3k leds.
Scott

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #17 – August 19, 2020, 01:35:45 am

Quote from: dsd – August 19, 2020, 12:20:36 am

I used two rows of the Amazon 3k leds.
Scott

I did the same.

Richard

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #18 – August 19, 2020, 10:40:11 am

Yes I thought about using the existing fixture and led strips. M4 lighting is great quality lighting, a bit more expensive, but good stuff. Used more than a few of their led lights. While the amazon lights are ok, I have found them to have heat issues, and don't like them in sealed areas due to that. My opinion of course. The M4 lights have heat sinks built into them, are much better quality LEDs, and seem to be better. But I do have amazon chinese leds lights in my coach. They are a good price point item.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #19 – August 19, 2020, 07:51:40 pm

So I broke down and took the upper cabinet apart to try and trouble shoot this thing. Found a wire not properly crimped. Repaired it with heat shrink tubing and adhesive crimps. No luck. Found where the wire is going but not where it ends up. Gave up and tried to run a new wire to the fixture entrance hold. No luck. Would not go. Tried just the wire, a snake and then to the existing wire, where it broke and now I only have 1 ground wire to the fixture.... ah what a good day.
I plan on using new wire from the switch to the fixture. Took the touch light thing apart. Found that it has 12 volt power going into it.. and the touch light outside works fine. And when I put on the switch the handle comes on.. just no 12v to the fixture. Its not a ground operated thing either. 12v has to get to the circuit. Trying again tomorrow. I may have to drill a new hole. Not sure why FT did it like this.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #20 – July 08, 2021, 10:40:02 pm

My Intellitec Touch Light control module finally stopped working a couple of years ago. The board burned up and the case melted. It's obsolete and I didn't think I could find a replacement. The schematic however is still on Intellitec's website. They also have M&M RV Electronics in Lima, Ohio listed as a place for repairs. M&M RV Electronic Repair

Talked to Chris the technician and he told me that the factory still had 64 NOS modules in reserve. Had one dropped shipped, wired it up and it works like new! Its a nice convenience for me cause my coach is parked in the driveway next to the side door of the house. It's not a big thing but one of those little "touches" along with the lighted doorbell that makes my old Grand Villa unique! Make sure to turn the salesman switch off when installing.

Part No. is 00098-100. The module was $67.92 + 19.87 UPS and the drop ship fee was $35 for a total of $122.79. When these are gone there will be no more available from Intellitec.
I like this module because its OEM and has the built in 30 second timer. The original one lasted over 25 years.

Jerry

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #21 – July 08, 2021, 11:09:24 pm

Jerry,

Is that in the main compartment next to the entry door?

Pierce

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #22 – July 08, 2021, 11:54:22 pm

Yes it is. Its screwed into the ceiling where the wires come out. I never noticed where it was until it quit working!

Jerry

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #23 – July 09, 2021, 08:27:10 am

I wouldn't get too worried. They have knock off copies that will work and much less in cost
DC 6-12V On/OFF Touch Switch for LED Light Source Lamp - - Amazon.com
May have to add a small relay if still using fluorescent light.
Scott

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Porch light problems

Reply #24 – July 09, 2021, 01:17:27 pm

Replaced the tubes long ago with two strips of LEDs. The replacement handles have an LED now. I replaced the lens with clear. Taking a chance on mosquitos but I hate the yellow.

Piece

Affiliate Notice