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Old 08-19-2015, 07:23 AM   #1
granet
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switches and bulbs

We have full timed in our 2008 3400rl for 4years now and have had to replace the 12volt switches and bulbs every 3 to 6 months .Any suggestions as we live in Canada and in the unit year round.
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Old 08-19-2015, 07:59 AM   #2
racerjoe
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are you replacing switches with keystone parts? They are not of the best quality, I would look at home depot or lowes for replacement switches with a larger amp rating. Another thing is to have checked is the voltage at the lights and switches. The converter may be putting out more than 12v and ruining parts
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Old 08-19-2015, 08:26 AM   #3
1retired06
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Converter issue sound like a good possibility. Switches are one thing we have never had to replace.
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Old 08-19-2015, 12:20 PM   #4
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Going on four years and haven't replaced a switch or a bulb. Bulbs are all LED so that doesn't count, but I would also check the voltage output. Something just isn't right.
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Old 08-19-2015, 04:38 PM   #5
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And when was the last time you replaced the battery? An old battery, more than 4 years, will tend to need more charging than a "good" battery and will use more distilled water more often. Let the water go low and expose the plates...reduced ability and lots more charging needed. More charging means more time above 13vdc and throw in the need to eqalize at 14.4vdc is going to be much harder on switches and bulbs. John
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Old 08-20-2015, 03:33 AM   #6
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Good point.
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Old 08-20-2015, 08:43 AM   #7
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Thanks for all the input- my problem is mainly with the main panel especially the kitchen light switch.I have replaced it 6 times and what I see is voltage through both lines they are both color coded the same. My converter is replaced within a year and my battery is a 12 volt also new with a higher rating than the 2-sixes. I only wish there was a schematic for the wiring of the main panel as Im concerned something is not hooked up right.
regerds
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Old 08-20-2015, 09:09 AM   #8
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When you say you have voltage on both wires of the kitchen light and the wires are the same color, my first thought is how are you measuring this? If you are using a digital voltmeter set to something higher than the 12vdc scale and see, as an example, 12.8vdc no matter which way you hook up the meter leads...this is normal. The meter will say -12vdc one way and +12vdc the other. It is easy to miss seeing the polarity indicator on the meter readout. If you take the ground lead and connect it to an actual metal ground and take the positive lead to one side of the light bulb socket...there would be 0vdc on the actual ground side of the socket while the other would indicate plus volts dc. So, I guess we need to know more about what type of kitchen light is in your trailer, what type of meter you are using and its settings, and how you are making these measurements. Bad form to montana on having the same color code on the wires at the light. IF...IF you are measuring and saying that the wire colors are the same on the switch...this is normal as what is being done is +12vdc goes to the switch terminal and the other side of the switch is the continuation of the +12vdc wiring to one side of the light. Actual ground wire will be the other side of the light socket and will be routed back to the central ground connections on the converter. John
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Old 08-20-2015, 09:12 AM   #9
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I think you need to get someone with a voltmeter and amp meter to check line voltage to the switch. It still sounds like you are putting to much voltage to the system which would lead to a defective converter.
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Old 08-21-2015, 04:34 AM   #10
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Thanks again for all the input- I will just have to get a tech down here to double check the voltage.The offending switch controls the overhead and step lights -there is a 3 light chandelier and 2 double bubble lights on this switch leg- this is the main culprit both wires to the switch are color coded orange with a black stripe hence my confusion.I again wish wiring schematics were not so jealously guarded so that people like me who are 50 miles from the nearest tech could trouble shoot their unit.Now my panic light and outside step light have burned out - I believe it is just bulbs but I will switch to the white lens that was mentioned before.
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Alberta , Canada
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retired due to stroke
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Old 08-21-2015, 06:55 AM   #11
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Both wires at the switch should be the same color. The switch only opens or closes the hot lead. Jim
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Old 08-21-2015, 07:18 AM   #12
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Two pancake lights would be about four amps with the 921 wedge bulbs in them. Three light fixture...what are the bulb type in this? This sort.of sounds like you have too much amperage being drawn off that one little switch. John
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Old 08-22-2015, 11:07 AM   #13
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Change to LED's and the problem will go away!
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