I have a 2012 Grant Tourer van, fitted with an internal overload circuit. The only identifying writing on it is " Regis..JVL5... 240V..RCBO... N5257."
If I am on 240 power supply, and switch on the reverse cycle heater ( IBIS Aircommand ) the overload throws out in about 30 seconds and will continue to throw out. The same thing happens if I have a single 12 inch one bar heater turned on.
Question : is there a way of upgrading the throw out switch so that I can run the heaters without running the risk of the van burning down ? I'm thinking the current switch must either be too low or maybe defective ??
The only other appliance running is the Dometic fridge.... and the switch will throw out even if I put the fridge on gas setting... the 12" heater is 800 watts...cannot find a model # on the reverse cycle... I've spoken to a caravan guy this a.m. who stated I SHOULD be able to run a strip heater of at least 1,000 watts with no problems...he's given me the phone # of an electrician who will come out and check it for me... so, MAYBE problem solved... Just a point.. WHY can't they be upgraded to take a larger current ? Is it the restriction of wire core size ?
The only other appliance running is the Dometic fridge.... and the switch will throw out even if I put the fridge on gas setting... the 12" heater is 800 watts...cannot find a model # on the reverse cycle... I've spoken to a caravan guy this a.m. who stated I SHOULD be able to run a strip heater of at least 1,000 watts with no problems...he's given me the phone # of an electrician who will come out and check it for me... so, MAYBE problem solved... Just a point.. WHY can't they be upgraded to take a larger current ? Is it the restriction of wire core size ?
HI
Yes, it does look like a faulty unit, the fridge* bar heater conmbined should be well within it's rating
Has it been working OK previously ?
It appears it may only be a 10A unit, What size power inlet socket & extension lead do you have?
It can not be encreased in rating, as it's whole purpose is to protect the van wiring, extension lead, etc, from overload & possible fire.
PeterQ
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Friday 13th of June 2014 12:59:16 PM
Try heater inside on house ? On a known reliable supply.. There may be moisture creating earth leakage to trip..
I would have thought there would be multiple circuits ? Hard wired like air con having its own CB /circuit..
If you have a fault in your van get it checked by an electrician..
Preferably someone you know..[should be cheaper]
Do not play with electrics if you don't know what your looking at.
-- Re heater try the on another power source to eliminate faulty with it..
-- Find every power point you can and have a look at EVERY power point for burn mark's..
-- Check the External Power Supply connection point..
You need to Eliminate Everything that plugs in..
If the Aircon trips out after 30sec... Sounds like a fault in the aircon unit..
juergen
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Thank you all for the input..I engaged a licenced electrician to have a look, and he not only found the bar heater faulty but also the overload unit was tripping out at half its rated load.
Unit replaced, heater in the bin and now we're cooking... thanks all again.
Thank you all for the input..I engaged a licenced electrician to have a look, and he not only found the bar heater faulty but also the overload unit was tripping out at half its rated load.
Unit replaced, heater in the bin and now we're cooking... thanks all again.
