Light go bright then dim???

[jaxfl]

While plugged into campground 30amp this weekend I noticed the lights would get a little brighter then go back to the way they were. Comments please?

[MtnGuy]

A voltage regulator might be in order.

[jaxfl]

Talke to me more about a voltage regulator, also i was connected thru a surge protector. Thanks

[MtnGuy]

Hmmm, I am not sure if high voltage is regulated by a surge protector. Others will have to chime in there.

There could be an appliance that is cycling on and off giving you light fluctuation....depends on how severely they are brightening and dimming.

[jaxfl]

"depends on how severely they are brightening and dimming. "

Just enough to notice it happening. When I just tried to pull the surge protector and the HM plug apart it was a little tough, with what looks like a tiny burn spot on both at one of the plugs.

[08flagvlite]

Hi jaxfl. How's your battery/batteries?? I had this happen on mine at Hanna Park, and I checked the battery when I got home, and found it low on water- too low! Tried to save it, but to no avail, and had to get a new battery. And YES, I know you were on shore power. The batteries still supply most all of the power to the camper anyway, EXCEPT for the AC, WH on shore power, and the outlets and microwave. It goes thru the converter ie/battery and charging system, then to all the 12v stuff in your rig, like the lights that you mentioned, the radio, on mine, the TV, the power tongue jack, etc. Surging usually means the converter is trying to charge something, and having to work overtime to do so, to overcome a problem. OR....you may have a bad/rusty ground connection. Hope this helps ya! Randy PS I'll be at Hanna memorial day weekend, maybe I'll see ya there!

[dimurrrw]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

There could be an appliance that is cycling on and off giving you light fluctuation

That would be my guess, too.

OTOH, the voltage drop might have occurred externally to your trailer. See if you still have the problem when you plug in at another campground.

[jaxfl]

Originally Posted by 08flagvlite

Hi jaxfl. How's your battery/batteries?? I had this happen on mine at Hanna Park, and I checked the battery when I got home, and found it low on water- too low! Tried to save it, but to no avail, and had to get a new battery. And YES, I know you were on shore power. The batteries still supply most all of the power to the camper anyway, EXCEPT for the AC, WH on shore power, and the outlets and microwave. It goes thru the converter ie/battery and charging system, then to all the 12v stuff in your rig, like the lights that you mentioned, the radio, on mine, the TV, the power tongue jack, etc. Surging usually means the converter is trying to charge something, and having to work overtime to do so, to overcome a problem. OR....you may have a bad/rusty ground connection. Hope this helps ya! Randy PS I'll be at Hanna memorial day weekend, maybe I'll see ya there!

Thanks for the response. We have plans to be at Stephan Foster with the Northeast Florida Camping Club if all goes well. I will check the batter.

[Bama Rambler]

Can you hear the fan in the converter running?
If you can't, pull the front off and see if somethings blocking it.
No fan will cause the converter to limit itself because of heat and cause the symptoms you're seeing.

[BigRed]

What type of Surge protector are you using ?? And a Voltage Regulator Or Autoreformer will boost the voltage if it drops below 92 or 93 volts. They are pricey but worth the expense if you consider the cost of replacing (A/C,TV's). Also there are big differences in Surge Protectors also,Thats why I was asking what model you have, you also get what you pay for in surge protection. The Surge protector I have is Progressive Industries EMS-PT30 and The Booster is the 30amp. VC-30 from Power Master. Well worth the money. Kind of like Insurance for the electrical system. With all these high tech toys that are voltage sensitive we have in or take with us camping now days its nice to have protection. Because brown-outs can do damage.