Possible factory defect, fire hazard

[Rocky Road]

I have a 2016 Montana 3711FL with generator. I am the second owner and have been living in it full time for 15 months now. We recently had some work done at a Keystone authorized dealer and part of the work included removing the shore power receptacle. Shortly after, we started experiencing issues with the AC power system. Usually, in morning, would hear power switch clicking furiously then power would go out. Unplug from shore power, check plugs and then power would come back on but only to certain outlets. We also discovered that the external surge protector we use as well as one in coach used to protect computers, were fried. Also discovered that one leg of shore power cord was fried. Replaced everything and power was good for another day. Again, power switch started clicking furiously and power was lost. After conferring with a repair tech, I replaced the power selection switch. All good until next day, same issues with electrical burning smell. Started checking power at pedestal, all good. Checked power coming into power select switch and discovered that one leg was dead and other leg showed 240v to ground….no bueno! Pulled shore power receptacle and discovered neutral and power wires were reversed…..however, they were correctly wired following the color coding on receptacle. The receptacle was incorrectly color coded so the assumption is that receptacle was correctly wired (automated?) at factory in spite of color coding, but incorrectly wired by tech, who wired according to color coding thus causing fire hazard.
I contacted Keystone and they are so far not taking responsibility. I have offered them the opportunity to examine for themselves the defective receptacle. When I did discover the defects, there was extensive burning of the wires and terminals. Had a fire started, it would have originated right below the bed.
This is the only explanation I can offer, the incorrect wiring was discovered by an electrician, so to some degree, can’t be attributed to just operator error.
Anyone else have similar issues?

[AZ Traveler]

Mark,

Sounds like the tech that did your repair did not check his work with a voltmeter. Surprised your internal EMS did not catch it also. Might also have a transfer switch problem.

You use both an internal and external EMS/surge protector?

[Rocky Road]

Tech wired according to color coding on receptacle. At first we thought we had been hit by lightning, but pedestal was all good. Don’t know how or why panel breakers didn’t trip, maybe because never exceeded amperage. We had an internal power strip surge protector and external protector on shore power cord. Since reversing neutral and hot leg on receptacle, no issues. I did replace power select switch but problem continued afterwards.

[BB_TX]

Curious what brand outlet and how the terminals were labeled. The 14-50R outlets I have seen were labeled NEU, GND, X, and Y. With X and Y being the hots.

Some have even had gold screws for hots, silver for neutral, and green for ground.

[kowbra]

Originally Posted by Rocky Road

Tech wired according to color coding on receptacle. At first we thought we had been hit by lightning, but pedestal was all good. Don’t know how or why panel breakers didn’t trip, maybe because never exceeded amperage. We had an internal power strip surge protector and external protector on shore power cord. Since reversing neutral and hot leg on receptacle, no issues. I did replace power select switch but problem continued afterwards.

First, it looks like you may be new here, so welcome!

I agree with Zack - the tech should have verified the work with a voltmeter, which they obviously did not do.
Should Keystone have a more accurate wiremap? It would seem so.
Should they accept 100% responsibility for any issues that arise due to an incorrect wiremap? That's where I think they could push back and say the tech did not follow correct verification procedures using a voltmeter.

The challenge in all of this, I believe, is that the governing bodies (RVIA, other?) do not require technicians to be journeyman electricians when working with high voltage components. This is simply not the case with other high voltage work, such as in our homes or offices. So, of course, RV techs are not journeyman electricians because if they were they would work for more money doing residential or commercial work.

I am glad you brought it to the attention in the forum here, so that other members are aware of this potential issue. I am having a transfer switch replaced as we speak, and based on this will make sure that the techs check the wiring with a voltmeter when done.

But my advice when dealing with Keystone is to tread softly and ask nicely. They may not believe they have a responsibility here, and they may be right.

"Asking for a favor" will come across very differently than "demanding a resolution". In general, that advice will serve you well when dealing with any issues with Keystone/Montana. I can say from experience, when I've taken the former route, the folks at Montana have been fantastic; in fact far better than I've seen with the other brands we've had and in some cases exceeding my expectations (and we bought a new unit last year so my expectations are high).

I do hope that is helpful!

Brad

[Foldbak]

Welcome to the forums and what Brad said.

[Rocky Road]

Thanks. I’m not looking for anything from Keystone. The issue I have is probably pretty unique but if there is a possibility of defective components that could cause a fire, I want others to know and am curious if anyone else has experienced similar issues.

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by Rocky Road

Thanks. I’m not looking for anything from Keystone. The issue I have is probably pretty unique but if there is a possibility of defective components that could cause a fire, I want others to know and am curious if anyone else has experienced similar issues.

I believe I am correct in thinking you are talking about the receptacle on the trailer where the power cord plugs in. Correct?

There have been a number of reports of burned wires in that receptacle from overheating due to poor wire connections. (poor wire connections have been a issue in other areas also.) But none that were due to reversing the hot and neutral. I am still curious about the color coding labeling. All the 50 amp plugs and receptacles I have seen had terminals labeled X and Y for the two hots, N or NEU or W for neutral, and G or GND or no label for ground. And some also with color coded screws, two gold screws for hot, one silver for neutral, and one green for ground. What was the terminal labeling for your receptacle?

[Mark7]

[QUOTE=Rocky Road;1257917]Checked power coming into power select switch and discovered that one leg was dead and other leg showed 240v to ground….no bueno! /QUOTE]

I am having a very hard time with that one. I do not see that as being possible in a standard 120 / 240 volt situation. One leg cannot possibly show 240 V to ground.

Possibly one of the 2 120 V legs was on the ground terminal in the plug? In that case the ground tab on the 50A twist lock would had 120 V on it and quite probable so did the frame of your rig.

A am glad I can do my own service work on all of my RV systems. Some of the stories I read here scare the heck out of me.