Any electrical (DC) experts?

[curlesw]

I'd appreciate some help on this one. The attached photo is from a load center on my RV (1985 Bluebird Wanderlodge). All of sudden, the lights starts to "flick" every 10 secs and a "clicking" noise was coming from this part.

First, what is it, I've never seen it before.


Second, I assume it just failed and is causing the problem. After I disconnected it the problem stopped, but of course, a few non-essential items don't work now.

TIA.

v/r
Wayne C.

[slodave]

Are you sure it's not the relay above and to the left? Just looks like a ground block to me. What happens if you bypass it?

[fintstone]

Appears to be a circuitbreaker. Here are some similar examples:
http://www.wiringproducts.com/index1.html

click on "circuit breakers"

[slodave]

Looking closer, it does look like the 12 blocks above, but why? Looks to be a bit redundant.

[curlesw]

Yes, it does lool like the others, haven't tried to bypass it, a bit nervous about that.

Here's another picture:



Thanks for the link, I'll take a look.

Wayne

[fintstone]

They are used in place of fuses. They are "auto reset" and reset when the high current condition goes away. Yours is constantly opening and the resetting. Either you have a short in the circuit, have added an additional item or circuit and the rating is not high enough. or a bad breaker. If you have not made any changes...likely it is the breaker.

[fintstone]

All are probably circuit breakers. They all are tied to a main power link on one side and appear to go off to power other circuits. Don't bypass it.

[curlesw]

Thanks. I have not made any changes, so it should be the breaker. It was VERY hot to the touch so there was a lot of current gong through it.

vr
Wayne C.

[curlesw]

Flint, BTW, I am sitting at a KOA in Las Cruces, NM...nice weather, much better than Alabama, it was 16 degrees two nights ago. We have a nice view overlooking the city.

Wayne

[curlesw]

And BTW, I am sitting at a KOA in Las Cruces, NM...nice weather, much better than Alabama, it was 16 degrees two nights ago. We have a nice view overlooking the city.

Wayne

[fintstone]

It should warm up some more over the next few days. I would drive down and give you a hand tomorrow....but I am driving to Las Vegas NV early in the morning.
Check the part number (should be marked). The amperage should be part of the part number. If you can't find a breaker like that in Las Cruces..a slightly larger fuse in a holder would probably do the trick until you get home.

[slodave]

Well, I've only been in an RV once... Good luck.

[curlesw]

Thanks. The bus can work without, just a few non-essential not working...I'll fix it when I get back home.

Wayne

[fintstone]

Enjoy the trip.