caravan power - is it 12v or 140 v at the light switch & at the fitting
Submitted: Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 13:32
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PradOz
I have an Avan Ray Slideout and the external light has stopped working. When i bought the van (not long ago) it was working fine, then became intermittent, and now nothing. I checked the bulb and its fine, works in another fitting ok. The bulb says its 12V.
The van has an onboard battery as
well as charger and converter for power - 240 to 12v
So i want to check the actual switch and then the wiring. The switch is actually fitted to the light fitting, whereas all other switches in the van are similar to household looking switches. Before i do start checking it, can i use a normal 12v test light at the light fitting with the power on? My previous vans were all wholly 240V in/out - so I have not worked on this type setup before. Any advice appreciated before i start on it, thanks....
Reply By: Member - Johny boy (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 15:02
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 15:02
Hi Pradoz,
I have a windsor and as far as I can see the only thing that should be 240 is the GPOs ( Power points) as my swithches for lights and the light themselves are all 12 V ,I would chech it all with a multimetre and if your not sure stop and ask a sparky,its just not worth the risk mate,my range hood is even 12V and when I plug into 240V the converter takes over,and I know MY external lights are 12V ,if the bulb says 12V I think it might be a safe bet that it is or it would blow the second 240 is put into it ??
Im sure there is someone on here that can clear up this issue cheers John.
AnswerID:
435564
Reply By: Member - Alan H (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 15:30
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 15:30
Disconnect any 240V supply to camper. Switch off any inverter on board.
The only power then available will be 12V.
Alan
AnswerID:
435567
Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 15:49
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 15:49
As Alan says. Once you are sure there's no 240 volt power anywhere, see if the lights work - if they do they are obviously 12V lights. You will be quite safe poking around behind their switches. BUT, don't go behind them if there's any 240V around.
Cheers
John
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Reply By: PradOz - Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 20:49
Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010 at 20:49
Thank you for the information - still searching out the problem.
Have also found that the rangehood light and fan now not working.
I checked all fuses, removed them and replaced and all were ok.
worst part is there is no wiring diagram or information with this. Even the fuses are not labeled.
With the exterior light and rangehood not working i presume its a short in wiring somewhere. If there is a fault - would not the fuse blow? There is nothing else i can find that has tripped, blown etc.
AnswerID:
435599
Reply By: Member - Stuart P (WA) - Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 00:04
Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 00:04
if it is 12v ,check for a bad earth connection
AnswerID:
435621
Reply By: Rangiephil - Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 08:05
Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 08:05
Er flat battery?
Regards Philip A
AnswerID:
435627
Follow Up By: PradOz - Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 13:24
Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 13:24
Er NO
not a flat battery, other areas are working fine off battery and also 240. Problem is these 2 items which are on opposite sides of van. Funny how they both stop at same time. Grrrrr
FollowupID:
706833
Reply By: PradOz - Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 13:27
Thursday, Nov 11, 2010 at 13:27
Does anyone know of a good auto elec in
Wollongong or Campbelltown NSW that could be recommended to look at this problem?
I presume i need an auto elec rather than the every day sparky??
cheers
ps - hope i get a response to this question here which will keep both the MODSQUAD and me happy. If you are unsure why, look up a few threads....
AnswerID:
435658