SOLVED - Help an electrician's son solve a wfco converter problem!

[rider248]

Hey, Y'all...relatively new to FRF, first post - -

I have a 2007 Forest River Shamrock equipped with a common WFCO Power Center. The RV is connected to a dedicated 30 amp receptacle behind our home; has been for more than a year with no issues. Sometime within the past 48 hrs. the AC/microwave/receptacles stopped working and I've checked switches, breakers, fuses and plugs but have found no obvious problems. I know these converters sometimes go belly-up unexpectedly but am hoping that I've simply missed a simple solution somewhere.

My father would do a double reverse somersault with a twist in his grave if he knew I was asking for help, but I prefer to defer to those with knowledge rather than stick my fingers in where they don't belong and give myself a good dose of watts, amps, ohms and "OOF's". Any and all suggestions are welcome as I'm now trying to salvage a planned Memorial Day RV trip.

[MC9]

sounds like a gfci. check the one by the lav and/or near the microwave.

[rider248]

Thanks for the prompt reply! Pardon my stupidity, but when you reset the GFCI outlets by pressing the button it should then be operational, correct?

[rider248]

I also thought it was a GFCI and I admit I might have missed something. I'll go back outside & check the outlets. Hopefully this will solve the problem.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by rider248

Hey, Y'all...relatively new to FRF, first post - -

I have a 2007 Forest River Shamrock equipped with a common WFCO Power Center. The RV is connected to a dedicated 30 amp receptacle behind our home; has been for more than a year with no issues. Sometime within the past 48 hrs. the AC/microwave/receptacles stopped working and I've checked switches, breakers, fuses and plugs but have found no obvious problems. I know these converters sometimes go belly-up unexpectedly but am hoping that I've simply missed a simple solution somewhere.

My father would do a double reverse somersault with a twist in his grave if he knew I was asking for help, but I prefer to defer to those with knowledge rather than stick my fingers in where they don't belong and give myself a good dose of watts, amps, ohms and "OOF's". Any and all suggestions are welcome as I'm now trying to salvage a planned Memorial Day RV trip.

Converter is runs your 12 volt items has nothing to do with 110 items.

Gfci is tripped as stated.

Should be one in kitchen and one in bathroom.

[recon33alpha]

I've been an electrician for 13 years and sometimes I have think about the RV distribution, if that helps, lol. Also be aware that GFCI's can go bad, if one won't reset it's either bad or your not hooked up to good shore power if at all.

[rider248]

Of 8 outlets only 1 has GFCI reset. When reset is pressed, nothing. When GFCI Test is pressed, nothing. I'm thinking of replacing the GFCI outlet as starters. Am I heading in the right direction?

[TURBS]

yes you are !

[Herk7769]

I don't think this is GFCI (at least in the camper).

The Air Conditioner does not work and that means no power to the panel at all.
This is a problem with power to the socket the camper is plugged into OR the main camper breaker is tripped. Switch the main breaker (30 amp) OFF/ then ON. A tripped breaker may not be obvious.

Is The Garage socket GFCI protected?
Is the house breaker that feeds the socket the camper is plugged into tripped?
Can you check the socket for power?
Check the camper's plug for burned tips...

[recon33alpha]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I don't think this is GFCI (at least in the camper).

The Air Conditioner does not work and that means no power to the panel at all.
This is a problem with power to the socket the camper is plugged into OR the main camper breaker is tripped. Switch the main breaker (30 amp) OFF/ then ON. A tripped breaker may not be obvious.

Is The Garage socket GFCI protected?
Is the house breaker that feeds the socket the camper is plugged into tripped?
Can you check the socket for power?
Check the camper's plug for burned tips...

You right if the GFCI will not test/reset the more then likely a supply power issue. Good trouble shooting Herk

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by recon33alpha

You right if the GFCI will not test/reset the more then likely a supply power issue. Good trouble shooting Herk

Thank you, I hope it is this simple.

We have a tendency to dive right in and ignore the obvious.

We spent nearly 50 posts trouble shooting a battery problem for a member and this was the problem.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Thank you, I hope it is this simple.

We have a tendency to dive right in and ignore the obvious.

We spent nearly 50 posts trouble shooting a battery problem for a member and this was the problem.

Really? I thought the black cap was to prevent corrosion and save energy. Didn't it work. Lol

[rider248]

Well, there goes the simple "replace the GFCI" outlet out the window! Alright, I have noted all suggestions and will start at the house breaker & work towards the camper. I'm assuming a simple one-button circuit tester will suffice for testing the garage panel breaker, the shore power outlet & the power supply cords from shore to TT. If all checks out I'll replace the GFCI outlet but it sounds like the problem is somewhere between the power source & the power converter. I did notice that when the thermostat is moved to a temp that would normally activate the a/c, a distinct "click" can be heard from the wiring/relays just behind the a/c filter & intake ceiling cover.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by rider248

Well, there goes the simple "replace the GFCI" outlet out the window! Alright, I have noted all suggestions and will start at the house breaker & work towards the camper. I'm assuming a simple one-button circuit tester will suffice for testing the garage panel breaker, the shore power outlet & the power supply cords from shore to TT. If all checks out I'll replace the GFCI outlet but it sounds like the problem is somewhere between the power source & the power converter. I did notice that when the thermostat is moved to a temp that would normally activate the a/c, a distinct "click" can be heard from the wiring/relays just behind the a/c filter & intake ceiling cover.

Lick you thumb and forefinger and put then across the white and black wires. It works every time.
LOL

[rider248]

I watched my Dad do that numerous times. I think I'd rather kiss a copperhead!

[recon33alpha]

I'm no expert on the RV system like I stated, but the converter only deals with your 12volt, 120 feed in and then it's converted to 12volts, separate breakers for each voltage. Check the main from plug to your panel(in the camper) (you may need to pull it out of the wall for this). Do your 12volt devices work, ie: bathroom fan? If so then you have 120 at least to the panel. Next check your 120v breakers etc. could be a loose connection on your branch circuit wire leaving the load side of your breaker.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by rider248

I watched my Dad do that numerous times. I think I'd rather kiss a copperhead!

Good answer! My bet is the house is not supplying the 30A circuit, or the 30 amp breaker in the camper is defective or open. When you reestablish the AC the 12 volt DC will come back with it.

[rider248]

PROBLEM SOLVED! Shore power cord had been pulled from outlet by teenage son on a riding mower (blade not spinning...whew!) When the plug was jerked from the outlet the plastic outlet face at the ground terminal apparently broke but wasn't noticed. Son reinserted the plug and all worked fine until the weight of the power cord and the lack of good contact due to the broken plastic caused the ground to fail. A new outlet for $7.61 and we're good to go.

Thanks for all of your suggestions, especially those that recommended I begin at the breaker box and work out towards the camper. Otherwise I'd still be replacing camper outlets and fighting with the converter unit.