Mains 240V Electrical Problem

[jasebigfish]

Hi,

My mains are partially tripping in my 2012 Swift Conquerer. Only one of the 3 lights comes on. (Space heater) The battery charger and water heater light do not come on.

I have checked all the fuses in the main control box and they are good.

Of the 3 circuit switches, two work fine, and one trips every time.

The trauma heater and all the sockets work fine.

The problem circuit powers the water heater/lights/fridge/water pump.
The fridge is working on gas, and the water pump works on the 12v battery. We cannot get any hot water on any system.

All the lights work fine if I switch to battery power, except one. The main ceiling one in the lounge. I swapped the light fitment over to the bedroom, and it works, therefore, it has to be the wiring at this point that has the problem. It still trips with no light fitment at this point.

What I cannot work out is why all the lights work on the battery, except the problem one, but not on the mains (trips as soon as you push the switch up)

Not sure how to solve the issue. Any help would be appreciated.

Jason.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Very high probability your lights are on a 12 volt circuit. You get the occasional light on 240 but it's a rarity.
It sounds like you're not particularly sure about electrical work so I would urge you to get a mobile caravan engineer to check it out for you.

 

[jasebigfish]

Very high probability your lights are on a 12 volt circuit. You get the occasional light on 240 but it's a rarity.
It sounds like you're not particularly sure about electrical work so I would urge you to get a mobile caravan engineer to check it out for you.

Thanks for your reply. It usually works on both. It works on 12V when I switch to "van" On "van" all lights work apart from the problem on in the lounge. On 240v every light trips. I,m hoping I get someone who is good with electrics can advise me what the problem is.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Its very tricky to accurately diagnose the range of problems and symptoms your systems have without being able to physically check different parts of the system and that something we obviously can't do over a forum.

Like Mr Grumpy, I suspect the lights issue is because some are 12V bulbs and will run from the battery, its possible the other light is just a mains only light.

I also get the impression that your not familiar with working on electrical systems, so I'm reluctant to start discussion tests, incase you dont understand exactly we need or how to do it safely.

PLease arrange to have the caravan checked by a competent electrician.

 

[jasebigfish]

Its very tricky to accurately diagnose the range of problems and symptoms your systems have without being able to physically check different parts of the system and that something we obviously can't do over a forum.

Like Mr Grumpy, I suspect the lights issue is because some are 12V bulbs and will run from the battery, its possible the other light is just a mains only light.

I also get the impression that your not familiar with working on electrical systems, so I'm reluctant to start discussion tests, incase you dont understand exactly we need or how to do it safely.

PLease arrange to have the caravan checked by a competent electrician.

Thanks for the reply. The other light works when I put it in the bedroom. So, that's why I am baffled. It is not a "mains light only."

 

[Ferrodo]

Could this be a battery charger/ 12 volt supply unit issue? Sounds from the description that the problem occurs when on hook up and not when on battery.

 

[jasebigfish]

Could this be a battery charger/ 12 volt supply unit issue? Sounds from the description that the problem occurs when on hook up and not when on battery.

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the problem mainly occurs when on the hookup to mains. When on 12v it works fine except for one light. Why would the battery charger issue make the mains trip, but work ok on battery? Thanks

 

[Ferrodo]

I would say it’s suspect. Maybe try turning off the charger then try again on mains. See what happens????

 

[Ferrodo]

Don’t forget to let the forum know if you have resolved the issue. Helps others in the future
Cheers

 

[jasebigfish]

I checked the water heater, no problem there.