Where is the circuit breaker in my RV? It’s a simple question and yet a critical one. It’s a deal with your safety. Did you know that the circuit breaker is where all your RVs circuits connect? But what do you really know about the circuit breaker? I guess not much. Many RVers and campers have also wondered the same question as you do. The circuit breaker is an integral part of your RVs electrical system, but how do you learn more about the circuit breaker panel?
If you’re planning to install a new electrical outlet for your RV, you might want to find where’s your circuit breaker first. You might want to learn how the circuit breaker keeps things running safely and orderly in your RV. So, read on and find out the importance of a circuit breaker in your RV
What Is A Circuit Breaker?
The circuit breaker is made up of connected electrical circuits in your motorhome or a travel trailer. This panel organizes the electrical systems of your RV, such as lights, refrigerators, and water heater. If there are electrical appliances that draw power, the circuit breaker will ‘trip’ to prevent electrical damage in your RV. You can take care of some minor electrical problems, but when a major repair is needed, you might want to seek professional help.
If your RV’s electrical systems go wrong, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem. When the circuit breaker ‘trip,’ it’s usually that the appliances are overpowering your electricity. You can try resetting the circuit breaker by turning the switch off and wait a while to turn back on the panel. You can also try reducing the number of appliances that draws electricity.
Where Is The Circuit Breaker In My RV
Finding the location of the circuit breaker panel should be someplace at the back of your RV. So, where is the circuit breaker in my RV?
The location of this panel depends on the model of the RV. Older models may have the circuit breaker behind a cupboard under a bed. Some circuit panels are installed below the refrigerator.
However, you can find this panel in the trailer’s electrical compartment, which is outside of your trailer. You will see the majority of the 120-volt electrical breakers and power converter in a section outside of your RV.
Circuit Breakers And RV’s Electricity
Both Alternating current and Direct current supplies power to motorhomes and small camper trailers. The AC supplies electricity to the refrigerator, air conditioner, and other RV’s appliances. While the lights and other components go through the 12-bolt DC power battery.
Your maximum wattage keeps you within the correct range to avoid losing electrical energy. The maximum wattage supplies 120 times the amps to your rig. It’s as simple as, the 30 AH’s peak wattage is 3600 watts or to put it in another way is 120 times 30 AH. This method represents the threshold for you to use electrical power. If you’re running multiple appliances in your RV, the circuit breaker will exceed the limit of power, and the switch will pop.
It’s essential to find which electrical item connects to the circuit breakers. Your circuit panel comes with a map page that can identify the location of each appliance. You can see which circuit breaker delivers current to each device. From the electrical panel, you can add the label of which item is connected, and then you can turn back on the switch.
Purpose Of The Circuit Breakers
The primary purpose of the circuit breaker is to interrupt the power if there’s a sudden electrical surge or if the current goes wrong. It prevents electrical shock or fire when the electrical panel trips. These breakers serve as a safety precaution in your RV electrical current system.
Moreover, it’s essential to know how many amps used as per your appliances. The air conditioner consumes heavy electricity, so it’s the most culprit appliance in an electrical blowout. Remember to switch off the circuit breaker by pulling the lever to ‘off’ and then wait for a while before turning the panel back on.
The circuit breaker will trip if too much power passes through the electrical system. The circuit panel will protect the RV, your appliances, and you from harm and possible danger.
After resetting the circuit breaker and your electricity continues to trip, you should consider that there are too many electrical items running at the same time. When that happens, you need to figure out what’s the possible cause, or you may need to find a maintenance specialist.
Reasons Why Circuit Breakers Trip
Sometimes, the reason why circuit breakers trip is a simple loose connection or exposed electrical wiring. An exposed wire can cause a larger problem because of the moisture and heat enclosing to the electrical cable. If an erratic electrical behavior took place, it’s a proper caution to turn off your circuit breaker and seek professional help.
The most common reasons why circuit breakers trip are:
- Overloaded circuit or electricity at the same time.
- Appliances short circuit
- Ground fault
Blown fuses can also cause electrical ‘trip,’ remember that these fuses stop the flow of current if power fails. It also protects the appliances that use electricity. So, it’s crucial to replace a blown a fuse with another fuse that has an exact amperage rate.
Conclusion
If someone asks you – where is the circuit breaker in my RV? you already know where and how they are installed. However, it’s better to express the precautionary measures first before dealing with the circuit breakers. If you don’t have experience with the electrical system, it’s best to leave the problem to the professionals. Avoid solving the problem by yourself, as it may cause injury or even danger to your life. Remember that electricity can be fatal, so don’t attempt to do anything with power. Get more tips on RV power.