Electrics Problem on my Swift Challenger

[jody]

Hello, I'm Pretty new here, new to caravanning and would appreciate some advice.

I have a 1991 Challenger and it has developed a problem with the electrics, I am pretty handy but don't really know where to start trying to find the problem.

The problem is as follows -

When I hook up to the mains on site/at home one of the 2 fuses (the one on the right) in the KT12 charger unit keeps blowing. It was fitted with a 10a fuse, I have replaced the fuse with another 10a one but it blows instantly. The electrics are otherwise working fine, the mains (fridge, water heater & 240v sockets) all working fine and do not trip out, the 12v lights & water pump work ok off the battery. One thing I have noticed is that if I replace the fuse with one of 15a it doesn't blow and seems to work ok again, BUT as the KT12 is only rated to 12a I don't see this as a safe/viable solution.

If anyone has any ideas what might be causing this problem it would be greatly appreciated, especially if it is something simple, before I call out the (expensive) experts. Thanks Jody

 

[Angus1]

Used to have an ABI Transtar which had a similar problem, when I replaced the fuse on the charger and re-connected the mains or switched it on the fuse blew.

Fortunately I still had all the original paperwork and manuals, the one for the charger stipulated the use of a surge-protected fuse (never come across one before). My local electrical shop (a proper one, not one of the stack it high, sell it cheap, know nowt places) had some, so I popped one in and it never blew again in 7 years. I had still had spare ones when I sold the van.

Don`t know if applies to your van, but worth considering.

 

[RonD]

Used to have an ABI Transtar which had a similar problem, when I replaced the fuse on the charger and re-connected the mains or switched it on the fuse blew.

Fortunately I still had all the original paperwork and manuals, the one for the charger stipulated the use of a surge-protected fuse (never come across one before). My local electrical shop (a proper one, not one of the stack it high, sell it cheap, know nowt places) had some, so I popped one in and it never blew again in 7 years. I had still had spare ones when I sold the van.

Don`t know if applies to your van, but worth considering.

They are also known as 'anti-surge' ot 'time delay' fuses.

Ron

 

[Essexeddie]

Well well never new that, you learn something every day.

Edd

 

[jody]

thanks, I'll give it a go, managed to get some of these fuses off the internet.

ta Jody

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Jody,

What is the web address where you got the anti-surge fuses from please if you don't mind.

Graham (Ponty)

 

[Angus1]

Let us know how you get on Jody, it`s always useful to know when and how people resolve their problems, many don`t bother which means others don`t get the benefit of your experience.

Angus

 

[jody]

Hello,

Sorry i didn't reply earlier I was waiting to see if the fuses turned up before passing on the address.

The web address is www.householdsuperstore.com

Although it did take nearly 2 weeks for them to come, so I found some at an Electrical wholesalers in Huddersfield called Harrisons their website is www.dharrisonandsons.co.uk not sure if they deliver though.

Hope this is of help.

Jody

 

[jody]

Hello Angus,

I will be going up to the caravan this weekend to try and fit / fix the problem, I'll let you know how we get on,

Thanks Jody