You need AC to run your appliance or device when the battery is dead or when the battery is not charged. There are a number of AC appliances found in RVs, including:
- Electrified household items
- Heat pumps and air conditioners
- Refrigerators set to AC
- Using a microwave
- The electric water heater
RVs’ common AC and DC electrical problems
It might be easier to diagnose simple issues with the two forms of electricity in your RV if you have a basic grasp of how they interact. The following checklist will help you find the issue and determine what is preventing something from working.
- Find out whether the AC or DC system is impacted: All of your lights should be working, but you can’t turn on your microwave or air conditioner, and your refrigerator has converted to gas. On the other hand, if you discover that your vent fans, water pump, or lights won’t operate, DC power isn’t getting to them.
- Identify the problem by going backwards: Check out the problematic appliance first. For example, you shouldn’t assume there is an issue with your DC system because of a burned-out bulb.
- Be careful: The power used by RVs poses a risk. In addition, poorly maintained DC systems may be very uncomfortable and hazardous. Before touching any exposed wires, be sure that any metal equipment you use is adequately insulated. Before you try to investigate your system beyond flipping a breaker back on, be sure you disconnect the batteries from your RV and unhook any AC electricity. Generally speaking, if you are uncertain, it is preferable to leave electrical work to specialists.
