Dim LED's phenomena
So, how to explain? I will call it, the dim LED lights with a blown fuse phenomena.
First I will start with, everything is working as it should, I have no problem.
The can of worms I opened started by not understanding how my ProgresiveDynamics PD4635 DC fuse panel w/red LED blown-fuse-indicators(lit when fuse is blown) works.
While camping a few light fixtures w/LEDs went dim. The bathroom fan on the same circuit wasn’t working. I look at the fuse panel and no red LED blow-fuse-indicator was lit(So I figure, no blown fuse)(WRONG). My problem solving guessed that the fan had a short that wasn’t blowing the fuse(WRONG). I disconnected the fan and switch but nothing changes. I’m was going home the next day so I just let it go tell I got home.
At home I find the blown fuse and so much more. I am a believer that if a fuse blows there is or could be a problem so I start looking futher.
I find that with no AC power and all the fuses pulled out of the panel(EVERY FUSE OUT) My LEDs light fixtures in every part of the trailer are lighting dimly. With all the fuses out how is power going to all these lights? There is only a one Volt difference between the hot side of the fuse connector and the circuit side of the connector(NO FUSE INSTALLED). I start believing it must be a short in the fuse panel board but I cant find a schematic online. I can’t find any hot spots on the board or see any problems. Before I call PogressiveDynamics I want to have as much info as I can so I spend another hour checking as much as I feel is prevalent and taking notes.
I called ProgressiveDynamics and they set me straight. This fuse board is working properly, the issue comes with installing LEDs light fixtures. The light fixtures with LEDs are dim because of how the LED blown-fuse-indicator works. The LED blown-fuse-indicator is on the non-power side of the fused curcuit, when a fuse blows it requires a small amount of power to light it up. If a LED light fixture is turned on, in that circuit, the small amount of power is allowed to flow that way making those LEDs light-fixtures dimly lit but the LED blown-fuse-indicator does not light. But if the light fixtures are all off in the circuit then the LED blown-fuse-indicator does light. Circuits without LED light fixtures all work normal and the LED blown-fuse-indicator always works when a fuse is blown.
The more I learn the more I find out I don’t know much.
Good part, I was right the problem was in the fuse board.
Bad part, it wasn’t a problem and I was chasing a lack of knowledge.
Now I have to go put my camper back together. Campers are sooooo much fun.
John
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John
2011 Wildwood T26BHXL
2004 Yukon XL Denali
43yrs of camping; one lucky guy
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