Electrics issue

[Col3691]

The ultrastore water heater on our 2005 Coachman Amara has been making some bubbling sounds lately when getting to temperature (can't remember hearing it before). We'd been out for the day yesterday and when we got back we turned it off. Unfortunately, it won't turn back on. We also found that the fridge, heater and 3 mains sockets have no power either. None of the rcd's tripped and I've checked all fuses and they're fine too. Very odd. My first thought was that the maybe the element had packed in, but surely that shouldn't affect anything else. Did some googling and it mentions a possible earthing or wiring issue which would shut down the main circuit for safety reasons. The lights and water pump are working fine so I'm stumped. I've had a look at the wiring etc and can't see anything obvious.
Anyone else had the same issue ?
Cheers
Col

 

[birdman101]

Does the fridge run on gas. Has the site hook up tripped

 

[audiorob]

Lights and pump will be 12v and therefore able to run off the caravan battery while it has charge without mains supply.
The water temperature should be limited to 65 or 70C so definitely not bubbling hot if that is what you have heard.

 

[Col3691]

Does the fridge run on gas. Has the site hook up tripped

The fridge can run on gas but tried it and it wouldn't fire up, so that's one for the garage. The hook up is fine. It's a strange one for sure.

 

[Col3691]

Lights and pump will be 12v and therefore able to run off the caravan battery while it has charge without mains supply.
The water temperature should be limited to 65 or 70C so definitely not bubbling hot if that is what you have heard.

My feeling is the ultrastore has probably packed in but I won't know until I take to the garage. It's definitely odd that the electrics won't work though.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Failures of the Ultrastores elements are not unheard of, and the Residual Current Breaker (RCD) is likely to operate if the element fails. But if the Ultrastore's control switch is turned off, the RCD shoulsdreset an allow all other mains appliance to operate.

The symptoms you describe do not conform my description above, which suggests something else must also have failed, but exactly what is impossible to tell remotely.

I suggest if you have the relevant competences you will need to fault find the mains electric in your caravan, or seek professional help.

 

[IanB1485]

The bubbling may be caused by the ultrastore not being filled up - , the element is running both in air and water causing localised boiling , which the 70 Degree thermal switch bolted to the side wall doesn't see. If you purged the hot water at the taps this shouldn't happen, either that or the thermal switch has stuck shut causing the water to actually boil - running the hot tap and checking with a temperature probe may give an indication of the higher temperature , be careful water at that temperature can cause severe scalding.Running the ultrastore on gas would also cause the ultrastor to bubble - highly unusual though if the hot water tap s are purged, although if the pump was sucking in air this may cause the sound .Prof John was spot on with with his analysis and recommendation re the electrics.