dc elect. question

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Something I've noticed over the past few days (nights). The overhead lights
will brighten for several seconds or the fan in the heater will surge to a
higher rpm then return to regular rpm for several minutes. Any thoughts as
to what may be causing this?
My batteries were replaced about 3 1/4 years ago and I am generally good
about keeping them (2 golfcart 6volt), topped off with distilled water.
Haven't checked since the start of the heating season (2 1/2 weeks for me).

Thanks for your thoughts and any suggestions.

hankaye

[Lee]

Hi,

Were you on Shore Power? Or batteries?

I have heard of this condition happening say,...when another hi-amperage appliance kicks on thus increasing the total load on the Converter... this increase will temporally be felt by all loads (lights, fans) down stream until the regulator "regulates".

Take care,
Lee

[JRTJH]

Hankaye,

Two thoughts: First, is there any corrosion on one of the terminals? Either on the battery/batteries themselves or on (or in) the 30 amp circuit breakers on the battery cables?

Second, you may have a "shorted battery cell" in one of your batteries. They act as a "load dampener" (sort of like an accumulator tank in the plumbing) to take the "immediate load change" off of the converter when a "high amp load" comes online (like the furnace fan).

I'd check for corrosion and tight battery cables, then look at the little circuit breakers, if they look good, then I'd have the batteries load tested. (that is if you know the electrolyte level is good).....

Keep us posted on what you find.

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Well, after morning errands and chores I ducked into the front storage area
where the batteries are. Popped the caps off and checked the fluid levels,
none took more than a few ounces of distilled water. All were basically the
same. Zero corrosion apparent on any of the connections and I re-tightened
them all just to ensure my own piece of mind.
For now I'll await the next cycle of the furnace to see/hear if there is any
noticeable change of pitch or if a light "Brightens" on it's own. Either will
occur without the other being activated so, IME it is more of a system fault
then a particular system impacting the total. Does that make sense?
Thanks for the suggestions and ideas. Please don't stop now.

hankaye

[hankpage]

Hey Hank, While you are checking things out. Take a look at the cooling fan for the converter. It may have picked up an overload of "Rascal Residue". These fans are close to the floor and are easily fouled by the slightest bit of dust or hair. If the converter overheats it will drop out and then return once it cools (thermal protection) causing dimming and brightening like you mention. JM2¢, The other Hank

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

WE GOT A WINNAAAA!
hankpage, After allowing the furnace to run and still having the 2 speed
experience I checked the converter box. After pulling the faceplate I
found the beginnings of a Border Collie mini-me. SO I dug out the 1 gal.
shop vac and the "Detailer's" set of vac. attachments and removed the
offending fur, dust and such. Furnace stays single speed, lights remain
at one brightness level.
Something to add to the list of items for getting ready for Winter.

Thanks Hank

hank

[Pull Toy]

Time for a new camper?....

Aw Go ahead, you know you want to!...LOL

[14george]

Got two Shellie's better check mine this spring

[sourdough]

Hey Hank, While you are checking things out. Take a look at the cooling fan for the converter. It may have picked up an overload of "Rascal Residue". These fans are close to the floor and are easily fouled by the slightest bit of dust or hair. If the converter overheats it will drop out and then return once it cools (thermal protection) causing dimming and brightening like you mention. JM2¢, The other Hank


Great advice!! I doubt I would have thought of it. I just started carrying little puppy with us this year so that will probably be an issue at some time in the future; now, if I can just remember it................:o

[bobbecky]

It is very likely your smart converter going through it's regular battery maintenance routine. This is copied from the Progressive Dynamics web site about their Charge Wizard:

The Charge Wizard constantly monitors battery voltage and battery usage then selects one of the following four operating modes to properly charge and maintain the battery.
BOOST Mode 14.4 Volts - Rapidly brings the RV battery up to 90% of full charge.
NORMAL Mode 13.6 Volts - Safely completes the charge.
STORAGE Mode 13.2 Volts - Maintains charge with minimal gassing or water loss.
EQUALIZATION Mode 14.4 Volts - Every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes prevents battery stratification & sulfation - the leading cause of battery failure.


I would suspect the equalization mode higher voltage could be the cause of the brighter lights you are seeing, and it happens every 21 hours.

[hankaye]

bobbecky, Howdy;

Not this time. The bright/dim action was occurring each time I'd switch on a
12vdc light and repeatedly (every few minutes), while the furnace was
running. Since cleaning out the converter enclosure everything has been
operating as it should. Thanks for the suggestion. It's something to also
keep in mind for the future.

hankaye