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[GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179513] Wed, 08 August 2012 09:47 Go to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Good Morning

I have a Dometic RM2652 refrigerator which is a 2-way, gas or electric.

Does anyone know how much current the control system draws??

I've looked on Dometics site and in the manuals but can't find a number.

Thanks

Ray


Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179517 is a reply to message #179513] Wed, 08 August 2012 10:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
idrob is currently offline  idrob   United States
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Location: Central Idaho
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Senior Member
[quote title=Ray Erspamer wrote on Wed, 08 August 2012 07:47]Good Morning

I have a Dometic RM2652 refrigerator which is a 2-way, gas or electric.

Does anyone know how much current the control system draws??

I've looked on Dometics site and in the manuals but can't find a number.

Thanks

Ray


Ray & Lisa
/quote]

Ray: I have not measured the refrigerator current draw on the newer electronic controlled ones, but I believe it is in the range of an amp. I am not sure if that is all the time, or only when the propane is firing (which in hot weather is most all of the time).

I do know the electronic ignition hot water heaters take very close to an amp when actually heating, but nothing when the burner is not running.


Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179518 is a reply to message #179513] Wed, 08 August 2012 10:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
LarryInSanDiego is currently offline  LarryInSanDiego   United States
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I have the RM2852 (probably similar electric-wise to yours). I haven't yet measured 12V current draw, but it will drag down a standard 12V battery in a little over 3 days. I suspect the biggest draw is the gas solenoid.

Add edit: I'm considering having two house 12V circuits, one for utilities (fridge, furnace, maybe water pump, etc.) and one for lighting. My family tends to leave all the lights on (LEDs thankfully) and I just don't want that to contribute to spoilage.


Larry Engelbrecht San Diego, CA '73 26' ex-Glacier TZE063V100319 03/07/73

[Updated on: Wed, 08 August 2012 10:19]

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Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179520 is a reply to message #179517] Wed, 08 August 2012 10:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Worobec is currently offline  Gary Worobec   United States
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Registered: May 2005
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Senior Member
My Norcold draws about 2 amps. Which is close to what is says in the specs.

Thanks

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Allen" <profmail@wildblue.net>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 8:11 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw


>
>
> [quote title=Ray Erspamer wrote on Wed, 08 August 2012 07:47]Good Morning
>
> I have a Dometic RM2652 refrigerator which is a 2-way, gas or electric.
>
> Does anyone know how much current the control system draws??
>
> I've looked on Dometics site and in the manuals but can't find a number.
>
> Thanks
>
> Ray
>
>
> Ray & Lisa
> /quote]
>
> Ray: I have not measured the refrigerator current draw on the newer
> electronic controlled ones, but I believe it is in the range of an amp. I
> am not sure if that is all the time, or only when the propane is firing
> (which in hot weather is most all of the time).
>
> I do know the electronic ignition hot water heaters take very close to an
> amp when actually heating, but nothing when the burner is not running.
>
> --
> Rob Allen
> former owner of '76 x-PB
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

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Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179535 is a reply to message #179520] Wed, 08 August 2012 12:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Ray, you have a current meter. Check it. I have turned everything off and checked our's before but don't recall what the draw was, not much.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179543 is a reply to message #179535] Wed, 08 August 2012 13:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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That was my plan Dan, but I thought maybe someone had the data.....

I'm trying to do a detailed spreadsheet on my exact Ah usage per day along with
option for running the fantastic vents, etc. I'm definitely going to add
another panel, 1 - 100W is too marginal.

Ray


Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, August 8, 2012 12:23:07 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw



Ray, you have a current meter. Check it. I have turned everything off and
checked our's before but don't recall what the draw was, not much.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg


http://danandteri.blogspot.com/




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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179545 is a reply to message #179543] Wed, 08 August 2012 13:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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I chuckle Ray. I remember doing all of that. Now, we just load up and go. Forget the charging and let the sun take care of that. I might check my meter before I go to bed to see how deep we took the 4 6 volts, while watching two tv sets and keeping the coach lit with the led lights. We have 4 Fantastic Vent fans to keep us cool, counting the one with the long cigarette lighter cord. I like it blowing right on me from the hallway.
Life is good with free electricity. Oh, by the way, just bought a hybrid car for Teri. Now life is really good, passing those stinking gas stations and just waving.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179551 is a reply to message #179545] Wed, 08 August 2012 14:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Senior Member
I'm currently searching for panels, found a couple good deals on ebay plus I
have a source here in town. I've got LOTS of real estate on the roof having no
pod and only one A/C unit. Will keep you posted on what I do.

