No power

Vstratton · 08-07-2017, 04:56 PM

Hi there. We own a 2015 320QBS. We've had it for almost 3 years with little issues. However last month our Ac went. We're dealing by bringing a portable unit with us until we can get someone to come in a service. The fan comes on but the actual ac doesn't come on after a short delay like it's supposed too.
Then yesterday my husband thought we tripped a breaker. Went to the outside one (fully serviced lot) and it wasn't it. We have 115 watts all thru the cords and into the panel box but then it disappears. He bought a new 40amp breaker today and went up to "fix" it and no go. Does anyone have any ideas why we have power coming out of all outlets, and the actual panel box when breakers are removed but nothing when they're put back in.

**chuckster57** · 08-07-2017, 05:39 PM

First off welcome to the forum

If I read your post correctly, the problem is the AC fan runs but not the compressor so your not getting cold air from the vents. There is a relay in the control box located in the AC return air duct.

If your not comfortable messing with live wire, I would leave it for the service guy. Your looking for voltage at the relay, and when the thermostat is turned to cool, your looking for voltage from the relay to the compressor.

NO Voltage at relay to compressor- relay is most likely toast and new control box is needed.

VOLTAGE at relay to compressor- most likely the compressor is kaput. RV AC's aren't considered "serviceable" and replacement is the normal "repair".

Hope this helps, but as I stated befor, if your not comfortable playing with AC voltage ( I don't like it) leave it for the service guy.

Vstratton · 08-07-2017, 05:47 PM

That's great - I'll forward it to my hubby - I'm not sure he's interested in getting electrocuted but we'll see.

However the biggest problem right now is the lack of power - any ideas about that?

**chuckster57** · 08-07-2017, 06:04 PM

Lack of power to the trailer?

**sourdough** · 08-07-2017, 06:06 PM

I think I'm confused.

You have power when all the breakers are removed but not when they are in?? That would seem an impossibility. You also say you have 115 VAC thru the "cords" and into the "panel box". What kinds of cords? Are you trying to run 20A, 30A, 50A? What panel box? The one at the ped? The power panel in the RV? Is the AC power breaker in the RV thrown? You say you bought a new 40A?? breaker and "went up" to fix it. Was that outside? A little more specificity would help. I know AC can be confusing but an RV isn't like a regular house. Let us know.

Vstratton · 08-07-2017, 06:57 PM

Ok so the ac is a completely different issue and I think that stems from a thermostat problem.

The big issue right now is our electricity into the trailer. We are on a fully serviced lot so when our power went we thought we tripped a breaker. My hubby checked and they were fine. We went outside on the pole (at the park) and that was one fine. He has a voltmeter (?) and we checked the power cord (that plugs into the "park") and then the one at the back of the trailer that runs inside and everything showed up at 115amps. So then we figured the problem had to be in the trailer. My husband took off the cover of the panel box and unscrewed the casing so that we could remove the lg breakers (?) (I'm the wife and don't really understand the language lol). Anyways when he removed the one that said 30 / 50 amp (I believe) he had power when he connected the wires to the voltmeter. He put the breaker back and nothing. He was happy with that and thought it was an easy fix. We came home last night, he purchased a new part this am and went back (up) to the trailer to fix it - only it didn't work. He has checked all outlets and they all have power when hooked up to the voltmeter. Sorry if I'm confusing - hopefully that helped.

Vstratton · 08-07-2017, 06:58 PM

And yes - the panel box inside the trailer.

Vstratton · 08-07-2017, 07:01 PM

This is what he bought today

**sourdough** · 08-07-2017, 08:39 PM

If you have power to the panel that feeds the breaker, you put the breaker in and then you don't see AC = something (a ground) just stole your AC. You will have to isolate everything AC (all the breakers) and see what is killing it. You need to read the AC at the "panel" while using a meter to see what leg (breaker) is killing it. If the AC went belly up for some unknown reason disconnect that breaker first.

bobbecky · 08-07-2017, 10:23 PM

This discussion is really confusing, but possibly they have lost a neutral, and when they check for power across the hot legs, they get voltage, but when they put the breaker pack in, they can't see 120 volts at the sub breakers because they have no neutral connection. They may have lost the neutral at the pedestal, or the shore cord, maybe in the panel, but I'm thinking more likely outside. This is also pretty scary, someone trying to diagnose an electrical problem with little understanding or experience. Hopefully this goes well with no injuries.

Tom N OH · 08-08-2017, 04:47 PM

Definitely get someone who knows EXACTLY what they are doing to look at it. Lack of knowledge KILLS when you're talking about electricity!

**hankpage** · 08-08-2017, 06:08 PM

Vanessa, Before doing anything else, have hubby ask the park to check the pedestal to make sure you are getting all of the legs you need. 2 hots, 1 neutral and a ground. They may even have someone on staff who can help him troubleshoot your problem. If the problem is in their pedestal they don't want a lawsuit if you get injured because of a lack of grounding. JM2¢, Hank

xrated · 08-09-2017, 02:13 AM

Let's simplify this AND not get anyone hurt in the process. Stop working on the electrical problem and hire someone that is a real electrician AND has knowledge of RV electrical systems.

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