How To Test An Rv Converter In 6 Quick Steps

Always make it a point to check the converter system prior to hitting the road to avoid setbacks during your trip. Although electrical knowledge is helpful, it is not necessary to be able to check the power converter or to repair and replace it.

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STEPS TO TEST AN RV CONVERTER

1. AC Voltage Trial

​The first thing to do is to identify the entry of the RV’s 120-volt power. You can use a voltage meter whether the power is being sent to the converter charger. After that, you can plug the RV into a running generator. The important part here is checking the reading.

The ideal voltage reading that will not damage your appliances or cellular devices is between 103 and 130 AC. However, a voltage reading above 120 volts could possibly damage the appliances inside the RV or cause additional electrical problems while you are on the road.

2. Test the RV Power Converter Fan

The RV’s Power Converter Fan is important since this will keep the electrical components cool enough to function properly. Click Here to for how to test the Power Converter Fan. Note that it is normal to hear a humming noise as the small fan is working.

In some cases, the small fan is faulty; if this is the case, replace the small fan. These are readily available in different hardware stores, or you can choose to buy one online, like through Ebay.com.

3. Coach Battery Terminal Assessment

In here, the voltmeter is used to test all the coach terminals. A wire color coding scheme is involved here. The coach rv battery negative is usually a white wire, while the coach battery hot is typically a redor black wire.

The voltmeter’s reading should be approximately 14 volts DC. If there is no power, the converter charger might not be functioning correctly. It is also important to take note that you should use the voltage meter on all the coach terminals.

4. Determine the Measurement of Converter Connects to the DC Breaker Box

In here, the voltage meter should check the 12-volt systems at the power socket and the DC Breaker Box. This is either connected to a shore power or a portable RV generator. After checking the volt system, pay attention to the readings.

If the 12-volt accessories are reading around 14 volts on the outputs but not on the converter charger, we can assume the converter charger is faulty. Be that as it may, if the converter charger reads 14 volts but is not charging, the faulty part is the battery itself.

The connections to the DC Breaker Box are very important since the DC Breaker box is primarily used for the protection of the electrical devices that operate withdirect current.

Another important consideration here is the electric wiring connecting the DC Circuit Breaker Box and the electric device being protected must have an adequate rated current such as a 50 amp RV plug.

There are also cases that even if the DC Circuit Breaker Box is correctly selected, an undersized cable may overheat, which may result in melting of the wire’s insulation, which would further cause an electrical fault. For further safety checks, determine the proper connection of the wires and conditions of the batteries.

5. Check the Resistor and Power Converter Circuit

The basic principle that is involved here is power conversion, wherein electrical energy is converted from one form into another, just like the conversion between AC and DC. A power converter, on the other hand, is an electro-mechanical device which is used in converting electrical energy.

This may be in the form of a transformer, which will change the voltage of the AC Power. Furthermore, it also involves more complex systems, such as the conversion of one frequency of alternating current into another form of frequency. You can test this by using your voltage meter.

The RV battery and the DC Breaker Box System are utilized by RV power converters to control voltage running. In here, the reading should be approximately 120 volts AC at its input and 14 volts DC at its output port.

If the reader achieves the 120-volt reading mark but not the 14-volt mark, there is a problem with the transformer. On the other hand, if the batteries are not charging fully, they also need to be replaced.

6. Assess the Power Converter

This will include the assessment of diodes. A diode is a two-terminal electric component that conducts primarily in one direction. The most common function of a diode is to allow an electric current to pass in one direction, or the so-called diode’s forward direction, while blocking the current in the opposite or reverse direction.

The diode can be viewed as the electronic version of a check valve, which allows fluid to flow through it in only one direction. This is very crucial because testing diodes or resistors is quite tricky, even with those who have knowledge and experience in electrical maneuvers.

You can usually assume that the resistor or the resistor gates are malfunctioning. If a flaky white acid residue is visible in the power converter, then we can say that the entire device needs replacement. However, this job should only be handled by people who have adequate knowledge and experience with electricity.

Conclusion

We all want our travel adventures to run smoothly, especially with an RV and the devices inside it. All RV’s should be protected from power surges as well as over and under voltages. As much as possible, we want to carry with us the comfort that we experience at home.

It is important that we have an apt knowledge about a few electrical and mechanical manipulations, since malfunctions are inevitable. However, even though we want to be independent as much as possible, we should also keep in mind that there are electrical or mechanical jobs that need to be done by experts. Safety is always our priority.

If replacements of a few parts are needed, resources are readily available in Home Depots or other hardware stores.