Ray


Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, August 8, 2012 1:50:04 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw



I chuckle Ray. I remember doing all of that. Now, we just load up and go. Forget
the charging and let the sun take care of that. I might check my meter before I
go to bed to see how deep we took the 4 6 volts, while watching two tv sets and
keeping the coach lit with the led lights. We have 4 Fantastic Vent fans to keep
us cool, counting the one with the long cigarette lighter cord. I like it
blowing right on me from the hallway.

Life is good with free electricity. Oh, by the way, just bought a hybrid car for
Teri. Now life is really good, passing those stinking gas stations and just
waving.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg


http://danandteri.blogspot.com/




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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179553 is a reply to message #179551] Wed, 08 August 2012 15:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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I told the painter to trash the ladder when he painted the coach. No ladder, no pod. One air conditioner is a plus for some of us.
Get pictures Ray.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179557 is a reply to message #179545] Wed, 08 August 2012 15:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
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Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Dan,

You've got a good set up there and the new Prius is a great car. Any thoughts about modding it so you can plug in at home to charge?

Oh and gas prices are just about to spike here in the Bay Area after a major Chevron refinery fire.

Larry Davick

On Aug 8, 2012, at 11:49 AM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> I chuckle Ray. I remember doing all of that. Now, we just load up and go. Forget the charging and let the sun take care of that. I might check my meter before I go to bed to see how deep we took the 4 6 volts, while watching two tv sets and keeping the coach lit with the led lights. We have 4 Fantastic Vent fans to keep us cool, counting the one with the long cigarette lighter cord. I like it blowing right on me from the hallway.
> Life is good with free electricity. Oh, by the way, just bought a hybrid car for Teri. Now life is really good, passing those stinking gas stations and just waving.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
>
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179566 is a reply to message #179557] Wed, 08 August 2012 18:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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I will email you Larry.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179583 is a reply to message #179566] Wed, 08 August 2012 19:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Okay, I did some readings from my Tri-Metric Meter and here's what I have...

Refrigerator in stand by doing nothing but still turned ON....0.1 Amp
Refrigerator ON with gas valve ON....0.3 Amp
1 LED Light....0.1 Amp
Water Pump...1.0 Amp (exactly what Mfg'r said)

Crazy thing, with EVERYTHING TURNED OFF, there is a 0.7 Amp draw.....where could
this be coming from??? I checked everything. Does the Tri-Metric meter itself
draw this ???

Also, with the solar panel (1-100w) and charge controller ON, it's dreary and
rainy out but it still is giving me 0.2 amps of + input, because the 0.7 Amp
draw drops to 0.5 when I turn on the solar panel and charge controller.

I know my electrical system inside and out and everything was off, engine
battery disconnected, electrical cord disconnected.

What could be drawing 0.7 Amp? The converter or charge wizard? Battery
combiner? The Tri-Metric itself?........makes no sense.

Any Ideas ?????




Ray


Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, August 8, 2012 6:19:48 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw



I will email you Larry.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg


http://danandteri.blogspot.com/




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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179587 is a reply to message #179583] Wed, 08 August 2012 20:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Radio memory? Other "keep alive" circuits?

Ken H.

On Wed, Aug 8, 2012 at 8:44 PM, Ray Erspamer wrote:

> ...Crazy thing, with EVERYTHING TURNED OFF, there is a 0.7 Amp
> draw.....where could
> this be coming from??? I checked everything. Does the Tri-Metric meter
> itself
> draw this ???
>
> Also, with the solar panel (1-100w) and charge controller ON, it's dreary
> and
> rainy out but it still is giving me 0.2 amps of + input, because the 0.7
> Amp
> draw drops to 0.5 when I turn on the solar panel and charge controller.
>
> I know my electrical system inside and out and everything was off, engine
> battery disconnected, electrical cord disconnected.
>
> What could be drawing 0.7 Amp? The converter or charge wizard? Battery
> combiner? The Tri-Metric itself?........makes no sense.
>
> Any Ideas ?????
>
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179596 is a reply to message #179583] Wed, 08 August 2012 20:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Ray Erspamer wrote on Wed, 08 August 2012 17:44

...
Crazy thing, with EVERYTHING TURNED OFF, there is a 0.7 Amp draw.....where could
this be coming from??? I checked everything. Does the Tri-Metric meter itself
draw this ???...


... What could be drawing 0.7 Amp? The converter or charge wizard? Battery
combiner? The Tri-Metric itself?........makes no sense.

Any Ideas ?????



Could be PO added equipment tapped into the wiring system somewhere unexpected.

Also, it could be "current leakage" from old wiring... or something like that.

When tracking down a current problem in a friend's coach, we found the OEM 12v wiring (blue wire) to the Refer had current flowing with the refer disconnected. Seems this same circuit runs to the bathroom to power a (never installed) recirculating toilet.

