strange electrical fault

[welshti]

Evening all

This evening i noticed the one switch that gives power to the shower light, wardrobe light, main bathroom light and bathroom spot light only occasionally works. The other switch which gives power to the front of the van is fine. [ 2008 Elddis Odyssey ] Its on the drive so plugged into mains power... All fuses are good, checked bulbs and light fittings using 12v charger and all work. I have 3 switches just inside the door [ outside light, front caravan lights and bathroom lights, so swapped both wires for the front lights to the other switch to eliminate a faulty switch. Next i checked the voltage for both wires going to each switch with each getting around 12.7volts. As a last attempt I swapped the live from the outside light switch for the live on the bathroom switch and hey presto the bathroom lights now works fine and also the outside light also works.

You may think great its working, but if I swap the live wires back, it goes back to coming on occasionally.
I've read about some lights being 12v and others only working off mains, also read about faulty inverters..

would a possible duff leisure battery contribute even though plugged into mains

thanks all..
learning all the time

 

[ProfJohnL]

I very much doubt the fault you have is down to the battery or the charger.

 

[welshti]

Its a strange one as everything works correctly just by swapping the live going to the outside light for the live going to the lights on the back of the van..

Also i think i've ruled out any fault with the switch, break in the wires etc so will see how it is the next few days..

I will say its been fine for the last 8 weeks since owning the van.

 

[Dustydog]

According to your op the 'problem' involves a switch working four lights+ whilst the swapped one powers one light.
I suggest two possibilities.
1. A poor earth circuit on the bathroom side.
2. The switch contacts are corroded and can't support the required current when all lights are used.

 

[welshti]

I would most likely lean towards a bad earth as even with just 1 light connected it would of been intermittant. I will of course get someone qualified to check all the gas and electrics once i've completed all my little jobs.

 

[RayS]

I would agree more likely to be a local wiring fault than battery or charger. if these fault would probably show on other lights or equipment.
Suggest you check every connection you can get to. if possible break the connection, unclamp the wires, clean and reconnect soundly. If any of the joints are soldered remelt abd resolder - it is possible to have a 'dry' joint which appears sound from the outside. Bulbs loose in the holders may also cause such symptoms. Tedious to do but Could be quicker in the long run than too much analysis