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Topic: Monitor Panel Voltage While plugged into 15 AMP Plug. (Read 364 times) previous topic - next topic

Monitor Panel Voltage While plugged into 15 AMP Plug.

Hello Everyone,

I have a question about being plugged into a 15 amp power source using adapters to the 50 amp retractable power cord.

I currently have my coach in storage and the only power source available is a 15 amp plug, my coach battery's voltage is getting low so I tried plugging into the 15 amp plug with all the breakers off but the main breakers. when I went back into the coach I only had 65 volts on BOTH legs on the stock OEM monitoring panel in the coach, is that normal? It didn't seem wright to me so I immediately unplugged. I have never had to plug into a 15 amp source and didn't really know what expect and didn't have a way to check the plug voltage. I will go back with a voltage meter to check the plug voltage.

Thanks for the info. Mike
Mike & Donna Mariana + Angel & Rusty
2003 U295 3620
Build# 6118
2021 Jeep Wrangler 392

Re: Monitor Panel Voltage While plugged into 15 AMP Plug.

Reply #1 –
Mike,

Can you put your coach info in your signature please?  It helps with getting good answers.

Obviously, the 65 is not good and probably not a true reading.  When you are plugged into 15A with an adapter, both legs should read the same because the adapter just feeds the single line to the two sides of the 50A cord. 

If you have the same meter as me, it should be dark with all breakers off except the main.  The meter actually has 2 plugs in the back that plug into a 120V circuit on each leg of the 50A feed.

A picture of your meter would also help.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Monitor Panel Voltage While plugged into 15 AMP Plug.

Reply #2 –
If your batteries are low as you mentioned, your inverter/charger will go into charge mode. Depending on your coach and inverter/charger, the charge rate can be quite high, possibly 100 amps or more. This would put potentially ~1500 watt load on your 15 amp circuit. This could explain the severe voltage drop. Most inverter/chargers have the option to reduce the charge rate for situations like you have with a limited power source. If you post the inverter/charger you have someone most likely can assist.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Monitor Panel Voltage While plugged into 15 AMP Plug.

Reply #3 –
Quote from: prfleming –
If your batteries are low as you mentioned, your inverter/charger will go into charge mode. Depending on your coach and inverter/charger, the charge rate can be quite high, possible 100 amps or more. This would put potentially ~1500 watt load on your 15 amp circuit. This could explain the severe voltage drop. Most inverter/chargers have the option to reduce the charge rate for situations like you have with a limited power source. If you post the inverter/charger you have someone most likely can assist.

Bold part is the really important part.  Many inverter/chargers call that "power share" or "power save". Basically, you select the number of amps of 120 VAC you want devoted to charging the batteries.  Many have a 5 amp setting.  This will limit battery charge rate to around 50 amps.
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