Power converter loud hum

[Fluffywhitedogs]

I normally keep my Clipper 17bh plugged in year round. I had it out last weekend, brrrr, very cold weather but I had power, and I was plugged in and toasty all weekend. When I got home Sunday night, though, I forgot to plug back in.

It's now Thursday morning, and I remembered and went out to do so. When I did, there was quite a loud buzz coming from the converter.
I googled it and found a couple of hits on "buzzing and getting very hot" so I unplugged it again as I have to go to work and don't want a fire! My battery level is still at 3/4 so I'm not worried about it running out.

It's well below freezing right now. I don't know if it makes any sense but my instinct is to try again on the weekend when it's supposed to get well above freezing? I don't know, start from warmish rather than frozen?

Any input? I hope the converter isn't dying because the rig is 13 months old and I imagine the warranty on it is a year?

Carmen

[Flybob]

If the trailer was not plugged in for a while, there was probably some battery drain and once plugged in the converter would go into charge mode. If you have a thermally controlled fan and it was cold outside the fan may not kick on and you would hear the converter hum. Normally (warmer temp) during high charge the converter would warm up and trigger the fan. Just one possibility.

[SeaDog]

Most converters like your home battery charger do buzz when charging a battery. At some point as the temp of the converter comes up the fan should start which may mask the buzz from the converter. My Winnebago and my Flagstaff both make noise when charging.

[Fluffywhitedogs]

The hum is much louder than the normal charging hum...

[Flybob]

What is the battery voltage with the converter off? Is it possible you left something on and the battery is almost dead and you are attempting to charge a bad battery?

[Fluffywhitedogs]

I haven't tested voltage but everything was off, the meter is showing 3/4 power, and everything is working.

[JLeising]

Converter fan out of balance or hitting something? Maybe a frost issue on the fan? I have not experienced with a converter, but have had a few computer fans suddenly start up very loud. Sometimes a good "thump" on the case fixes...

[SeaDog]

You can't really go by the installed battery indicator, you need to put a multi meter on the battery to find out what their actual voltage is.

[Fluffywhitedogs]

I was afraid you'd say that. I don't have a multi meter and I'm not sure how to use one. Not rocket science, I'm sure, just never done it!

[Fluffywhitedogs]

Just to update: it's warm so I plugged in today and everything was quiet and smooth, just the normal hum. I guess (I hope) she was just protesting the cold. Like everyone else

[Harkerr]

Have battery voltage checked to make sure you are not over charging. Long term charge should be close to 13 volts.

[SeaDog]

Good to hear it may have just been the temps

[Fluffywhitedogs]

Thanks, I guess I should try to figure it out

Originally Posted by Harkerr

Have battery voltage checked to make sure you are not over charging. Long term charge should be close to 13 volts.

[Fluffywhitedogs]

Thanks!

Originally Posted by SeaDog

Good to hear it may have just been the temps

[HONDAMAN174]

I leave one of these plugged in to a 12v socket by my control panel.

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2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[Fluffywhitedogs]

That's very cool! I don't use that outlet anyhow! They are relatively accurate?

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

I leave one of these plugged in to a 12v socket by my control panel.

#HappyPrimeDay Special Offer JEBSENS - 4in1 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger, Cigarette Lighter Voltage Digital Panel Meter Volt Voltmeter Monitor for Auto Car Truck, with Blue LED Display - Displays Voltage, Amps and Internal Temperature (Fahrenheit) - Total of 3.1 amps, 15W, Compatible with iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, 4s, 4, iPods, iPad, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Note 3, S2 S3, S4, S5, HTC One, LG G3, Most Android/Windows Smart Cell Phones, GPS, Tablets, and Other USB-charged Devices (Black with BLUE LED) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SWGWILI..._X.hYwbVWSSP83

That way you can better understand how your unit is charging or the true charge level of your batteries.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q...49a281911f8bH0


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[HONDAMAN174]

I would say yes even with the resistance of the plug and wiring. My wfco converter puts out 13.6 most of the time to charge and that is what it reads.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"