Tripping Breaker

[Linda C]

I have a 2019 Bay Star Sport and in the summer when setting up and plugging into shore power, the breaker trips sometimes up to 4 or 5 times before it stop. We do not have the issue when running the A/C on the generator. I was thinking about installing SmartStart on the Dometic A/C...anyone installed something like SmartStart for this issue?

 

[Neal]

The unscientific answer is it shouldn't be tripping a breaker. There is some reason the breaker is tripping, it could be the breaker itself is bad. It could be some other issue. Can you tell if the breaker is hot? You could try replacing the breaker, if that's something you're comfortable doing, or have someone do it for you.

 

[scottramer]

I would agree this sounds like a breaker problem but to answer your question. I installed Easy Start modules on each AC to eliminate initial high amp pull from the compressors starting. It seemed to help when there is a weak pole breaker. Not sure if it was really just a waste of money but in my mind it seems to have helped.

 

[lostinfla]

It would be good to know what breaker we're talking about. Is it the one on the pedestal or in your panel in the coach? This would make a world of difference in the path to repair. Does it happen at different locations? If it's the pedestal, get the park staff involved. A clamp on Amprobe would show the problem quickly.

 

[Linda C]

The unscientific answer is it shouldn't be tripping a breaker. There is some reason the breaker is tripping, it could be the breaker itself is bad. It could be some other issue. Can you tell if the breaker is hot? You could try replacing the breaker, if that's something you're comfortable doing, or have someone do it for you.

I will have to have my repair shop check to see if the breaker is hot. Unfortunately, they have not been able to replicate the issue at the repair shot, but I think we may have to have them try it again.

It would be good to know what breaker we're talking about. Is it the one on the pedestal or in your panel in the coach? This would make a world of difference in the path to repair. Does it happen at different locations? If it's the pedestal, get the park staff involved. A clamp on Amprobe would show the problem quickly.

It is the breaker in the coach, it has happened at multiple locations. However, the odd thing is that it doesn't happen while running the generator.

 

[lostinfla]

I would have a friend who is familiar with electrical systems or an electrician check the draw with a clamp on amprobe AND check voltage at the coach panel. Low voltage due to bad cord/plug/connection will cause amp draw to increase.

 

[B52Bombardier1]

Are you connecting to shore power through a relatively thin gauge extension cord? If yes, you are suffering a voltage drop along and through that thin cord. This forces your AC to pull more amps and the breaker sees that and it opens. Its doing its job and you should try a fatter wire extension cord.

Rick