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Old 10-04-2018, 09:41 AM   #1
danielj464
 
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Cool Ok to install panel for fridge with suspect converter problem

My fridge (Norco 682) has not worked in my 1991 motor home since I bought it 4 months ago. I diagnosed the problem to be a bad panel and promptly ordered one. Since then, I have had three different 12v light fixtures blow bulbs, indicating a possible problem with the converter (Magnetec 6345A). My question is, should I wait to install the fridge panel until I have a new converter, or can I install it now? I worry about blowing the panel with the old converter.

Thanks in advance.
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Old 10-04-2018, 11:15 AM   #2
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Have you tested the voltage of the converter to see if it's the problem?
Check for both AC and DC voltages on the DC line when you check it.

I think I'd wait to install the board until you find out if there's a problem with the converter or wiring in the RV.
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Old 10-04-2018, 11:42 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
Have you tested the voltage of the converter to see if it's the problem?
Check for both AC and DC voltages on the DC line when you check it.

I think I'd wait to install the board until you find out if there's a problem with the converter or wiring in the RV.
X2
... and don’t overlook your voltage regulator if it is connected to you house battery bank. 27+ years is plenty of time for Knuckles McGirk to have “re-wired” it.
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Old 10-04-2018, 12:36 PM   #4
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Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
Have you tested the voltage of the converter to see if it's the problem?
Check for both AC and DC voltages on the DC line when you check it.

I think I'd wait to install the board until you find out if there's a problem with the converter or wiring in the RV.
Thanks for the quick reply! I get 114.6 on AC and 13.6 on DC. I am confused "check both ac and dc on dc line"?
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Old 10-04-2018, 12:39 PM   #5
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Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckogram View Post
X2
... and don’t overlook your voltage regulator if it is connected to you house battery bank. 27+ years is plenty of time for Knuckles McGirk to have “re-wired” it.
Judging from the tape on the wires, he rewired it. What might the voltage regulator look like?

Thanks for the information.
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Old 10-04-2018, 01:33 PM   #6
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Sometimes when the rectifier unit in the converter/charger is going bad, it'll put AC (alternating current) on the DC (direct current) side of the charger and that'll cause problems for some DC electronic components. Set your multimeter to AC and see if there's any AC on the DC line. There shouldn't be more than a tiny bit.
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Old 10-04-2018, 01:50 PM   #7
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AC on DC line

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bama Rambler View Post
Sometimes when the rectifier unit in the converter/charger is going bad, it'll put AC (alternating current) on the DC (direct current) side of the charger and that'll cause problems for some DC electronic components. Set your multimeter to AC and see if there's any AC on the DC line. There shouldn't be more than a tiny bit.
I get 28.3 AC volts on the DC line. I'll bet that would blow the 12v dc bulbs. Thanks! Sounds like a PD4645V is called for. I really appreciate you guys being here! I learn so much!
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Old 10-04-2018, 02:23 PM   #8
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Bummer.

Sounds like it's time for a new one.
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Old 10-04-2018, 03:07 PM   #9
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Not too bad

Well, it's not such a bummer. At least I know the problem, and I saved my investment on the fridge panel.
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Old 10-04-2018, 03:44 PM   #10
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Not that its relevant at this point since it appears you found the offending electroniker, your voltage regulator is most likely built into your alternator. I just mentioned it as an outside chance issue. ‘91 is new enough to have solid state internal regulators.
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