We just ran a new wire.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179600 is a reply to message #179596] Wed, 08 August 2012 21:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Location: Dexter, Mo.
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Senior Member
Ray, mine does the same thing. May be in the batteries and in the meters. I would not let it get you down. You got way more than enough to keep things rolling. Our coach has not been plugged in, while in our driveway, for years. I keep the water checked in the batteries, often, and check the reading on meter, weekly. Batteries are always completely full. Maybe a week or so in January and February it will be down to 98%.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179602 is a reply to message #179513] Wed, 08 August 2012 21:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
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Location: Mesa, AZ
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Senior Member
On my coach, it was the chassis battery sucking down the house battery (the guy who bought it from the "real PO" had moved the battery cables around, paralleling the buzzbox-fried chassis battery with one of the house 12V batteries, and moving the other house battery to the chassis battery circuit). It took me a little while to find it, because I logically started by pulling fuses (amazing how that didn't work...), but then I started tracing out the wiring for the three front-mounted batteries, and it all made sense, confirmed by an ammeter. 0.7 amps is quite a heavy draw, and will suck up a lot of your capacity, so I'd recommend hooking an ammeter into your house battery circuit and start disconnecting things until you see the drain go away.

Dumb thought - did you hook up your solar panels through a charge controller? Those are supposed to keep the panel from drawing current after the sun goes down... might be worth a check even if you do have a controller.


Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179638 is a reply to message #179596] Thu, 09 August 2012 08:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
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Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Interesting Mike, this will drive me crazy, just the kind of person I am. Now
I'm on a mission to find it, heck, .7 amps is like leaving 7 of the LED lights
on full time !!!

I did a few more things last night, disconnected the refrig at the source
connection, not at the refrig connection, that is NOT IT.

Got the battery combiner out of the picture, that is NOT IT.

Got the entire solar system and charge controller out of the picture, that is
NOT IT.

Dash radio memory is on the engine battery, I disconnected the engine battery
and took that out of the picture, that is NOT IT.

Nothing is plugged into an 12 v dc outlet like a phone charger, etc.


When I purchased my coach is was a wiring nightmare, I have since ripped out at
least a mile of wire and have spent the last 6 years cleaning up all electrical
and labeling it. I know that system inside and out, I can't for the life of me
figure out where it could be coming from.

More thoughts.............. I will peck away at these one by one when I have
time.

Onan control board?

Coach monitor panel & Waste Tanks or Propane Gauges?

Tri-Metric meter itself?

Something in the Power Converter or Charge Wizard?

TV Antenna Booster, switch is off but ?????

Furnace Control Board ?????






Ray


Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wed, August 8, 2012 8:51:35 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw



Ray Erspamer wrote on Wed, 08 August 2012 17:44
> ...
> Crazy thing, with EVERYTHING TURNED OFF, there is a 0.7 Amp draw.....where
>could
>
> this be coming from??? I checked everything. Does the Tri-Metric meter itself
>
> draw this ???...
>
>
> ... What could be drawing 0.7 Amp? The converter or charge wizard? Battery
> combiner? The Tri-Metric itself?........makes no sense.
>
> Any Ideas ?????


Could be PO added equipment tapped into the wiring system somewhere unexpected.

Also, it could be "current leakage" from old wiring... or something like that.

When tracking down a current problem in a friend's coach, we found the OEM 12v
wiring (blue wire) to the Refer had current flowing with the refer
disconnected. Seems this same circuit runs to the bathroom to power a (never
installed) recirculating toilet.


We just ran a new wire.
--
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23'
Birchaven Side Bath
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179642 is a reply to message #179583] Thu, 09 August 2012 09:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
Ray Erspamer wrote on Wed, 08 August 2012 20:44

Okay, I did some readings from my Tri-Metric Meter and here's what I have...

Refrigerator in stand by doing nothing but still turned ON....0.1 Amp
Refrigerator ON with gas valve ON....0.3 Amp
1 LED Light....0.1 Amp
Water Pump...1.0 Amp (exactly what Mfg'r said)

Crazy thing, with EVERYTHING TURNED OFF, there is a 0.7 Amp draw.....where could this be coming from??? I checked everything. Does the Tri-Metric meter itself draw this ???

Also, with the solar panel (1-100w) and charge controller ON, it's dreary and rainy out but it still is giving me 0.2 amps of + input, because the 0.7 Amp draw drops to 0.5 when I turn on the solar panel and charge controller.

I know my electrical system inside and out and everything was off, engine battery disconnected, electrical cord disconnected.

What could be drawing 0.7 Amp? The converter or charge wizard? Battery combiner? The Tri-Metric itself?........makes no sense.

Any Ideas ?????

Ray

Ray,

That's 9~10 watts!! That's more than a nightlight bulb! It is nothing small or it would be hot.

