FIRE! 50 - 80amp breaker upgrade. Beware

[savagkd]

I tested the pump at 70 amps when I installed the breaker.

One of the 4 slides is quite a bit slower than the others so it takes a minute to open and close. Another item to check out. I'm thinking closing the slides, opening them, then closing them again with the extra time for the slow slide may have been the problem.

[xrated]

I wonder if you don't have a more powerful motor since that trailer is quite a bit heavier than ours? Hence, more current draw. But I will try that when we get home in a couple weeks.

Hmm, that's a good question. I honestly don't know if Lippert makes different size hydraulic units for larger vs. smaller trailers. I would think they would be the same unit, but obviously I don't know that for sure.

[traveldawg]

Thanks for the reply traveldawg.

Sorry, the picture is not great and was snapped in a hurry right after. The 6 gage from the breaker was the source. There was about 4 inches behind the bundle that was charcoal. The rest of the damage was melted wire loom and insulation. I was able to pull a good foot of the bundles out of the belly, no damage there. The hydraulic lines did blister a bit, I'll keep an eye on them.

OK. Good to know. At least that wire should be easy to replace. I'd probably replace that breaker too. Maybe get a name brand. I installed a generic one I got on Amazon and one member keeps reminding me it was a bad choice.

And thanks to all who measured their current draw on that circuit. It was more than I would have guessed.

[savagkd]

OK. Good to know. At least that wire should be easy to replace. I'd probably replace that breaker too. Maybe get a name brand. I installed a generic one I got on Amazon and one member keeps reminding me it was a bad choice.

And thanks to all who measured their current draw on that circuit. It was more than I would have guessed.

All of the wires in the circuit from inverter, to fuse panel, to breaker, to pump, to ground have been replaced with 2AWG welding cable. Won't have to worry about this problem again. And thanks, I am looking into a name brand breaker.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

And thanks, I am looking into a name brand breaker.

FYI, a fuse is a more reliable cct interrupter than a mechanical breaker. You may be interested in using MANL fuses. Maybe not, just wanted to suggest it as an alternative
For example
https://www.amazon.com/Conext-Link-A...%3D%3D&sr=8-10

[traveldawg]

FYI, a fuse is a more reliable cct interrupter than a mechanical breaker. You may be interested in using MANL fuses. Maybe not, just wanted to suggest it as an alternative
For example
https://www.amazon.com/Conext-Link-A...%3D%3D&sr=8-10

Probably an ARC circuit breaker would be best. But I don't think they make them for 12v circuits.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Probably an ARC circuit breaker would be best. But I don't think they make them for 12v circuits.

Maybe, but they can be troublesome with false trips from motor loads. And yes, there is a definite difference between AC and DC breakers. But I have seen an amazing amount of 125vdc ccts with 120vac breakers as protection. A lot of people-electricians-don't know there's a difference.

[traveldawg]

Maybe, but they can be troublesome with false trips from motor loads. And yes, there is a definite difference between AC and DC breakers. But I have seen an amazing amount of 125vdc ccts with 120vac breakers as protection. A lot of people-electricians-don't know there's a difference.

Didn't know about the motor issues..... Maybe why they are mostly bedroom breakers in new homes. (?) I know where I live they are required by the local electric code for bedrooms.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I know where I live they are required by the local electric code for bedrooms.

They are here as well. But you can plug in a drill motor and trip them from time to time. Or at least you could a few years ago. Like I said it has been a few years since I was installing them and they may be better now.

[McDugals]

Next project is installing fire extinguishers in both propane compartments as they cannot be locked. All of my extinguishers in the 5er were inside doors, locked for travel, and the keys were in the truck. Never thought that would be a problem. Thankfully, the one in the truck was handy.

Seems like a good time to remind everyone to check their fire extinguishers (missed fire prevention week last week). Check the bottom for the manufacture date. If it is older than 6 years, service or replace it. If it has a gauge, make sure it is in the green. Invert the extinguisher to loosen the powder.

Extinguishers with plastic heads cannot be serviced. Most metal-head extinguishers can be serviced, but it is usually more cost effective to replace. Consider a minimum 2 1/2 lb (preferable 5 lb if space allows) extinguisher and make sure it is properly mounted in the correct bracket.