I have had to chase down more than a few phantom drains like this. I have never seen a power controller/monitor that required that amount of power. Well, there was one, a system built decades ago that had a battery kill preventer that was a contactor (relay) held on until battery voltage dropped (which it did - of course).

That amount of drain can be found conveniently with a light bulb put in series. If a taillight bulb isn't bright enough use one out of the instrument panel. Just keep pulling fuses and disconnecting things and good luck.

One real stinker was a vent fan that was left on and seized up, so it wasn't running and making noise, just drawing DC from a lighting circuit. I would like you to think I found this in short order.....

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179656 is a reply to message #179642] Thu, 09 August 2012 10:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ray Erspamer is currently offline  Ray Erspamer   United States
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Thanks Matt ! I have all LED lights, each light draws 0.1 amp so that's where
I got the 7 light reference from.

I know I'll find it because I turn into a lunatic on stuff like this..... I'll
be on a mission !

One of the PO's had done some wild stuff with the electrical system, when I
first bought the coach I tried for 6 weeks to understand it all and finally I
came unglued and started ripping stuff out, I brought the entire coach back to
OEM as much as possible and got rid of every bell & whistle and light and buzzer
there was on it.

Funny, early this summer before I put the solar system in I did a drain check on
the system right at the house batteries and had ZERO reading, something changed
along the way or something is on someplace.

Part I hate is that my power converter and fuse panel is located dead center in
the rear of the coach, it was handy in the cabinet when the coach had twin beds,
but now the entire back is a king and I have to crawl under the bed all the way
to the back to get access to these things......kind of like an elephant crawling
through a mouse hole ! HA HA It's on my list to move the panels but who knows
when I'll get that ambitious.

I will keep everyone posted on what I find !

But I have to say, boon-dock camping with having solar is the way to go, no need
to run the generator.....sweet !!!


Ray


Ray & Lisa
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/




________________________________
From: Matt Colie <matt7323tze@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, August 9, 2012 9:11:26 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw



Ray Erspamer wrote on Wed, 08 August 2012 20:44
> Okay, I did some readings from my Tri-Metric Meter and here's what I have...
>
> Refrigerator in stand by doing nothing but still turned ON....0.1 Amp
> Refrigerator ON with gas valve ON....0.3 Amp
> 1 LED Light....0.1 Amp
> Water Pump...1.0 Amp (exactly what Mfg'r said)
>
> Crazy thing, with EVERYTHING TURNED OFF, there is a 0.7 Amp draw.....where
>could this be coming from??? I checked everything. Does the Tri-Metric meter
>itself draw this ???
>
> Also, with the solar panel (1-100w) and charge controller ON, it's dreary and
>rainy out but it still is giving me 0.2 amps of + input, because the 0.7 Amp
>draw drops to 0.5 when I turn on the solar panel and charge controller.
>
> I know my electrical system inside and out and everything was off, engine
>battery disconnected, electrical cord disconnected.
>
> What could be drawing 0.7 Amp? The converter or charge wizard? Battery
>combiner? The Tri-Metric itself?........makes no sense.
>
> Any Ideas ?????
>
> Ray

Ray,

That's 9~10 watts!! That's more than a nightlight bulb! It is nothing small or
it would be hot.


I have had to chase down more than a few phantom drains like this. I have never
seen a power controller/monitor that required that amount of power. Well, there
was one, a system built decades ago that had a battery kill preventer that was a
contactor (relay) held on until battery voltage dropped (which it did - of
course).


That amount of drain can be found conveniently with a light bulb put in series.
If a taillight bulb isn't bright enough use one out of the instrument panel.
Just keep pulling fuses and disconnecting things and good luck.


One real stinker was a vent fan that was left on and seized up, so it wasn't
running and making noise, just drawing DC from a lighting circuit. I would like
you to think I found this in short order.....


Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie
'73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Ray Erspamer 78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen 403, 3.70 Final Drive Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System, Holley Hyperspark Ignition System 414-484-9431
Re: [GMCnet] Refrigerator Control System Current Draw [message #179658 is a reply to message #179656] Thu, 09 August 2012 10:25 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
rvanwin is currently offline  rvanwin   United States
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Ray Erspamer wrote on Thu, 09 August 2012 10:13



Funny, early this summer before I put the solar system in I did a drain check on
the system right at the house batteries and had ZERO reading, something changed
along the way or something is on someplace.




Ray,
I had checked my system with no drains. A year or so later I found the house batteries discharged. Started checking stuff but couldn't find the problem. Isolated it to one ctrcuit by removing fuses. Turned out to be the fantastic fans we had installed during that past year. The rain sensor maintains a current draw. I didn't measure the draw so don't know how much. The only way to turn everything off is to switch the speed selector knob to zero.

Probably not your problem but you never know.



Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
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